The Cause Is Us: World on Verge of Sixth Extinction | Common Dreams

The Cause Is Us: World on Verge of Sixth Extinction | Common Dreams



BYE, BYE, MISS AMERICAN PIE

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Don't exist.
Live.
Get out, explore.
Thrive.
Challenge authority. Challenge yourself.
Evolve.
Change forever.
Become who you say you always will. Keep moving. Don't stop. Start the revolution. Become a freedom fighter. Become a superhero. Just because everyone doesn't know your name doesn't mean you don't matter.
Are you happy? Have you ever been happy? What have you done today to matter? Did you exist or did you live? How did you thrive?
Become a chameleon-fit in anywhere. Be a rockstar-stand out everywhere. Do nothing, do everything. Forget everything, remember everyone. Care, don't just pretend to. Listen to everyone. Love everyone and nothing at the same time. Its impossible to be everything,but you can't stop trying to do it all.
All I know is that I have no idea where I am right now. I feel like I am in training for something, making progress with every step I take. I fear standing still. It is my greatest weakness.
I talk big, but often don't follow through. That's my biggest problem. I don't even know what to think right now. It's about time I start to take a jump. Fuck starting to take. Just jump-over everything. Leap.
It's time to be aggressive. You've started to speak your mind, now keep going with it, but not with the intention of sparking controversy or picking a germane fight. Get your gloves on, it's time for rebirth. There IS no room for the nice guys in the history books.
THIS IS THE START OF A REVOLUTION. THE REVOLUTION IS YOUR LIFE. THE GOAL IS IMMORTALITY. LET'S LIVE, BABY. LET'S FEEL ALIVE AT ALL TIMES. TAKE NO PRISONERS. HOLD NO SOUL UNACCOUNTABLE, ESPECIALLY NOT YOUR OWN. IF SOMETHING DOESN'T HAPPEN, IT'S YOUR FAULT.
Make this moment your reckoning. Your head has been held under water for too long and now it is time to rise up and take your first true breath.
Do everything with exact calculation, nothing without meaning. Do not make careful your words, but make no excuses for what you say. Fuck em' all. Set a goal for everyday and never be tired.”
― Brian Krans, A Constant Suicide

KEEP THE FAITH AS BEST YOU CAN

To all those persons who are busting their butts trying to make ends meet on a minimum wage job, you are to be admired and congratulated. Yours is a tough time and an exploited one. To all single mothers who must spend all of your money on health-care, child-care, and keeping an old beater running, keep your head held high and your spirit up. Look out for yourself and your children. Take the best employment deal you can find. Don't worry about loyalty, the employer won't. Things can get better. Don't apologize for nothing. This is not an easy time. We have stepped back into the Dark ages, thanks to right-wing, Republican, so called Christians. Keep the faith. Do not accept the line of bull they are spreading. It is evil, demeaning, humiliating, and unjust. We will defeat them.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

I'm not sure where I heard this, but it is a great line to sum up the slave labor situation that we have going on in our prison system. "Orange is the new black." The Prison Industrial Complex.

PEEVE NUMBER 164

I’m sitting here writing the Peeves on my back porch in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. I have mixed emotions about living among people who have money. They’re all right-wing, Republicans. I’m probably the only Democrat in a twenty-five mile radius. While I’m not happy about listening to how ungrateful the poor are, or how much they steal from the rich on such worthless things as health-care, housing, or food, it does bring a smile to my face to be in such fertile Peeving territory.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"WE HAVE NOT ENDED RACIAL CASTE IN AMERICA; WE HAVE MERELY REDESIGNED IT."
The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE ON THE DECLINE

