Disaster proves warnings true
http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/content/shared/news/nation/stories/09/02KATRINA_FEDS.html
Informant: Hopedance
Informant: Hopedance
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:44
6
Sep
2005
Radar Becomes A Weapon
Aviation Week & Space Technology September 5, 2005 Pg. 50
Directed energy takes an unexpected turn and surfaces as a handy antimissile device that can be built into aircraft, ship and ground-based radars
By David A. Fulghum and Douglas Barrie
Radar is emerging as one of the key weapons--nearly all of them still shrouded by secrecy--in the Pentagon's growing arsenal of nonexplosive devices.
Knowledge that radar can produce violent effects on electronic systems is not new. More than 20 years ago, bomber aircraft radars were capable of generating enough concentrated noise jamming to burn out the valve amps (tube amplifiers) in fighters attempting an interception. The emergence over the last few years of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and its ability to provide high average power for appreciable times, makes such electronically destructive devices all the more attractive and effective.
The weapons-effect utility of the AESA will provide a useful adjunct to other "nonkinetic"--not relying on explosives or impact--weapons research being done in the U.S. and in Europe. The intent is to develop an arsenal of weaponry that limits, or perhaps eliminates, collateral damage and unintended casualties, a particular concern with civilians in countries that coalition forces are trying to aid.
Arrays designed for carriage by aircraft appear to be focused on cruise missiles and self-defense against anti-radiation, home-on-jam and air-to-air missiles. The radars seem particularly effective against the latter categories because energy available to focus on the approaching missile increases as an inverse square as distance decreases.
With large ground- or sea-based AESA-type arrays, the targets are to include ballistic missile warheads, supersonic sea-skimming missiles or shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles that threaten airport operations.
Some of the airborne AESA radars, designed for X-band frequencies, use thousands of small transmitters/receivers, each a couple of inches square, that allow the array to conduct many tasks simultaneously. Those include detection of small, even stealthy targets, tracking and communications. Along with the AESA's high average power, there are also bandwidth benefits and the ability to utilize flexible waveforms.
They can also be used for "jamming," a term now encompassing weapons effects on enemy electronics from the right combination of power, waveform, frequency and pulse length. Possible AESA techniques for attacking another radar could include burning through the target radar's antenna side-lobes, filter side-lobes, or other known features of the target system. Radar specialists suggest it is reasonable to suppose this capability is already available to some fielded systems.
The AESA transmitters can also be focused on other targets to deliver bursts of X-band radio frequency energy into the vulnerable electronics of missiles--the current focus--or enemy aircraft and helicopters or computer systems. Under such assault, computers become confused and missiles lose interest in their targets.
MOREOVER, THE AESA radar is related to high-power microwave (HPM) just beginning to emerge as missile defense systems. The primary difference is that AESA radars produce a sustained pulse for microseconds over a limited frequency range to create an effect while HPM produces a one-pico-sec. pulse of much greater power over gigahertz of frequencies, says a long-time Pentagon radar specialist. A laser beam, by comparison, would have to be held on the target for several seconds.
Some industry specialists say such descriptions oversimplify the technology because both AESA radars and HPM can produce a variety of pulse lengths and bandwidths. They contend the only difference between AESA radars and HPM systems are the waveforms and RF power levels. Both systems use the same electronics technologies and those electronics are optimized for the performance needed to achieve the desired radar or HPM effect. That goal is often to confuse or damage enemy electronics.
These capabilities aren't openly discussed. Moreover, those with knowledge of the technology offer many caveats.
"It's not wise to characterize all AESA radars as potential weapons," says an aerospace industry expert in advanced radars. "Most radars are for defensive purposes only." Also, "one does not need an AESA to turn a radar into a weapon. It can be done with other technologies. High power is required, but beyond that, it's mostly a software issue.
"Wide bandwidth is needed in order to find a vulnerable frequency for the target," he says. "Purpose-built HPM systems would be better in this than most AESAs."
THE NEWLY EMERGING "HPM [devices] come in different flavors," says a second industry specialist. "It can make it uncomfortable for a human being to be in the beam by relying on high average power to heat the skin. Another is used to confuse or burn out missile seekers. The level of peak and/or average power depends on the specific technique being used to counter the threat.
"In general, high peak power is not unique to HPM [devices]," he says. "Radars also use high peak power in long-range search modes, and AESA [arrays] are used for both. The discriminators are the waveform properties and techniques, which include power, duty cycle, pulse length, etc., to counter the various threats, not the technology that goes into the AESA itself. AESA [arrays] support HPM, radar, communications and electronic warfare applications. What makes them unique are the properties of the waveforms that are transmitted."
There are AESAs fielded that operate at HF frequencies (re-locatable over the horizon radar) to millimeter waves (communications and other radar applications). The transmitter/receiver (T/R) modules for these devices can range from several feet to less that 1/4-in. square. Moreover, many frequencies beyond Xband can be exploited to produce weapons effects.
