Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Obama's Agenda & The Difference Between Tactics & Strategy
Originally posted on 538.com by Nate Silver, Tuesday, November 25, 2008
There is, to say the least, a lot of jumping to conclusions about just which type of President Barack Obama is liable to be, by which I mean whether he'll govern from the left or the center. This speculation has been principally based on his cabinet appointments, a subject that people may be reading too much into. The initial Bush cabinet contained a number of people who could be described as moderate or center-right, including Colin Powell, Tommy Thompson, Norman Mineta, Christine Todd Whitman, Paul O'Neill and arguably Mitch Daniels and Ann Veneman. Obviously, this was balanced out to some degree by the Rumsfelds and the Ashcrofts, but it is not clear that Bush's 2001 cabinet was any more right-wing than Obama's 2009 cabinet is left-wing. Bush ran a very conservative government -- but the authority came from the top down.
Most of this discussion, moreover, has dwelt in the realm of tactics, presentation and salesmanship rather than grand strategy. One can "govern from the center" and implement a number of liberal policies -- by shifting the Overton Window a couple of panes at a time, and selling classically liberal policies as commonsensical and centrist. (Which, in the case of some major items like health care and clean energy, they already are). Likewise, as David Sirota notes, one can co-opt leftist rhetoric, enthusiasm and mindshare and implement a centrist agenda, as Bill Clinton arguably did.
In the case of Barack Obama, however, I would argue that there is not as much need to worry about tactics. If his campaign was any indication, Obama is not much of an outsourcer -- he will dictate the tone of his administration. Moreover, we actually have quite a bit of information about what his longer-term goals are. This morning, I went to Obama's website and began transcribing essentially all the specific policy proposals that he was willing to commit to publicly -- as you will see, there are dozens and dozens of them. I then began classifying these positions on a truncated political spectrum running from liberal/progressive to center-right, further dividing the policies into economics and taxation (green), other domestic policy (yellow) and foreign affairs (blue). Here is what I came up with:
Now, you're welcome to critique my characterizations of certain policies as 'progressive' versus 'centrist' (and I'm sure that many of you will), but a couple of key themes emerge:
1. In the realm of domestic policy, there are a surprising number of proposals -- mostly buried within the fine print of Obama's website -- that are more or less unapologetically progressive/liberal. These include things such as doubling public spending on science and after-school programs, banning racial profiling, expanding the use of non-traditional courts and detainment facilities for non-violent drug offenders, several different block grant programs targeted at inner cities, expanding AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, and a large array of protections for workers and consumers. While Obama also has a number of programs that have broader, centrist appeal -- such as reforming No Child Left Behind or allowing the importation of prescription drugs from abroad -- very few are incompatible with the progressive agenda, with just a couple of exceptions like Obama's advocacy for clean coal and charter schools. Obama's domestic program is, by and large, progressive and ambitious (probably overambitious).
2. In the realm of economic policy, there are also some explicitly progressive items, such as raising the minimum wage, investing $1 billion in anti-poverty jobs programs, and of course, reversing the Bush tax cut. There is also a heavy overlap, however, with what might be called libertarian paternalism: "smart" policies which incent good behavior through tax credits or choice architecture (a classic example is Obama's plan to enroll all employees in pension programs by default, until they elect to opt out). Obama's health care program, given its lack of a mandate, is also arguably an example of libertarian paternalism (although its incentives need to be better designed than in their current conception). A libertarian paternalist framework supplemented with a number of smaller-scale, piecemeal programs that tend more classically toward social welfare (such as heating assistance for lower-income families) would hardly be the worst place for progressives to end up, even if a bit less ideologically pure than the New Deal or the Great Society. One notable exception is free trade, where Obama is not really pretending to be anything other than centrist.
3. Lastly, in the realm of foreign policy, Obama is fairly circumspect, but where he shows his hand, tends fairly explicitly in the direction of the political center. The withdraw of troops from Iraq has been carefully hedged (at least it is now, if it wasn't during the primaries). Obama advocates national missile defense; he advocates increasing defense spending. Perhaps just as revealing are the things that Obama doesn't promise -- there is no mention, for instance, of amending FISA. It would seem that when national security goals conflict with other ones in the Obama administration, national security goals will usually win.
Still, this can hardly be described as a centrist agenda (even though much of it should have significant appeal to moderates). The appropriate critique, rather, is that not very much of it may be realized, because portions of it would be rather expensive to enact. It seems to me that to implement a material portion of his domestic policy agenda, Obama needs TWO of the following three things to happen:
a. He needs to follow through with his promise to roll back the Bush tax cuts, and/or,
b. He needs to decrease rather than increase Pentagon spending, and/or,
c. He needs the economy to recover more quickly and more robustly than generally anticipated.
The fight over the Bush tax cuts, it seems to me, could be the fight of Obama's first year in office; there may be a massive intraparty fight at first (should the tax hikes be brought to the table?), followed potentially by an interparty fight. This is one place where partisans on all sides could have a lot of influence.
But in the longer term, the fight over the defense budget, which will probably trade off more or less explicitly with Obama's domestic policy prerogatives, could be the key flash point between progressives and the administration. In certain ways, an increase in defense spending seems incompatible with Obama's notion of a smarter, more aerodynamic government, particularly one that is able to restore American soft power in lieu of military spending, and/or is (eventually) able to end the conflict in Iraq. If progressives are looking for strategic rather than tactical (or ideological) fights, that may be the place to start.
-- Nate Silver at 3:57 PM
There is, to say the least, a lot of jumping to conclusions about just which type of President Barack Obama is liable to be, by which I mean whether he'll govern from the left or the center. This speculation has been principally based on his cabinet appointments, a subject that people may be reading too much into. The initial Bush cabinet contained a number of people who could be described as moderate or center-right, including Colin Powell, Tommy Thompson, Norman Mineta, Christine Todd Whitman, Paul O'Neill and arguably Mitch Daniels and Ann Veneman. Obviously, this was balanced out to some degree by the Rumsfelds and the Ashcrofts, but it is not clear that Bush's 2001 cabinet was any more right-wing than Obama's 2009 cabinet is left-wing. Bush ran a very conservative government -- but the authority came from the top down.
