Hey, Everybody—Toby and I have been on Vacation for awhile, contemplating our situation as many are these days.   Reggae Fest on ‘da Eel River next weekend.  See ‘ya there.   Buzz

Pescadero from Buzz Daly on Vimeo.

Chiron the pig from Buzz Daly on Vimeo.

Analyzing the Star Spangled Banner, Swami Beyondananda wonders:

“O’er the Ramparts we watched….”

What? Ramparts? Sounds a bit perverse. The only ones who should be watching Ramparts, are……..Sheep!

——————–

Now–about the accompanying post.

(THE FOLLOWING IS FROM AN EXCHANGE ON ANOTHER FORUM, EARLIER ON A 4TH OF JULY THREAD)

quote:Originally posted by Makahala: (not to be confused with  Mahakala)

Happy birthday America? I don’t think so. The America who enslaved people, infected them with HIV and provided them with cheap drugs in order to keep them down. The America who wastes the natural resources of the world for their own glutenous purposes while 90% of the rest of the world suffers with hunger and disease. The American who would kill its own people and then blame it own innocent arabs so they can invade other countries and take over their oil. The America who refuses to take care of its own people and provide them with food, housing and health care with the elite drive their Mercedes and BMW’s.

Happy Birthday America? Hell no! I say God Damn America. Things are about to change. On January 20th, 2009 we take over and the neocons will be purged.

Viva la Revolucion!

—————Another poster, Radical Fanatical responds:

“If you are all for revolutionary government, I would try moving to Iran. The history of our country is incremental change. Even if Obama is elected, the mechanisms developed by the founders will ensure this process continues.”

————

Rad correctly points out what’s happened SO FAR, in our history, and, how it adjusts to societal changes incrementally. I don’t agree about Iran being a revolutionary Gummint. Ahmadinejad was freely elected, and, can be tossed out quite easily.

And, what do you mean “even” if O’Bama is elected? He’s the one with the closest eye on the Constitution.

This does not mean that Makah doesn’t make some valid points.

I think July 4th is a perfect day to reflect on, and, not forget our past, but, more importantly, what is currently going on in our government concerning personal freedoms, and, what I consider a disturbing attempt to diminish freedoms granted under the Constitution.

Our Government has now made it OK (almost) for Companies to break the law at the behest of the President, and, then, the Congress pretty much says: “Oh, well, no bother, we’ll just pass a law that makes it OK after the fact.” That is total Crapola, my friends, and not something we should endorse.

The FISA BS is inexcusable, and, the DEMS who just validated this behavior are as bad as BUSH, and his pack of Constitution shredders, and, are probably covering some malfeasance of their own we don’t know about yet. I’m having a hard time trusting any of these sumbit.ches.

Yesterday, YouTube was ordered to turn over private information to Viacom, supposedly so they can do market research re: copyright violations.

They say they are not interested in individuals, just collecting info on uploads that they think violate copyright. They seemed especially peeved at Jon Stewart’s Daily Show being uploaded so often.

Then, we have the mis-named “Patriot Act” that has more holes than a Swiss Cheese, and, has already been proven to have violated the personal rights and freedoms of private citizens.

Then, we have a President who has no regard whatsoever for Habeas Corpus, which, is in the original Constitution itself, not an Amendment, meaning that it was pretty DAMN IMPORTANT to our founders, and, needs to be honored.

The Bush Administration and their pack of deluded attorneys and other anti-American jerkoffs, who don’t understand the basic necessity of this, create torture chambers and illegal detention centers “offshore” and think they’ve done no wrong.

I can guarantee you not everyone picked up on a battlefield is a combatant, and, it is important to keep in mind that many of our prisoners were turned in by Warlords for a bounty payment.

Seems like a good time to turn in anybody for some $$$$$$, and, I’m sure that’s happened. Why else did they hold some of these folks for years, and, then just release ‘em?

These folks need to be heard and charged with something.

This ain’t over by any means, and, in my mind, instead of patting ourselves on the back, (we do deserve it–that’s not what I’m talking about) and look back, we might be better served to address the clear dangers to our freedom that have been instituted against us by our current Government.

I’ve never seen such a cabal of arrogant, ignorant, dangerous, anti-Constitutional criminals gathered in one location in my life, and, that includes the Iran Contra thugs.

The post above points out some of the same issues Jeremiah Wright was making in his much reviled sermon, that should not be forgotten for it’s historical perspective, and, BTW, I think it’s another great thing about America that anybody can say: “God Damn America” if they wish without fear of reprisal. (Oh, wait, that didn’t happen, did it? There really is a problem for those who say: “God Damn America’, isn’t there? George Carlin is probably spinning fast enough in his grave to provide power to the entire Malibu enclave).

They are real, and appropriate to be commented upon in my view, especially as we celebrate freedom.
How better to understand what that means, than to examine our less than admirable past as we applied it to others, including Wives, Mothers, Sisters, and friends?

The HIV statement is false.