AESA radars on fighter aircraft aren't particularly suited to create weapons effects on missiles because of limited antenna size, power and field of view, a senior U.S. Air Force official says. And, while weapons effects from radars are interesting, "There's no requirement yet for the capability," at least on smaller aircraft, he says. The military's primary concern for now is high-resolution radar with moving target and synthetic aperture capabilities.
While it's easier to plug the energy-hungry system into city electrical power grids as ground-based systems or the Navy's next generation of electric-propulsion ships such as DD(X), the capability is also quickly moving into airborne systems.
A weapons capability exists in a handful of F-15Cs modified with the APG-63(V)2 radars for cruise missile defense and the latest production F/A-18E/Fs. It will soon be part of the F/A-22 and B-2 as part of their radar upgrades, and AESA is also to equip the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. HPM is eventually to be part of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System payload, and the huge 4 X 21-ft. MP-RTIP AESA radar array is to fly on the E-10. An AESA array is also to be carried by the British Astor.
As to weapons effects, the AESA radar offers the best way to generate high, sustained power where countermeasures demand average power, the radar specialist says. However, weapons effects or countermeasures will vary depending on the target's sensitivities. Very high peak power, short duration pulse may be the best method for attacking enemy electronics. In that case, the attack might better and more cheaply be delivered by an HPM weapon. An AESA is best used where it can use its radar function to locate the target and focus its energy. It can then rapidly move to other targets and select how long it wants to dwell on each.
The radar's weapons effect is measured in watts/sq. cm. AESA arrays are more efficient and reliable since their RF and low-noise amplifiers are near the radiators so that very little energy is lost. The beam is produced by ganging the effects of thousands of lower-wattage T/R modules.
There are lots of similarities between ground-based HPM systems and AESA radars including the T/R modules. In fact, ground-based HPM is becoming affordable because the proliferations of AESA radars has driven the price of modules down.
"HPM and AESA radar are not much different," said the radar specialist. However, "HPM is not trying to be a radar. It's much simpler to concentrate the beam into a peak power pulse [since it's not busy detecting, tracking and identifying targets]. The instantaneous power it creates can burn out missile front ends [including focal planes and imagers]."
BY COMPARISON, AESA "radar uses more elaborate wave forms that focus on detection," he says. "They put more sustained energy onto enemy missiles and burn out the low noise amplifiers and receivers in a seeker." Other specialists caution this generalization isn't necessarily always true.
While HPM produces higher peak power, AESA often generates greater average power. That produces different operational and targeting strategies. For example, Raytheon's airport protection system uses infrared sensors to find the target and determine where to focus its beam. It also produces effects at longer range, possibly as much as 100 mi., because it produces powerful pulses of energy. AESA radar has the built-in ability to find and track a target, so it can be held on the target for the necessary additional microseconds needed to create its weapons effect.
Some HPM pulses are designed to be very broadband, covering "many gigahertz" of frequencies, so they are more likely to find any opening or vulnerability in a target, the radar specialist says. AESA radar has a narrower frequency range, but it uses its radar capability to identify a target, search a library for its vulnerable frequencies and then tailor the signal for the specific target.
Theresa Hitchens
Director, CDI
1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
tel: 202-797-5269
fax: 202-462-4559
email: thitchens@cdi.org
From Global Network
Directed energy takes an unexpected turn and surfaces as a handy antimissile device that can be built into aircraft, ship and ground-based radars
By David A. Fulghum and Douglas Barrie
Radar is emerging as one of the key weapons--nearly all of them still shrouded by secrecy--in the Pentagon's growing arsenal of nonexplosive devices.
Knowledge that radar can produce violent effects on electronic systems is not new. More than 20 years ago, bomber aircraft radars were capable of generating enough concentrated noise jamming to burn out the valve amps (tube amplifiers) in fighters attempting an interception. The emergence over the last few years of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and its ability to provide high average power for appreciable times, makes such electronically destructive devices all the more attractive and effective.
The weapons-effect utility of the AESA will provide a useful adjunct to other "nonkinetic"--not relying on explosives or impact--weapons research being done in the U.S. and in Europe. The intent is to develop an arsenal of weaponry that limits, or perhaps eliminates, collateral damage and unintended casualties, a particular concern with civilians in countries that coalition forces are trying to aid.
Arrays designed for carriage by aircraft appear to be focused on cruise missiles and self-defense against anti-radiation, home-on-jam and air-to-air missiles. The radars seem particularly effective against the latter categories because energy available to focus on the approaching missile increases as an inverse square as distance decreases.
With large ground- or sea-based AESA-type arrays, the targets are to include ballistic missile warheads, supersonic sea-skimming missiles or shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles that threaten airport operations.
