Hidden Nook
"Because in Cyberspace, no one can hear you scream."
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Statement of the Schindler Family
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(Hat Tip: The Black Kettle)
Photo from CBC News
Statement of the Schindler Family
Pinellas Park, FL – As you are aware, Terri is now with God and she has been released from all earthly burdens. After these recent years of neglect at the hands of those who were supposed to protect and care for her, she is finally at peace with God for eternity. We are speaking on behalf of our entire family this evening as we share some thoughts and messages to the world regarding our sister and the courageous battle that was waged to save her life from starvation and dehydration.
We have a message for the volunteers that have helped our family:
Thank you for all that you’ve done for our family. Thank you to the hundreds of doctors who volunteered to help Terri. Thank you to the fifty doctors who provided statements under oath to help Terri. Thank you to the lawyers who stood for Terri’s life in the courtrooms of our nation. From running our family’s website, to driving us around, to making meals, to serving in so many ways—thank you to all of the volunteers who have been so kind to our family through all of this.
We have a message for the supporters and people praying worldwide:
Please continue to pray that God gives grace to our family as we go through this very difficult time. We know that many of you never had the privilege to personally know our wonderful sister, Terri, but we assure you that you can be proud of this remarkable woman who has captured the attention of the world. Following the example of the Lord Jesus, our family abhors any violence or any threats of violence. Threatening words dishonor our faith, our family, and our sister, Terri. We would ask that all those who support our family be completely kind in their words and deeds toward others.
We have a message to the media:
We appreciate your taking Terri’s case to the nation. Please afford our family privacy to grieve at this time.The patience and graciousness of the on-site media here at hospice has been deeply appreciated by our family.
We have a message to the many government officials who tried to help Terri:
Thank you for all that you’ve done. Our family will be forever grateful to all of the outstanding public servants who have tried to save Terri.
We have a message to all of the religious leaders who tried to help Terri:
Thank you to all people of faith who demonstrated love for Terri and strength of conviction to defend the sacredness of all human life as a precious gift from God.
Our family is highly honored that the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, would speak out so boldly on behalf of our sister, Terri.
We have a message of forgiveness:
Throughout this ordeal, we are reminded of the words of Jesus on the cross: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Our family seeks forgiveness for anything that we have done in standing for Terri’s life that has not demonstrated the love and compassion required of us by our faith.
We have a message to parents worldwide:
Our family would encourage parents to spend time with their children and to cherish each and every moment of each and every day with them as a precious gift from God.
We have a message to Terri from her family:
As a member of our family unable to speak for yourself, you spoke loudly. As a member of our family unable to stand under your own power, you stood with a grace and a dignity that made your family proud. Terri, we love you dearly, but we know that God loves you more than we do. We must accept your untimely death as God’s will.
Terri, your life and legacy will continue to live on, as the nation is now awakened to the plight of thousands of voiceless people with disabilities that were previously unnoticed. Your family intends to stand up for the other “Terri’s” around this nation and we will do all that we can to change the law so others won’t face the same fate that has befallen you.
We have a final thought to share:
Our family had hoped this day would never come, but as it has now arrived, we ask ourselves a question in these incredibly sad circumstances: What would the Lord Jesus ask us to do in a moment like this? In John’s Gospel, Jesus responded to the questions of the rabbis, who asked why a man had been born blind. He said: “it is so that the works of God might be made manifest through him.”
God’s plan for Terri is unfolding before our eyes. Our prayer at this time is that our Nation will remember the plight of persons with disabilities and commit within our hearts to defend their lives and their dignity for many generations to come.
Terri, you will be missed by all. Thanks for reminding us about the value of life again. ~Darnell
EU Threatening Sanctions Against US
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The EU wants to impose extra duties of 15 percent on U.S. products ranging from paper to textiles and machinery. A statement issued Thursday in Brussels says the 25-nation bloc is acting because the United States has failed to repeal a controversial law called the Byrd Amendment, which allows U.S. companies to receive proceeds from anti-dumping duties the U.S. government levels on their foreign rivals.
The Byrd Amendment was declared illegal three years ago by the World Trade Organization. This seems to be nothing more than a "pet argument" to me, as the real case is over the trade disputes that have been heating up across the Atlantic (most notably about the illegal subsidies that Airbus and Boeing are receiving from their respective governments).
unfortunately, it looks like our Canadian and Japanese friends are arguing for sanctions against the U.S. as well (I guess this is "pick on the U.S. day").
The EU said its new duties would hit U.S. goods including textiles, stationery, sweet corn, and machinery products beginning May 1 and raise nearly $28 million annually.
Canada said it expected to collect about C$14 million ($11.6 million) in revenues from new duties on live swine, cigarettes and some fish that take effect May 1.
U.S. pork producers said the 15-percent duty on live swine exports to Canada likely would put a big dent in sales.
Well, so much for the future of our textile industry. The ironic part is that America seems to be in no hurry to repeal the law as their is a lot of political pressure to keep it in place.
The Bush administration has proposed repealing the Byrd amendment in each of the last three years. But the program remains popular with many lawmakers and there has been little other movement toward taking it off the books.
Byrd and other supporters want the Bush administration to negotiate a deal in world trade talks that would allow the United States to keep the program.
To keep a program that might kill our industries or to repeal a law that protects them (assuming it does that is)? It's a difficult decision either way, but I think the President should stick with his guns and kill the bill. If not then we're going to get killed in fines (which would probably all but end the textile industry) and if we do, then "survival of the fittest" comes into play (which may benefit us in the long run anyway) because simply doing nothing is going to hurt our industry in the short run.
Terri Schiavo Passes Away
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Many of you have already heard this on the news but Terri Schiavo passed away at 9:05 A.M. today. Prayers go out towards her family as well as to those who were close to her and knew her.Her "husband" was the last to be with her, barring entrance towards her family because he wanted to be with her during her final moments.
Terri, we will not forget how you impacted all our lives around the country, and thank you for the lessons you have taught us about life. God bless.
Photo's below. :(
All photo's from AP/Fox News.
An undated family photo shows Terri Schiavo before she suffered catastrophic brain damage.
Terri Schiavo is shown in an Aug. 11, 2001, video released by her family.
March 30: A protester stands Terri Schaivo's hospice after hearing that a federal appeals court agreed to consider a petition for a new hearing.
March 30: Terri Schiavo's mother at a press conference.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
North Korean (Sore Losers?)
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It looks like they were a little upset that their great "regime" had lost to another great "regime," Iran.The world caught a rare glimpse of mob violence in North Korea Wednesday when soccer fans in the highly controlled state hurled bottles, rocks and chairs as the home team lost a World Cup qualifier to Iran...
North Korean soldiers and police stepped in to try to restore order after defender Nam Song-chol was sent off for shoving Syrian referee Mohamed Kousa during the match seen on international satellite television.
Apparently the raging fans tried to prevent the winners (2-0) from entering their boarding buses. After two hours (wow, that must have been a crowd) the Iranians were finally able to get on their bus and depart.
Unfortunately for the rowdy crowd, the North Korean regime was unhappy with the behavior and promised to hunt down those responsible for embarrassing the regime on international television (I wonder if they'll get shot like these guys.
Picture of the mob.
Bottles and seats thrown by North Korean supporters lie on the field after the 2006 World Cup qualifying Asian Group B match North Korea against Iran at Kim Il-sung stadium in Pyongyang March 30, 2005. The world caught a rare glimpse of mob violence in North Korea when soccer fans in the highly controlled state hurled bottles, rocks and chairs as the home team lost a World Cup qualifier to Iran. Photo by Kyodo/Reuters
I guess it's another reason to go visit North Korea.
