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I have felt it worth publishing one of my journalism heros, Bill Moyers' essay about the Newtown massacre and America's fervent gun violence problem.   BILL MOYERS : Welcome. The bells rang for the lost: Charlotte Bacon, Olivia Engel, Ana Marquez-Greene, Dylan Hockley, Madeline Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Jesse Lewis, James Mattioli, Emilie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previdi, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Benjamin Wheeler, and Allison Wyatt. All were six years old. Daniel Barden, Josephine Gay, Chase Kowalski, and Grace McDonnell were 7. Six adults died with them: Mary Sherlach, Anne Marie Murphy, Dawn Hochsprung, Lauren Rousseau, Rachel D’Avino, Victoria Soto. It helps to say their names, to rescue them from the statistical anonymity that always settles over these awful events. It helps those of us distanced from the loss to imagine, even grieve, the emptiness in the homes and hearts of those who loved them. They will never forget. We mourn, move on, and

Nike and The Like: The American Birth Of Globalization My father saw the writing on the wall when he was in the work force in the nineteen eighties. This was the beginning of the switch from traditional American manufacturers to globalization being cheered on by the major corporations. The elite in power asked a daring question “why are we continuing to pay quality wages for Americans when we can make goods cheaper from foreign labor overseas?”. Many in power at the time of coarse knew the dreaded outcome of this. It would be sure to bring much disorder towards the honest working class families. The problem was that working class families wouldn’t benefit them with profit unlike the multinational corporate state. President Reagan symbolized the turn over from honest hard working America to a nation that sought to obtain the most wealth by whatever means necessary. He was known for taking rights away from unions and invited special interest groups to have a seat in power.  Ever sinc

  Nutrition Nation: a Guide to Moving Forward Ever wonder why the nutritional status of America is, as a whole, inadequate while science in the health field keeps advancing? A further look into this reveals that it is not a lack of information but a lack of commitment which prevents us from making progress in this vital field. Solving this dilemma isn’t as difficult as one might assume it to be, but it does require passion, dedication and challenging the status quo. Now more than ever, corporations have a stranglehold over many essential aspects of the general public’s lives. McDonalds, Pepsi Co, Coca-Cola, Wendy’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and a host of other junk-food conglomerates saturate the commercials of popular shows. This is most unfortunate for children who are easily impressionable. The appealing slogans and images used attract their attention, causing them to beg their parents to listen. Most parents understand that the food/drink is nutritionally void and would rather se

A speech by this year's Justice Party candidate, constitutional lawyer and former Mayor of Salt Lake City, Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson Restoring Our Republic by Rejecting the Duopoly of the Democratic and Republican Parties Ross C. “Rocky” Anderson The Hammer Forum University of California, Los Angeles April 19, 2012 Freedom. Equal opportunity. Compassion. Security. Those are core values upon which our nation was founded – and which we, as Americans, have had in common. Yet, those values have been severely undermined by Republicans and Democrats alike during the Bush and Obama years. They can be restored – but only if we break loose of the stranglehold the two dominant, duopolist parties have on our body politic.  In the past, our nation has failed, on occasion, to live up to its promise. But we, as a people, have aspired to regain the moral high ground. And we can do it again. It is by holding true to our principles and becoming engaged that we assert our roles as citize

The Progressive Movement : Final Opportunity For a Change In The Status Quo Two years ago, Jon Stewart and Chris Colbert had their own warped version of the rally to restore sanity and or fear. Although it was funny, and I’m not challenging their comic ability, they have to realize that significant changes have to occur in people to make our situation turn around. Both Stewart and Colbert seemed to be mocking people like progressives and the tea party who are fed up with our government for just reasons. My neighbor attends tea party movements and frequently expresses his opinions to others about our government. He’s not a radical, violent, and racist person, but rather a responsible hardworking citizen who understandably wants to see fundamental change. I believe it is time to get out of the mindset that voting for a Democrat, Republican, Liberal, or Conservative party will solve any problems we have. As individuals we are responsible for challenging an unjust government which is what