Most of this discussion, moreover, has dwelt in the realm of tactics, presentation and salesmanship rather than grand strategy. One can "govern from the center" and implement a number of liberal policies -- by shifting the Overton Window a couple of panes at a time, and selling classically liberal policies as commonsensical and centrist. (Which, in the case of some major items like health care and clean energy, they already are). Likewise, as David Sirota notes, one can co-opt leftist rhetoric, enthusiasm and mindshare and implement a centrist agenda, as Bill Clinton arguably did.
In the case of Barack Obama, however, I would argue that there is not as much need to worry about tactics. If his campaign was any indication, Obama is not much of an outsourcer -- he will dictate the tone of his administration. Moreover, we actually have quite a bit of information about what his longer-term goals are. This morning, I went to Obama's website and began transcribing essentially all the specific policy proposals that he was willing to commit to publicly -- as you will see, there are dozens and dozens of them. I then began classifying these positions on a truncated political spectrum running from liberal/progressive to center-right, further dividing the policies into economics and taxation (green), other domestic policy (yellow) and foreign affairs (blue). Here is what I came up with:
(Please Double Click To Enlarge)
Now, you're welcome to critique my characterizations of certain policies as 'progressive' versus 'centrist' (and I'm sure that many of you will), but a couple of key themes emerge:
1. In the realm of domestic policy, there are a surprising number of proposals -- mostly buried within the fine print of Obama's website -- that are more or less unapologetically progressive/liberal. These include things such as doubling public spending on science and after-school programs, banning racial profiling, expanding the use of non-traditional courts and detainment facilities for non-violent drug offenders, several different block grant programs targeted at inner cities, expanding AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, and a large array of protections for workers and consumers. While Obama also has a number of programs that have broader, centrist appeal -- such as reforming No Child Left Behind or allowing the importation of prescription drugs from abroad -- very few are incompatible with the progressive agenda, with just a couple of exceptions like Obama's advocacy for clean coal and charter schools. Obama's domestic program is, by and large, progressive and ambitious (probably overambitious).
2. In the realm of economic policy, there are also some explicitly progressive items, such as raising the minimum wage, investing $1 billion in anti-poverty jobs programs, and of course, reversing the Bush tax cut. There is also a heavy overlap, however, with what might be called libertarian paternalism: "smart" policies which incent good behavior through tax credits or choice architecture (a classic example is Obama's plan to enroll all employees in pension programs by default, until they elect to opt out). Obama's health care program, given its lack of a mandate, is also arguably an example of libertarian paternalism (although its incentives need to be better designed than in their current conception). A libertarian paternalist framework supplemented with a number of smaller-scale, piecemeal programs that tend more classically toward social welfare (such as heating assistance for lower-income families) would hardly be the worst place for progressives to end up, even if a bit less ideologically pure than the New Deal or the Great Society. One notable exception is free trade, where Obama is not really pretending to be anything other than centrist.
3. Lastly, in the realm of foreign policy, Obama is fairly circumspect, but where he shows his hand, tends fairly explicitly in the direction of the political center. The withdraw of troops from Iraq has been carefully hedged (at least it is now, if it wasn't during the primaries). Obama advocates national missile defense; he advocates increasing defense spending. Perhaps just as revealing are the things that Obama doesn't promise -- there is no mention, for instance, of amending FISA. It would seem that when national security goals conflict with other ones in the Obama administration, national security goals will usually win.
Still, this can hardly be described as a centrist agenda (even though much of it should have significant appeal to moderates). The appropriate critique, rather, is that not very much of it may be realized, because portions of it would be rather expensive to enact. It seems to me that to implement a material portion of his domestic policy agenda, Obama needs TWO of the following three things to happen:
a. He needs to follow through with his promise to roll back the Bush tax cuts, and/or,
b. He needs to decrease rather than increase Pentagon spending, and/or,
c. He needs the economy to recover more quickly and more robustly than generally anticipated.
The fight over the Bush tax cuts, it seems to me, could be the fight of Obama's first year in office; there may be a massive intraparty fight at first (should the tax hikes be brought to the table?), followed potentially by an interparty fight. This is one place where partisans on all sides could have a lot of influence.
But in the longer term, the fight over the defense budget, which will probably trade off more or less explicitly with Obama's domestic policy prerogatives, could be the key flash point between progressives and the administration. In certain ways, an increase in defense spending seems incompatible with Obama's notion of a smarter, more aerodynamic government, particularly one that is able to restore American soft power in lieu of military spending, and/or is (eventually) able to end the conflict in Iraq. If progressives are looking for strategic rather than tactical (or ideological) fights, that may be the place to start.
-- Nate Silver at 3:57 PM
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Top Predictions From The Oracles At Fox Business News
This video is about 10 minutes long, and gets really good at about 4 minutes. Take special note of the star turns from Ferris Bueller's Ben Stein, Charles Payne, author of "Act Fast, Be Smart, Get Rich," and some guy named Tom Adkins who declared in January of this year, "I buy real estate, man. I'm the smartest guy here." The hero of these particular clips is Peter Schiff, a former economic adviser to libertarian Ron Paul's campaign, who was apparently brought onto Fox for the same reason that Alan Colmes sits next to Sean Hannity.
First posted by Michael Scherer
Jon Stewart: MSNBC Now the Same as FOX
Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers To The Right
Stuck In The Middle With You
Well I don't know why I came here tonight,
I got the feeling that something ain't right,
I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair,
And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs,
Clowns to the left of me,
Jokers to the right, here I am,
Stuck in the middle with you.
Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you,
And I'm wondering what it is I should do,
It's so hard to keep this smile from my face,
Losing control, yeah, I'm all over the place,
Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.
Well you started out with nothing,
And you're proud that you're a self made man,
And your friends, they all come crawlin,
Slap you on the back and say,
Please.... Please.....