Does Iran Really Want To Make Nukes?
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According to Reuters they don't.Iranian President Mohammad Khatami took a group of journalists deep underground on Wednesday into the heart of a nuclear plant which Washington wants dismantled and whose existence was kept secret until 2002.
About 30 local and foreign journalists visited Natanz uranium enrichment facility, 150 miles south of Tehran, the centerpiece of a disputed atomic fuel drive that Tehran suspended under international pressure in late 2003.
This is an unusual move by Iran who has been claiming for some time that it has no interest in nuclear weapons but to use the nuclear power plant for much needed electricity (although they do have a lot of oil which brings the question of why would they need a nuclear plant).
Iran is determined one way or another to become a nuclear power (energy wise) and has scoffed at the U.S.'s attempts (whether hard or soft) at curbing it's productivity.
Iran scoffed at U.S. incentives aimed at coaxing the Islamic republic to drop its nuclear ambitions and declared Saturday that Washington's overtures did nothing to change Tehran's plans to push ahead with its nuclear program...
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said neither threats nor incentives would alter Iran's determination to develop peaceful nuclear technology. Washington insists Tehran's uranium enrichment program is designed to build a nuclear weapon, not merely to provide alternative energy.
Iran took the reporters the heart of the nuclear power plant but did not show them the centrifuges nor to a pilot enrichment facility located in Natanz. The Iranians built the enrichment facilities underground (about 18 meter's) for fear of attack by Israel or the United States. Here is a picture below for you to enjoy.
Technicians work at a uranium processing site in Isfahan, 211 miles south of the Iranian capital Tehran, March 30, 2005. France, Britain and Germany are considering letting Iran keep nuclear technology that could be used to make bombs, an apparent move towards a compromise with Tehran, diplomats said on Wednesday. Photo by Raheb Homavandi/Reuters
Astronauts Ready To Fly Again
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Finally. And it looks like they are going to be blasting off from Star City, Russia of all places!STAR CITY, Russia (Reuters) - The next astronauts scheduled to blast off into space on a Russian craft said on Tuesday they were excited about hosting the crew of the first U.S. shuttle to launch for more than two years.
Russian cosmonaut Sergei Krikalyov and U.S. astronaut John Phillips plan to head to the International Space Station on April 15 for a six-month stay and are scheduled to witness the arrival of the Discovery shuttle, due to launch in May.
That is great news to hear especially since NASA hasn't flown anything since the Columbia mission which exploded on it's re-entry towards Earth (which woke me up in the morning when I was in Texas). This should help bring up NASA's moral as they have been receiving some negative feed back, especially about the Hubble Telescope and facing fierce competition in the East as well as at home.
Hopefully they will be able to regain some speed again, otherwise I may have to go with the Chinese for my space flight (the price is really cheap in groups of 20).
Professor Arrested (Terri's Fight)
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(Hat Tip: The Black Kettle)Dow Pursley, 56, was zapped with a Taser stun gun and tackled to the ground by officers before he reached the door, Pinellas Park police said. He became the 47th protester arrested.
Pursley, who is on the faculty of the Baptist Bible College & Seminary in Clarks Summit, Pa., had two bottles of water with him, police said. He was charged with attempted burglary and resisting arrest.
How can someone be charged with burglery for giving away water? Probably shows how rediculous this whole "lets kill Terri" movement is becoming. As Terri is on her 13th day without food OR water without clear evidence from a Radiologist whether Terri is conscious or not (because a neurologists and a bioethicists are not qualified to read CT scans and if you disagree take up Code Blue's offer for $100,000 to prove him wrong).
The interesting thing about this case is that Terri's fight is not just gaining support from the Pro Life side but from liberals like Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson (no friends of mine) who are throwing their weight in support of Terri (hat tip again to The Black Kettle).
While New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has virtually gone into hiding - as have many other Democrats - regarding whether or not Terri Schiavo should be starved to death, ex-President Bill Clinton was reportedly "egging on" one of Hillary's colleagues to support federal intervention to rescue Schiavo.
(Jesse Jackson)
Rev. Jesse Jackson said Tuesday afternoon that he has persuaded two Florida state senators to change their votes on a bill to save Terri Schiavo, leaving the measure just one vote shy of the majority necessary for passage.
This issue is transcending party lines, or at least permeating the top leadership of the Democrats. Even Blogs for Terri is getting support from both sides of the political spectrum which is showing that fighting the culture of death is not just a "religious right" issue, it is an American issue that should concern all who want to live a long healthy life in the future (and not end up like Europe). And as long as Terri lives, we'll keep fighting. Hang on Terri! We're praying for you!
Professor Arrested (Terri's Fight)
[Expand Full Post] [Media Source*]
(Hat Tip: The Black Kettle)Dow Pursley, 56, was zapped with a Taser stun gun and tackled to the ground by officers before he reached the door, Pinellas Park police said. He became the 47th protester arrested.
Pursley, who is on the faculty of the Baptist Bible College & Seminary in Clarks Summit, Pa., had two bottles of water with him, police said. He was charged with attempted burglary and resisting arrest.
How can someone be charged with burglary for giving away water? Probably shows how ridiculous this whole "lets kill Terri" movement is becoming. As Terri is on her 13th day without food OR water without clear evidence from a Radiologist whether Terri is conscious or not (because a neurologists and a bioethicists are not qualified to read CT scans and if you disagree take up Code Blue's offer for $100,000 to prove him wrong).
The interesting thing about this case is that Terri's fight is not just gaining support from the Pro Life side but from liberals like Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson (no friends of mine) who are throwing their weight in support of Terri (hat tip again to The Black Kettle).
While New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has virtually gone into hiding - as have many other Democrats - regarding whether or not Terri Schiavo should be starved to death, ex-President Bill Clinton was reportedly "egging on" one of Hillary's colleagues to support federal intervention to rescue Schiavo.
(Jesse Jackson)
Rev. Jesse Jackson said Tuesday afternoon that he has persuaded two Florida state senators to change their votes on a bill to save Terri Schiavo, leaving the measure just one vote shy of the majority necessary for passage.
This issue is transcending party lines, or at least permeating the top leadership of the Democrats. Even Blogs for Terri is getting support from both sides of the political spectrum which is showing that fighting the culture of death is not just a "religious right" issue, it is an American issue that should concern all who want to live a long healthy life in the future (and not end up like Europe). And as long as Terri lives, we'll keep fighting. Hang on Terri! We're praying for you!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Evolution here? I don't get it...
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(Posted on BNN)A "70 million year old" T-Rex skeleton was found by researchers and apparently when they cracked open the thigh bone open (to get it into the helicopter) they found soft tissue, including blood vessels, bone cells and possibly even some blood cells.
"They are transparent, they are flexible," said Mary Higby Schweitzer of North Carolina State University and Montana State University, who conducted the study. She said the vessels were flexible and in some cases their contents could be squeezed out.
"The microstructures that look like cells are preserved in every way," added Schweitzer, whose findings were published in the journal Science.
"Preservation of this extent, where you still have this flexibility and transparency, has never been seen in a dinosaur before." Feathers, hair and fossilized egg contents yes, but not truly soft tissue.
What I don't get is how soft tissue can last for "70 million years." Although we officially do not have a million years of recorded human history (as I even doubt this planet is over a million years old) wouldn't some bacteria have feasted on this decaying tissue by now?
While I'm on my soap box it seems silly to me that any tissue of anything could remain after a million years. Either these scientists are overly excited by the chance of making "Jurassic Park" a reality or have just missed one of the biggest flaws to their "faith" (and atheism is a faith because you would need a lot of it after seeing how it breaks at least one law of science).
