Progress

Here is an informative Website: http://ThinkProgress.org.

Today I attended a Seminar sponsored by a Life Coach. A group of us talked about the information contained in the Book: Life is a Do-Over. Cindy Clemens the Author was there, and I felt that the Seminar was very motivational.

Iraq

Are you opposed to the Quagmire in Iraq? Here are some resources that are unlikely to be advertised by the Mainstream Media: http://Objector.org, http://MFSO.org, http://NLG.org, http://Quakerhouse.org.

Web Beacons

I don't use Yahoo, but I have just received word about the Web Beacons they use. It seems that if someone is part of a Yahoo User Group, that Yahoo not only tracks that person while they are on Yahoo, but also on outside Websites as well. Scary, isn't it! Is possible for a Search Engine to exist without selling out to the Establishment?

T-Shirt

I produced a T-Shirt yesterday (with the help of a local shop) that says, Social Justice Coalition in White Letters, on a Navy Blue Background. It looks quite good! When I get more money, I will sell this type of T-Shirt at cost, to those who are interested.

I am recommending two blogs that are written by the same person: http://rocrebelgranny.blogspot.com/, http://isamericaburning.blogspot.com/.

Best Friends

I had dinner with several people yesterday who work for the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This seems like a good organization that deserves support. Here is the website: http://BestFriends.org.

I saw Brokeback Mountain on Saturday. Although it isn't the type of Movie, I would normally see, I chose to see it in order to financially reward the Movie Theater in Southern Utah that actually had the guts to show it!

New Job

I was out of work, for 3 hours yesterday. I got a new Job working for a Tile and Marble company.

For those who are interested in Privacy Issues, I recommend: http://Epic.org.

I still haven't seen Brokeback Mountain. I am going to see it tonight.

Layed Off

I got layed off today, which is a nice way of saying I got fired.

Today us Democrats in Washington County, Utah, are planning on seeing the Movie "Brokeback Mountain", in order to get on the Conservatives Last Nerve.

I approve of Google standing up to the Bush Administration on Privacy Issues. I just wish they were as courageous with the Chinese Government.

There is more turmoil in the Middle East. Iran is withdrawing their money from European Banks, and is also considering reducing their output of Oil.

Impromptu Speaking

I gave my Impromptu Speech yesterday. When I was giving my speech, I thought nobody liked it. However, after my speech everyone complimented me, and said I did a good job. The topic I spoke about was Science Fiction. That was the topic that was chosen from the 5 strips of paper. If you are wondering about the strips of paper, please read yesterdays post.

One interesting thing about the State of Utah, is that Utah has the highest Bankruptcy Rate in the Nation. I'm not sure why this is. I like to badger Conservatives by telling them it's due to lack of Family Planning.

Toastmasters International

I'm on my way to a Toastmasters Meeting. I will be be giving a 5-7 minute impromptu speech. According to my Manual, I will write down 5 different subjects on different slips of paper that I am Knowledgeable about, and give those topics to my Speech Evaluator. Then my Speech Evaluator will select at random, which of those topics I should speak on, to the group. Wish me Luck!

It is essential that Progressives do well in this years Mid-Term Elections. Please note that Joe Lieberman is not a Progressive Candidate.

Although I have never had any personal dealings with Heifer International: http://Heifer.org, they seem to be a good Organization. That is why I am posting their Website for the 2nd time.

Study Group

On Sunday I attended a Bahai Study Group for the 2nd time. They gave me some new Literature to read, but I haven't looked at it yet. When I attend their meetings, they provide a very nice lunch.

On Sunday Evening and Monday Evening I attended Democratic Organizational Meetings for Washington County in Utah. We are trying to recruit Democratic Candidates for this area.

I will be attending a Seminar sponsored by Cindy Clemens on January 28th. Cindy Clemens is a Life Coach.

Cindy

Here is Cindy Clemens Website: http://CindyClemens.com.

EMail

I finally got caught up on my EMail! At least temporarily.

I have been reading a book that was written by Cindy Clemens. I think it's called: Life is a Do-Over. Anyway I purchased the book directly from the Author, several days ago, and am impressed with her ideas.

Samuel Alito

I have been listening to some of the Samuel Alito Confirmation Hearings the last few days on NPR. Although I personally don't want him to be confirmed, I think we should be asking an even more important question. Why should members of the Supreme Court be confirmed for life? Thomas Jefferson suggested that Justices should only serve for 12 years, and I believe that 10 years is sufficient. I got in an argument with a fellow yesterday over this very issue. He told me that what I was saying was an opinion, and that what he was saying was fact. He got a smug expression on his face, when he told me this. However, he almost fainted when I told him that what he thought were facts, were his Personal Opinions also. I try to be nice, but some people make it difficult!