Some of the airborne AESA radars, designed for X-band frequencies, use thousands of small transmitters/receivers, each a couple of inches square, that allow the array to conduct many tasks simultaneously. Those include detection of small, even stealthy targets, tracking and communications. Along with the AESA's high average power, there are also bandwidth benefits and the ability to utilize flexible waveforms.
They can also be used for "jamming," a term now encompassing weapons effects on enemy electronics from the right combination of power, waveform, frequency and pulse length. Possible AESA techniques for attacking another radar could include burning through the target radar's antenna side-lobes, filter side-lobes, or other known features of the target system. Radar specialists suggest it is reasonable to suppose this capability is already available to some fielded systems.
The AESA transmitters can also be focused on other targets to deliver bursts of X-band radio frequency energy into the vulnerable electronics of missiles--the current focus--or enemy aircraft and helicopters or computer systems. Under such assault, computers become confused and missiles lose interest in their targets.
MOREOVER, THE AESA radar is related to high-power microwave (HPM) just beginning to emerge as missile defense systems. The primary difference is that AESA radars produce a sustained pulse for microseconds over a limited frequency range to create an effect while HPM produces a one-pico-sec. pulse of much greater power over gigahertz of frequencies, says a long-time Pentagon radar specialist. A laser beam, by comparison, would have to be held on the target for several seconds.
Some industry specialists say such descriptions oversimplify the technology because both AESA radars and HPM can produce a variety of pulse lengths and bandwidths. They contend the only difference between AESA radars and HPM systems are the waveforms and RF power levels. Both systems use the same electronics technologies and those electronics are optimized for the performance needed to achieve the desired radar or HPM effect. That goal is often to confuse or damage enemy electronics.
These capabilities aren't openly discussed. Moreover, those with knowledge of the technology offer many caveats.
"It's not wise to characterize all AESA radars as potential weapons," says an aerospace industry expert in advanced radars. "Most radars are for defensive purposes only." Also, "one does not need an AESA to turn a radar into a weapon. It can be done with other technologies. High power is required, but beyond that, it's mostly a software issue.
"Wide bandwidth is needed in order to find a vulnerable frequency for the target," he says. "Purpose-built HPM systems would be better in this than most AESAs."
THE NEWLY EMERGING "HPM [devices] come in different flavors," says a second industry specialist. "It can make it uncomfortable for a human being to be in the beam by relying on high average power to heat the skin. Another is used to confuse or burn out missile seekers. The level of peak and/or average power depends on the specific technique being used to counter the threat.
"In general, high peak power is not unique to HPM [devices]," he says. "Radars also use high peak power in long-range search modes, and AESA [arrays] are used for both. The discriminators are the waveform properties and techniques, which include power, duty cycle, pulse length, etc., to counter the various threats, not the technology that goes into the AESA itself. AESA [arrays] support HPM, radar, communications and electronic warfare applications. What makes them unique are the properties of the waveforms that are transmitted."
There are AESAs fielded that operate at HF frequencies (re-locatable over the horizon radar) to millimeter waves (communications and other radar applications). The transmitter/receiver (T/R) modules for these devices can range from several feet to less that 1/4-in. square. Moreover, many frequencies beyond Xband can be exploited to produce weapons effects.
AESA radars on fighter aircraft aren't particularly suited to create weapons effects on missiles because of limited antenna size, power and field of view, a senior U.S. Air Force official says. And, while weapons effects from radars are interesting, "There's no requirement yet for the capability," at least on smaller aircraft, he says. The military's primary concern for now is high-resolution radar with moving target and synthetic aperture capabilities.
While it's easier to plug the energy-hungry system into city electrical power grids as ground-based systems or the Navy's next generation of electric-propulsion ships such as DD(X), the capability is also quickly moving into airborne systems.
A weapons capability exists in a handful of F-15Cs modified with the APG-63(V)2 radars for cruise missile defense and the latest production F/A-18E/Fs. It will soon be part of the F/A-22 and B-2 as part of their radar upgrades, and AESA is also to equip the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. HPM is eventually to be part of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System payload, and the huge 4 X 21-ft. MP-RTIP AESA radar array is to fly on the E-10. An AESA array is also to be carried by the British Astor.
As to weapons effects, the AESA radar offers the best way to generate high, sustained power where countermeasures demand average power, the radar specialist says. However, weapons effects or countermeasures will vary depending on the target's sensitivities. Very high peak power, short duration pulse may be the best method for attacking enemy electronics. In that case, the attack might better and more cheaply be delivered by an HPM weapon. An AESA is best used where it can use its radar function to locate the target and focus its energy. It can then rapidly move to other targets and select how long it wants to dwell on each.
The radar's weapons effect is measured in watts/sq. cm. AESA arrays are more efficient and reliable since their RF and low-noise amplifiers are near the radiators so that very little energy is lost. The beam is produced by ganging the effects of thousands of lower-wattage T/R modules.