Trying to make some sense of it all,
But I can see that it makes no sense at all,
Is it cool to go to sleep on the floor,
'Cause I don't think that I can take anymore
Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.
Well you started out with nothing,
And you're proud that you're a self made man,
And your friends, they all come crawlin,
Slap you on the back and say,
Please.... Please.....
Well I don't know why I came here tonight,
I got the feeling that something ain't right,
I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair,
And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs,
Clowns to the left of me,
Jokers to the right, here I am,
Stuck in the middle with you,
Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you,
Stuck in the middle with you.
Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty,
Stealers Wheel
1972
Stuck In The Middle With You
Well I don't know why I came here tonight,
I got the feeling that something ain't right,
I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair,
And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs,
Clowns to the left of me,
Jokers to the right, here I am,
Stuck in the middle with you.
Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you,
And I'm wondering what it is I should do,
It's so hard to keep this smile from my face,
Losing control, yeah, I'm all over the place,
Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.
Well you started out with nothing,
And you're proud that you're a self made man,
And your friends, they all come crawlin,
Slap you on the back and say,
Please.... Please.....
Trying to make some sense of it all,
But I can see that it makes no sense at all,
Is it cool to go to sleep on the floor,
'Cause I don't think that I can take anymore
Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.
Well you started out with nothing,
And you're proud that you're a self made man,
And your friends, they all come crawlin,
Slap you on the back and say,
Please.... Please.....
Well I don't know why I came here tonight,
I got the feeling that something ain't right,
I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair,
And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs,
Clowns to the left of me,
Jokers to the right, here I am,
Stuck in the middle with you,
Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you,
Stuck in the middle with you.
Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty,
Stealers Wheel
1972
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Obama - McCain Joint Statement on their Meeting
"At this defining moment in history, we believe that Americans of all parties want and need their leaders to come together and change the bad habits of Washington so that we can solve the common and urgent challenges of our time. It is in this spirit that we had a productive conversation today about the need to launch a new era of reform where we take on government waste and bitter partisanship in Washington in order to restore trust in government, and bring back prosperity and opportunity for every hardworking American family. We hope to work together in the days and months ahead on critical challenges like solving our financial crisis, creating a new energy economy, and protecting our nation's security."
Sunday, November 16, 2008
CBS 60 Minute Interview: Barack and Michelle Obama
CBS 60 Minutes: BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA INTERVIEW 11/16/2008
Watch CBS Videos Online
CBS 60 Minutes: Includes interview with Obama staff about the campaign 11/9/2008
Watch CBS Videos Online
Watch CBS Videos Online
CBS 60 Minutes: Includes interview with Obama staff about the campaign 11/9/2008
Watch CBS Videos Online
November 16, 2008, 9:51 am
Obama’s Letter to Illinois Newspapers
The following text is President-elect Barack Obama’s letter published in Illinois newspapers Sunday, when he officially resigned from the Senate:
Today, I am ending one journey to begin another. After serving the people of Illinois in the United States Senate — one of the highest honors and privileges of my life — I am stepping down as senator to prepare for the responsibilities I will assume as our nation’s next president. But I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.
More than two decades ago, I arrived in Illinois as a young man eager to do my part in building a better America. On the South Side of Chicago, I worked with families who had lost jobs and lost hope when the local steel plant closed. It wasn’t easy, but we slowly rebuilt those neighborhoods one block at a time, and in the process I received the best education I ever had. It’s an education that led me to organize a voter registration project in Chicago, stand up for the rights of Illinois families as an attorney and eventually run for the Illinois state Senate.
It was in Springfield, in the heartland of America, where I saw all that is America converge — farmers and teachers, businessmen and laborers, all of them with a story to tell, all of them seeking a seat at the table, all of them clamoring to be heard. It was there that I learned to disagree without being disagreeable; to seek compromise while holding fast to those principles that can never be compromised, and to always assume the best in people instead of the worst. Later, when I made the decision to run for the United States Senate, the core decency and generosity of the American people is exactly what I saw as I traveled across our great state — from Chicago to Cairo; from Decatur to Quincy.
I still remember the young woman in East St. Louis who had the grades, the drive and the will but not the money to go to college. I remember the young men and women I met at VFW halls across the state who serve our nation bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I will never forget the workers in Galesburg who faced the closing of a plant they had given their lives to, who wondered how they would provide health care to their sick children with no job and little savings.
Stories like these are why I came to Illinois all those years ago, and they will stay with me when I go to the White House in January. The challenges we face as a nation are now more numerous and difficult than when I first arrived in Chicago, but I have no doubt that we can meet them. For throughout my years in Illinois, I have heard hope as often as I have heard heartache. Where I have seen struggle, I have seen great strength. And in a state as broad and diverse in background and belief as any in our nation, I have found a spirit of unity and purpose that can steer us through the most troubled waters.
It was long ago that another son of Illinois left for Washington. A greater man who spoke to a nation far more divided, Abraham Lincoln, said of his home, “To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.” Today, I feel the same, and like Lincoln, I ask for your support, your prayers, and for us to “confidently hope that all will yet be well.”
With your help, along with the service and sacrifice of Americans across the nation who are hungry for change and ready to bring it about, I have faith that all will in fact be well. And it is with that faith, and the high hopes I have for the enduring power of the American idea, that I offer the people of my beloved home a very affectionate thanks.
–Associated Press
Obama’s Letter to Illinois Newspapers
The following text is President-elect Barack Obama’s letter published in Illinois newspapers Sunday, when he officially resigned from the Senate:
Today, I am ending one journey to begin another. After serving the people of Illinois in the United States Senate — one of the highest honors and privileges of my life — I am stepping down as senator to prepare for the responsibilities I will assume as our nation’s next president. But I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.
More than two decades ago, I arrived in Illinois as a young man eager to do my part in building a better America. On the South Side of Chicago, I worked with families who had lost jobs and lost hope when the local steel plant closed. It wasn’t easy, but we slowly rebuilt those neighborhoods one block at a time, and in the process I received the best education I ever had. It’s an education that led me to organize a voter registration project in Chicago, stand up for the rights of Illinois families as an attorney and eventually run for the Illinois state Senate.