What law am I referring too? The Law of Entropy also known as The Second Law of Thermodynamics which states that:
"...in all energy exchanges, if no energy enters or leaves the system, the potential energy of the state will always be less than that of the initial state."
While I am not a scientist it is clear to me that this is basically stating that whether it be your automobile or an organism, everything goes from order to chaos (as in it all decays). After "70 million years" these T-Rex cells shouldn't even exist (at least not in a warm area as it appears that it wasn't even a frozen T-Rex).
Although the First Law of Thermodynamics alone would prove the needed existence of a God (as it is impossible for the universe to have existed forever or to create itself) their are other reasons why I doubt evolution as one can see here, here or here.
But since I am human and have been known to make mistakes if anyone out there would like to convince this former atheist (as well as collect $250,000) of the "proofs of evolution" then my ear is wide open and ready to listen to anyone with "evidence."
South Korea Barring North Korean Video
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(Posted on BNN)Apparently a video showing the public executions of prisoners in North Korea, (something that the regimes denies even existing) has been barred from being played in South Korea despite the fact of it's widespread broadcast in Japan.
"We have told of many public executions [in the North]. But officials in Seoul always ask us for material evidence," says Pak Sang Huk, an escapee from the North. "Now that we have evidence, they don't want to see it.... The people who brought this tape through China were speechless when they visited KBS [Korean Broadcast Service] studios, and were shunned." Mr. Pak claims those who filmed the executions risked their lives to do so.
It seems that South Korea is more intent on maintaining it's "Sun-Shine Policy" than in concerns over how their northern brethren are treated. Seems like they are playing the "brother's keeper" game to me.
Some images of the executions. Photo's from Daily NK
March 1st 2005, the place is Huiryeoung City. North Korean people mobilized for the public execution. N-TV reported the number of people crowded here is about one thousand. This day, the National Security Agents in Huiryeoung city stood in every corner of in downtown city and collected people to attend the public execution.
Two people tied on wooden pillars for the execution in front of the public. (1.17 identified as Factory workers, their names are Choi jae gon and Park Myung Gil. They were executed on charge of ‘assisting for defection.’)
11 people being dragged to the place for public trial.
US and Japanese sources describe a practice of stuffing rocks in the mouths of the accused - making them unable to shout out last words against the regime.
I do not know what is more outrageous. The fact that North Korea continues to practice such forms of "justice" or the silence of South Korea.
Google Buys Urchin
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(Hat Tip: Cracell at the Gmail Lounge)Not yet...but they are planning on Acquiring the company. For those of you who don't know (which included me five minuets ago) Urchin is an analytical site that lets web companies know more about their users. Google seems excited about it
"We want to provide web site owners and marketers with the information they need to optimize their users' experience and generate a higher return-on-investment from their advertising spending," said Jonathan Rosenberg, vice president of product management, Google. "This technology will be a valuable addition to Google's suite of advertising and publishing products."
Well, it seems that this will provide better funcitions for their Ad Sense Program but probably nothing that would visibly affect the company (like Google X...before they took it down).
Monday, March 28, 2005
Burger King (Breakfast For Champions)
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And I thought Americans had enough problems with being overweight.The Enormous Omelet Sandwich carries 730 calories and 47 grams of fat and comes with two eggs, sausage, three strips of bacon and two slices of melted American cheese on a bun. It's heftier than a Whopper hamburger, which weighs in at 700 calories and 42 grams of fat.
For the sake of life, I think I will skip this meal.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
What About Taiwan?
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(MSNBC, Posted on BNN)TAIPEI, Taiwan - About a million Taiwanese marched through the capital on Saturday at a rally protesting a new Chinese law that authorizes an attack on the island if it moves toward formal independence...
"China is a violent country. We want nothing to do with it," said protester Wu Chao-hsiung, a carpenter from Taipei. "We have to insist on the freedom to determine our own fate."
But does Taiwan really have the power to determine their own fate? Despite their attempts for recognition as a country, it seems that most of the world sees Taiwan and China, as one nation, despite the fact that China is a communist regime while Taiwan is a democratic state.
Ironically as other areas of the world begin to taste freedom (with the recognition that usually comes with it) it seems that Taiwan is left out like some red headed step child.
Despite having a diverse culture, stable government and open political system (all with the looming threat of invasion by their "bigger brother") Taiwan is not only refused recognition towards national status by the United Nations but by the United States as well.
"We believe it [One China] lays a foundation for progress and offers some creative ideas for reducing tensions and resuming the cross-Strait dialogue," the State Department said.
"The United States is firmly committed to our one China policy, the three joint communiques, and our responsibilities under the Taiwan Relations Act," according to the State Department.
It is sad that a nation who has supported the spread of democracy in regions such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon refuses to recognize the existence of one as a nation, supporting a "One China" policy when it is clear that the people of Taiwan have no interest in being reunited with the main land.
The United States once fought for it's right of independence as a nation, to be recognized around the world as a free society. Taiwan is just as determined to be recognized by the world body and is capable of defending itself against China (as they would have plenty of allies, including Australia that would come to their defense). After all, every nation around the world has taken the opportunity to not only seize their own freedom but be recognized for it as well. Shouldn't we at least do the same for Taiwan as well?
Happy Easter (Plus Orkut Invite)
(Update: Cross posted on Inside Orkut)
To help celebrate the Spirit of Easter (and I am not referring to the bunny) I've decided to give away Orkut invites (aka Orkut Invitations) for free. Orkut is from Google, and if you are unsure about what Orkut is, here is a "summary" from the site.
Orkut is an online community that connects people through a network of trusted friends.
We are committed to providing an online meeting place where people can socialize, make new acquaintances and find others who share their interests.
You will need an invitation in order to join Orkut and if you follow these simple instructions I will be able to help out anybody who desires to get inside.
Update: You will not be able to comment on this post but follow the instructions below if you are interested in receiving an invite.
Simply email me at
(die spam bots die) and make sure the subject/title of your email says "Orkut Invite Now!" as I have a filter looking for this title (if you don't put that in I will not add you as I get a ton of mail).Also include inside your email your First and Last name as well as the email address you want me to send it too (even if it's the same address you used to reach me with). Because we all love redundancy lets review:
Email Title: Orkut Invite Now!
Email Contents: Firstname, Lastname, email address you want me to send it too.
And if you are interested in getting a Gmail account I have more invites than I know what to do with (just simply email me and ask for one). Happy Easter!
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Florida DCF Tries To Take Terri!
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(Hat Tip: Talking Points Memo)But they soon afterward backed down!
Hours after a judge ordered that Terri Schiavo wasn't to be removed from her hospice, Florida law enforcement agents were en route to seize her and have her feeding tube reinserted -- but they stopped short when local police told them they would enforce the judge's order, sources said Friday...
"We told them that unless they had the judge with them when they came, they were not going to get in," said a source with the local police.
"The FDLE called to say they were en route to the scene," said an official with the city police who requested anonymity. "When the sheriff's department, and our department, told them they could not enforce their order, they backed off."
Umm...so Jeb, now can you use force?
More from Mercury News:
Participants in the high-stakes test of wills said they believed that the standoff could ultimately have led to a constitutional crisis -- and a confrontation between dueling law enforcement officers.
"There were two sets of law enforcement officers facing off, waiting for the other to blink," said one official with knowledge of Thursday morning's activities.
"It was kind of a showdown on the part of the locals and the state police," the official said.
State officials Friday vigorously denied the notion that any "showdown" occurred.