This is an interesting question that I only know part of the answer to.  First of all, most Americans, notwithstanding their intentions, simply don't rely on alternative sources of media.  One shouldn't blame them for this, as mainstream media (MSM) won't dare promote it.  Much of the funding for alternative publications, media outlets and activism comes from dedicated citizens.  This unfortunately is a pittance compared to the millions poured into MSM by corporations all across the spectrum.  The seemingly endless commercials for pharmaceuticals, junk food and new technological and automotive wonders is a poignant example of this. We know where MSM's bread is buttered, but that still doesn't fully explain the comparative non-existence  of alternative media.  I believe it has to do with a deeper issue: that, despite signs pointing otherwise, most people want a sense of comfort.  Although all MSM stories aren't exactly comforting, it caters to this desire by no

Shoot for the Moon: if You miss, You Need a Better Gun “We stand at the edge of an Obama cliff” says NRA CEO and EVP, Wayne LaPierre on the NRA’s website (www.nra.org). LaPierre endorses the Romney-Ryan team this election, and a look further into this reveals why. On the NRA’s website, there’s a link to an article called “Six Big Reasons Gun Owners Should Vote Like Rights Are At Stake”. The article delves into denunciations of Obama’s supposedly strong anti-gun policies. “From 1994 until 2002 he served along with Bill Ayres and his current senior advisor Valery Jarrett on the 10-member board of the radically anti-gun Joyce Foundation in Chicago. Between 1998 and 2001 the organization contributed $18,326,183 in grants to anti-Second Amendment causes” (1). Let’s see, has Obama really taken away our gun rights? Any reasonable American would say no, and that’s because he has not. Americans can still purchase the same types of guns, and the rate at which they’re doing so is eye-opening. Ta

The following are some of the main points I came across while reading a Mother Jones article titled "Sweet Little Lies".  This article breaks down how America's sugar industry poured vast sums of money and intense efforts into covering up evidence linking sugar consumption to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. . "The Sugar Association's winning campaign (Silver Anvil award for excellence in "the forging of public opinion") had been prompted by a poll showing that consumers had come to see sugar as fattening, and that most doctors suspected it might exacerbate, if not cause, heart disease and diabetes". . "With an initial annual budget of nearly $800,000 ($3.4 million today) collected from the makers of Dixie Crystals, Domino, C&H, Great Western, and other sugar brands, the association recruited a stable of medical and nutritional professionals to allay the public's fears, brought snack and beverage companies into

I just watched a Q&A with Noam Chomsky and Angela Davis on a variety of topics ranging from foreign policy, to culture, to education and the environment.  Here's what I took away from it: Davis stated that if there were a communication of Palestine's troubles to the African Americans here, they would likely join Palestine's struggle, which is similar to their's under the Jim Crow era.  Chomsky told of President Obama blocking a nuclear weapons non-alignment conference in Finland, which Iran was scheduled to attend and Israel was not.  He says that the media is largely silent on this.  The "Free Palestine" conference, with an initial goal of $4 million in funding, only received $200,000.  Much of the intended audience couldn't attend as a result.  Davis spoke at a university in Brazil where 80% attending where black and it was only 5 years old.  When she told them of Israeli apartheid, they responded in enthusiastic support of her views.  Chomsky expl

In this searing analysis of America's Mercenary muscle, Blackwater, Jeremy Scahill uncovers the deceitful and criminal activities of this organization.  Scahill reports from a variety of veiwpoints; including those of Government officials as well as Americans, Iraqis and citizens in many other nations where Blackwater's presence is known.  Asking and answering relevant questions, Scahill doesn't cut any corners.  As a result, this book provides essential insights regarding how empires such as the U.S. are run militarily.  Reading this will undoubtedly provide one with an abundance of crucial information about a topic too often ignored by mass media and society.

In this book, renowned linguist and political intellectual, Noam Chomsky dives into hearty discussions about many of the pressing issues in our world.  Drawing upon poignant historical examples, Chomsky breaks down complex issues like foreign policy, government regulation and the environment.  A first-time Chomsky reader myself, I found his insights extremely helpful for understanding otherwise complex topics.  This is a must read for those wanting a deeper knowledge of of areas where mainstream media rarely touches.

Finders and Seekers We need to find a way that will work. I feel like a boiling kettle about to perk. Some people have already found their treasure. You and I still search for our true pleasure. The sky is darkened, blocking out our light. Our path is distorted and now it’s out of sight. Hoping someday we’ll reach our place of rest. A place that’s valuable like a hidden treasure chest. Those who have made it are happy but not tried. Our worth lies in the struggle and the tears we cried. This world is a place of finders and seekers. Wing is rushing through my ears like blasting loudspeakers. You and I struggle on through the black and white. Someday we’ll be rewarded for winning this great fight.