There are lots of similarities between ground-based HPM systems and AESA radars including the T/R modules. In fact, ground-based HPM is becoming affordable because the proliferations of AESA radars has driven the price of modules down.
"HPM and AESA radar are not much different," said the radar specialist. However, "HPM is not trying to be a radar. It's much simpler to concentrate the beam into a peak power pulse [since it's not busy detecting, tracking and identifying targets]. The instantaneous power it creates can burn out missile front ends [including focal planes and imagers]."
BY COMPARISON, AESA "radar uses more elaborate wave forms that focus on detection," he says. "They put more sustained energy onto enemy missiles and burn out the low noise amplifiers and receivers in a seeker." Other specialists caution this generalization isn't necessarily always true.
While HPM produces higher peak power, AESA often generates greater average power. That produces different operational and targeting strategies. For example, Raytheon's airport protection system uses infrared sensors to find the target and determine where to focus its beam. It also produces effects at longer range, possibly as much as 100 mi., because it produces powerful pulses of energy. AESA radar has the built-in ability to find and track a target, so it can be held on the target for the necessary additional microseconds needed to create its weapons effect.
Some HPM pulses are designed to be very broadband, covering "many gigahertz" of frequencies, so they are more likely to find any opening or vulnerability in a target, the radar specialist says. AESA radar has a narrower frequency range, but it uses its radar capability to identify a target, search a library for its vulnerable frequencies and then tailor the signal for the specific target.
Theresa Hitchens
Director, CDI
1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
tel: 202-797-5269
fax: 202-462-4559
email: thitchens@cdi.org
From Global Network
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:27
Die fünfte Gewalt
Schneller, hilfreicher, unmittelbarer: Weblogs haben sich bei der Hurrikan-Katastrophe als unverzichtbares Medium erwiesen.
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20864/1.html
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20864/1.html
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:20
Chaos auf dem Weg zum organisierten Chaos
USA: erste große Maßnahmen nach dem Hurrikan - Die mentale Krisenverarbeitung führt zu bestürzenden Erkenntnissen.
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20877/1.html
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20877/1.html
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:18
Bush to oversee probe into what went wrong
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9228086/
Can you believe THIS? Of course you can!
Informant: dmetke
From ufpj-news
Can you believe THIS? Of course you can!
Informant: dmetke
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:15
KATRINA, NEW ORLEANS, AND PEAK OIL
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:12
Mit dem Kopf durch die Wand
http://www.limmattalonline.ch/pages/index.cfm?dom=12&rub=100004723&nrub=0&sda=1&Artikel_ID=101038169
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:09
Help Stop Global warming
Got two more minutes? We've just started marching and we need your help to keep spreading the word. Tell your friends, your family, your co-workers, everyone you know to join us on the virtual march.
Strength in numbers is a simple fact. And we need you to spread this along for a simple reason. Despite mounting scientific evidence, the United States is still dragging its feet to take action to address the problem.
As a member of the Stop Global Warming Virtual March on Washington, you receive your own personal web page where you can invite your friends to join you on the March, track your progress and those of your invitees and share why you think it's time for us to stop global warming.
Visit your page often to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join the March. And please take the time to let us know why you are marching.
Over the next year, we'll be featuring stories from people like you who have busy daily lives, kids to feed, and mountains to climb. But you're still taking time to get involved. Because it is that important.
Thanks again for speaking out against this critical problem.
Laurie David, Founder
Thankyou for marching!
http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/campaigns/sgw/impact/3011134bf473ddc60972a259f3258d8a/
This message was sent by Care2 Connect member: Tracey Claxton
Strength in numbers is a simple fact. And we need you to spread this along for a simple reason. Despite mounting scientific evidence, the United States is still dragging its feet to take action to address the problem.
As a member of the Stop Global Warming Virtual March on Washington, you receive your own personal web page where you can invite your friends to join you on the March, track your progress and those of your invitees and share why you think it's time for us to stop global warming.
Visit your page often to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join the March. And please take the time to let us know why you are marching.
Over the next year, we'll be featuring stories from people like you who have busy daily lives, kids to feed, and mountains to climb. But you're still taking time to get involved. Because it is that important.
Thanks again for speaking out against this critical problem.
Laurie David, Founder
Thankyou for marching!
http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/campaigns/sgw/impact/3011134bf473ddc60972a259f3258d8a/
This message was sent by Care2 Connect member: Tracey Claxton
Starmail - 6. Sep, 22:01
1 Million Jugendliche haben keine berufliche Perspektive
Starmail - 6. Sep, 21:58
Birmingham Council: City may lift phone mast ban - We are unlikely to overcome it in time to save ourselves and our children
Birmingham Council’s brave stand to refuse masts near schools is probably doomed to failure if it has to go up against Prescott. He could be reminded of his infamous legal challenge, but as we all know, he never had any intention of winning that battle – and he will certainly not support B’ham council in this – he will hide behind the law he made!