It was in Springfield, in the heartland of America, where I saw all that is America converge — farmers and teachers, businessmen and laborers, all of them with a story to tell, all of them seeking a seat at the table, all of them clamoring to be heard. It was there that I learned to disagree without being disagreeable; to seek compromise while holding fast to those principles that can never be compromised, and to always assume the best in people instead of the worst. Later, when I made the decision to run for the United States Senate, the core decency and generosity of the American people is exactly what I saw as I traveled across our great state — from Chicago to Cairo; from Decatur to Quincy.
I still remember the young woman in East St. Louis who had the grades, the drive and the will but not the money to go to college. I remember the young men and women I met at VFW halls across the state who serve our nation bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I will never forget the workers in Galesburg who faced the closing of a plant they had given their lives to, who wondered how they would provide health care to their sick children with no job and little savings.
Stories like these are why I came to Illinois all those years ago, and they will stay with me when I go to the White House in January. The challenges we face as a nation are now more numerous and difficult than when I first arrived in Chicago, but I have no doubt that we can meet them. For throughout my years in Illinois, I have heard hope as often as I have heard heartache. Where I have seen struggle, I have seen great strength. And in a state as broad and diverse in background and belief as any in our nation, I have found a spirit of unity and purpose that can steer us through the most troubled waters.
It was long ago that another son of Illinois left for Washington. A greater man who spoke to a nation far more divided, Abraham Lincoln, said of his home, “To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.” Today, I feel the same, and like Lincoln, I ask for your support, your prayers, and for us to “confidently hope that all will yet be well.”
With your help, along with the service and sacrifice of Americans across the nation who are hungry for change and ready to bring it about, I have faith that all will in fact be well. And it is with that faith, and the high hopes I have for the enduring power of the American idea, that I offer the people of my beloved home a very affectionate thanks.
–Associated Press
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Weekly Address from the President-elect: November 15, 2008
Remarks of President-elect Barack Obama
November 15, 2008
Today, the leaders of the G-20 countries -- a group that includes the world's largest economies -- are gathering in Washington to seek solutions to the ongoing turmoil in our financial markets. I'm glad President Bush has initiated this process -- because our global economic crisis requires a coordinated global response.
And yet, as we act in concert with other nations, we must also act immediately here at home to address America's own economic crisis. This week, amid continued volatility in our markets, we learned that unemployment insurance claims rose to their highest levels since September 11, 2001. We've lost jobs for ten straight months -- nearly 1.2 million jobs this year, many of them in our struggling auto industry. And millions of our fellow citizens lie awake each night wondering how they're going to pay their bills, stay in their homes, and save for retirement.
Make no mistake: this is the greatest economic challenge of our time. And while the road ahead will be long, and the work will be hard, I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis -- because here in America we always rise to the moment, no matter how hard. And I am more hopeful than ever before that America will rise once again.
But we must act right now. Next week, Congress will meet to address the spreading impact of the economic crisis. I urge them to pass at least a down-payment on a rescue plan that will create jobs, relieve the squeeze on families, and help get the economy growing again. In particular, we cannot afford to delay providing help for the more than one million Americans who will have exhausted their unemployment insurance by the end of this year. If Congress does not pass an immediate plan that gives the economy the boost it needs, I will make it my first order of business as President.
Even as we dig ourselves out of this recession, we must also recognize that out of this economic crisis comes an opportunity to create new jobs, strengthen our middle class, and keep our economy competitive in the 21st century.
That starts with the kinds of long-term investments that we've neglected for too long. That means putting two million Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, and schools. It means investing $150 billion to build an American green energy economy that will create five million new jobs, while freeing our nation from the tyranny of foreign oil, and saving our planet for our children. It means making health care affordable for anyone who has it, accessible for anyone who wants it, and reducing costs for small businesses. And it also means giving every child the world-class education they need to compete with any worker, anywhere in the world.
Doing all this will require not just new policies, but a new spirit of service and sacrifice, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. If this financial crisis has taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers -- in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. And that is how we will meet the challenges of our time -- together. Thank you.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pals around with destructive cult leaders.
On November 18th, CNN will present a documentary on the Jonestown Massacre where 913 people lost their lives because of their blind devotion to a charismatic (destructive) cult leader. Among the dead were over two hundred children.
There have been many (destructive) cult leaders and just about all of them paid for access to politicians and celebrities to help get favorable reviews in the MSM and to get new recruits. Jim Jones, used this recruiting technique quite well alligning himself with U.S. Representatives Phillip and John Burton, Assemblyman Willie Brown and Mayor George Moscone. The Fall of 1976 seems to be the time Jones achieved his peak of power. The Burtons, Willie Brown, Williams, Moscone, radical Angela Davis, lawyer Vincent Hallinan, Lieutenant Governor Mervyn Dymally and publisher Carlton Goodlett toasted him at a testimonial dinner. And later Moscone gave him a seat on the San Francisco Housing Authority Commission.
Another (destructive) cult leader J.Z. Knight heads the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment.” She claims to give lectures at the UN, sponsor a "Humanity Foundation" working with "Women World Leaders" and also to be good friends with Linda Evans and Shirley MacLaine.
In 2005, J.Z. Knight paid a fee to Robert Kennedy Jr. to speak at the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment.”
I wrote Robert Kennedy Jr. on hearing of his trip to the compound.
Open letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
By Benjamin Spector, New York
First Published March 21, 2005
Cult News from Rick Ross
Note: After repeated inquiries Robert F. Kennedy Jr. finally responded to Mr. Spector March 28th.
His response read
There have been many (destructive) cult leaders and just about all of them paid for access to politicians and celebrities to help get favorable reviews in the MSM and to get new recruits. Jim Jones, used this recruiting technique quite well alligning himself with U.S. Representatives Phillip and John Burton, Assemblyman Willie Brown and Mayor George Moscone. The Fall of 1976 seems to be the time Jones achieved his peak of power. The Burtons, Willie Brown, Williams, Moscone, radical Angela Davis, lawyer Vincent Hallinan, Lieutenant Governor Mervyn Dymally and publisher Carlton Goodlett toasted him at a testimonial dinner. And later Moscone gave him a seat on the San Francisco Housing Authority Commission.