Heifer International

I keep hearing good things about Heifer International! Everyone from Barbara Kingsolver, to Business Magazines are praising them. I will definitely keep learning more about this organization, since they want to help the poor, and also encourage people to farm Organically! Here is there Website: http://Heifer.org.

Yesterday I attended a Bahai Study Group. I told them that although I feel they have alot of good Ideas, I don't think I would ever join their Religion, since they discourage Political Involvement. I do however plan to attend their study group, next Sunday.

Tom Delay

Wow! It has sure taken Tom Delay a while to confront Reality! He finally resigned from his Majority Leader post, only when Fellow Republicans circulated a petition, asking him to resign. If Tom Delay knew how to do anything besides laundering money, he would resign from Congress also.

Even though I'm Technologically Illiterate, I can see that Podcasting, and similar Technologies are the wave of the future. Although I don't Podcast yet, I would recommend that us Progressively-Minded People take advantage of these New Technologies to get our Message out!

11 Soldiers Killed

11 American Soldiers were killed in a single day in Iraq. When will the American Public wake up and realize that our troops are on a suicidal mission. Let's bring the troops home now!

Toastmasters Meeting

The Toastmasters Meeting went great yesterday. We had lively conversation, and did some impromptu speaking.

Toastmasters Club

I'm on my way to a Toastmasters Meeting. Although I have written about Toastmasters before on this Blog, I want my readers to know that Toastmasters is not only a great way to improve your Public Speaking Skills, but also a great way to improve ones Leadership Skills as well.
I believe that those of us with Progressive Ideas, can increase the likelihood of getting these important thoughts across to others by learning what the Toastmasters Club has to offer.

Daughter

I went to see my daughter yesterday. I takes over 2 hours to drive to her house. This is much better than when she lived in Seattle. We had a great visit.

How about Jack Abramoff? I bet a lot of people are squirming, in Congress. President Bush Even accepted $100,000 from Mr. Abramoff, according to what I heard on NPR today.

I'm probably going to go to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Saturday. I'm not sure how much the Tickets will cost.

George Wythe College

Something interesting actually happened in Southern Utah yesterday. One of the local Talk Radio Hosts (Bryan Hyde) quit his job, in order to attend a College that I had never heard of. The School, George Wythe College: http://gwc.edu, is an extremely small, unacredited College. Since Bryan Hyde ocassionaly had the guts to critisize President Bush; I will miss listening to him on the Radio.

I am still doing some research on the Christian Taliban in America, and around the World. I ask my readers to be patient.

Ahmad Chalabi

Something good finally happened in Iraq. Ahmad Chalabi was voted out of office. For those who don't know who this fellow is, simply look up the word opportunist, and you will find Ahmad Chalabi's picture.

According to Mother Jones Magazine there is a Conservative Christian movement referred to as Christian Reconstruction that should be scrutinized. I am doing further research on this topic for my readers.

Mother Jones

The last couple of days I have been reading Mother Jones Magazine (December Issue). This Issue focuses on The Christian Right. I Will write more about the Christian Right soon.

Comedy Club

On Christmas Eve I went to a Comedy Club in Las Vegas. There were 3 Comedians who were all very funny! They were all making fun of the audience, accusing us of being atheists, since we were watching their performance, instead of being at home with our families on Christmas Eve.

It looks like there is going to be a Western States Primary at the Presidential Level in 2008. Utah has already budgeted $850,000 for this, and it looks like New Mexico, and Arizona, want to participate also.

Ted Stevens

Some people grower wiser with age, but Senator Ted Stevens simply becomes more Wrong-Headed. At 82, you would think he would simply retire, but he seems to live on for the sole purpose of attempting to destroy the Environment. At least he was thwarted this time!

Arctic Drilling

Arctic Drilling has once again been blocked. I really do believe in Santa Claus now! For more information: http://charcoalmoon.blogspot.com/2005/12/dems-grow-backbone.html.

General Motors

If anyone has any money invested in General Motors, I would recommend selling your investment. It looks as if GM will probably go Bankrupt. Kirk Kerkorian sold 12 Million of his own shares recently. This is not a good sign.