The Department of Children and Families "directed no such action," said agency official Zoraya Suarez.
Said Bush press officer Jacob DiPietre: "There was no showdown. We were ready to go. We didn't want to break the law. There was a process in place, and we were following the process. The judge had an order, and we were following the order."
Although I can not confirm nor show evidence of this, Mark Dubina may have decided to open his mouth and "talk."
I don't think this will be the last incident of a showdown. Although I don't know exactly what has gone on, I hope Jeb is paying attention to this and get to the bottom of this (whether they can take Terri or not) as many of us bloggers would like to see a conclusion to this matter (hopefully on a good note). More details later...
Can Mark Dubina Save Terri?
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According to The Empire Journal he can:(From Mark Dubina, a SAS Duty Supervisor)
"Terri Schiavo collapsed in 1990 and was hospitalized. She has never regained normal function and has been confined to a nursing or hospice facility since," Rhodes report says. "Anderson claims to have evidence that supports an allegation that Terri Schiavos husband, Michael Schiavo had abused and battered her prior to this hospitalization. Michael Schiavo has been involved in a lengthy and acrimonious civil dispute with his wifes family over the right to disconnect her feeding tube, which would ultimately result in Terri Schiavos death."
The Empire Journal has learned from reliable sources that Dubina and another FDLE agent have given notice to the Schindler attorneys that if they are served with subpoenas ordering them to give the information known to them regarding alleged corruption and collusion in the case that they will tell a court about the order stifling their investigation and the alleged involvement of the alleged obstruction of justice by Bernie McCabe, state attorney for Pinellas and Pasco County. Dubina has reportedly given a statement in the case to the current attorneys for the Schindler family but reportedly the document has not been presented to the court.
With Terri's sister and Attorney Barbara Weller's testifying that they heard Terri expressing the will to live, (which Greer will probably reject) Terri may not have much time left. If only Google could turn up Mr. Dubina's number.
Update: Crystal Clear has some pretty interesting things to say regarding the whole affair.
Update 2: La Shawn and Hennessy’s View are reporting that Judge Greer may order a "reinsertation" of the tube or hook Terri up to an I.V. by noon tomorrow, but confirmation is still pending. Keep praying!
Continued from The Empire Journal:
Dubina is personally known to Gov. Bush in that he was appointed to his position of primary FDLE investigator and director for the Tampa Bay Region Domestic Security Task Force formed by Bush after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Dubina, who is a certified fraud examiner, would supervise all security operations for the Governor upon any visits to the Tampa Bay area.
Such information of alleged criminal activity and governmental coverup could be enough for a court-ordered injunction to immediately reinsert the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo in that informed sources say that Dubina allegedly determined there is sufficient probable cause that crimes have been committed in the Schiavo case. Such new evidence could be sufficient to order a new trial in the case in that it establishes a solid foundation that the judgment in the case was allegedly obtained by fraud and collusion.
It could also give reasonable cause for Gov. Bush to immediately take Terri Schiavo into protective custody and save her life.
So Mark Dubina, which is more important, your job or Terri's life?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Congressional Subpoenas
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We will find out tomorrow whether they have any power or not. Ironically tomorrow is Good Friday, and if Terri is still alive by heaven's decree their might be a possibility for her to appear before Congress (sadly though almost virtually dead).If both houses enforce the subpoenas they issued then Terri may see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although some suspect collusion between Greer and Soros, that alone would not be enough to remove Michael from guardianship over Terri (placing it in the hands of her parents instead). We will see if Good Friday is remembered by suffering or by grace. Time is running out, and I don't think the courts or Jeb Bush have the will or power to save Terri right now.
Tomorrow morning we will all wake up as Americans. And whether you agree with me or not, I wish you all a "Good Friday" tomorrow. Peace.
Photo from COG for life
Good Night. And God bless. ~Darnell
Terri Update! (CNN)
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(Hat Tip: Blogs for Terri, Posted on BNN)The Schindlers are appealing to Judge "I ignore congressional laws" Whittemore. I am not holding my breath on this one.
Anti-abortion rights activist Randall Terry, who is acting as a spokesman for the Schindlers, said the new motion raises "evidentiary issues that were ignored in the first crack at federal court."
Whittemore has scheduled a hearing on the matter for 6 p.m., and Terry said the Schindlers plan to attend.
I recommend contacting the number below (and be polite too as they are on our side).
Legal Affairs
Raquel Rodriguez, General Counsel
Robert H. Fernandez, Deputy General Counsel
850 / 488-3494
Bring Me Some Water (Song)
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(Hat Tip: Fox News (from video entitled "Scene Outside Fla. Hospice")This song was being played at Penalla Park (spelling?) in Florida. The title of the song is "Bring me some water" and it is by Melissa Etheridge. Here are the lyrics below:
Tonight I feel so weak
But all in love is fair
I turn the other cheek
And I feel the slap and the sting of the foul night air
And I know youre only human
And I havent got talking room
But tonight while Im making excuses
Some other woman is making love to you
Somebody bring me some water
Cant you see Im burning alive
Cant you see my babys got another lover
I dont know how Im gonna survive
Somebody bring me some water...
Update: Just in from Baltimore Mom. Call this number below, and you will get someone live (unlike the number here).
Legal Affairs
Raquel Rodriguez, General Counsel
Robert H. Fernandez, Deputy General Counsel
850 / 488-3494
They give an explanation on how they are "working on it." (Don't yell either, give them a break! They are trying to save her!)
Check the Source* for the full lyrics...makes you kinda sad that this song has been playing on the radio.
Currently there are only two people who can authorize Terri's tube back in. Terri's "husband" Michael, or Jeb Bush. I am not rooting for Michael on this one.
Starving for Justice?
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(Hat Tip: The Black Kettle, Blogs for Terri)It seems Ann "The Mouth" Coutler has a history lesson for us all...
Democrats have called out armed federal agents in order to: 1) prevent black children from attending a public school in Little Rock, Ark. (National Guard), 2) investigate an alleged violation of federal gun laws in Waco, Texas (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms), and 3) deport a small boy to Cuba (Immigration and Naturalization Service).
So how about a Republican governor sending in the National Guard to stop an innocent American woman from being starved to death in Florida? Republicans like the military. Democrats get excited about the use of military force only when it's against Americans.
Come on Jeb Bush, are you a Governor or what? Are you going to let some judge interpret the constitution for you or are you going to defend a starving woman? (something very common in North Korea but not this nation)
You may face impeachment, (scroll down) for what you do but wouldn't that be worth trying to save a woman's life?
More from Ann Coutler:
Greer has refused to order the most basic medical tests for brain damage before condemning a woman to death. Despite all those years of important, searching litigation we keep hearing about, Terri has yet to receive either an MRI or a PET scan although she may be allowed to join a support group for women whose husbands are trying to kill them.
Greer has cut off the legal rights of Terri's real family and made her husband (now with a different family) her sole guardian, citing as precedent the landmark "Fox v. Henhouse" ruling of 1893. Throughout the process that would result in her death sentence, Terri was never permitted her own legal counsel. Evidently, they were all tied up defending the right to life of child-molesting murderers.
As I cited in an earlier post it looks like the future is right before our eyes.
High Noon In Florida
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So it all comes to this. In less than 24 hours Terri Schiavo will be dead or dying before Congress. Jeb Bush along with his DCF deputy's refuse to face their new arch rival, Judge Greer (master of fear) who is running the show by flexing his black robes. Little does Jeb know that the power to save Terri from the judicial hounds lies in the palm of his hand.So the Show down begins. A woman becomes thin. And the Governor shrinks back because of a County Judge's whim. With the battle of the branches, Terri's chances evaporate at the stances of the men in black who have shown their power at this very hour holding their two other counterparts in check.