We have a lousy bunch of Directors, a reasonable but unapproachable general manager, and a committee system full of a bunch of POA lackeys.
The only reasonable director I can see is Frank Leeming. He voted against holding secret meetings, and against changing the covenants without a resident vote. Jeff Adkins also voted against both proposals. No votes were correct in both instances. It is clear the Directors believe they know what is best for us, without our consent. I believe it would be best to get rid of most of them, starting the next election.
I have tried repeatedly to get a proposal to the general manager, but have not been able to get past his secretary. She apparently protects him from things she thinks he would rather not deal with. When I e-mail him something, I expect him to get it and him to answer. Anything less is unacceptable.
As for the committee structure, well, let's just say it appears less than effective. They want us to give suggestions which the staff and directors may or may not accept. In fact, suggestions may not get to the directors. All in all, my experience so far would give it a D-. We could be so much more than we are, if we only had some descent leadership. I think the general manager is doing a good job so far, but will eventually be reigned in by our directors, mostly conservative, right-wing Republicans, who look to the past rather than the future for our salvation.

An Assault from Obama’s Escalating War on Journalism | Common Dreams

An Assault from Obama’s Escalating War on Journalism | Common Dreams



An Obamanation.

We’re SO Not #1

We’re SO Not #1

Snowden: Exposing NSA Overreach an Act of Civil Disobedience | Common Dreams

Snowden: Exposing NSA Overreach an Act of Civil Disobedience | Common Dreams

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I DON'T BELIEVE THERE'S ANY PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTRY, NO MATTER HOW TOUGH IT IS, THAT AMERICANS, WHEN THEY ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES, CAN'T COMPLETELY IGNORE."

George Carlin

TOM COTTON HAS NOTHING BUT HIS MILITARY EXPERIENCE TO RUN ON, WHICH IS PROBABLY BEING VASTLY OVERSTATED

All the commercials Tom Cotton, candidate for the U.S. Senate in Arkansas, makes are about his military experience. He has nothing else to run on. He doesn't say anything about any of his votes in the House. He has supported raising the age of Medicare to 70, to privatize social security, and twice has stated that we should have entered into war with Syria and Russia. This is a demonstration of a serious lack of restraint and judgement. It would be a serious blow to Arkansas to elect this reckless lawyer as our Senator. He's got nothing but the wrong stuff. If he wins, I'm moving to a state that don't grow Cotton.

Snowden: The US Government Trained Me As a Spy | Common Dreams

Snowden: The US Government Trained Me As a Spy | Common Dreams

THE ALCHEMY OF POSITIVE DOUBT

 I have always thought that being a conservative would be an awful way to lead one's life. Conservatives have always struck me as people who are not very excited about the possibilities of life. They prefer things as they were. They are hesitant to try new ideas, new pathways, new ways of looking at old problems. They need everything written down in neatly displayed columns. No deviations. They prefer that old time religion, smacking with sexism and homophobia. I have never seen any conservative initiatives that would move things forward. They all go backward, towards "the good old days." I have personally never felt that thinking conservatively would allow me to reach me greatest potential, which at a minimum is casting positive doubt on anything done in the name of right-wing ideology. Some alchemists try to change base metals into precious ones. I try to change the status quo into chaos.

DISGUISES

• I woke up this morning disguised as someone who gives a damn.
• Most of our holidays have become disguises for military recruitment. Watch for Santa in fatigues this year.
• A pretty woman uses a disguise to fool old age. A man usually uses a pretty, young woman.
• Freedom and justice are often disguised as a flag and a song.
• The rich disguise themselves as better and more capable than the rest of us.
• My golf game is disguised as an opportunity to rant and rave and cuss like some uncivilized barbarian.
• Many for-profit, money mongering charities disguise themselves as nonprofit, caring agencies.
• The truth disguises itself as absolute and attainable.
• Many a politician disguises him or herself as a human being.
• I wore a disguise all day yesterday. No one noticed.