The Renewal of the Patriot Act received a setback recently in the U.S. Senate. Also Artic Drilling was also temporarily blocked in the Senate. It looks like this is going to be a good Christmas, after all!

First

I played in my First Chess Tournament last Saturday. I tied for first with two other Competitors in the Unrated Category. My total prize money amounted to 16 dollars. I plan on playing in more Chess Tournaments.

Evo Morales has been elected President of Bolivia. He claims to be striving for Social Justice. I will be watching his Presidency with interest. Hopefully he will be a good Leader for the people of Bolivia.

Did anyone read about the Protests against the WTO (World Trade Organization) in Hong Kong? It sounded like the Korean Protesters were the most energetic.

Chess Tournament

On Saturday I will be playing in my first Chess Tournament. Although I'm not expecting to beat the Grandmasters, I do expect to do well for an unrated player. To play in the tournament I will have to join the U.S. Chess Federation. The good part about joining, is that I will receive a monthly Chess Magazine. During the tournament I will play 5 opponents throughout the day. Wish me Luck!

An aquaintance of mine asked me if I ever write anything about China on my Blog. I told him that I haven't, but that I ought to.

Today my family, and I celebrated my Step-Dad's 74th Birthday. He was in the Hospital, so we brought him an Ice Cream Birthday Cake, that we purchased at Dairy Queen. That reminds me; I better put the Cake in the freezer before it melts.

Tookie Williams

I see that many of the Conservative Blogs are mocking Tookie Williams. It seems to me that regardless of how you felt about the man, that showing disrespect for someone who is going to be executed, shows incredibly poor taste. I suppose that expecting maturity from Conservative Bloggers, is asking for something that will never be.

Narnia

Yesterday I went to see Chronicles of Narnia. The Movie was quite good. I had previously seen TV Versions that were good also. I must admit that I never finished reading any of the Narnia Books, although I have read other books by C.S. Lewis.

One of my Russian Friends e-mailed me something interesting about Christmas. In Russia they celebrate Christmas on January 7th.

Today I was thinking about the variety of Religions in the World today, and I was trying to figure out what would make the (Ideal Religion). Here are my thoughts:

#1 No paid Clergy.

#2 Encourages their members to take part in Politics.

#3 Allows their members to decide who or what God is.

#4 Has a genuinely Ecumenical Approach.

#5 Gives Alms to the Poor.

#6 Has a decentralized Hierarchy.

#7 Teaches Ethical Concepts rather than Dogma.

Blogging

To get the latest info about the Blogging Convention that will be held in NYC, here is a link: http://Xpatriatedtexan.blogspot.com/.

I will be participating in my first Chess Tournament on December 17th. So if my Blog has some references to Chess, over the next week, it just means I'm trying to share with my readers some of the excitement of one of my hobbies!

Interfaith

I attended my first organizing meeting for the Interfaith Expo. Since I actually have to work, I missed most of the meeting, but got there in time to have a few cookies, and introduce myself to some of the other organizers. I'm looking forward to helping put on the Interfaith Expo.

Convention

In a previous post, I said that I was going to hold a Blogging Convention. However, today I discovered that someone else is already working on this project. So I'm going to help sponsor and attend a fantastic Blogging Convention, that will take place in New York City: http://Progressivefaithblogcon.com.

Sorry

Sorry that I didn't post yesterday, but I was having technical difficulties with my blog.

Yesterday evening I was watching the trial of Saddam Hussein on C-SPAN. Can you say Kangaroo Court? It was obvious that the Presiding Judge had a very cynical attitude about the whole trial. He was even extremely rude, and abrupt when he spoke with Ramsey Clark. Of course my local newspaper: http://thespectrum.com, didn't have any articles that adequately covered the sham trial that I witnessed on C-SPAN.

The Conservative Talk Radio Personalities are still beating the Dead Horse, they refer to as the War on Christmas. I suppose if they ever stopped raising false issues, they might have to deal with serious things like Republican Money Laundering, How rendition differs from torture, what are the details regarding secret CIA Dungeons, and how does Predatory Lending Practices benefit the American Economy?

Here are some interesting websites for my readers: http://Billmon.org/, http://Thismodernworld.com/.

War on Christmas

What is up with these Conservatives? I was attending a Christmas Church Service with a dozen Community of Christ people in someones home. The service was going fine untill the most Conservative fellow in the group started droning on about how the Liberals weren't supporting the War in Iraq, and how everyone was conspiring to subvert Christmas. It wouldn't have been so bad, but nearly everyone in the group began agreeing with him. So the next time you think that the Conservative Noise Machine doesn't have any effect on people, just remember the experience that I had today.