With citizen bloggers amassing, we're due for a clashing, where faithful ties battle rational lies in the Sun state as the clock ticks closer to fate.
A new culture is emerging, completely submerging the former or the latter (but does it really matter?) as this case is not important and should remain dormant to the news of the day.
With the future before us and other issues more "notorious" someone less than whole is denied to quench her soul for fear of a right that was lost at midnight, defended by a Judge using arguments based on fudge, enraging the masses (but not those in upper classes) all the while a Cowboy's Brother considers the other options laying at his feet to save a woman whose only crime was that she married a swine.
Selah.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Nurses Insight About Michael And Terri
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(Hat Tip: Blogs for Terri)Interesting video interview with nurse Carla Sauer Iyer who took care of Terri Schiavo at the Hospice where she currently lays starving to death.
From Jackson's Junction
Carla Sauer Iyer worked as a caregiver for Terri Schiavo and the story she tells is incredible. She claims that she reported Michael Schiavo to her supervisors and police for injecting Terri with Insulin in an effort to deepen her comma or bring death to her quicker. She states she was fired from her job when she reported these and other allegations to proper authorities.
Make sure you check out the video as well as Blogs for Terri for more updates on the situation.
Finger Found In Wendy's Chile
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(Hat Tip: My Brother)Gross!
Santa Clara County health officials this afternoon confirmed an object found in a bowl of restaurant chili is a human finger.
During a 2:30 p.m. press conference, they said they aren't sure whose finger it is. But they plan to trace the ingredients in the Wendy's chili back to the sources in an effort to track down where the finger came from.
The inch and a half long finger tip was allegedly found in a bowl of chili purchased Tuesday night at a Wendy's restaurant on Monterey Road in San Jose.
Looks like I'm not eating there for a while...
Statement from Wendy's:
"Food safety is of utmost importance to us," spokesman Joe Desmond said in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with the local police and health departments with their investigation. It's important not to jump to conclusions. Here at Wendy's we plan to do right by our customers."
The sad/funny part about this is that after it was brought to the Wendy's employee's attention, they first declared the object a vegetable and proceeded investigating it by poking it with spoons...well, I guess every restaurant has it's ups and downs. Reminds me about the urban legend with McDonald's and the rat burger story that goes around. Either way, I think I will stick to Zaxby's for a while.
So It All Comes Down To DCF
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(Hat Tip: Blogs for Terri, Pro Life Blogs)Quite disappointing. It looks like the Florida Senate has denied a bill (21-18) which would have granted Terri to have the same basic rights that every prisoner in the world is guaranteed. For now it looks like it all might boil down to two things: Jeb Bush and DCF fulfilling their responsibilities.
Update: Crystal Clear points to obstruction of justice within the DCF...do I smell a conspiracy?
From TBO.com News:
In a brief conversation with reporters, Secretary Lucy Hadi said the department is considering all options, but specifically pointed to a provision that she said would allow the department to take a vulnerable person into its custody without prior judicial approval.
The provision states: "[if] a person is likely to incur a risk of death or serious physical injury if such person is not immediately removed from the premises, then the representative of the department shall transport or arrange for the transportation of the vulnerable adult to an appropriate medical or protective services facility in order to provide emergency protective services."
The department would first have to file a petition with the court, but could act before the court is able to schedule a hearing.
Well Hadi since you are "not required to look at prior judicial proceedings," Terri could sure use your help now.
Contact Info for DCF:
Lucy D. Hadi, Secretary 1317 Winewood Blvd.
Building 1, Room 202
Tallahassee, Florida
32399-0700 Phone: (850) 487-1111
The Culture Of Death
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(Hat Tip: In the Agora, Posted on BNN)The Supreme Court is hearing debates about the legality of assisted suicide in the state of Oregon. A baby boy has his breathing tube removed against his parents wishes with judicial backing in a hospital. A wife fights to keep a 68-year old man from having his ventilator turned off and his feeding tube kept in. A family feud rages over a 41 year old woman with her parents fighting to keep her alive while her husband fights for her death, while in the meantime critics debate how "painless" starvation can be. Whether it comes via black robes, or through "people power," the culture of death is increasing at an alarming rate, putting lives of every American (and not just Terri Schiavo) in jeopardy.
As Hollywood celebrates the "right to die" with various films including "Million Dollar Baby" and "The Sea Inside," many do not fully realize the impact euthanasia (aka "assisted suicide") can have on a culture. Granting the courts, medical professors or estranged spouses the right to end life can be frightening, as many assume the role of God (that is if they believe in him) and can lead to undesired trends as this case involving babies in the Netherlands shows:
All this would be sufficiently frightening, but reports out of the Netherlands indicate that some doctors are killing newborns without the knowledge or consent of parents.
Even in the Netherlands, parents are not allowed to request euthanasia for their newborns, acting as representatives of their child. This poses a problem for doctors who would wish to euthanize infants. Since newborns "cannot ask for euthanasia," and since their parents are unable to act as legal representatives to indicate consent, this poses a legal challenge.
It does indeed. "But that was a child" you say. "Nothing more than a fetus who 'got lucky' and survived birth. It has nothing to do with a full grown adult. And if it did, there would be measures in place to insure such wishes were carried out lawfully." Did somebody say Oops!
(Belgium)
...published reports indicate that euthanasia practitioners routinely engage in illegal practices that are abusive to patients. In June, reports surfaced that three people with Huntingtons disease and a person with Alzheimers had died in the Netherlands as a result of euthanasia -- even though Dutch law prohibits mercy killing in such cases.
(Netherlands)
Euthanasia has also entered the pediatric wards, where eugenic infanticide has become common even though babies cannot ask to be killed. According to a 1997 study published in the British medical journal The Lancet, approximately 8 percent of all Dutch infant deaths result from lethal injections. The babies deemed killable are often disabled and thus are thought not to have a "livable life." The practice has become so common that 45 percent of neonatologists and 31 percent of pediatricians who responded to Lancet surveys had killed babies.
It gets worse: Repeated studies sponsored by the Dutch government have found that doctors kill approximately 1,000 patients each year who have not asked for euthanasia. This is not only a violation of every guideline, but an act that Dutch law considers murder. Nonvoluntary euthanasia has become so common that it even has a name: "Termination without request or consent."
(England)
There is now increasing concern across Britain about the way hospitals appear to be hastening the deaths of elderly patients. Police in Leeds and Hampshire are also looking into similar cases.
The 11 patients, all men aged between 65 and 93, died in the Rowsley ward for the elderly at Kingsway. A review of the cases, ordered by the coroner, found evidence that their deaths may have been speeded up by withholding sufficient food.
Their are other cases where medical professionals take it upon themselves to decide the fate of the suffering, even if such practices are illegal. Such such cases have happened in New Zealand, France, Australia and even Switzerland where it seems you don't even have to be terminally ill to apply.
After all, the doctor knows what's best for us, right?
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Should Google News Include Blogs?
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(Posted on BNN)Some seem to think so. Blogs for Bush has tried unsuccessfully, and Daily Kos was dropped as a source (although they were previously listed as satire which did not make Kos happy).
Although their are many other blogs out there that make great reads (Michelle Malkin being one of them) I do not think it would be wise to include bloggers as sources inside Google News. Doing so would make the internet one vast editorial which would be frighteningly similar to the EPIC film where news is sensationalized with trivia dominating global interests and vanity becoming the theme of reporting.