We do know that CIA types have been involved in drug trafficking in the past, but, I don’t know if the cheap drugs charge is valid.

We are gluttonous concerning energy–no lie there.

We do have elites driving fancy cars and eating the finest foods (ain’t nothin’ wrong with that), yet, we also have folks starving or fighting for food somewhere most of the time.

Whose fault is it? I don’t know, and, I’m not sure what it has to do with the 4th of July, anyway.

Having said all that negative stuff, (that’s another beauty of being fortunate enough to be a Citizen—saying what’s on your mind) I’d like to give props to the Red, White, and Blue for paying attention so far to what keeps us free.

I’m very pleased to be here, and can’t give enough praise to our founders. Let’s stay vigilant and make it continue.

May I recommend a good read concerning several of our founding fathers–Franklin, Washington, Paine, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison? In-depth portraits that are very interesting and may make one think a bit differently about these folks.

It’s titled: Revolutionary Spirits: The Enlightened Faith of America’s Founding Fathers
by Gary Kowalski. And, no, I do not get a commission for mentioning it.

Freedom is Good. Thanks, America. We need to ensure it doesn’t slip away from us.

BTW—The Second Amendment isn’t the only Amendment that needs supporting. The First, Fourth, and, even the Tenth are being abused by the Feds in my opinion. I hope those who expressed such passion concerning the 2nd, will support 1, 4, and 10, with the same fervor.

Enjoy the BBQ.

Hey, everybody–I was goin’ out to get some food for Toby, my Office Manager,

and, I ended up behind a tiny vehicle with a surfboard on top. I’ve seen electric cars before, and, I’ve seen plenty of surfboards, but, this was my first view of the Combo.

I’ll tell ya, I was stoked to see these two modes of smooth, quiet, clean, mellow, transport—a surfboard and an electric car, “in tandem”, as some old longboarders might say.

A surfboard atop an electric car just seems right to me. It exudes mellowness and a cognizance of the importance of doing our part to accommodate Nature, not bend her to our ways.

Surfers know you can’t dominate Nature. You can ride with her for a while, but, ultimately, You are Her Bitch, and, it will always be that way. Humans learn this everyday.

I want a look at their car, and follow them from Seabright to the Eastside.

They pull into a small driveway in front of a trim, clean, Pleasure Point abode, a half block from the break.

They were cool with letting me take a pic and ask some questions about their little silver car. Everyone I know in Pleasure Point is cool, so I wasn’t surprised.

Santa Cruz’ favorite dance band, Extra Large lives not far away, and, Jack O’Neill’s place (of wetsuit fame) perches precariously atop an outcrop of land overlooking the break a half block south. At least it was still there the last time I looked.

I learn I am speaking with a three member family, Ju, Don, and, Mocha, the very sweet, 13 yr. old, big brown dog who licked my hand and seems very happy. They all seem happy! Nice folks.

I hadn’t seen Mocha when I pulled up, and, was surprised when Ju opened up the tiny hatchback and a huge dog jumped out. It’s really quite roomy in there.

Don spoke with me for about 20 minutes about the car, and, the following is from memory (questionable at times) and, an email Don sent me.

A low-speed vehicle is a 4-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, whose attainable speed is more than 32 km/h (20 mph) and not more than 40 kmlh (25 mph). The standard requires ten specific items of safety equipment.

It really is important that folks learn about things they can do personally, in ways that may seem small, at first glance, but, do really help.

If others do likewise, we can move out of our current energy difficulties in ways that are not just profitable for our pocketbooks, but for our gracious Hostess in life, Mother Nature as well.

A casual consumer review of the ZENN (Zero Emissions No Noise) electric vehicle follows. If I misquote, or misrepresent Don’s views, I apologize in advance and will correct them. This is from memory and email.

It is important to note that Don is a very open individual, and, his answers were not all glowing for the state of the technology and support, in the industry, nor from our lawmakers, yet, he emphasized the need to support and utilize the available technology to full benefit.

He and Ju’s efforts are a perfect example of the attitude that will move us forward on this subject.

I see it as an opportunity for all Americans to come together to achieve a positive outcome. I haven’t seen that very often in my 6 plus decades. This is an excellent opportunity to achieve something we all agree on as a Nation.

I did not realize that there are issues with speed and even temperature, and crash test type issues with low speed EVs, and, will not rehash them totally here, but, according to Don’s email, here’s some of his ideas about low speed EVs.

I was going to say that riding an electric car in the pioneer days is like hanging ten. Smooth, quiet, soulful, people look at you. This is hanging ten:

Old Skool–Mickey Munoz

And, this is an electric car.

Don in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, CA, with his ZENN Surf Buggy, June 25, 2008.

Although both pics feature surfers, I would say that hanging ten is probably more difficult than driving an electric car. I don’t know Don, personally, but, if he’s from Pleasure Point, he can do both.

Excerpts from Don’s email:

Carlin was so unique. Of course, to cynics and malcontents like myself, his work was brilliant, yet, he was simply pointing out the obvious from a way different viewpoint, and presenting things to think about you may not have thought about yourself. For good reason.