I’ll See You There I’ll see you there, on the mountaintop, There the whole world comes to a stop. We can look upon the entire earth, And think about our collective worth. Oh how far we’ve come in so short a time. We didn’t have any rhythm or rhyme. High in the mountains, the wind whistles strong. Birds in the trees sing a marvelous song. I’m proud to be here in all this beauty. These aspects of nature sure do subdue me. After all is said and done We stand tall on the mountaintop as one.

Land of Enchantment Just outside of Albuquerque, the great mountains glitter. Next to them is a nice bike trail where people don’t litter. There are beautiful sights in the heart of the town. There’s plenty to do from sun up to sun down. A welcoming spirit is the key to the land. People help each other, working hand in hand. If there’s only one place I could be, my friend, It’s New Mexico, where enchantment has no end.

Careful Choices My mind tells me to make careful choices, Not to listen to those deceitful voices. To look at my problems to amend, And never ramble on without end. Around the corner is surely unknown. Yet, I know that my knowledge has grown. Each choice will come with different decisions. I’ll double check them and to make my revisions While I mature, my mind will improve, Telling me when and when not to move. Once this occurs, there is no going back. It’s a nice thing to know that my mind is on track.

Energy It’s the reason for life, neither created nor destroyed. It has power like a knife, to cut through the void. Inside of everyone, this thing cannot be seen. This fuels the stars and sun, and everything in between. The flow of it is free, in the sky and in the ground. Although we cannot see, its presence does abound. Great power does it hold, as it moves across the Earth. This thing is truly bold, and it’s the reason for all birth. There is no need to tell, I’m sure you already know. Most people know it well, as the great energy flow.

Field of Dreams I look across the meadows and upon the barren field Scratching my head in wonder as to what this crop will yield. Deep within my mind, seeds of knowledge I do so I’m Curious as ever about if they will take and grow. I’ve seen many a harvest in this empty field of dreams. Yet it’s always unpredictable, it’s just not what it seems. One year is all abundance, with the plant life to abound. The next year all that’s there is the cold and lonely ground. A wild wind tells me that something is just not right As I retire to my house to brave the dark and stormy night.    Looking out of my window, I see and hear the pouring rain It waters my seeds of knowledge to grow into something sane.

Outlook Look outside of your own world.  Tell me, what do you see? It is just like a stone hurled at opportunity. See all of these people?  They’re stuck inside this race. They’re sprinting at the steeple, just to find disgrace. Narrowing the corners, and tackling the straight-way. Forget about those mourners; let’s make it a great day. One never should forget the obstacles ahead; Just like a dark war-jet flying past the dread. A stain upon the ceiling, or even a smeared wall Creates an eerie feeling, deep within us all. Eyes opening and closing, look everywhere around. Isn’t it imposing? All that they have found? The drying of the meadows, the praying that it rains; The crying from the ghettos, we don’t want more pains. Around us lies consoling, we comfort when we can. We know who’s controlling, and who makes the plan. Teamwork produces answers, yet new questions rise. We’re combating the cancers that are right before our eyes. Is our world wh

A portion of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech titled, "The Power of Nonviolence". “From the very beginning there was a philosophy undergirding the Montgomery boycott, the philosophy of nonviolent resistance. There was always the problem of getting this method over because it didn’t make sense to most of the people in the beginning. We had to use our mass meetings to explain nonviolence to a community of people who had never heard of the philosophy and in many instances were not sympathetic with it. We had meetings twice a week on Mondays and on Thursdays, and we had an institute on nonviolence and social change. We had to make it clear that nonviolent resistance is not a method of cowardice. It does resist. It is not a method of stagnant passivity and deadening complacency. The nonviolent resister is just as oppressed to the evil that he is standing against as the violent resister but he resists without violence. This method is nonaggressive physically but strongly aggr

Hospitality Out of hospitality I’ll give you what belongs to me. You’re in great need, I can see that. Your treasure’s thin while mine is fat. In the hole and out of luck, Most of the time you feel stuck. Lift your head up, don’t worry. For I have hospitality.