Google News seems to maintain this standard of not acquiring bloggers as Michelle Malkin found out when she requesting to be listed:
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for your note. We have reviewed www.michellemalkin.com but cannot include it in Google News at this time. We do not include news-related blogs or other news-related sites that are written and maintained by a single individual. Similarly, we do not include sites that do not have a formal editorial review process. We appreciate your taking the time to contact us and will log your site for consideration should our requirements change.
Regards,
The Google Team
Unfortunately though Google is not playing fair in this regard of "excluding bloggers" as I have found that the Democratic Underground is listed as a source despite the fact that they even mention on their front page that they are a blog site, unless of coarse you don't count the phrase "THE DU BLOG" as an indicator (although some are in denial that the DU is in fact a blog site just like LGF).
Although it is outrageous that Google News has the National Vanguard as one of it's news sources (as it is pro-white and anti-minority) Google News has listed other sites such as The Empire Journal as a source (who take a more libertarian approach to things) which is an indication that they are attempting to become more "inclusive" about their sources.
All in all Google News should maintain it's "non-blog" approach in order to keep the site from being one vast "opinionated landscape" because if they accepted one blog they would eventually have to accept all of them (and last I check their were about eight million blogs out there) and it's site would eventually lose it's substance. (however a list of their sources would be much appreciated, but then you would have to demand the same thing from everybody though).
If people desire to read blogs, they can visit them whenever they go online but as for now having the MSM listed as sources keeps it from becoming a "vast editorial landscape" which is something no body wants (well, at least something that I don't want). Selah.
The Moon It Is
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(From Universe Today)NASA seems to be getting it's priorities straight. It seems that heading towards our "next door neighbor" would make more sense than visiting the red planet.
"The Moon is a natural first step," explains Philip Metzger, a physicist at NASA Kennedy Space Center. "It's nearby. We can practice living, working and doing science there before taking longer and riskier trips to Mars."
The moon does have it's advantages since their is no atmosphere one wouldn't have to worry about the dust storms that ravage the Martian surface (and I am talking about some serious global coverage).
Although the moon does have it's own problems (it's dust can irritate astronaut's and affect their suits causing leakage of air pressure) and colony on Mars would have to face the wrath of dust flying over 100 mph in your face, let alone the damage amassed against machinery and solar panels. On the moon one would not face this.
Although Mars probably has more water on it's surface than the moon, scientists are beginning to find "hints" of H2O on the surface of our lunar friend.
Lunar ice...is localized near the Moon's north and south poles deep inside craters where the Sun never shines, according to similar data from Lunar Prospector and Clementine, two spacecraft that mapped the Moon in the mid-1990s.
If this ice could be excavated, thawed out and broken apart into hydrogen and oxygen ...Voila! Instant supplies. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, due to launch in 2008, will use modern sensors to search for deposits and pinpoint possible mining sites.
And it looks like other countries are starting to show interest in the moon as well. Could this be the beginning of an international space race?
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Rice Attends Church In China
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The "Church in China" part is what caught my eye.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a public forum in Tokyo over the weekend that she is a "deeply religious person." In Beijing, she demonstrated how faith and strategy can converge...
Rice sat in the front row of the church - also once visited by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright - which was so crowded that many worshippers had to listen on loudspeakers outside. She listened to a translation of the service wearing headphones that she removed to sing hymns she knew by heart. In keeping with local custom, she was welcomed as "Sister Rice." In the guest book at the state-sanctioned church, she wrote, "Yours in Christ."
I wonder what type of church Rice attended as China isn't known to be legally friendly towards those of faith.
Rice's visit was aimed at encouraging China to intensify efforts to bring North Korea back to the six-party table as North Korea is seeking bi-lateral talks (which some liberals have suggested before but they forget that bi-lateral talks failed under Clinton).
She also had some words for Europe who is seeking to sell weapons to China.
"It is the United States, not Europe, that is defending the Pacific," Rice said.
It seems not only is she spiritual, but that Rice is tough as well. Maybe she could run for President someday.
Yahoo Buys Out Flickr!
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(Posted on BNN)Ironic that this is also not posted on Yahoo's Blog.
Yes! We can finally confirm that Yahoo has made a definitive agreement to acquire Flickr and us, Ludicorp. Smack the tattlers and pop the champagne corks!...
Flickr will be continuing on the path it's on -- to Flickr 1.0 and beyond. We'll be working with a bunch of people that Totally Get Flickr and want to preserve the community and the flavor of what is here. We're going to grow and change, but we're in it for the long haul, with the same management and same team.
Great news for Yahoo! Although that could be bad for Google as Flickr is used by a lot of Bloggers (aka Blog Spot users) on the net. But then again, Google has Hello!.
Democrats Laughing It Up
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(Hat Tip: Blogs for Bush)The Political Teen has a video with the Democrats response towards Terri's case (and they're laughing).
Bush Backer gives his feedback about the Democrats in regards to Terri:
What I got out of that video is
A) Dems just want to take Sunday off.
B) Find their job as an annoyance
C) Think that someones death is a joking matter
D) Are Unprofessional
E) Barney Frank is very annoying
F) All of them apperaing in the confrence should be removed from Congress
G) Don't know the constitution... Death by starvation is a cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the constitution.
This was truly disgusting the dems rambled on, but didn't make sense. They also didn't mention her stand up husband probably abused her, and wants her dead, which is murder.
I concur. So much for Democrats reaching out to pro-life voters.
Michael's Confession
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(Hat Tip: The Empire Journal)Interesting...
KING: Have you had any contact with the family today? This is a sad day all the way around, Michael. We know of your dispute.
M.SCHIAVO: Ive had no contact with them.
KING: No contact at all?
M.SCHIAVO: No.
KING: Do you understand how they feel?
M.SCHIAVO: Yes, I do. But this is not about them, its about Terri. And Ive also said that in court. We didnt know what Terri wanted but this is what we want...
But wait...it gets worse.
Originally from CNN
KING: And Everyone keeps saying, Michael, I'll ask George in a minute, even if she said to you, I don't want to live like this, which is the reason you've been doing this, so what? If she's not in pain and the parents want her to be alive and you're no longer involved, so what? Why not keep her alive?
M. SCHIAVO: Because this is what Terri wanted. This is her wish...
FELOS: Each and every one of us in this country has a constitutional right to refuse medical treatment they don't want. Terri exercised that right. She made her statements clear. A court has found evidence to be convincing.
KING: Hold it Michael -- on hearsay, George, thought, the only word that she said that is Michael's, right, George?
FELOS: No. That's not correct. Because she made those statements to her best friend, Joan and also to her brother-in-law. There were three witnesses and numerous statements to those witnesses over different periods of time. I don't want to be kept alive artificially. No tubes for me. I want to go when my time comes. If I ever had to be dependent upon anyone, I wouldn't want to live that way.
I mean, Terri made her wishes clear. And that's what the court found.
M. SCHIAVO: And this is the problem...
This is a problem indeed. It seems we are going on "hear say" and Michael is pursuing a case based on words he never originally heard. This is not good to make such a confession on Larry King Live, especially since Terri's parents are fighting to keep their daughter alive. I encourage you to read the whole thing from CNN, more developments later...
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Where is Jeb Bush?
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As Terri's parents continue to fight for their daughter and bloggers unite to fight media bias many people have asked "Where is Jeb Bush?"Although Jeb Bush along with the Florida Legislature could impeach Judge Greer for breaking the law, Jeb has been fighting somewhat, at least behind the scenes in order to save Terri.
Less than 24 hours before Terri Schiavo had her feeding tube removed, Gov. Jeb Bush knew the effort to keep her alive was slipping away.