Here is a Website that seems to be willing to tackle important issues: http://Pandagon.net/.

Access to Information

There is fantastic information on the Internet. The only problem is continually weeding through the continual blabbering of the Conservative Noise Machine. Even though I detest Conservative Propaganda, we should occasionally research what they are up to, so that we are able to counter their corrupt Strategy, and Tactics.

Here are some progressive Websites that my readers will be interested in seeing: http://Huffingtonpost.com, http://Commondreams.org.

Also here is a link, for the Sundance Film Festival: http://Sundance.org.

Sundance

I will be attending the Sundance Film Festival. Probably only for a day or two.

Igor Ivanov

A few weeks ago, Chess Grandmaster (Igor Ivanov) died. He was someone who tried to help me improve my Chess Game, over the last 3 months. He jokingly would refer to me, as his favorite Liberal.

Blogging Convention

I am going to organize a Blogging Convention. Although I don't know very much about Podcasting, Podcasters will also be invited to attend.

Courage

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's Courage.

(Anais Nin)

I am too great to battle with mere mortals. Bring me Giants!

(Cyrano de Bergerac)

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along'... You must do the thing you cannot do.

(Eleanor Roosevelt)

Interfaith Expo

I am going to be the Booth's Director for the Interfaith Expo. This Expo will be held in St. George, Utah, during September, 2006. It will be a one day event. I attended the Expo this year, but next years Expo is going to be much larger. I will be attending monthly meetings in order to help out.

Pete Ashdown #2

I attended Pete Ashdown's lecture yesterday. Although I have heard him speak before, this is the first time I have heard him lay down a political platform, for his campaign against Orin Hatch. Wouldn't it be great to vote Orin Hatch out of office. I am impressed with Pete Ashdown. He is not your typical Politician. Instead of being a Lawyer, he is an entrepeneur who made his money on the Internet. His ideas are innovative, and progressive. Best of, all he pointed out that Orin Hatch is a supporter of torture. Why is it that the same Republicans, who were constantly complaining about Soviet Gulags, are rushing to build American ones?

Pete Ashdown

Tonight I am attending a lecture, given by Pete Ashdown, explaining why he is running for the U.S. Senate against Orin Hatch. I plan to ask him some questions.

Bob Graham

Mr. Bush even has former Senator Bob Graham pointing out what a lying hypocrite our Commander in Chief, truly is! Here is the link for a very articulate article: http://Washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/18/AR2005111802397.html.

John Murtha #2

It sounds to me like Jean Schmidt is the one who is the Coward. She called John Murtha, someone who has been awarded the Semper Fidelis Award, a coward. Then she doesn't even have the conviction to stand by her statement, a few minutes later. This Lady who has only been a member of Congress for 3 months said she received a telephone call from a Colonel telling her to call John Murtha a Coward. Who was this Colonel? Colonel Oliver North?

For more info: http://Abcnews.go.com/GMA/Politics/story?id=1328704, http://Washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/18/AR2005111802896.html.

John Murtha

The Republicans are scared to death of John Murtha. John Murtha committed Conservative Heresy, by asking that the troops be brought home.

C.S. Lewis

For those who are interested in the new C.S. Lewis Movie, here is the Official Website: http://Disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/.

Prediction: Disney will make a humungous amount of money on this movie.

2008 Iowa Caucuses

Democratic Presidential Hopefulls are already beginning to test the Political Waters. However, before any of us become committed to any potential candidate, we should ask ourselves several pertinent questions.

1# Did they ever support the War in Iraq? If they did, what was their reason?

2# Did they ever support the Patriot Act? If so Why?

3# Did they ever support Legislation that effectively let's Credit Card Companies off the hook
for cramming Credit Cards down the throats of those people who would be unlikely to ever
pay off their Credit Card Bills?

4# Have they ever joined one of Yale's Secret Societies?

5# What will they do to protect the Environment?

6# What is their Energy Policy?

7# How will they protect Human Rights?

These questions are merely a starting point for the types of questions that we should be asking potential Democratic Presidential Candidates.

Community of Christ #2

The other differences I noticed between The Community of Christ Church, and the Mainline Mormon Church, is that the former doesn't require it's adult members to wear Temple Garments or participate in Secret Temple Ceremonies. Also the Community of Christ has a completely different hymn book. I didn't even recognize one song that was the same. I must admit that the service I attended at the Community of Christ Church left me impressed. Especially the potluck that I participated in.