“Complaints and Grievances” was excellent. His edge was certainly sharp, excessively so, at times, and, he offended even his most ardent fans and supporters, or, would make them pause and say:”Naw, he didn’t say that out loud, did he?”, or, “That’s illegal, isn’t it?”

His condensation of the 10 Commandments down to the Two Commandments was rather witty.

“Why Ten Commandments? Why not Eleven? Or Thirteen? I’ll tell you why. Ten sounds official. That’s why. Everything is by tens. Top ten. Top Ten reasons for this or that. Eleven Commandments? No Way. Everybody would say: Eleven Commandments? Get the Fuck outta’ here!. Nobody would believe Eleven. Ten is official.”

Carlin didn’t do jokes. He made observations that folks may or may not find amusing. I found them very amusing. I sometimes found them very annoying and unfunny.

Many folks would think of Carlin as a liberal-leftist. Not so. In fact, in his books, he makes perfectly clear he thinks most people are totally screwed up, regardless of political leaning, and he is not the type of political or social commentary type comedian, whom he describes as:

“talented and funny people, but they’re nothing more than cheerleaders attached to a specific, wished-for outcome. I don’t feel so confined.”

He wrote several books. May I recommend, “brain droppings”, from his later years?

It might convince you, George was not a normal thinker at all times. I’m glad of that.

I’ll miss the guy, but, had the good fortune to see him many times in his Vegas days when I lived there.

The following is a bit lengthy to be sure, but, just might make you smile, occasionally, which is what George would want folks to be doing. Check it out.

—————-

Some observations from George Carlin, dead at 71.

PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE PHASED OUT

X–Guys who wear suits all day, and think an earring makes them cool at night.

X–Old people who tell me what the weather used to be like where they used to live.

X–A celebrity couple who adopt a Third-World baby and call it Rain Forest. (this is from 1997)

X–People who give their genitals a name.

X–Blind people who don’t want any help.

A FEW THINGS I LIKE

X–A guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing and won’t admit it.

X–When a big hole opens up in the ground.

X–Guys who say “cock-a-roach”.

HOW TO CHOOSE A RESTAURANT

“There are certain clues that tell how much a restaurant will cost. If the word cuisine appears in the advertising, it will be expensive. If they use the word food, it will be moderately expensive. However, if they use the word eats, you’ll save money on the food, but the medical bills may be higher.”

IN A PRETENTIOUS RESTAURANT, HAVE SOME FUN

“…..However, if you are going to dine with pretentious people, here are some items you can order that are sure to impress: deep-dish moose balls, diced yak, badger gumbo, gorilla fondue, filet of hyena, jackal tartare, rack of prairie dog, free range mole en brochette, wolf noodle soup, loin of chipmunk, curried woodpecker, stir-fried weasel, penguin scallopini, sweet and sour loon heads, whale chowder, toasted snail penises, koala flambe, wombat souvlaki, grenadine of mule, and, candied goat anus.”

WAITERS

Tell him you want to make a substitution: “Instead of my napkin, I’ll have the Lobster Tails.” See what he says. Ask him if the garnish is free. If it is, tell him all you’re having is a large plate of garnish.

ORDERING BEVERAGES WHILE ON A DATE

If you’re with a date, be sophisticated. Say, “I’ll have a rum and goat juice with a twist of cucumber on dry ice.” Always order your date’s drink; that’s very romantic. Especially if you’re trying to get laid. “The lady will have a martini, a glass of wine, two zombies, and a beer. And do you have any quaaludes?”

By the way, if your date is complaining of constipation, order her a Prune Margarita with a twist of Feenamint.

ON LEAVING NEW YORK FOR LOS ANGELES

I live in California, but I’m not “laid back”, and, I’m certainly not “mellow”. I associate those qualities with the comatose. The solar system wasn’t formed because matter was laid-back; life didn’t arise from the oceans and humans descend from the trees because DNA was mellow. It happened because of something called energy. Like in New York…..New York even has a better class of AssHoles.

Why do I live here then? Because the sun goes down a block from my house.

SUN OF GOD

I’ve been worshipping the Sun for a number of reasons. First of all, unlike some other gods I could mention, I can see the Sun. It’s there for me everyday. And the things it brings me are quite apparent all the time: heat, light, food, a lovely day. There’s no mystery, no one asks for money. I don’t have to dress up, and there’s no boring pageantry. And, interestingly enough, I have found that the prayers I formerly offered to “God” are all answered at about the same 50% rate.

———

I’d have loved to have lunch with him at a pretentious restaurant and, when the over attentive waiter asked for the umpteenth time if “everything was all right?”, he’d respond: “No, everything is not all right. I’m going through a period of upheaval. I have a rogue polyp in my bowel, my wife ran off with a periodontist, and my son has been arrested for defecating in a mall.”