"I'm not sure we can get it done here in Florida," [U.S. senator Mel] Martinez quoted [Jeb] Bush as saying just after a new Schiavo measure stalled in the Florida Legislature. "Do whatever you can federally."
Although the article is rather old in "blog years" it is important that we do not lash out at our leaders when they don't bring back the results we desire (especially since they are trying their hardest to save Terri). Jeb may be playing his "cards" right and may have the removal of Greer as a last resort.
Although it would put an end to all of this nonsense if the media was able to get a glimpse of Terri via executive order from either of the Bush brothers, we have to "keep our heads together" in this situation and not try to do dumb things (i.e. attacking Greer) that might delegitimize our efforts to save Terri. Judge Greer will face justice someday as he has clearly broken the law and will be held accountable for his actions at a later date (along with Michael and Terri's former "doctor").
In the mean time keep pressure on your congressmen and senators as well as Jeb Bush and I will see you on the other side of victory.
Life Time Savings Accounts
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(From Financial Planning.com)No new News about Terri thus far (see Blogs for Terri for the latest updates) but in the meantime this is something that would be a bonus along side of Social Security Reform.
Two types of accounts are designed to be used together: lifetime savings accounts, aimed at boosting savings generally, and retirement savings accounts. A person could contribute $5,000 in after-tax dollars to each, for a total of $10,000 a year. Interest on the accounts earned cannot be taxed.
The accounts would have no income or age restrictions. For example, a family of four could save up to $40,000 a year. What's more, money could be withdrawn at any time from lifetime accounts.
These accounts are intended to replace your traditional IRA's, Roth IRA's, etc. because you would be able to withdraw the money (without penalty) any time that you desire. Although I would personally love to see Social Security Reform happen, this might be a solution the Democrats would accept (although with great ideas coming from these bloggers I doubt that the issue would die down easily).
(From Financial Planning.com-see source link)
"The lifetime savings account would be an excellent option for those currently eligible for individual development accounts to save money," Rep. Johnson said in a statement. "Lower-income Americans are sometimes just one paycheck away from bankruptcy, and an LSA would allow them to save for any of life's emergencies and needs in one account."
I agree. Coupled with Social Security Reform this could go a long way to helping many Americans get out of debt and towards a better life. Although their are arguments against these accounts (and one would wonder why) these are easily refuted when one looks at the benefits compared with a traditional IRA:
Now, lets compare a traditional IRA to a Lifetime Savings Account. For an LSA, there are no income restrictions of any kind; in fact, Im not required to have any income at all. It doesnt matter whether I have any retirement plans. And as long as I am alive, there are no restrictions on when I can take out the money. And there are no restrictions on what the money can be used for. And I can place up to $5,000 in the LSA or, if I can convince my generous uncle, he can put the money in a plan for me or in a plan for my child (who doesnt need to have wage income). And, now for the best part, every dime I take out of an LSA is tax-free. All earnings are tax-free! But, of course, I dont get an income tax deduction for the money I put into an LSA. I wonder how many people would still prefer an LSA?
Now, how many taxpayers will put money into an LSA? Answer: Every taxpayer who wants to have any savings for any period of time will put money into an LSA. Yes, some may spend some of the money the next day. But one doesnt have to be a genius to realize that its better to leave the money in the LSA as long as possible since all the earnings will be tax-free! Anyone who claims that the Lifetime Savings Account will not increase savings substantially is kidding himself. The real problem liberals have with LSAs is that that they will be so incredibly popular that virtually everyone will set them up! And since everyone would have LSAs, the politicians wouldnt easily be able to take them away.
Although this hasn't been given much press attention (as Terri's life is on the line and Social Security is being debated in Congress) having such account would greatly benefit the average consumer as well as those in poverty. Those refuting this idea are either scared of change or simply do not desire people taking more control over their own money (as compared to the Government handling it "for you"). After all, you earned the money, wouldn't you know how to spend it better?
Protests In Europe
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I will be updating about Terri's fight for life but will highlight some interesting things going around the world.It looks like some Europeans, despite the success of the Iraqi elections (as Omar and Mohammed could tell you) still consider Iraq a type of "Vietnam."
(From Yahoo News)
"George Bush...Uncle Sam. Iraq will be your Vietnam," chanted 45,000 protesters winding through central London as they put down a black cardboard coffin with the slogan "100,000 dead" scrawled on the lid outside the U.S. Embassy.
The protesters, marking the second anniversary of the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, called on Bush and his ally, British Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites), to pull their troops out of Iraq and restore sovereignty to its people.
Obviously these people are ignoring the success of Iraq as the bloggers who live there could probably give you a better story than the media, although it's absence in the news (the frequency that is) now-a-days is probably a result of it's success. Some pictures of the protests below.
Photo's from Yahoo News.
A demonstrator wears a mask depicting U.S. President George W. Bush during an anti-war demonstration in central London to mark the second anniversary of the start of war in Iraq, March 19, 2005. (Stephen Hird/Reuters)
Steve Liechty, from Durham, N.C., carries a mock coffin during an anti-war march, Saturday, March 19, 2005, in Fayetteville, N.C., as thousands of anti-war protesters took to the streets around the U.S. to commemorate the second anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. (AP Photo/The Fayetteville Observer, Marc Hall)
These protests were smaller than last years and it seems that Bush's victory in 2004 as well as the election in Iraq have taken the "steam out of the anti-war movement," [public defender Michael Letwin, 48]."
They can protest all they want to but all I know is that an evil dictator has been put behind bars, many Iraqi bloggers can now voice their opinion where as before they were brutally oppressed (as this picture can probably tell you).
unfortunately Protest Warrior wasn't their to heckle them with the facts as that would have made a great video. Enough of Iraq (for now)...and more about Terri.
More Good News! (Terri Schiavo)
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Congressional leaders said Saturday they reached a compromise that would call on federal courts to decide Terri Schiavo's fate, as emotions swelled outside the hospice where the brain-damaged woman spent her second day without a feeding tube.
The measure would effectively take Schiavo's fate out of Florida state courts, where judges ordered the feeding tube removed on Friday, and allow Schiavo's parents to take their case to a federal judge. DeLay said that would likely mean restoration of the feeding tube "for as long as this appeal endures."
Hopefully I can find a video link later. Will continue to update on the situation. Keep praying and drop Terri's parents some encouragement if you have time.
Never Give Up!
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(Hat Tip: Cao's Blog, GOP Bloggers, Pro Life Blogs)It seems the whole world is changing before my eyes...and all I did was pray!
"We are confident this compromise addresses everyone's concerns, we are confident it will provide Mrs. Schiavo a clear and appropriate avenue for appeal in federal court, and most importantly, we are confident this compromise will restore nutrition and hydration to Mrs. Schiavo as long as that appeal endures," [Tom Delay] said.
The Black Kettle has another scoop regarding Patricia Heaten and even Captains Quarters seems all over this issue. More about the bill below.
Update: I forgot about this video link. Check it out!
From Fox News:
The compromise was similar to a Senate bill passed Thursday that would let a federal court review the state judge's decision in the Schiavo case. House Republicans had favored broader legislation that applied similar cases that questioned the legality of withholding food or medical treatment from people who are incapacitated.
Schiavo's feeding tube was disconnected Friday afternoon. Schiavo, 41, could linger for one to two weeks if no one intercedes and gets the tube reinserted.
Life is getting better. After a little sleep, some prayer and work today, it seems that the forces for good (i.e. those who value life) are still in the fight, while those for "ungood" aka evil (i.e. culture of death) may soon be on the defensive again. Will keep this updated and I am looking forward towards Terri's appearence before the world in less than nine days. Selah!