Community of Christ

I visited a Community of Christ Church yesterday. The group consisted of about 10 people who met in someones home. Worldwide this denomination has 250,000 members. This church split from the Mainline Mormons in the 1800's. Will write more about this later.

Pat Robertson

Pat Robertson is one twisted fellow. He told the people of a city in Pennsylvania not to come to God for help, since they voted against the school board members who supported Intelligent Design. You would think that after he called for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, that he would tone down the rhetoric a little. I suppose critical thinking skills are too much to ask for from a Conservative Man of God!

Strategy

What should be the overall strategy of Progressive-Minded People, over the next year?

#1 We need to educate American Citizens on the difference between a Just War, and (Halluburton inspired) Colonialism.

2# If you belong to a Conservative Religious Faith (like I do) , stop contributing money, and begin searching for a more Progressive Faith that more accurately reflects who you are, and what you believe.

3# Now is the time for Democrat to organize, in order to gain control of the U.S. House of Rpresentatives (

Good Link

Here is a good link: http://reverendmom.blogspot.com/2005/11/inconvenient-woman.html.

Progressive Christianity

For those who are interested in Progressive Christianity, here is a good link: http://crossleft.org.

The Christian Right

Although I am deeply concerned about the rioting in France, I have chosen instead to write about the serious threat that the Christian Right poses to America. Please don't take people like James Dobson lightly. They have alot of money, and highly organized people behind them. Here are some links for further research: http://brilliantatbreakfast.blogspot.com/2005/11/only-churches-that-support-our-lord.html, http://ajbenjaminjr.blogspot.com/2005/11/dont-say-we-didnt-warn-you.html.

Michael Scanlon

For those of you who haven't heard about Michael Scanlon, some of his emails have exposed the cynicism of the Republicans. For more information: http://Thelastbestplace.blogspot.com/2005/11/christian-conservative-chumps.html, http://John_m_burt.blogspot.com/2005/11/dear-christian-right.html.

Also for those who loathe Bill O'Reilly: http://Sweetjesusihatebilloreilly.com.

Fire Karl Rove

This is really too much! Why is Karl Rove still working for the White House? This Benedict Arnold should have his Security Clearance removed from his treasonous hands. I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised that Karl Rove is also good friends with Kenneth Tomlinson. Kenneth Tomlinson is the person who tried to turn PBS into a Conservative Think Tank.

Here are some links that I recommend: http://DemocraticUnderground.com/top10/index.html, http://Leoni77.blogspot.com/, http://RufnKiddingme.blogspot.com/.

Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson has the right idea. Karl Rove doesn't deserve to resign. Instead he should be fired. Here is a good blog: http://political-stuff.blogspot.com/2005/10/ethics-time-to-get-out-broom.html.

Harry Reid

Senate Minority Leader, Harry Reid has called for Karl Roves resignation. Bravo! Somebody needs to have the courage to expose the Bush Administration for what it is!

Plame-Gate Continues

I have been viewing numerous blogs in order to provide my readers with the most pertinent information regarding Plame-Gate. Please read: http://reedbetweenthelines.blogspot.com/2005/10/morris-claims-indictment-may-implicate.html.

Also for some humor that isn't too far from the truth, read: http://neoconjob.blogspot.com/2005/10/fox-news-shocked-by-indictments.html.

Frightened

Hariett Miers became so frightened after reading my blog yesterday, that she withdrew her nomination to the Supreme Court this morning.

Now the compelling question is who will be the next nominee to the Supreme Court?

2000 Dead

2000 of our soldiers have died in Iraq! For what? Where are these Weapons of Mass Destruction. Saddam Hussein must have done a better job of hiding them, then he did hiding himself. Not only have we lost 2000 of our soldiers, but 20 to 30 Thousand Iraqi's have lost their lives as well. I met numerous people, who prior to the war, told me that the only reason they supported the push for war, was that they thought it would make it cheaper to fuel their cars. Unfortunately for them, they failed to calculate the greed of the oil cartels, who put Bush Jr. in the White House.

What about Osama bin Forgotten? Where is he? I understand that he might be hard to corner, but would it be too much to at least ask for the capture of Mullah Omar?