My (purely personal) view is that there is really only one way to fight this and win. People Power. If Birmingham parents took their children out of those schools which were near masts, and refused to let them go back until the masts were removed – the government would HAVE to take notice, especially if the publicity triggered mass action further afield ie nationwide. This direct action by parents would be a huge embarrassment to the Government, and could have the potential to force a change of policy. It’s the scale of the action that would determine its success. If it was big enough, what government would want to be seen as going up against parents, city / nationwide, whose only crime is to put their childrens’ health before the profits of global big business? It’s not a vote winner! And they have Stewart’s recommendation as a weapon to further embarrass Prescott and Blair.
As a charity I realise we can no longer suggest or even hint at direct action, let alone do it. A great shame, I think. Dr Ian Gibson MP seems to support direct action and expressed amazement that it wasn’t happening. Frankly, with 3G going up like there was no tomorrow, I think our efforts of gentle persuasion and convincing scientific arguments, laudable though they undoubtedly are, mean very little to the powers that be. They may not be laughing at us any more, in fact I’m sure they now take us very seriously, but so what, if all they do is propose limited action in some distant future, when they know it will be too late. That’s the Government/Industry tactic we face - and we are unlikely to overcome it in time to save ourselves and our children. That is the reality.
I do not write this as a member of Mast Sanity, but as someone who is angry and frustrated by the complete lack of morality of this government. As a private individual therefore, I desperately hope that campaigns across the country will ask themselves what tactics they can employ to achieve their goal. Perhaps removing their children from schools near masts might triumph where prayers and reasoned argument have failed.
Jenny
--------
This is the link to the full Birmingham Post report
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: Shortcut to:
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_objectid=15936910%26method=full%26siteid=50002%26headline=city%2dmay%2dlift%2dphone%2dmast%2dban%2d-name_page.html
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Jen, I've just been talking to Lynne Insley (SCRAM) about this, because I wasn't aware that BCC had taken this decision, and I wanted to check that I hadn't missed anything while I was away. It turns out that Lynne and the rest of the SCRAM committee aren't aware of this policy either - so none of us campaigners have been consulted or informed about this policy, which seems very strange, as the Scrutiny Committee which was responsible for lifting the ban on masts on Council Land have all of our contact details, and usually fall over themselves to be 'seen' to act even when they've no intention of representing the public. Certainly, the fiasco I witnessed on the day the ban was lifted was a disgrace, and we were sold out completely. So, in a nutshell, I smell a rat with regards to this policy, and suspect that it is a publicity stunt by BCC to offset their atrocious performance when they lifted the ban....BUT....if it turns out to be a genuine move on the part of the City Council, rest assured that there will be a very high profile campaign, and Two Jags Prezzer will find that he has bitten off more than he can chew, as his colleagues in the education department could well be cursing him - there are already parents in nearby North Warwickshire keeping their children off school because of the masts at Coleshill (their MP is Solicitor General Mike O'brien). If Bham City Council are acting honestly, (for a change) then I forsee a lot of action!
Take care,
Amanda
--------
The plot thickens then! Thanks a lot for the info Amanda - so good to hear from you and to know that it's all happening down there, and the b....'s aren't going to be allowed to get away with anything. Massive direct action could win the day. Whatever BCC's motives, in the end it's going to be down to the parents. They need to band together and act in force. You know the old saying 'United we stand, divided we fall ...' You take care, too! Jenny
--------
City may lift phone mast ban
Sep 6 2005
Birmingham Post
By Paul Dale, Chief Reporter
An attempt by Birmingham City Council to stop mobile phone masts being sited close to schools and hospitals could be declared illegal.
The Government Office for the West Midlands has lodged an objection to the council's telecommunications policy, which it says is out of step with national planning guidelines.
There should be no no-go areas for masts, according to the Government.
GOWM's decision could lead to formal intervention by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, forcing the council to backtrack.
A report to the council cabinet sets out GOWM's view that the introduction of sensitive areas where masts would not normally be permitted could inhibit the growth of telecommunications systems.
Local authorities should not seek to exclude masts from certain areas, according to GOWM.
Council planners say their policy is justified given the concerns expressed in the 2004 Stewart Report, which raised the possibility that radiation from masts could be harmful, particularly to children.
In its response to GOWM, the council said: "The main objective of the policy is to ensure that there is full consideration of alternatives and that telecommunications equipment is sited in optimal locations which take account of technical considerations, visual obtrusiveness and other amenity issues.
"There is no blanket ban or cordon sanitaire, nor does the policy define a minimum distance between telecommunications equipment and existing development.
"The policy does not state that all applications within sensitive areas should be refused, but that they should be avoided in such areas, where possible."
Mick Wilkes, chairman of the council's main scrutiny committee, who championed the sensitive sites policy, said it was significant that none of the mobile phone companies had objected to the stance on schools and hospitals.