RIP (not likely) If there is a heaven, and, he made it there by some some unlikely happenstance, I’ll bet he’s messing with St. Peter at the Gate, as if he were an annoying Maitre’d at a pretentious LA restaurant.

If they let you in Heaven, George, I hope it’s as good as New York. Not having to listen to the world’s most annoying New Yorker, Giuliani, might make the other place not seem so bad.

Thanks for providing me with many moments of humor and laughter through much of my life.

On viewing George’s life, one might suggest that to be free, not knowing when to stop, and color outside the lines, is sometimes the key to success.

Hey, everybody.  Unusual weather lately for this area.   It’s been nearly 100F for the last two days, and, four or five fires are burning in south Santa Cruz  County this afternoon.   My kin , who live in Seascape,  say the fires are to the south a bit, but, the freeway is closed for 6 miles beginning at their exit, and they haven’t heard of any evacuation plans there.   Travel to Monterey is nearly impossible.   Sadly, homes have already been lost.  There’s lots of people and animals there.  I hope they make it.

Even my Office Manager, Toby The Little Bastard, was feelin’ it this afternoon.

KOOL KAT—but, he’s blockin’ the breeze.

——————————

I’ll be honest, I got nothin’ major on my radar to complain about today, and it’s hot, so this might be a good time for some disjointed thought stuff and a quick exit to a cold beer and  watching the sun go down.

Let’s play “Who Said It?”  A regular feature on BuzzDalySez when I have nothing in my head whatsoever.  Check it out.

“George Washington might have become our King, but chose not to.  His governing idea was that government is our servant because we are inherently free.  It is an idea too many in government today forget.”  Who said it?

A.  Franklin D. Roosevelt

B.  Dick Armey

C.  Barack Obama

D.  John McCain

Well, that was actually a quote from Dick Armey, architect of the Contract For America.  I would like to suggest left leaning folks read right wing thought regularly to achieve balance, and align their Chi (sorry, just havin’ a little fun with my Santa Cruz friends).

May I recommend “Imprimis”, a right leaning publication provided by Hillsdale College in Michigan.  They’ve been there since 1844, and, provide a forum for many right leaning ideas, but, their information is provided in a straightforward way that is easy to read and learn from at times, without the hollering one experiences on TeeVee.  They’ll even send you a hard copy every month if you wish.

OK—what about this one?

“Before 1781, when it was discovered as a Planet, Uranus was just an anatomical term.”  Who said it?

A.   Doogie Howser, M.D.

B.    Former Surgeon General, the Honorable,  Dr.  C. Everett Koop, Proctologist to The Stars

C.   Buzz Daly

D.  Enrico Fermi, co-discoverer of nuclear fission

The correct answer is C. Buzz Daly.  And, what about this one?

“So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for every thing one has a mind to do,”  Who uttered that?

A.  John Lennon

B.  Benjamin Franklin

C.  Nikolai Lenin

D.  The Lennon Sisters

That’s right, it was Benjamin Franklin, writing as a young man.  Did you know that Ben was nearly 40 years older than Thomas Jefferson and the other founders of our nation?  I give Benjamin props for representing what I would call those “less pious”, yet, like his friends, he was able to agree on the best document ever produced, The Constitution.

Bonus question:  What two other famous documents did Ben Sign, making him, like,  the most prolific signer of important documents ever?

A.  Treaty of Paris

B.   The Magna Carta

C.   Dick Armey’s Contract on America

D.  Declaration Of Independence

Yes, A and D are correct.  The Magna Carta was in 1215, and, the Contract on America is not worth mentioning in any positive way at all.

Well, that’s it for now.  Peace.

Hey, everybody. My kittykat, Toby, finally got off the keyboard and is back to work.

I went to San Francisco yesterday morning to attend a “thank you” breakfast event for folks who’d previously volunteered in some capacity with the Obama campaign.

Obama’s sister, Dr. Maya Soetero Ng, was there to speak, as well as District Attorney Kamala Harris, an early Obama supporter.

It was at an interesting venue. A nightclub/temple/restaurant mix, that features Asian Fusion food– PRANA– located in a mildly scruffy, busy, business/construction area South Of Market.

The several block walk from the Muni to the venue was interesting, and thought provoking. They always are, when small town folks like myself go to The City.

I try to emulate the bustling crowd of financial and other business folks, construction workers, students, and others passing through the area on their way to their lives, and not see the mammal crumpled in the doorway of a Thai Noodle House, covered with a grungy sleeping bag.

I can’t, however, and, like a common tourist, note every detail I can about the scene. I stop and read his sign, strategically placed next to his concrete boudoir.

“Spare Change? God Bless.” There’s a concept for ‘ya. Does God have spare change? I don’t know either. I think about tossing a buck in his cup, but, even a rube knows someone would steal it. I wonder how he got to be this way.

I turn left on Howard, and proceed toward PRANA, located close to major construction. Half a block from the venue, I encounter another man, laying on the sidewalk, covered with a thin dirty blanket. His aging, graying head,  rests on a piece of cardboard.