I'm not even sure how to spell Harriet Meiers, but I do have some tactics that us Liberals should use, in dealing with her nomination. First of all, I'm not even sure that her name will make it out of the Judiciary Committee. A Conservative Group is already buying up television time to run ads against her. This nomination has placed the Conservatives in a quandry. For the first time, they are being forced to admit that God's annointed (George W. Bush) might be fallible. What Democratic Senators should do is demand that she be given a vote before the full Senate. Than we can all witness the spectacle of the same Republican Senators, who said they thought the fillibuster should be removed from the Senate, actually fillibustering her nomination! If we handle this correctly, there is nothing but upside for the Democratic Party!

Dick Cheney

Finally, Dick Cheney gets his cover blown! Mr. Cheney has spent all this time saying he didn't know anything about Plame-Gate. Now Scooter Libby's own notebook, reveals what a fraud the Vice-President truly is! Look for the Vice-President to resign.

Sorry

Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but there have been so many things going on in America, and the World, that I haven't been able to figure out where to begin. I am still following the Valerie Plame story, and it has come to my attention that prominent Republicans now believe that Perjury, and Obstruction of Justice, before a Grand Jury are mere technicalities that should be ignored. Wow! It sure is ironic that they didn't view the Law that way when Bill Clinton was President!

Scooter and Karl

The direct involvement of Karl Rove, and Scooter Libby, in the traitorous act of exposing an undercover agent, is the most important Political Story in America today! So what does the mainstream media do? They run and hide from the story! Let's have some justice in this Country for a change! Let Mr.Rove and Scooter repent of their lack of Patriotism, in a Federal Penitentiary! Here are some important links:http://3oldmen.com/2005/10/03/waiting-waiting/, http://Brandoland.blogspot.com/2005/10/monday_03.html.

Peace Movement

Here is an interesting article:http://villagevoice.com/news/0539,ferguscd,68201,2.html.

Good Government

If you want to have Good Government, you have to take the steps neccesary to achieve it! Today I was doing just that, helping Todd Hohbein campaign for the LaVerkin City Council. I did a honk and wave on a busy street corner for 30 minutes. After that I spent 2 hours, handing out his brochures at peoples homes. I believe that Mr. Hohbein will make it through the Primary on October 4th. We will soon find out if my prediction is correct.

Courage

Here is an interesting profile in courage: http://freep.com/news/latestnews/pm6207_20050923.htm. Also here is a possible alternative to the Oil Cartels: http://Biodiesel.com.

Katrina and Chess

Before I post some blogs and Websites commenting on Hurricane Katrina, let me talk about something on the lighter side. For those of you, who follow my blog, you already know that I a am trying to improve my skills in the game of Chess. Well, I am now beginning to beat opponents that I previously had no chance against. My secret weapon is a book that I have been reading called "The Winning Way" by Bruce Pandolfini.

Now on a more serious note, here is some information that is well worth reading:http://Michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=185, http://Livejournal.com/users/tylerburnham/63095.html.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina has wreaked utter devestation on the Gulf Coast. Anyone with even a casual interest in Hurricanes, has known for many years that New Orleans was a highly vulnerable city. When the Levees held for a day it looked as if New Orleans might escape complete destruction once again. But cruelly two of the Levees busted to create the calamity we are now witnessing.

The response to this disaster by Mr. Bush was predictable. He sat around twiddling his thumbs untill a few of his advisers finally told him it might be politically expedient, to do something.

New Orleans will never be as large as it once was, and that is alright. With Global Warming taking place, large hurricanes will constantly threaten vulnerable coastal cities (i.e. New Orleans, Miami, etc.) . So we can either voluntarily scale back the size of those coastal cities, or face natures wrath needlessly.

Once again my heart goes out to those people who have been to hell and back. Hopefully we all will do our part to help the Gulf Coast Refugees.

God Bless

Thoughts

These are my thoughts concerning the disaster facing New Orleans. It appears the most immediate help the people need, is to be evacuated. The Busses aren't getting the job done, so let's send in boats. If the government needs to comandeer some privately owned boats in order to evacuate the refugees, then let's do it!

New Orleans and Biloxi

My heart goes out to the people of New Orleans and Biloxi! If there are people who have ideas about how additional help can be brought to those people, please post a comment.

Devil's Playground

Today I watched a DVD called "Devils Playground." It was about Amish Teenagers deciding whether or not they wanted to join the Amish Church. Although the Movie wasn't a masterpiece, it did hold my interest.

Also Yesterday I visited a small Fair in St.George, where different religious groups, and non-profit organizations were handing out information. The Bahai Literature seemed the most interesting.