TEN THINGS TO DO IN THE VILLAGE

1. If you're really bored, count the number of right-wing Republicans.
2. If you don't have much time, count the Democrats.
3. You can go to eat. It's usually busy during the "early bird" specials. People are still awake.
4. I like reading The Village Voice. I'm not sure if it's a religious journal, a military story-book, or a POA publicity stunt.
5. You can go golfing. The price isn't bad if you own property. Of course, the price of the property is bad, so you probably come out even. 
6. You can go fishing, although there are better lakes not very far away.
7. How about joining a club? We got all sorts of clubs. We even got a club that teaches you how to start clubs.
8. I like to walk the trails. We got a lot of nice trails. Of course, none of them really lead anywhere, but what the hell.
9. I like to go to POA meetings, but they are a lot less interesting now that the general manager is gone. I started a game online to guess why he got the axe. So far, misuse of credit card is ahead, but being an asshole is a close second. 
10. I love to drive DeSoto. It's a challenge better than a video game. Between the road itself, with its dips and curves, and the drivers, old and older, it can turn a dull, boring day into an adventure.

War Is A Racket: A Few Profit, and the Many Pay, Still | Common Dreams

War Is A Racket: A Few Profit, and the Many Pay, Still | Common Dreams

MEMORIAL DAY

Remember, war is never good. It always ends in sadness. Our returning veterans deserve to be taken care of. We conveniently forget the obligations we make.

OLD

Old gives you certain privileges that the young are denied, like Alzheimer's, or farts that go beyond the usual.

SOME DAYS, LIFE JUST EATS AT YOU

The money lenders want paid, the boss wants more hours, the kids need dinner, the car need fixin', the old body aches, and I'll be damned if the rent's not due. They want all of what you got, but they can't take away who you are, or what you think.

SUNDAY MORNING HYMN: Jade Castrinos at Peacelink Live 11.11.11 (of Edward Sharpe & the Magnet...

A SUNDAY PROCLAMATION

I HEAR COTTON CONTINUES TO BE ON THE DECLINE IN ARKANSAS. THANK GOD.

WELL-ARRANGED LIVES

WE ARE A PEOPLE OF PRIVILEGE AND ENTITLEMENT. WE ARE AMONG THE HAVES---WE HAVE EDUCATION, CONNECTIONS, POWER, AND WEALTH. TOO OFTEN WE ARE INDULGENT AND SELF-SUFFICIENT CONSUMERS. WE SPEAK OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. SOMETIMES WE OFFER GOD LITURGIES OF DISREGARD, LITANIES OF SELVES MADE TOO BIG. BUT WE HEAR FAINT REMINDERS OF A BETTER WAY.

Prayers for a Privileged People, Walter Brueggemann

Judge to US Govt: Hand over Secret Video of Torturous Force-Feedings | Common Dreams

Judge to US Govt: Hand over Secret Video of Torturous Force-Feedings | Common Dreams



Criminal behavior by our government.

A Radical Seed Grows in Jackson, Miss. | Common Dreams

A Radical Seed Grows in Jackson, Miss. | Common Dreams

PEEVER LAW #89

THE LONGER YOU TRY TO HOLD IT, THE LESS YOU SLEEP.

FUNNY, IN A TRUTHFUL SORT OF WAY

The Snowden Saga Begins: “I Have Been to the Darkest Corners of Government, and What They Fear Is Light” | Common Dreams

The Snowden Saga Begins: “I Have Been to the Darkest Corners of Government, and What They Fear Is Light” | Common Dreams

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"People say that they can't make food at home that tastes as good as the restaurant. They're really saying that they don't know or understand principles of enhanced flavor."

Robert Hall, chef

SPEAKING OF LOVE

• Love comes in a variety of flavors, none of them violent.
• Love has been misused and abused so much that it is hard to tell the real deal from make-believe.
• Love means having to say you're sorry, probably countless times.
• Never get married just for love, cause it can wear awful thin, awful quick.
• They say love makes the world go 'round. I'm betting on gravity.
• Love can take you a long way. Unfortunately, sometimes it's down the wrong road.
• Still, if I had to choose between love and hate, I'd take love. I hate hate.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

THEY SAY AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY. I SAY A PEEVE A DAY KEEPS EVERYONE AWAY.

The Peever

Jim Hightower | Some Congress critters deserve a permanent vacation

Jim Hightower | Some Congress critters deserve a permanent vacation

BENEDICTION

Blessing for Mothering Sunday

May the Lord who brought us to birth by his Spirit,

strengthen us for the Christian life.