Coun Wilkes (Lib Dem Hall Green) added: "The intervention by the Government Office seems unhelpful and out of kilter with what most people would regard as a desirable policy.
"We should not yield ground on this issue because we are absolutely right."
Operators are seeking about 200 new sites in Birmingham to help to roll out the third generation of mobile phones.
Earlier this year the council lifted a ban on siting new masts on local authority property.
The masts row is one of several issues raised by people and organisations objecting to modifications to the Birmingham Unitary Development Plan - setting out development rules over the next decade.
Advantage West Midlands, the regional development agency, is opposing the council's wishes to promote only high-technology employment in the A38 Central Technology Belt, which includes the MG Rover site at Longbridge.
AWM believes the policy is inflexible and that other uses should be allowed.
Supermarket giants Sainsbury's is also objecting on the grounds that all large sites have been allocated for hightech employment.
Other retail operators are objecting to the council's " restrictive" policy making it difficult to obtain planning permission for superstores on sites close to the outer ring road.
Companies including Tesco and Morrison want the council to undertake a study to discover the extent of consumer demand for supermarkets.
Is the council right to ban mobile phone masts near schools and hospitals?
--------
Councillor Wilkes is the very same man who stood in the Council Chamber and told Councillors that they could not vote against lifting the ban if they used a Mobile! As he's the head of the scrutiny committee responsible for the lifting of the ban, it's ironic that he's referred to in the article as the instigator of a ban which the City Council must know that the ODPM are going to block, they were given enough evidence. I could, of course, be mistaken, and there is always the possibility that BCC might just put their money where their mouth is. I've sent the following email hedging bets:
The City Council should certainly stand their ground on this issue and act in accordance with the Precautionary Principle. However, if the ban on masts on Council Properties/land had not been lifted, the Council would have at least been able to keep the power to refuse masts on their land near to schools.
If the arrogance and doublespeak of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to date is anything to go by, the City Council will be steamrollered into submission.
We have a number of examples of he ODPM's failure to intervene effectively in cases where they could and should have, Winchester and Harrogate among them. It will be interesting to see how much effort they put into this intervention.
It is up to parents and residents to support a ban on masts near schools and nurseries by making their views known to the City Council and to the ODPM.
Any parents who are concerned and want to contact the relevant departments should contact the Scrutiny Committee to support the ban, and also their MPs and the ODPM if possible.
Any parents or residents requiring further information concerning masts near to schools etc can email amanda.wesley@mastsanity.org or visit
http://www.mastsanity.org or http://www.scram.uk.com
Advantage West Midlands are also one of the sponsors of a project to provide young people with Mobiles that we complained about a while ago, I remember being incensed and asking John Hemming, who was then deputy leader of Bham CC and is now MP for Yardley South, where their funding came from. He told me that they get their funding from the Government, not the Local Authority, so there can be no mistake about whose interests are being represented by 'Advantge' West Midlands!
I'll pass some information on to one of our local journos and see if they pick it up, but there is so much corruption in this nest of vipers that I believe that our local rag are also wary about who they upset, as has been the case in the past.
Amanda
My (purely personal) view is that there is really only one way to fight this and win. People Power. If Birmingham parents took their children out of those schools which were near masts, and refused to let them go back until the masts were removed – the government would HAVE to take notice, especially if the publicity triggered mass action further afield ie nationwide. This direct action by parents would be a huge embarrassment to the Government, and could have the potential to force a change of policy. It’s the scale of the action that would determine its success. If it was big enough, what government would want to be seen as going up against parents, city / nationwide, whose only crime is to put their childrens’ health before the profits of global big business? It’s not a vote winner! And they have Stewart’s recommendation as a weapon to further embarrass Prescott and Blair.
As a charity I realise we can no longer suggest or even hint at direct action, let alone do it. A great shame, I think. Dr Ian Gibson MP seems to support direct action and expressed amazement that it wasn’t happening. Frankly, with 3G going up like there was no tomorrow, I think our efforts of gentle persuasion and convincing scientific arguments, laudable though they undoubtedly are, mean very little to the powers that be. They may not be laughing at us any more, in fact I’m sure they now take us very seriously, but so what, if all they do is propose limited action in some distant future, when they know it will be too late. That’s the Government/Industry tactic we face - and we are unlikely to overcome it in time to save ourselves and our children. That is the reality.
I do not write this as a member of Mast Sanity, but as someone who is angry and frustrated by the complete lack of morality of this government. As a private individual therefore, I desperately hope that campaigns across the country will ask themselves what tactics they can employ to achieve their goal. Perhaps removing their children from schools near masts might triumph where prayers and reasoned argument have failed.