Pat Robertson

Here is an interesting perspective on Pat Robertson: http://Dissidentvoice.org/Aug05/Zingh0827.htm.

Censorship in America

Television Stations are refusing to carry ads that are critical of Mr. Bush. It's examples like this, that make all thinking people, favor Media Reform! http://sltrib.com/tv/ci_2971343.

Protest the War!

Mr. Bush has had his military adventure (at the cost of 1800+ American Lives)! Let's bring the troops home! Enough is enough!

Please look at this website:http://Post-gazette.com/pg/05236/558658.stm.

Mr.Bush

Mr.Bush says that he won't change his schedule to meet with Cindy Sheehan. Question: what schedule does he have? He is on vacation!

The Church

The church renews itself. We cannot preserve those structures in which sin has enthroned itself and from which come abuses, injustice, and disorders. We cannot call a society, a government, or a situation Christian when our brothers and sisters suffer so much in those inveterate and unjust structures.

(Bishop Oscar Romero)

There is room for improvement in this World!

(Kris)

Grandmaster

Yesterday I played the Grandmaster of Chess, Igor Ivanov. At least when I lost to him, I had an excuse for losing. Here are some websites for more information about Igor: http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/chess/igorbio.html, http://Chessgames.com/perl/chessplayer?pid=72129.

New Job

I just got a new job, that I will be starting on Monday. I will be working Construction. Tonight I am going to the Chess Center. I will be meeting (Igor Ivanov) who is a Grand Master of Chess.

Vigil

I attended the Candle Light Vigil in St.George. 17 people showed up, which is pretty good for this area. People at the vigil had already heard that I am running for County Commissioner next year, and were very supportive of my efforts. The vigil went well, and I drove home feeling great about all the awesome people who attended it!

Chess

Yesterday I went to the Chess Center in St.George. This is the 2nd time I have visited, and I still haven't beaten anyone yet. Unless you count the small child that I showed no mercy on, on my first visit. The good news however, is that I'm learning some trick moves in some Chess Books that I have been reading. So I'm getting better.

Tonight I'm going to Toastmasters, and after that I'm going to a candle light vigil, in support of
Cindy Sheehan. Yes, St.George,Utah, is progressive enough to pull something like this off. At least that's what I'm hoping!

New Developments

I attended the Washington County Executive Committee yesterday. There was a very positive development that our Chairman was able to share with us. It turned out that when our Chairman was watching over the Democratic Booth at the County Fair, that a Man (31 years old) approached him and said he didn't want to be a Republican anymore. This man was so disgusted by the War, and Mr. Bush destroying our Natural Environment, that he no longer wanted to be affiliated with the Republican Party. So of course our Chairman changed this fellows registration, so that he could be a Democrat! Well the good news doesn't stop there, since it turns out that this fellow (Todd B. Hohbein) is also going to be running for the City Council in Laverkin, Utah. Although that is a non-partisan race, it is good to know that a fellow Democrat is competing for that office.

Blue Hobgoblin recommends this Blog, and so do I: http://Religiousliberal.blogspot.com.

County Commissioner

Next year I plan on running for County Commissioner of Washington County. The filing date is March 10-17th.

Tonight I will be attending the Executive Committee for Washington County Democrats.

Here is a website that I recommend: http://Catholicworker.org.

Truth

None reaches the rank of truth until a thousand honest people testify that he is a heretic.

(Junaid of Baghdad)

Merely doing good to the evil may be equivalent to doing evil to the good.

(Saadi of Shiraz)

I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.

(George Washington)

All men recognize the right of Revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to and resist the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.

(Henry David Thoreau)

These are some thoughts worth pondering.

Discussion

I was in charge of the Democratic Booth from 8-10 PM yesterday. The first hour I was there, I had an interesting Political Discussion with a fellow named Dan, who is a Kubota Tractor Salesman. He isn't a member of any Political Party, but is someone who is deeply interested in Politics. After that I handed out some brochures to people who stopped by the booth.

As a side note, Another interesting booth at the Washington County Fair was sponsored by the St. George Chess Center. For those who don't know, Chess is a game that I enjoy playing. Their Website is http://stgeorgechess.com.

Mission

Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: if you are alive, it isn't.

(Richard Bach)

Yesterday I went to the Washington County Fair. The Democratic booth looks good, and we have produced a great Brochure that is written in both English and Spanish! The only thing that marred my experience yesterday was having to pass by the two Republican Booths. Especially the one sponsored by The Republican Women that had a life-size cut-out of Mr. Bush. I had to call on all my reserves of self control, not to push that cut-out over. One of my Democrat Friends wanted to throw darts at it. Tonight I will be working at the Democratic Booth from 8-10 PM.