Another (destructive) cult leader J.Z. Knight heads the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment.” She claims to give lectures at the UN, sponsor a "Humanity Foundation" working with "Women World Leaders" and also to be good friends with Linda Evans and Shirley MacLaine.
In 2005, J.Z. Knight paid a fee to Robert Kennedy Jr. to speak at the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment.”
I wrote Robert Kennedy Jr. on hearing of his trip to the compound.
Open letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
By Benjamin Spector, New York
First Published March 21, 2005
Cult News from Rick Ross
I am an environmentalist, liberal and former cult member and am very sad that you spoke at the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment.”
You may not be aware of this, but J.Z. Knight will take full advantage of your attendance at her school and use your name, your reputation and the reputation of your father and your family to promote her group.
Maybe you need an education about what a [destructive] cult is?
A [destructive] cult is the most fascist, dictatorial type of group known to man.
In America, you and I and all the liberals and environmentalists have the freedom to speak out against our government and to change that government in a democratic fashion.
Also, within mainstream religious organizations from the Catholic Church to the “Religious Right,” members may express their own points of view to a varying degree and debate the relevant issues.
At Riverkeeper, you and your associates probably debate issues and have disagreements.
However, there isn’t meaningful debate or disagreements in a [destructive] cult.
A [destructive] cult is an organization where typically one person is held as “God-like,” infallible and essentially above the law.
Followers do not seriously question leaders like J.Z. Knight, Reverend Moon, and Sri Chinmoy, who was once my leader. In fact no dissent is really tolerated. Either you swallow the group dogma, hook, line and sinker, or you are out and will be ostracized and shunned forever by all your former friends and associates that remain involved.
That is totalitarianism.
You were quoted in The Olympian to say, “Someone who doesn’t like you very much told me I was speaking at a cult”… “I guess it would be OK if I spoke at Bob Jones University.”
I don’t recall a Kennedy ever speaking at Bob Jones, but I remember your Uncle Teddy speaking at Jerry Falwell’s school. He was treated quite courteously, although everyone there knew he didn’t agree with Mr. Falwell.
The “Ramtha School of Enlightenment” may seem like a “New Age” alternative education, holistic kind of place, but in reality the dogma is much more rigid and dissent is probably less tolerated there than at Bob Jones University.
You would never have been allowed to raise questions or encourage debate within the Ramtha group about its leader or her absolute authority.
[Destructive] cults expect their members to obey the leader at all times.
At the Ramtha School perhaps students feel they are not actually obeying Ms. Knight, but rather the 35,000-year-old spirit from the lost continent of Atlantis named “Ramtha” that she claims to channel.
Do you know what “Ramtha” has said?
In one channeling session Ramtha reportedly said, “Mother Nature” wants to “get rid of” gays.”
And “Ramtha” has recommended buying Ms. Knight’s Arabian horses as an investment.
It is said that you are considering running for New York Attorney General. Maybe one day you may even run for President. This is why I am so deeply concerned about what you said at this recent lecture.
You told the audience at the Ramtha School, “I was really excited; because I just really wanted to see this place…You’re good people with good values, and all the values this country is supposed to stand for.”
But to me the freedom to express one’s point of view and to speak out against injustices of any kind are the fundamental pillars of any democratic society. These are the “good values,” which forms the basis for our society.
However, at the Ramtha School the leader isn’t democratic and other views are not really tolerated.
How can you support and commend this, and then condemn George Bush or the Republican Party?
Please let me know where you stand concerning [destructive] cults.
Much like battered women, the followers of charismatic cult leaders often remain loyal unless they find some way to break free and begin to reason and reflect again independently.
Believe it or not, the followers of cult leaders are very frequently well educated, sophisticated and sensitive, but authoritarian leaders rob them of their ability to think independently as individuals and dominate them.
I urge you to examine the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment” and research its history.
J.Z. Knight has been called a “cult leader.”
It is hard to believe that a Kennedy would dine with such a person in a palatial mansion probably paid for largely though the pain and suffering of cult victims.
Her followers paid $1,000.00 each to attend the retreat you lectured at and an additional $30.00 to hear you talk.
They buy her tapes; books etc. and probably serve Ms. Knight in many other ways. Some may have left their homes, given up jobs and even their families to help her there. Whenever they finally move on many may not be employable and perhaps they won’t be able to afford health insurance.
My one-time leader Sri Chinmoy encouraged many of us to work below the minimum wage and without benefits, at businesses owned by senior group members in New York and other locations. Many workers were illegal aliens.
Do you think that this type of behavior represents “good values”?
As New York State Attorney General would you do anything to stop or prevent such bad treatment?
Or will you stand idly by allowing cult leaders to become rich at the expense of their followers, often illegally abusing and exploiting them?
Are these “the values this country is supposed to stand for”?
I really want to know where you stand on these issues.
Note: After repeated inquiries Robert F. Kennedy Jr. finally responded to Mr. Spector March 28th.
His response read
“Thanks for your note. I would gladly go to Bob Jones, Ramtha or Liberty College to spread my message, which is anti-fascist, pro-democratic and pro-environment. Ramtha School has been involved in several successful battles to keep developers like Wal-Mart out of Yelm. Those are the values I was applauding.”
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Doonesbury, November 5, 2008
Banned by the Idaho Statesman and other fine newspapers
Quote Of The Day
"We hope the strip proves to be as predictive as it is consistently lame."
-- McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds, previewing today's Doonesbury
Quote Of The Day
"We hope the strip proves to be as predictive as it is consistently lame."
-- McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds, previewing today's Doonesbury
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Doonesbury: November 4, 2008
This weeks Doonesbury comic strips are banned in Idaho and other fine states.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Barack Obama's grandmother, who raised him, dies on election eve
A statement from Obama and his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng:
It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure.
Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer.
Psaki said Dunham died between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Eastern Time this morning.
Barack Obama sheds tears as he talks about his grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo: AP
The Hour The Ship Comes In
The Hour The Ship Comes In
Oh the time will come up
When the winds will stop
And the breeze will cease to be a'breathin'
Like the stillness in the wind
Before the hurricane begins
The hour when the ship comes in
And the sea will split
And the ship will hit
And the shoreline sands will be a'shakin'
And the tide will sound
And the waves will pound
And the morning will be breakin'
Oh the fishes will laugh
As they swim out of the path
And the seagulls will be a'smilin'
And the rocks on the sand
Will proudly stand
The hour that the ship comes in
And the words that are used
For to get the ship confused
Will not be understood as they're spoken
For the chains of the sea
Will have busted in the night
And be buried at the bottom of the ocean
A song will lift,
As the mainsail shifts
And the boat drifts out to the shoreline
And the sun will respect
Every face on the deck
The hour that the ship comes in
And the sands will roll
Out a carpet of gold
For your weary toes to be a'touchin'
And the ship's wise men
Will remind you once again
That the whole wide world is watchin'
Oh the foe will rise
With the sleep still in their eyes
And they'll jerk from their beds and think they're dreamin'
And they'll pinch themselves and squeal
And they'll know that it's for real
The hour when the ship comes in
And they'll raise their hands
Sayin' "We'll meet all your demands"
And we'll shout from the bow "Your days are numbered"
And like the pharoah's triumph
They'll be drownded in the tide
Like Goliath they'll be conquered
Bob Dylan
August 28, 1963, The March On Washington
Bob Dylan, Joan Baez; The Hour The Ship Comes In
August 28, 1963, The March On Washington
Martin Luther King, I Have A Dream ...
August 28, 2008, Democratic National Convention, Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO
Barack Obama, Acceptance Speech, Nomination for President of the United States
Doonesbury banned in Idaho, will be in NewPoliticus all week.
Doonesbury, Monday 11/3/2008
Gary Trudeau
PS
Dear Mr. Trudeau,
Please don't sue me for copyright infringement.
I am publishing your cartoons only for this ONE week, the week of the election, because the Idaho Statesman has banned your latest offerings for that week and other newspapers may follow suit. I hope their readers will come to my site to read your great work, as I believe in your First Amendment rights. Censorship in any form is un-American.
Newspapers have no problem publishing the "bulls###" of politicians on their front pages, but won't let cartoonists express creative realities in the "funny pages"? If a cartoonist can talk about a man from the planet Krypton flying, or talk about conversations that happened in the stone age, why can't someone dream of a black man becoming president. If Obama loses, all the characters can wake up from a dream next week.
UPDATE: More on newspapers banning Doonesbury
Gary Trudeau
PS
Dear Mr. Trudeau,
Please don't sue me for copyright infringement.
I am publishing your cartoons only for this ONE week, the week of the election, because the Idaho Statesman has banned your latest offerings for that week and other newspapers may follow suit. I hope their readers will come to my site to read your great work, as I believe in your First Amendment rights. Censorship in any form is un-American.
Newspapers have no problem publishing the "bulls###" of politicians on their front pages, but won't let cartoonists express creative realities in the "funny pages"? If a cartoonist can talk about a man from the planet Krypton flying, or talk about conversations that happened in the stone age, why can't someone dream of a black man becoming president. If Obama loses, all the characters can wake up from a dream next week.
UPDATE: More on newspapers banning Doonesbury
National ad supporting Obama features Paul Simon's "American Tune"
RealtyTrac® reports that from October 2008, home foreclosures have increased 21 percent from September 2007; one in every 475 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing in September 2008. The Bureau of Labor Statistics unemployment numbers stayed at over six percent, or nearly 10 million, unemployed in September. The National Coalition on Health Care reports 47 million Americans are without healthcare insurance.
We need a new direction.
Progressive Future
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Entire 2008 Presidential Campaign in a nutshell
Truckin got my chips cashed in. keep truckin, like the do-dah man
Together, more or less in line, just keep truckin on.
Arrows of neon and flashing marquees out on main street.
Chicago, new york, detroit and its all on the same street.
Your typical city involved in a typical daydream
Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.
Dallas, got a soft machine; houston, too close to new orleans;
New yorks got the ways and means; but just wont let you be, oh no.
Most of the cast that you meet on the streets speak of true love,
Most of the time theyre sittin and cryin at home.
One of these days they know they better get goin
Out of the door and down on the streets all alone.
Truckin, like the do-dah man. once told me youve got to play your hand
Sometimes your cards aint worth a dime, if you dont layem down,
Sometimes the lights all shinin on me;
Other times I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip its been.
What in the world ever became of sweet jane?
She lost her sparkle, you know she isnt the same
Livin on reds, vitamin c, and cocaine,
All a friend can say is aint it a shame?
Truckin, up to buffalo. been thinkin, you got to mellow slow
Takes time, you pick a place to go, and just keep truckin on.
Sittin and starin out of the hotel window.
Got a tip theyre gonna kick the door in again
Id like to get some sleep before I travel,
But if you got a warrant, I guess youre gonna come in.
Busted, down on bourbon street, set up, like a bowlin pin.
Knocked down, it gets to wearin thin. they just wont let you be, oh no.
Youre sick of hangin around and youd like to travel;
Get tired of travelin and you want to settle down.
I guess they cant revoke your soul for tryin,
Get out of the door and light out and look all around.
Sometimes the lights all shinin on me;
Other times I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip its been.
Truckin, Im a goin home. whoa whoa baby, back where I belong,
Back home, sit down and patch my bones, and get back truckin on.
Hey now get back truckin home.
GOLDEN OLDIE VI: June 3, 2008; St. Paul, Minnesota; Barack Obama clinches democratic nomination
On the evening he wins the Democratic Party's nomination for president, Barack Obama speaks from St. Paul, Minnesota. June 3, 2008.