Jenny
--------
This is the link to the full Birmingham Post report
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: Shortcut to:
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_objectid=15936910%26method=full%26siteid=50002%26headline=city%2dmay%2dlift%2dphone%2dmast%2dban%2d-name_page.html
--------
Jen, I've just been talking to Lynne Insley (SCRAM) about this, because I wasn't aware that BCC had taken this decision, and I wanted to check that I hadn't missed anything while I was away. It turns out that Lynne and the rest of the SCRAM committee aren't aware of this policy either - so none of us campaigners have been consulted or informed about this policy, which seems very strange, as the Scrutiny Committee which was responsible for lifting the ban on masts on Council Land have all of our contact details, and usually fall over themselves to be 'seen' to act even when they've no intention of representing the public. Certainly, the fiasco I witnessed on the day the ban was lifted was a disgrace, and we were sold out completely. So, in a nutshell, I smell a rat with regards to this policy, and suspect that it is a publicity stunt by BCC to offset their atrocious performance when they lifted the ban....BUT....if it turns out to be a genuine move on the part of the City Council, rest assured that there will be a very high profile campaign, and Two Jags Prezzer will find that he has bitten off more than he can chew, as his colleagues in the education department could well be cursing him - there are already parents in nearby North Warwickshire keeping their children off school because of the masts at Coleshill (their MP is Solicitor General Mike O'brien). If Bham City Council are acting honestly, (for a change) then I forsee a lot of action!
Take care,
Amanda
--------
The plot thickens then! Thanks a lot for the info Amanda - so good to hear from you and to know that it's all happening down there, and the b....'s aren't going to be allowed to get away with anything. Massive direct action could win the day. Whatever BCC's motives, in the end it's going to be down to the parents. They need to band together and act in force. You know the old saying 'United we stand, divided we fall ...' You take care, too! Jenny
--------
City may lift phone mast ban
Sep 6 2005
Birmingham Post
By Paul Dale, Chief Reporter
An attempt by Birmingham City Council to stop mobile phone masts being sited close to schools and hospitals could be declared illegal.
The Government Office for the West Midlands has lodged an objection to the council's telecommunications policy, which it says is out of step with national planning guidelines.
There should be no no-go areas for masts, according to the Government.
GOWM's decision could lead to formal intervention by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, forcing the council to backtrack.
A report to the council cabinet sets out GOWM's view that the introduction of sensitive areas where masts would not normally be permitted could inhibit the growth of telecommunications systems.
Local authorities should not seek to exclude masts from certain areas, according to GOWM.
Council planners say their policy is justified given the concerns expressed in the 2004 Stewart Report, which raised the possibility that radiation from masts could be harmful, particularly to children.
In its response to GOWM, the council said: "The main objective of the policy is to ensure that there is full consideration of alternatives and that telecommunications equipment is sited in optimal locations which take account of technical considerations, visual obtrusiveness and other amenity issues.
"There is no blanket ban or cordon sanitaire, nor does the policy define a minimum distance between telecommunications equipment and existing development.
"The policy does not state that all applications within sensitive areas should be refused, but that they should be avoided in such areas, where possible."
Mick Wilkes, chairman of the council's main scrutiny committee, who championed the sensitive sites policy, said it was significant that none of the mobile phone companies had objected to the stance on schools and hospitals.
Coun Wilkes (Lib Dem Hall Green) added: "The intervention by the Government Office seems unhelpful and out of kilter with what most people would regard as a desirable policy.
"We should not yield ground on this issue because we are absolutely right."
Operators are seeking about 200 new sites in Birmingham to help to roll out the third generation of mobile phones.
Earlier this year the council lifted a ban on siting new masts on local authority property.
The masts row is one of several issues raised by people and organisations objecting to modifications to the Birmingham Unitary Development Plan - setting out development rules over the next decade.
Advantage West Midlands, the regional development agency, is opposing the council's wishes to promote only high-technology employment in the A38 Central Technology Belt, which includes the MG Rover site at Longbridge.
AWM believes the policy is inflexible and that other uses should be allowed.
Supermarket giants Sainsbury's is also objecting on the grounds that all large sites have been allocated for hightech employment.
Other retail operators are objecting to the council's " restrictive" policy making it difficult to obtain planning permission for superstores on sites close to the outer ring road.
Companies including Tesco and Morrison want the council to undertake a study to discover the extent of consumer demand for supermarkets.
Is the council right to ban mobile phone masts near schools and hospitals?
--------
Councillor Wilkes is the very same man who stood in the Council Chamber and told Councillors that they could not vote against lifting the ban if they used a Mobile! As he's the head of the scrutiny committee responsible for the lifting of the ban, it's ironic that he's referred to in the article as the instigator of a ban which the City Council must know that the ODPM are going to block, they were given enough evidence. I could, of course, be mistaken, and there is always the possibility that BCC might just put their money where their mouth is. I've sent the following email hedging bets:
The City Council should certainly stand their ground on this issue and act in accordance with the Precautionary Principle. However, if the ban on masts on Council Properties/land had not been lifted, the Council would have at least been able to keep the power to refuse masts on their land near to schools.