A cooing Pigeon struts close to his matted, crinkly hair.  He is unaware I am staring at his face.  The populace keeps moving and gives the man his space. He is not an entrepreneur. He has no sign or cup.   He seeks only the escape of sleep.  Sleeping when tired, has become a crime in many so-called “progressive” communities.  Sleeping when you’re tired should never be a crime, should it?  No matter how annoying it might be to the housed, who have a nice place to sleep, already, thank you very much.   I marvel at this person’s ability to attain space  with so much activity going on around him.

Again, I betray my lack of sophistication, and stop and look at his face. It is serene. I don’t understand, and move along to the venue, which is a half block away.

15-20 people are in line when I arrive ten minutes early. They are all female. Some are young and professional, some are older, and some are not easily stereotyped. I try not to appear to be aware of my maleness.

Seriously, I met some nice ladies doing good works for the community on many other worthy projects, not related to the Obama campaign, waiting in line, and, more males showed up later. Maybe they were afraid to ask for directions, or something.

Anyway, once inside, there was a nice Continental Breakfast, speeches, and, lots of good vibes and enthusiasm. The crowd was very diverse.

I met a nice lady named Mary Davis, age 74, and spent some time discussing issues with her. It was inspiring to see someone so excited and positive about the election. She hadn’t been involved in a serious way since “the 60s” she said. That’s close to my story, too.

I also met two young, African-American sisters, one from Oakland, and her sister visiting from Cleveland. Lots of enthusiasm and positive thinking abounded in all I met. I think there are many Americans feeling inspired about an election for the first time in a very long time. Mary said I could use her pic—here it is.

Then, D.A. Kamala Harris gave a nicely constructed speech about her involvement with the campaign, and the importance of the grassroots support and what it has done. She then introduced Barack’s sister, Maya, who also gave a great talk about her Brother and Mother and how they were instilled with the idea of public service being a high calling by their Mother. She gushed about Barack’s daughters and told some great personal family stories that indicate to me a normal loving family atmosphere.

Here’s a real bad camera phone pic of Maya (the “professionals” were always in my way, and, the lights were down). It’s really bad.

On leaving, I retraced my route to the Muni. The man with the cardboard pillow is still there. He still looks serene. I don’t get it, but am glad sort of. The other guy, crashed on the Noodle House doorstep has gone, leaving no trace of his presence.

I board the L Taraval and ride it to the end of the line at the ZOO, where I always park my car to avoid driving into the city. I head down Hwy 1 to Santa Cruz and pick up some Mexican food at Tres Amigos in Half Moon Bay and continue on to Pescadero to consume it by the sea.

The concrete picnic table faces a beautiful seascape, complete with diving birds and a salty breeze. I reflect on how fortunate I am to be sitting here, eating an excellent Burrito de Chile Verde, downing it with Lemon Iced Tea and not waking up on a piece of cardboard every morning.

I don’t know if a completely different direction in the Government will help that man with the cardboard pillow or not. Perhaps a new National direction and social attitude will make life better for all citizens. We have many problems facing us that have little to do with the commentary one sees daily in the “news”.

I believe Mr. Obama is the best chance we’ve had for a long, long time to come together as the great Nation we are and unite to solve the many serious challenges that face us. not only at home, but overseas as well. In my opinion, Barack is the best candidate to achieve that, or, at least turn us in the proper direction for the future.

It would be refreshing if the “media” would spend as much time on serious issues and the candidates positions as they do on women’s headwear and irrelevant Preachers of all kinds. Time to get serious.

No Work Today

I’m Feeling A Little Lightheaded This Afternoon

The following is from earlier today at another location, responding to the continuing crapola re: Reverend Wright and his God Damn America sermon.

————————–

I’ve posted this previously, but, it is clear from the comments, nobody bothered to read it. As yet another public service, please join me in actually finding out what he said. I don’t expect it to convince anyone already dedicated to tearing Barack down, but, at least you can say you actually read it before making irrelevant, foolish comments. Ok, let’s roll……. This could take a while.

————————

The full story behind Wright’s ‘God Damn America’ sermon by CNN commentator, Roland Martin. (comments in parens by Buzz Daly)

I just finished listening to the nearly 40-minute sermon Rev. Jeremiah Wright gave on April 13, 2003, titled, “Confusing God and Government.”

For those of us watching and listening to the media in the last week, it is better known as the “God Damn America” sermon.

Wright’s scriptural focus was Luke 19:37-44 (reading from the New Revised Standard Version).

In this sermon, Wright spoke about the military rule during biblical days, led by Pontius Pilate. It was clear, through his language, such as “occupying military brigade” that he was making an analogy to the war in Iraq.”

(Many folks believe this, and, one would be hard pressed to describe our continued presence in Iraq, after declaring “Mission Accomplished” as anything other than an occupation, given the inability of our leaders to produce an exit plan. This is not a wacko idea. McCain’s 100 year remark should tell everyone we will be occupying Iraq for a long time, like Germany and Japan, which should make them very happy for some inexplicable reason).