May the Lord who provides for all our needs

sustain us day by day.

May the Lord whose steadfast love is constant as a mother's care,

send us out to live and work for others.

And the blessing of God Almighty.

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be with you and remain with you always. Amen.

SUNDAY MORNING HYMN: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Teach Your Children

SUNDAY MORNING SERMON-MOTHER'S DAY

Mother's day. A day to give thanks to our mother's. But not always. Some mothers are not worthy of praise, only forgiveness. This is a good day to do that, if necessary.

My mother was a good, kind person. She didn't cast aspersions on anyone; I didn't hear her spread gossip; she would do what she could to help me, her only child, stay on track.

I miss her. I didn't do enough or say enough, to let her know how much I loved her. This would be one of my biggest regrets. If you have the chance to let your mother know how grateful you are for her, now is the time, and today is the day.

SUNDAY MORNING HYMN: Bruce Springsteen - Waitin' on a Sunny Day

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER-CHILDREN ON MOTHER'S DAY

We are children today of many mothers,
      some of us grateful and glad,
      some of us cynical and defeated,
      all of us living lives that are pure gift
           from you and for you.

As we give thanks for our mothers,
    so we think of children whom you treasure
                          and invite close in.
    For newborn babies arriving in these restless days,
    for children loved and lost awhile---
       Joshua, Charles, Michael, Sophie, and a world of others,
    for children born feeble and troubled
                  and loved in their need,
    for children infused with napalm and
                  and shrapnel and hate and fire,
    for children who know the sharp edge of Pharaoh and Herod,
                  and a thousand other uneasy men of force.

In the midst of this parade of innocence,
    we submit all the treasured children of the world to you,
    that they may prosper, and that we may become more fully
       your daughters and sons,
       children of your commandments,
       recipients of your gifts,
       bearers of your hope.

You have said, "Let the little children come."
Here we are---yours...
                                  that we may receive your nurture
                                                             and your discipline.

Walter Brueggemann, Prayers for a Privileged People

PEEVER LAW #85

DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK.

Jurors' Remorse | Common Dreams

Jurors' Remorse | Common Dreams



Day after day, more of the same. Gross stupidity. Justice, one of life's finer purchases.

TEN WAYS TO TELL IF YOU ARE A RIGHT-WING, CHRISTIAN, REPUBLICAN

1. You picture God as a white male, about age 58.
2. You take everything in the Bible literally, except the part about not killing.
3. If anyone suggests there might be other relevant religions besides Christianity, you turn homicidal.
4. You get Moses and Charlton Heston confused.
5. You think Rush Limbaugh is a prophet.
6. You figure the American flag might well have been the original shroud.
7. Anyone who don't think like you is the enemy.
8. Liberalism has this hopeful, compassionate, caring quality to it that you despise.
9. You're good at maintaining a position of ignorance and close-mindedness.
10. Look in a mirror. If it doesn't cast a reflection, don't say I didn't warn you.

Pope Francis Calls for 'Legitimate Redistribution' of Wealth | Common Dreams

Pope Francis Calls for 'Legitimate Redistribution' of Wealth | Common Dreams



Redistributing wealth is the only answer for defeating capitalism. Everything else is paying only lip service to the problem. 

Walmart Worker to Obama: 'Help Us' | Common Dreams

Walmart Worker to Obama: 'Help Us' | Common Dreams



Obama will not take on the worlds largest retailer.  Not near enough guts. 

Sweet (Black) Miss Sully, 93, Shot to Death By Idiot (White) Cop, 28 | Common Dreams

Sweet (Black) Miss Sully, 93, Shot to Death By Idiot (White) Cop, 28 | Common Dreams



More criminal stupidity from the cops. Give them a gun, and they got about all the brains they need.

Tech Giants Blast FCC Chairman's Attack on "Free and Open Internet" | Common Dreams

Tech Giants Blast FCC Chairman's Attack on "Free and Open Internet" | Common Dreams



More of the same. Please, public, keep quiet and let us ruin the world.