Supreme Court Denies House Committee
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Outrageous!The U.S. Supreme Court late Friday denied without comment a House committee emergency request to have Terri Schiavo's feeding tube reinserted. The decision came after the committee requested the court's ruling in order to buy time as lower court appeals on subpoenas issued by the committee are considered.
I guess our brave Republican Leaders will not be working through the weekend after all. It looks like we might have to move towards "Plan B," something I do not endorse in it's entirity as I mentioned before.
I guess the last thing to do for tonight (or rather today) is pray for Terri. I think I will record this on my journal before going to bed. Take a good look at this picture...never forget.
Photo from Fox News
And for those of you wondering...I still haven't given up!
Friday, March 18, 2005
House Appealing To Supreme Court!
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Hot off the Press! From the Guardian Unlimited:Schiavo, 41, could linger one to two weeks without the tube, provided no one intercedes and gets it reinserted - as happened twice before. Late Friday, the House committee that issued the subpoenas filed an emergency request at the U.S. Supreme Court, asking justices to reinsert Schiavo's feeding tube while the committee files appeals in the lower courts to have its subpoenas recognized.
CBS is also reporting a similar story (you gotta love Google News!)
"The ticket to the future is always open." ~Rem Saverem
Update: Our Republican heros are going to be working through the weekend in order to help save Terri. And you wonder why I am a GOP Blogger.
CBS News:
Late Friday, the House committee that issued the subpoenas filed an emergency request at the U.S. Supreme Court, asking justices to reinsert Schiavo's feeding tube while the committee files appeals in the lower courts to have its subpoenas recognized.
Meanwhile, Republican congressional leaders said in a statement that they planned to work through the weekend to try to save Terri Schiavo's life.
Great News! I might be up for a while tonight! Keep praying and also keep up the pressure! Is there anybody out there?
House Trying To Save Terri!
[Expand Full Post] [Media Source*]
From Fox News!Late Friday, a House committee filed an emergency request at the U.S. Supreme Court, asking justices to reinsert Schiavo's feeding tube while the committee files appeals in the lower courts to have its subpoenas recognized.
Never give up. Never ever give up.
Photo from Fox News/AP
I'm still in the fight. Where is everybody else? (Don't tell me that it has gone "all quiet on the front" already?)
Republican Repercussions?
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(Hat Tip: Blogs for Terri, Hyscience, Michelle Malkin, Blogs for Bush, GOP Bloggers and if I forgot you let me know via email!)Interesting perspective from the Opinion Journal:
Here's both a political and a public-relations reality: The Republican Party controls the Senate, the House and the White House. The Republicans are in charge. They have the power. If they can't save this woman's life, [Terri Schiavo] they will face a reckoning from a sizable portion of their own base. And they will of course deserve it.
I don't think the Republicans (as well as a few brave Democrats) who desperately tried to save Terri will suffer in future elections, but for those Republicans out there who did nothing (i.e. were silent) I would recommend joining Tom Daschle and Bob Dole career wise as theirs may not last long in the "Sun Shine State." (and believe me, we will find those cowards)
Blogs for Bush gives one "side effect" in the event that Terri is allowed to starve by Judical decree:
If Terri Schiavo's feeding tube is removed by court order, the Republican base is not going to respond by voting Republicans out of office for not being able to stop it. In fact, it is more likely the Republican base will be as charged as ever to increase the Republican majority in the Senate so that Bush can appoint more conservative leaning judges to the courts.
I would rather have outrage with Terri alive though than having her become a martyr. It seems like a lot of offices are closing for "the weekend" as many politicians head home, probably to a big dinner of some type. Starving myself won't bring Terri's tube back, but perhaps a fax storm to our favorite congressman (as well as Judge Greer and friends in Florida) might awaken some dead consciences.
Jeb Bush is going to have to answer to a rather angry audience as to why he did not take a more aggressive roll in defending Terri as it appears to me that laws were broken here, here and especially here (I sense a conspiracy is trying to cover up this issue as The Empire Journal must have struck a nerve somewhere as they were finding some very shocking details about this case). Stay tuned to Blogs for Terri as they will give the latest scoop on this issue.
If Our Judicial And Legislative Branches Fail...
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....should we perhaps try contacting our Executive Branch when it comes to justice and truth?President Bush already favors on the side of "life" and since it seems that his brother Jeb has run out of options (at least that seems that way to me) perhaps a call to the White House may get some attention (phone: 202-456-1111, fax: 202-456-2461)
"Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." [Sir Winston Churchill]
President Bush:
The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected - and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.
Keep calling guys (and gals)...and pray!
"It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required." [Sir Winston Churchill]
Do Democrats Care About Terri?
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I am not very happy with the "concern" factor with the Democratic Senators. I've called several so far (including Hillary and Reid) and they are always "looking into the situation" or monitering from afar. Why don't they just look at the videos? Any video will do!How about the one with Terri interacting with her father or responding towards her mother? Since when can PVS respond towards music? For the love of all that is great in world, does anybody realize a conscious woman is about to be starved to death?
Update: I just called Senator Lieberman and according to one of their staff members the Judge can over rule the Subpoena (although I'll have to consult someone with legal expertise to verify this). Ironically out of all the Senators I called, Lieberman's staff seem to be the most on top of things (also as a side note he opposes the removal for the tube so props for him).
For those of you with heart CALL YOUR SENATOR today! (as well as those Democrats who just don't care!)
Tube Is Out!
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(Hat Tip: Black Kettle, and Blogs for Terri)The presiding judge in the case of Terri Schiavo ruled Friday that the feeding tube keeping the brain-damaged woman alive must be removed despite efforts by congressional Republicans to block the move by seeking her appearance at hearings.
"I have had no cogent reason why the (congressional) committee should intervene," Pinellas Circuit Court Judge George Greer told attorneys in a conference call, adding that last-minute action by Congress does not invalidate years of court rulings.
Now we have a legal tug-of-war. Terri (along with her "caring Husband") is being subpoenaed to appear before congress on March 25th and 28th? How in the world is she going to appear before them if she is dead? Urging all to CALL YOUR SENATOR now!
Update: Is it me, or does it seem that Fox News is not getting the memo that Terri is not in PVS?! Come on Fox, even MSNBC is portraying the story correctly (not to mention CBS)
Senator Reid (Unfit To Command)
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It isn't just the lack of vision regarding Social Security reform, or his immature threats to shut down Congress if his party doesn't get their way, but the pathetic cowardance of Reid to get involved to save Terri's life (who is not in PVS).Ironically it seems Bobby Schindler was "given the cold shoulder" when lobbying for his sister!
"I'm not sure. We lobbied senators all week and thought we had the support of senators like Mr. Schumer, but today, a small handful, including Mr. Reid and Mr. Schumer, have decided to hold out their support for saving my sister, and innocent woman, from death by starvation."
When I called Senator Reid's office it sounded like they were taking a "poll" instead of trying to investigate the facts of whether or not Terri was indeed PVS.
It seems they did not want to make this a "political" issue. Since when does one refrain from saving someone's life because it might appear political? Reid's cowardance in this case will not be forgotten when his time to be reelected comes up, as it seems he has forgotten some of his pro-life values.
With obvious failures of leadership in the Senate for Democrats (having no vision for Social Security, throwing a tantrum with threats to shut down Congress, delaying support for Terri) it seems clear to me that Reid is unfit to command his party as their future doesn't look to bright with many GOP victories, including this one. Selah.
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