The Rev wins that one.

“War does not make for peace,” he said. “Fighting for peace is like raping for virginity.”

(If he’s wrong, we should be at peace, right? We’ve been at war longer than we were in WW2, with no end in sight, yet, no peace, so, one might say that War does not make Peace and be perfectly correct, especially as it concerns Iraq. This isn’t a Buzz Daly rule, it’s in the Bible, as you will learn if you listen to the Rev.

That’s two in a row for the Rev.)

“War does not make for peace. War only makes for escalating violence and a mindset to pay the enemy back by any means necessary,” he said.

(Yep—one need only look to the MidEast to verify this. It occurs daily.)

Whoa, that’s 3 in a row for Jeremiah. So far: Jeremiah 3-0-0 Jeremiah Haters 0-3-0.

He then gets to the thesis of his sermon, saying, “y’all looking to the government for only what God can give. A lot of people confuse God with their government.”

(Any Libertarians got a view on that? I’m a non-Believer, so I’ll pass on this one.

That one is a draw. Rev 3-0-1 Haters 0-3-1)

Wright criticizes the Bush administration and its supporters for using Godly language to justify the war in Iraq. He equates using God in America as condoning the war in Iraq to the same perspective of Islamic fundamentalists.

(Right on, Rev. Silly claims of having “God’ on their side is a common practice of fools on all sides of a conflict. This is one of the the main points of this sermon. I’m pretty sure if God existed, He would not approve of mere mammals destroying his work. God does not like war. He is a Liberal Peacenik with a long white beard and Guarache sandals, who loves all his creations, not just United States Christians, OK?

Wow, another one for the Rev. That’s 4-0-1 for Jeremiah. 0-4-1 for Haters.)

“We can see clearly the confusion in the mind of a few Muslims, and please notice I did not say all Muslims, I said a few Muslims, who see Allah as condoning killing and killing any and all who don’t believe what they don’t believe. They call it jihad. We can see clearly the confusion in their minds, but we cannot see clearly what it is that we do. We call it crusade when we turn right around and say that our God condones the killing of innocent civilians as a necessary means to an end. WE say that God understand collateral damage. We say that God knows how to forgive friendly fire.”

(Are you starting to get where he’s coming from, yet? Sounds like he loves and trusts God more than Gummint. A wise path to follow in my view (if I believed in godfigures, I mean). Didn’t he just criticize Muslims? How can a Farrakhan lovin’ Marxist criticize Muslims? I thought he was a Muslim lovin’ fool. Something isn’t adding up here, is it?

Another one for Jeremiah. Rev. 6-1-1 Haters 0-6-1.)

“We say that God will bless the shock and awe as we take over unilaterally another country, calling it a coalition because we’ve got three guys from Australia, going against the United Nations, going against the majority of Christians, Muslims and Jews throughout the world, making a pre-emptive strike in the name of God. We cannot see how what we are doing is the same thing is the same thing that Al-Qaeda is doing under a different color flag – calling on the name of a different God to sanction and approve our murder and our mayhem.”

(You got that right, Jeremiah. Another one for the Rev. Rev. 5-1-1 Haters 0-5-1.)

He continues on his thesis of equating government with our God, saying that God sent the early settlers to America to take the country from Native Americans; ordained slavery; and that “we believe that God approves of 6 percent of the people on the face of this earth controlling all of the wealth on the face of this earth while the other 94 percent live in poverty and squalor while we give millions of tax breaks to the white rich.”

(Anyone disagree? I mean besides Karl Rove and the GOP. Why? Isn’t God’s mission to care for all his creations equally? When did that idea become passe? That’s one of my favorite parts of religion. It does seem to be used far too rarely, however.

Rev 6-1-1 Haters 0-6-1)

He also criticizes the “lily white” G-7 nations for controlling the world’s capital.

Group of Seven (G7), international organization officially established in 1985 to facilitate economic cooperation among the world’s largest industrial nations; summit meetings of the member nations began in 1975. Members are Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and the United States.

(Hmmm……..Is the Rev onto something, here? With the exception of Japan, whose inhabitants were called Yellow in the past for some reason, (WTF is that all about–yuck) one might come to the same conclusion as Jeremiah did, as to the participant’s pigmentation and focus.

Good job, Jeremiah, another one for you. Let’s see—that’s Jeremiah Wright 7-1-1 Haters 0-7-1. Now, let’s get to the real meat of this issue.)

Then Wright speaks to:

1. Governments lie. “This government lied about their belief that all men were created equal. The truth is they believed that all white men were created equal. The truth is they did not even believe that white women were created equal, in creation nor civilization. The government had to pass an amendment to the Constitution to get white women the vote. Then the government had to pass an equal rights amendment to get equal protection under the law for women. (it wasn’t ratified, Rev). The government still thinks a woman has no rights over her own body, and between Uncle Clarence (Thomas), who sexually harassed Anita Hill, and a closeted Klan court, that is a throwback to the 19th century, handpicked by Daddy Bush, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, between Clarence and that stacked court, they are about to un-do Roe vs. Wade, just like they are about to un-do affirmative action. The government lied in its founding documents and the government is still lying today. Governments lie.”

