URGENT: Fight for Internet Freedom Heats Up!

Thanks to one of our readers who pulled our coat on this latest important article.
Read it at this link --> Fight For the Internet Freedom Heats Up
Scroll down to see more entries and check out the sidebar links as well.
In the meantime - Do good and... SAY SOMETHING!

There Is Silence in the Streets; Where Have All the Protesters Gone? - NY Times

Okay, so I'm just going to list - off the top 'o my head, some of the wildly cared about and attended American past times. Then I hope some of our readers can explain how we got to the point where these activities are more precious to the average American than being... well - American. Which used to mean exercising our rights and standing up for how the country is run. Is that not our job as Americans? You know - it comes with the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all that... old written stuff.

The short list:
• TV in general
• American Idol – it would be nice if the idols were our presidents and leaders
• Sports in General – Hockey, Baseball...
• NASCAR
• iPods – using, stealing, wishing for one
• Gaming – video, gambling, poker etc.
• Cars – driving, buying, Macin’
• and the winner might be: shopping
** If we showed up for America at the same rate and in the same numbers as the activities listed - America would be one wildly successful country! Not to mention happier about creating our own collective destiny. But I wax nostalgic - or something.

Just remember: Being America is something that is best done in person - not on a web site and not via television. (Unless you are the current government).

Let's try this simple exercise toward rehabilitation:
America - please step away from the TV and get out of the Mall. It's OK - come outside, be seen and be heard, then repeat. Don’t let the TV tell you - you have social anxiety disorders. Silence does = death in many ways.

Read the Op-Ed piece about our sad evolution here:
There Is Silence in the Streets... - New York Times

2008 Presidential Invisible Primary Ratings, Vol. 1 - ABC News

This news item is chock full of important info - do see it!
ABC News Political Unit's 2008 Presidential Invisible Primary Ratings By: Mark Halperin, David Chalian and Teddy Davis.

- The Chances Various Republicans and Democrats Have at Winning Their Party's Nomination -
Excerpts:
Partial Table of Contents
Invisible Primary Ratings, How It Works, Categories, Money, Potential, Rationale/Issues/Record, Biography and Spouse, Iowa, New Hampshire, Other States, Perceived Electability, The 'Hang' Test, TV Campaign Skills, Wartime Leadership/Anti-terrorism Credentials, Media Coverage, Buzz/Momentum, Netroots.

Opening teaser:
1) No Senator has been elected President of these United States since John F. Kennedy in 1960.

2) 2008 will mark the first presidential election since 1928 in which neither the sitting president nor vice president is running for the job — creating a wide open contest...

The Invisible Primary refers to the jockeying for supremacy in the contests to be positioned to be the major party presidential nominees between now and start of the actual caucus and primary voting.

Please do not forget to Vote!! It's our future (or not).

See more: existentialist-lcd, ex-lcd, reviews, opinions, free trade etc.

An Inconvenient Truth - Trailer - Showtimes - Cast - Movies - New York Times

A must see for all people.

Spike Lee's Katrina film, "When the Levees Broke" airs on HBO - Yahoo! News

The four-hour film is divided into four acts and examines the government's response to Katrina. The first two parts begins Monday, Aug. 21st on HBO, and the balance will be aired Tuesday.

One of the most poignant interviews in the Hurricane Katrina documentary "When the Levees Broke", is given by a man who lost his mother in the aftermath of the storm, filmmaker Spike Lee said. In the interview evacuee Herbert Freeman recalls his mother's death at the New Orleans Convention Center and the moment he had to leave her body there as he and other evacuees were taken out of the city.

Lee said on ABC's This Week: "Before he got on a bus — he had a piece of paper, wrote his name, his cell number and her name and placed the paper between her fingers, her body,"... "How could this happen, in — supposedly — the wealthiest, mightiest country in the world? Really, that's the question," Lee said.

WAW Comment: Well, Mr. Lee we are all - still - asking the very same questions! So, let's have another good look at the catastrophe via Spike Lee's film = which is certain to be thought provoking.
Again and as always comments are welcome.

ABC News: US Military Recruiters Cited for Sexual Misconduct

ABC News: Military Recruiters Cited for Misconduct

Burn Baby Burn:Dell Recalls 4.1M Laptop Batteries

Gosh... that feels like just about EVERY LAPTOP in AMERICA!!  DELL do get IT together.
This is another in numerous recalls.

Dell's a Popping:  See the article here:
Dell to Recall 4.1M Laptop Batteries
See more horrifying news:
Exploding Laptops - EX-LCD Blog (22,000 recalls)

This is a grave concern:  
So by all means do NOT laptop on your... ahh... LAP! = Danger and bad family planning.   What about planes, and trains, and automobiles??  ... Oh my!   Dell may be a greater threat to immediate homeland security than any "exchange student" = Yikes.   You Decide.

Techdirt: RIAA Gives Family 60 Days To Grieve Before Continuing Case Against Dead Man

[from the how-sweet-of-them dept.]