Sarah Palin pranked
Sarah Palin was pranked by Sebastien Trudel and Marc-Antoine Audette of Montreal radio station. She thought she was speaking with French President Sarkozy. The pair have pulled similar pranks on Mick Jagger, Bill Gates and French president Jacques Chirac.
HERE IS THE AUDIO OF THE CALL
Tracey Schmitt, Ms. Palin’s spokeswoman, said in a statement: “Governor Palin received a phone call on Saturday from a French Canadian talk show host claiming to be French President Nicholas Sarkozy. Governor Palin was mildly amused to learn that she had joined the ranks of heads of state, including President Sarkozy, and other celebrities in being targeted by these pranksters. C’est la vie.”
Robert Gibbs, a senior adviser to Sen. Barack Obama, said "I'm glad we check out our calls before we hand the phone to Barack Obama".
.
HERE IS THE AUDIO OF THE CALL
Tracey Schmitt, Ms. Palin’s spokeswoman, said in a statement: “Governor Palin received a phone call on Saturday from a French Canadian talk show host claiming to be French President Nicholas Sarkozy. Governor Palin was mildly amused to learn that she had joined the ranks of heads of state, including President Sarkozy, and other celebrities in being targeted by these pranksters. C’est la vie.”
Robert Gibbs, a senior adviser to Sen. Barack Obama, said "I'm glad we check out our calls before we hand the phone to Barack Obama".
.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
New Obama Economics Ad "His Words"
NOTE: Listen for a heart beat in the background music. I believe this is the first use of Palin in an Obama ad.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Obama addresses McCain concern about Democratic Control of Executive and Congress
Obama TV Interview Colorado Springs station KOAA
Worst GOP Robocall smear yet - Obama will endanger American Lives.
____________________________________________________________
ACTUAL ROBOCALL
“This is Orson Swindle. I’m calling on behalf of John McCain and the Republican National Committee. John McCain and I were POWs together. I know John’s character, integrity, courage and leadership. He supports our troops and veterans. Over 300 retired generals and admirals, 300 retired staff NCOs [non-commissioned officers], and hundreds of former POWs support John McCain. Twenty-one past VFW and American Legion national commanders support him . They trust his leadership.
Democrats attempt to cut off crucial troop funding, accuse our troops of war crimes, and Senator Biden predicts Senator Obama will be tested. A weak President will, indeed, be tested. Obama and Democrats’ politics endanger American lives. They are not qualified to lead our military and our country.
When you vote, vote for the team that puts leadership, character and country first. John McCain.”
Another voice adds, “This call is paid for by the Republican National Committee at 866-558-5591 and authorized by McCain-Palin 2008.”
UPDATE: I called the number listed for the RNC 1-866-558-5591. I got a recorded message saying that I can either press "1" to add my number to the "Do Not Call List" or wait (till the beep) to leave a voice message.
ACTUAL ROBOCALL
“This is Orson Swindle. I’m calling on behalf of John McCain and the Republican National Committee. John McCain and I were POWs together. I know John’s character, integrity, courage and leadership. He supports our troops and veterans. Over 300 retired generals and admirals, 300 retired staff NCOs [non-commissioned officers], and hundreds of former POWs support John McCain. Twenty-one past VFW and American Legion national commanders support him . They trust his leadership.
Democrats attempt to cut off crucial troop funding, accuse our troops of war crimes, and Senator Biden predicts Senator Obama will be tested. A weak President will, indeed, be tested. Obama and Democrats’ politics endanger American lives. They are not qualified to lead our military and our country.
When you vote, vote for the team that puts leadership, character and country first. John McCain.”
Another voice adds, “This call is paid for by the Republican National Committee at 866-558-5591 and authorized by McCain-Palin 2008.”
UPDATE: I called the number listed for the RNC 1-866-558-5591. I got a recorded message saying that I can either press "1" to add my number to the "Do Not Call List" or wait (till the beep) to leave a voice message.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Barack Obama Rallies 100,000 in Denver, CO
Well, we know what the Bush-McCain philosophy looks like. It’s a philosophy that says we should give more and more to folks at the top and hope that it trickles down. It’s a philosophy that gives tax breaks to wealthy CEOs and to corporations that ship jobs overseas while hundreds of thousands of jobs are disappearing here at home. It’s a philosophy that justifies spending $10 billion a month in Iraq while the Iraqi government sits on a huge surplus and our economy is in crisis.
For eight years, we’ve seen the Bush-McCain philosophy put our country on the wrong track, and we cannot have another four years that look just like the last eight. It’s time for change in Washington, and that’s why I’m running for President of the United States.
We know that the economic crisis that hit Wall Street has been hurting middle class families on Main Street for years. But during the primaries, Senator McCain was saying that we’ve made “great progress economically” under George Bush, and just last month he was still arguing that the “fundamentals of our economy are strong.” That’s not change.
We know that we have to get spending under control in Washington so that we’re not mortgaging our children’s future under a mountain of debt. But for all of Senator McCain’s tough talk on spending, he voted for four out of the five Bush budgets that let things get totally out of control. That’s not change.
We know that it’s time for new ideas and new leadership in the White House. But Senator McCain voted with President Bush 90 percent of the time over the last eight years. Just the other day, George Bush returned the favor and voted early for John McCain. Well, Colorado, George Bush isn’t the only one who gets to vote early – you can vote early too. And you can finally put an end to the Bush-McCain philosophy. You can vote for a new direction for our country. You can vote for change.
We know what’s coming from the McCain campaign over the next nine days, because it’s the same kind of politics that we’ve seen over the last eight years. It’s a politics that is more about tearing your opponent down than lifting this country up. Well I can take nine more days of John McCain’s attacks, but the American people can’t take four more years of the same failed policies and the same failed politics. We’re not going to let George Bush pass the torch to John McCain. It’s time for change. And that’s why I’m running for President of the United States.
We Won't Be Fooled Again! Or Will We?
more about "We Won't Be Fooled Again! Or Will We?", posted with vodpod
THE WHO
We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We dont get fooled again
The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, thats all
And the world looks just the same
And history aint changed
cause the banners, they are flown in the next war
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We dont get fooled again
No, no!