Today

Today was my last day working at Zion National Park. I had a great 4 1/2 Months up there, but it is time to move on to new challenges. I am back in St. George.

Today the Washington County Fair begins. Believe it or not the only cost to get in, on opening night, is $1 for parking. Even though I don't work at the Democratic Booth until tomorrow, I am going to go there tonight to visit the Booth, and see the rest of the Fair also.

Another interesting development in Utah is that Multi-Millionaire Mark Cuban is so upset with Senator Orin Hatch, that he is donating $4,200 to a no-name Democratic Challenger.

Also on August 15th, The Washington County Democrats will be holding a Town Hall style meeting, where we will adopt a Statement of Ideology. The question that will be posed is "What is the difference between us and the other Political Parties?"

Washington County Fair

At the Washington County Fair in Southern Utah, Democrats will have an information booth. I look forward to helping out with the booth as much as possible. The Fair is August 10-13.

I am still working at Zion National Park. It nice to be able to commune with nature in such a beautiful setting. Also I am practicing my Chess, and improving a little.

"The ruler is a shepherd and his flock is the people. He has to help them and save them, not to exploit and destroy them. Is the shepherd there for the flock, or the flock for the shepherd?"

(Hakim Jami)

Hispanic Committee

Although I am not Hispanic, I am now a member of the Washington County Democrats (Hispanic Committee). This is a committee that was recently formed to provide a political outreach to the large numbers of Hispanics that are moving into Southern Utah.

White Ribbon

I won a White Ribbon in my Toastmasters Club last night for my impromptu speaking abilities. That portion of our meeting is called Table Topics. It is challenging, because you are given a topic to speak on without any notice, and expected to speak on it for 1-2 minutes.

In Southern Utah we are expecting severe flooding. Especially in Zion National Park, which is where I happen to be working.

Meeting

The Meeting went well last night. Those who attended the discussion on Abortion were more Progressive on that issue than I am, but it was good to get a sense of how other Democrats in Washington County feel about this topic.

Volunteer Work

I have been doing some volunteer work, helping to weed the vegetable garden at the Elementary School in Springdale, Utah. The Srawberries are almost ripe already. The Principal of the Elementary School, says he will keep the garden going all summer, since the children like to visit the garden.

The speech I gave in Toastmasters was well received. I won a blue ribbon for my speech.

I have returned From the State Democratic Convention in Salt Lake City. Tonight I will be the Parliamentarian at a meeting for Democrats in Washington County.

Toastmasters

Tomorrow I have a Toastmasters meeting. I will be giving a speech. Since my speech is supposed to be a dramatic speech, I am going to talk about when I was in Elementary School and I fell on a stick.

Also I am planning on doing some Volunteer Gardening, in Springdale, which is a small town, just outside of Zion National Park.

Will write more soon!

Salt Lake City

As I have previously mentioned, I will be attending the Democratic Convention for the State of Utah. This event will be held in the Salt Palace, in Salt Lake City. Here is the Web Site: http://Utdemocrats.org.

State Convention

On May 7th, I will be attending the Utah State Democratic Convention, in Salt Lake City. Since I am a Delegate, I will be voting on who will be the State Party Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Sorry I haven't corresponded more frequently, but I have been sick!

What do my readers think about the new Pope?

Working

I have been working the last three days at the Zion Lodge, but came into town to let my readers know, that I will not rest until I have properly tormented all Conservatives with my Liberalism.

Busy Day

Today has been a busy, yet rewarding day. This morning I was elected Treasurer of the Washington County Democrats (Utah). I am also going to be a delegate to the State Convention next month. I wasn't asked to give a speech, since I ran uncontested.

Right now, however, I am preparing to attend a Toastmasters Area Speech Competition, this evening. It has been snowing, so I hope I don't get stranded. Thanks Blue Hobgoblin, for the Good Luck Wish!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day. Tomorrow Morning I will find out if I will be elected Treasurer of the Democratic Party, for Washington County, Utah. Nobody is running against me yet, but it is still possible someone could announce their candidacy from the floor of the Convention. I have been asked to give a 5 Minute speech at the County Convention, in order to explain my qualifications, and why people should vote for me. I will let my readers know more, as soon as I am able to.

Toastmasters

I'm on my way to a Toastmasters Meeting. Will write more in a few days.