(That sounds pretty accurate, with the exception of an unproven charge against Justice Thomas, and the Klan remark re: the Court. Surely with all the hyperbole and attacks directed at Jeremiah, he gets a pass for his colorful descriptions of some GOP folks. Other than that, and the exceptions noted, I’m OK with it.

However, because of his inappropriate remarks re: Clarence and the Court, yet, overwhelmingly telling the truth about the rest, I’ll call this one a draw. Rev 7-1-2 Haters 0-7-2. )

“The government lied about Pearl Harbor. They knew the Japanese were going to attack. Governments lie. The government lied about the Gulf of Tonkin. They wanted that resolution to get us in the Vietnam War. Governments lie. The government lied about Nelson Mandela and our CIA helped put him in prison and keep him there for 27 years. The South African government lied on Nelson Mandela. Governments lie.”

(Don’t know for sure about Pearl Harbor. It was probably an intel screwup, rather than a negligent act. The rest is right on. He’s right about ‘Nam. He’s right about Mandela. I would also like to point out that Jeremiah was an early and constant critic of the SA Gummint and Apartheid, and, supported Mr. Mandela from the beginning.

Definitely another win for Jeremiah. I’m starting to like this guy. Rev Wright 8-0-2 Haters 0-8-2)

“The government lied about the Tuskegee experiment. They purposely infected African American men with syphilis. Governments lie. The government lied about bombing Cambodia and Richard Nixon stood in front of the camera, ‘Let me make myself perfectly clear…” Governments lie. The government lied about the drugs for arms Contra scheme orchestrated by Oliver North, and then the government pardoned all the perpetrators so they could get better jobs in the government. Governments lie.

(They sure as hell do, Jeremiah. Not sure about the last part about better jobs in Gummint, but, let’s put another W in the Rev’s column. Rev. 9-0-2 Haters 0-9-2)

“The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of people of color. Governments lie. The government lied about a connection between Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein and a connection between 9.11.01 and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Governments lie.

(NOW we’re gettin’ to the nitty gritty. This is apparently one of the overly “offensive” claims that seem to have created a bundle in many folks Fruit of The Looms. Let’s analyze it. Sorry, Rev. you’ve screwed the pooch on this one, Bud. I think the REV has fallen for a widely circulated inaccurate report from some intel jagoffs in Eastern Europe that claimed this, and, circulated a bogus document to support it. Dan Rather reported it on his so-called news show. Bad Reverend. However, the next point about Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein is correct and is accepted by nearly everyone, except Dick Cheney and GWB and a few of their most ardent backside smooching supporteres.

Let’s split this one. Another draw. Rev 9-0-2 Haters 0-9-2.)

“The government lied about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq being a threat to the United States peace. And guess what else? If they don’t find them some weapons of mass destruction, they gonna do just like the LAPD, and plant the some weapons of mass destruction. Governments lie.

(Now this one seems a bit of a stretch, as to actually planting WMDs like the LAPD uses “throw downs”, but “throw downs” are real, and, they exist. However, there were no WMDs, so he’s right on that one. Damn, Rev–you’re doin’ pretty good. Rev 10-0-3 Haters 0-10-3. Here’s where Jeremiah gets Revved up.)

2. Governments change. He said long before the United States colonized the world, so did Egypt.

“All colonizers are not white. Turn to your neighbors and say that oppressors come in all colors.”

(Hmmmm……….what about this? Surely an anti-White bigot wouldn’t say something like this, would he? Sounds like he doesn’t like oppressors of any color. I agree with him.

Damn, Rev, I’m gonna’ hafta’ start callin’ you “Butter”, cause you’re on a roll. Rev. 11-0-2 Haters 0-11-2)

He then went back to the Bible and spoke about the changing of kings in Babylonia.

“Prior to Abraham Lincoln, the government in this country said it was legal to hold Africans in slavery in perpetuity…when Lincoln got in office, the government changed. Prior to the passing of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution, government defined Africans as slaves, as property. Property, people with no rights to be respected by any whites anywhere. The Supreme Court of the government, same court, granddaddy of the court that stole the 2000 election. Supreme court said in it’s Dred Scott decision in the 1850s, no African anywhere in this country has any rights that any white person has to respect at any place, any time. That was the government’s official position backed up by the Supreme Court – that’s the judiciary; backed up by the executive branch – that’s the president; backed up by the legislative branch and enforced by the military of the government. But I stop by to tell you tonight that government’s change.”

(I can’t disagree with that. Rev 13-0-2 Haters 0-13-2 )

“Prior to Harry Truman’s government, the military was segregated. But governments change.

(Yep. No points for the obvious.)