Excerpt:
The RIAA really knows how to handle its file sharing lawsuits in ways that make themselves look incredibly heartless. It seemed like maybe they'd scraped bottom when they suggested a student should drop out of MIT to pay a few thousand dollars for file sharing, but they've now topped that one... Click to read on -
Techdirt: RIAA = 60 Days To Grieve

Comment: !! FILE SHARING?... this is about file sharing?? Honestly this is so over the top stupid (not to mention v. cruel) I cannot comment beyond this, but clearly there are much more urgent, life and freedom threatening issues to regulate and sue for. These desperately need our attention instead of protecting ourselves from heartless process.

Without a Trace: "Missing" in New York !?

10 Days, Ten Reasons and Counting...
Okay, so I am trying very hard to wrap my small brain around how 11 exchange students = adults sized, go "missing" in New York - for 10 days from JFK Airport? Such is the story with the 11 exchange students "gone missing" in NYC.

How does this happen that their parents,local and now federal authorities, their Montana hosts, and even the odd new Yorker have not heard anyone cry out, "help, we are lost in NY!”? Anyone with even a few watts still burning would ask for directions or help-in any language. (So sorry,its hot: brownout humor alert)

10 Days, Ten Reasons and Counting...
So when is "missing" not missing? Moreover, in the post-911 era what are we to think or assume? Frankly, I am so shocked that 11 students (possibly in group), can give us the slip like this, I found myself running to the computer... I had to let it out. So below is what's running thru my mind tonight (scary), and some items are not for the feint of heart.

1. They left the airport intentionally - There seems to be no reports of incidents at JFK Airport to alert authorities that they missed the connecting flight.
2. If they snuck away, as kids do, for fun in NY - that plan went terribly wrong so they should notify someone.
3. Are they too frightened to let someone know?
4. We could assume that they have enough smarts to go to college - so how did they get so very... misplaced?
5. One of their colleagues, who did make it to Montana has stated: He can see how they can get lost - "New York is a big city... "
6. Excuse us but it is certainly not bigger than Montana! However will they fair there, wandering about the range?
7. Montana beware. New Yorkers heads up!
8. They never intended to go to the exchange English classes in Montana to begin with. They may now be taking secret flying lessons or buying backpacks at Staples.
9. Have they been kidnapped by... terrorists? [irony]
10. We could even stretch and ask if the CIA or some other Patriot Act-type agency has picked them up, and is maybe, secretly holding them for some security reason? So after 10 days wouldn't this agency let someone know that these people are not "missing" through what ever means (strategically) possible?

All very strange indeed.
It’s so easy to get lost, missing, WHATEVER in NY especially after 10 days have passed...

- Speaking just moments ago to a friend about this issue - he could not believe the students are still nowhere to be found. He's also cancelling his appointment downtown at the end of the week. Perhaps we'll both stay uptown and have a few cocktails.
Welcome to our new world.
(comments welcome).

Officer Faces Court-Martial for Refusing to Deploy to Iraq - NY Times

OMG = Well... It's On!
This is getting interesting. An American exercising their (real) rights, no matter what the consequences = Brave and Bravo!

- Let's watch and keep an eye on whether this is a real trend, or if it turns out to be a nod to individualism and personal integrity.

Officer Faces Court-Martial for Refusing to Deploy to Iraq - New York Times

** Let us know how you feel about this issue: Would you refuse to go to war at this point? Do you think they could continue to court-martial if troops and potentials, and the public DEMONSTRATED with ACTS such as this, that we are not all for this war and will not engage in it? We already let the government know, and also there are the polls - but polls seem to be largely ignored by government. Geez...

BUSH PILOT- See it at the Existentialist-LCD Blog

This is RICH.... Well worth the watch!
Pretty hilarious - Caution US citizens: it's in German with subtitles.
We know you can do it... See the vid: 2.5 minutes
{Pardon the cross posts - but some topics do need repeating.}

Bush Pilot (with English subtitles) - Google Video
Pass it on.
The Existentialist-LCD

Katrina audit shows fraud, abuse - Yahoo! News

By LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press Writer
Snippet:
"WASHINGTON - The Homeland Security Department wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars last year on iPods, dog booties, beer-making equipment and designer jackets, congressional investigators have concluded.
More than 100 laptop computers and a dozen boats also bought by Homeland Security employees are missing, the investigators found."

- COMMENT: We shudder to think! First we know about the rampant fraud = so very predictable... so when do we get our tax refund for that??!! BUT, scarier still is the missing gov't equipment - like the laptops which usually contain sensitive info/records. That should have already been a crucial concern for Homeland Security etc. See my other post about the gov't and its missing laptops and the thousands who are poss. still at risk after that. Can anyone remember 911? And, that America has worked very hard, and pays enormous amounts of money to be at war and to create new wars each day.
I know it’s so sad... read more here:
Katrina audit shows fraud, abuse - Yahoo! News

Up In smoke | Global Warming and the Environment

A collection of TIME's recent coverage of global warming and the environment - Sponsored by The Discovery Channel - TIME.com

... Also please see and take the Time Quick Vote poll that asks:
"Are you willing to make a change in your lifestyle to lessen the effects of Global Warming?”
We don't think you will be surprised at the answers but it’s good to know how most feel about this urgent issue.