I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
Though I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We dont get fooled again
Dont get fooled again
No, no!
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
_________________________________
Songwriter Peter Townshend
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
This election just ain't funny
Jerry Stiller - Ain't Funny: Vice-President
Danny DeVito - Ain't Funny: Fear Tactics
Carl Reiner - Ain't Funny: Our Grandchildren
Danny DeVito - Ain't Funny: Fear Tactics
Carl Reiner - Ain't Funny: Our Grandchildren
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The punditocracy's Seven Biggest Blunders of the 2008 election
1)Sarah Palin was a brilliant pick as McCain's running mate.
2)Choosing Steve Schmidt to run McCain's campaign was a stroke of genius.
3)Gas prices on election day will determine who wins.
4)Obama should have taken public financing.
5) Obama was guilty of hubris for contesting North Carolina and other red states.
6)Obama will hurt Democrats downticket.
7)The Democratic PUMA (Party Unity My Ass) women will destroy Obama.
From Salon.com
2)Choosing Steve Schmidt to run McCain's campaign was a stroke of genius.
3)Gas prices on election day will determine who wins.
4)Obama should have taken public financing.
5) Obama was guilty of hubris for contesting North Carolina and other red states.
6)Obama will hurt Democrats downticket.
7)The Democratic PUMA (Party Unity My Ass) women will destroy Obama.
From Salon.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Dixie Confederate Rebels for Obama
Photographer: Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson:
The guy who created these signs is named Clinton Slagle. He's got a confederate tattoo on his arm. He strolled into our headqtrs back during the primary looking for a sign, saying Obama was the only person who made any sense to him....
First published by Al Giordano in The Field
Sunday, October 19, 2008
General Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
Press Conference after Meet the Press
MEET THE PRESS
McCain supporter: "Obama's an Arab"
John McCain: "No, Obama's a Decent Family Man"
Elsheba Khan at the grave of her son,
Specialist Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan.
Photograph taken by Platon
Excerpts from NYT Lede
UPDATE October 22, 2008 NYT; Maureen Dowd: Moved by a Crescent
MEET THE PRESS
McCain supporter: "Obama's an Arab"
John McCain: "No, Obama's a Decent Family Man"
Elsheba Khan at the grave of her son,
Specialist Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan.
Photograph taken by Platon
Excerpts from NYT Lede
Specialist Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan and three other soldiers, including a corporal from Washington Heights, were killed in Baquba after a bomb detonated while they were checking abandoned houses for explosives. They served in the Stryker Brigade combat team of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, based in Ft. Lewis, Washington.
“His Muslim faith did not make him not want to go. It never stopped him,” his father, Feroze Khan, told the Gannett News Service in a story printed shortly after his death. “He looked at it that he’s American and he has a job to do.”
UPDATE October 22, 2008 NYT; Maureen Dowd: Moved by a Crescent
Bob Dylan: The Hour The Ship Comes In
Bob Dylan on August 28, 1963 as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. At the same event, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
The Hour The Ship Comes In
Oh the time will come up
When the winds will stop
And the breeze will cease to be breathin’.
Like the stillness in the wind
Before the hurricane begins,
The hour that the ship comes in.
Then the sea will split
And the ships will hit
And the sands on the shoreline will be shaking.
Then the tide will sound
And the waves will pound
And the morning will be breaking.
The fishes will laugh
As they swim out of the path
And the seagulls they’ll be a-smilin’.
And the rocks on the sand
Will proudly stand,
The hour that the ship comes in.
And the words that are used
For to get the ship confused
Will not be understood as they’re spoken.
For the chains of the sea
Will have busted in the night
And be buried on the bottom of the ocean.
A song will lift
As the mainsail shifts
And the boat drifts on to the shoreline.
And the sun will respect
Every face on the deck,
The hour that the ship comes in.
Then the sands will roll
Out a carpet of gold
For your weary toes to be a-touchin’.
And the ship’s wise men
Will remind you once again
That the whole wide world is watchin’.
Oh the foes will rise
With the sleep still in their eyes
And they’ll jerk from their beds and think they’re dreamin’.
But they’ll pinch themselves and squeal
And they’ll know that it’s for real,
The hour that the ship comes in.
And they’ll raise their hands,
Sayin’ we’ll meet all your demands,
But we’ll shout from the bow your days are numbered.
And like Pharaoh’s tribe,
They’ll be drownded in the tide,
And like Goliath, they’ll be conquered.
Robert Zimmerman
The Hour The Ship Comes In
Oh the time will come up
When the winds will stop
And the breeze will cease to be breathin’.
Like the stillness in the wind
Before the hurricane begins,
The hour that the ship comes in.
Then the sea will split
And the ships will hit
And the sands on the shoreline will be shaking.
Then the tide will sound
And the waves will pound
And the morning will be breaking.
The fishes will laugh
As they swim out of the path
And the seagulls they’ll be a-smilin’.
And the rocks on the sand
Will proudly stand,
The hour that the ship comes in.
And the words that are used
For to get the ship confused
Will not be understood as they’re spoken.
For the chains of the sea
Will have busted in the night
And be buried on the bottom of the ocean.
A song will lift
As the mainsail shifts
And the boat drifts on to the shoreline.
And the sun will respect
Every face on the deck,
The hour that the ship comes in.
Then the sands will roll
Out a carpet of gold
For your weary toes to be a-touchin’.
And the ship’s wise men
Will remind you once again
That the whole wide world is watchin’.
Oh the foes will rise
With the sleep still in their eyes
And they’ll jerk from their beds and think they’re dreamin’.
But they’ll pinch themselves and squeal
And they’ll know that it’s for real,
The hour that the ship comes in.
And they’ll raise their hands,
Sayin’ we’ll meet all your demands,
But we’ll shout from the bow your days are numbered.
And like Pharaoh’s tribe,
They’ll be drownded in the tide,
And like Goliath, they’ll be conquered.
Robert Zimmerman
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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