“Prior to the Civil Rights and equal accommodation laws of the government in this country, there was backed segregation by the country, legal discrimination by the government, prohibited blacks from voting by the government, you had to eat and sit in separate places by the government, you had sit in different places from white folks because the government said so, and you had to buried in a separate cemetery. It was apartheid, American style, from the cradle to the grave, all because the government backed it up.

(That’s true, my Brother. Tell it).

“But guess what? Governments change. Under Bill Clinton, we got a messed up welfare to work bill, but under Clinton blacks had an intelligent friend in the Oval Office. Oh, but governments change.”

“The election was stolen. We went from an intelligent friend to a dumb Dixiecrat. A rich Republican who has never held a job in his life; is against affirmative action (and) against education – I guess he is; against healthcare, against benefits for his own military, and gives tax breaks to the wealthiest contributors to his campaign. Governments change. Sometimes for the good, and sometimes for the bad.”

(Well put, Bro.)

“Where governments change, God does not change. God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. That’s what his name I Am means. He does not change.

God was against slavery on yesterday, and God, who does not change, is still against slavery today. God was a God of love yesterday, and God who does not change, is still a God of love today. God was a God of justice on yesterday, and God who does not change, is still a God of justice today.

“God does not change.”

(It would be inappropriate for a non-Believer to get involved in this one. Again, no points.)

3. He then speaks of the government in his Bible text and said the Romans failed. Then he said the British government failed even after it colonized the world. He said the Russian government failed. The Japanese government failed. The German government failed.

(True).

“And the United States of America government, when it came to treating her citizens of Indian descent, she failed. She put them on reservations.

(True).

“When it came to putting her citizens of Japanese descent fairly, she failed. She put them in interment prison camps.

(True. They were even paid, so protestations of the validity of restricting citizen rights during war are as bogus now as they were then. )

“When it came to putting the citizens of African descent fairly, America failed. She put them in chains. The government put them on slave quarters. Put them on auction blocks. Put them in cotton fields. Put them in inferior schools. Put them in substandard housing. Put them scientific experiments. Put them in the lower paying jobs. Put them outside the equal protection of the law. Kept them out of their racist bastions of higher education, and locked them into positions of hopelessness and helplessness.

(Yep.)

“The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three strike law and then wants us to sing God Bless America. Naw, naw, naw. Not God Bless America. God Damn America! That’s in the Bible. For killing innocent people. God Damn America for treating us citizens as less than human. God Damn America as long as she tries to act like she is God and she is Supreme.”

(With the exception of the drug part, I think he has shown justification for his choice to “God Damn America”. Or, do you think the America he mostly describes accurately, should be blessed for such a history? )

“The United States government has failed the vast majority of her citizens of African descent. Think about this. Think about this. For every one Oprah, a billionaire, you’ve got 5 million blacks that are out of work. For every one Colin Powell, a millionaire, you’ve got 10 million blacks who cannot read. For every one Condi-Skeezer Rice, you’ve got 1 million in prison. For every one Tiger Woods, who needs to get beat at the Masters, with his Cablanasian hips, playing on a course that discriminates against women, God has this way of brining you up short when you get to big for your Cablanasian britches. For every one Tiger Woods, we’ve got 10,000 black kids who will never see a golf course. The United States government has failed the vast majority of her citizens of African descent.”

(Although I have no idea what Balanasian britches are, I dig his delivery and enthusiastic presentation. I would add, however, that Black folks aren’t the only ones who our Gummint has failed. I would also note that Tiger Woods has a foundation whose main function is teaching golf to minority kids without access to facilities or the means to purchase instruction. Bad Reverend. I’m tired of scoring this contest, and I think I already messed up the math, but, the trend is clear to me. It seems to me the Reverend speaks a lot of truth.)

“Tell your neighbor he’s (going to) help us one last time. Turn back and say forgive him for the God Damn, that’s in the Bible though. Blessings and curses is in the Bible. It’s in the Bible.”

(Apparently, Sean Hannity and 95% of America didn’t read this far. Doesn’t quite sound like the wild-eyed raving maniac he’s described as to me).

Where government fail, God never fails. When God says it, it’s done. God never fails. When God wills it, you better get out the way, ‘cause God never fails. When God fixes it, oh believe me it’s fixed. God never fails. Somebody right now, you think you can’t make it, but I want you to know that you are more than a conqueror through Christ. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”

(Geezus! Where do I sign up? That was pretty good.)

He then went on to talk about the salvation of Christians through the death of Jesus Christ. The sermon ended with a song proclaiming, “God never fails”.

This doesn’t seem to be all that Marxist to me, and, hardly the words of a hater and anti-American bigot who should be sent out of the country in my view. Did I miss something?

So, there you have it my friends. That horrid sermon that has been the toast of the airwaves for weeks and weeks. Not that scary, eh? Thanks for finally reading it. (if you did).

The losers in this debacle are O’Bama and the media and all those who think soundbites are news. They aren’t. So, please feel free to pick apart the Rev’s sermon and provide us with factual inaccuracies as to what he says. Or, would it be easier to move on to something relevant?