Global warming should definitely be an urgent action-item for all Americans whether the White House wants to face it or not. REMINDER: It is our constitutional right and within our power to make them address American voter issues.

See more: Up In smoke | Sponsored by The Discovery Channel - TIME.com

Great Fences Make Good Neighbors?... Whatever.

A Fence With More Beauty, Fewer Barbs - New York Times.

Though we may be able to envision the most beautiful fences, it does not provide shelter against the real issues in this case.
Read more: NYTimes. Click above - you decide.
... Say something.

YouTube - Save the Internets

BBC NEWS | Technology | Amnesty to target net repression

Internet users are being urged to stand up for online freedoms by backing a new campaign launched by human rights group Amnesty International.
Get more in this topic here -> BBC NEWS Technology - Amnesty International to target net repression.

The campaign will highlight abuses of rights the net is used for, and push for the release of those jailed for speaking out online.

It will also name hi-tech firms aiding governments that limit online protests.

ABC News: Soldiers Turn SNL Rap Skit Into 'Lazy Ramadi'

Read all about it! at: ABC News: Soldiers Turn SNL Rap Skit Into 'Lazy Ramadi'

Flip the Script
Two U.S. soldiers make a Rap music video about their time in Iraq.
Inspired by a SNL (Saturday Night Live) skit, SSG Matt Wright created this video with US National Guard-mates all the way in Iraq. It's gone viral of course.

Here's a clue for America about how they are feeling. Thought provoking, and also quite entertaining... seems a waste of some spontaneous talent.

*** 2 thumbs up here for the "Vid” and wishing all our troops well.

Click above to view.

Gas Prices by ZIP CODE - Loaded Issue Alert!

Well we may feel helpless... but only because we are too (American) idle to get up, go out and protest!
Which, if I recall - is the (latest) reason we also spend billions of dollars in Iraq - so THEY can get up, go out and protest - one of the key privileges of democracy. Even if the war really was a run at the oil over there - that strategy apparently did not work out either - yikes!

Now it seems we just outsource democracy... as wars in other countries. The French riot in the streets when job benefits change, yet here we enjoy struggling things and just complaining... sounds pathetic and kind of puny coming from a "super power" like America. We may have lost our Mojo but be reminded it is OUR hard earned money that’s being spent abroad with little left over to cure or soothe America's issues. Sadder still, we spread democracy so selectively - there are other nations that have far worse conditions such as Africa - the need there is endless as we well know, or should know - what have you done for Africa lately?

I guess it is what it is. I am saddened because it seems we have lost our power and sense of outrage as human beings and Americans - now days we just sit down. It feels we can't or won't stand up for issues that are in our faces every day and affect our futures and those of our children and families, and the earth as a whole. (I'm folding my soapbox up now).
Happy Trails...
So for your next road trip or commute ($$ out of your paycheck), here's what it looks like for car travel in the land of opportunity: Clicking for gas... how unfortunate for US.

CLICK HERE ---> Gas Prices - MSN Autos

ABC News: Cyber Heist Could Cost Consumers

ABC News: Cyber Heist Could Cost Consumers

Results of Poll on Cell Phones

The Associated Press-AOL-Pew Research Center poll on public attitudes about cell phones is based on telephone interviews with 1,503 adults in the United States from all states except Alaska and Hawaii. The sample included 1,286 cell phone users. The interviews were conducted March 8-26 by Schulman, Ronca and Bucuvalas. Half, 752, of the interviews were conducted by dialing landlines and 751 were conducted by dialing cell phones.

Results of AP-AOL-Pew Poll on Cell Phones - Yahoo! News

100 US Senators - Approval Ratings 03/06

SurveyUSA - 100 US Senator Approval Ratings 03/06 Sort By State

Another Bit 'o Brilliance - Credit bureaus create FICO score rival

As if one credit score thingy was not enough to have to keep track of, here comes another brilliant formula to contend with.
MSN Money - Credit bureaus create FICO score rival.
I do believe that consumers should stop being afraid of banks, credit bureaus and the like and speak out against onerous practices and processes.
Meaning - the score/test stuff is making us all sick.
Remember... This used to be a democracy: Voices of protest from the public and government were able to make the IRS change, so why not therse fools?
(... Did I say that? - ah oh - there goes my credit score.)

ABC News: State of the Union address - Here's your chance to be heard!

ABC News: Give your own State of the Union address!

So what does America *really* want?

... Stay in touch here for - Opinionated news, polls and reviews - sayin' exactly what's on our minds ... This way the politicians may not remain so very baffled.