If the arrogance and doublespeak of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to date is anything to go by, the City Council will be steamrollered into submission.
We have a number of examples of he ODPM's failure to intervene effectively in cases where they could and should have, Winchester and Harrogate among them. It will be interesting to see how much effort they put into this intervention.
It is up to parents and residents to support a ban on masts near schools and nurseries by making their views known to the City Council and to the ODPM.
Any parents who are concerned and want to contact the relevant departments should contact the Scrutiny Committee to support the ban, and also their MPs and the ODPM if possible.
Any parents or residents requiring further information concerning masts near to schools etc can email amanda.wesley@mastsanity.org or visit
http://www.mastsanity.org or http://www.scram.uk.com
Advantage West Midlands are also one of the sponsors of a project to provide young people with Mobiles that we complained about a while ago, I remember being incensed and asking John Hemming, who was then deputy leader of Bham CC and is now MP for Yardley South, where their funding came from. He told me that they get their funding from the Government, not the Local Authority, so there can be no mistake about whose interests are being represented by 'Advantge' West Midlands!
I'll pass some information on to one of our local journos and see if they pick it up, but there is so much corruption in this nest of vipers that I believe that our local rag are also wary about who they upset, as has been the case in the past.
Amanda
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:36
Next-up Infos Communiqué N°2 Hopital Nord de Marseille
Hôpital Nord de Marseille
Connaître la vérité = Procédure engagée
http://www.next-up.org/hnm/hnm.php
Connaître la vérité = Procédure engagée
http://www.next-up.org/hnm/hnm.php
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:33
Cuban doctors ready and waiting to go to New Orleans
URL FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: http://makeashorterlink.com/?V25D15DBB
Reuters - Mon Sep 5,12:11 AM ET Cuban doctors sit with their backpacks during a speech by Cuban President Fidel Castro in Havana September 4, 2005. Castro put on display some 1,500 doctors equipped with medical supplies on Sunday in hopes of persuading arch-enemy the U.S. to allow them to treat victims of Hurricane Katrina. Castro, in a televised meeting with the doctors, said the U.S. had not responded to his offer to send medical workers and 26 tonnes of supplies to the devastated U.S. Gulf Coast.
REUTERS/Claudia Daut
Details of the Cuban offer and more photographs:
http://www.walterlippmann.com/fc-09-02-2005.html
Informant: Walter Lippmann
Reuters - Mon Sep 5,12:11 AM ET Cuban doctors sit with their backpacks during a speech by Cuban President Fidel Castro in Havana September 4, 2005. Castro put on display some 1,500 doctors equipped with medical supplies on Sunday in hopes of persuading arch-enemy the U.S. to allow them to treat victims of Hurricane Katrina. Castro, in a televised meeting with the doctors, said the U.S. had not responded to his offer to send medical workers and 26 tonnes of supplies to the devastated U.S. Gulf Coast.
REUTERS/Claudia Daut
Details of the Cuban offer and more photographs:
http://www.walterlippmann.com/fc-09-02-2005.html
Informant: Walter Lippmann
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:30
Congress is Back: Demand Action on Resolution of Inquiry
Cindy Sheehan on Bush's Dangerous Incompetence
"George Bush has been an incompetent failure his entire life. Fortunately, for humanity, he was just partying his way through school, running companies into the ground and being an alcoholic and cocaine abuser for most of that time and his incompetence was limited to hurting the people who worked for him and his own family. The people in his life who were hurt by his incompetence probably have been able to "get on" with their lives. Now, though, his incompetence affects the world and is responsible for so many deaths and so much destruction. How many of us did not foresee the mess he would make of the world when he was selected the first time? We saw what he had done to Texas. How many of us marvelled and were so discouraged and amazed when he was "re-elected" the second time? We saw what he had done to the world. Dangerous incomptence should never be rewarded, let alone be rewarded so handsomely as in George's case."
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2598
Resolution of Inquiry into Bush Lies: Time for Action
Congress is back in session after summer break, and there are now 61 co-sponsors of Barbara Lee's Resolution of Inquiry into the Downing Street Memos - including one Republican member of the International Relations Committee, Jim Leach. A vote in committee will come between Sept. 6 and Sept. 15. Now is the time to contact YOUR congress member. Whether or not they serve on the IR Committee, we need them to co-sponsor the Resolution. They come back to work on Tuesday. Call them first thing!
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/902
Sign the People's Petition
Hurricane Katrina underscored the need to bring our troops home from Iraq starting immediately - before the next devastating hurricane hits. Have you signed the petition for an exit strategy? Has everyone you know done so? Please make sure you can say Yes before September 15:
http://www.peoplespetition.org/
"Bring the Troops Home Now" Bus Tour Is Met by Enthusiastic Crowds
Three buses left Crawford for Washington DC on August 31, and every stop they make is being met by warm, enthusiastic crowds. Find out when they will pass through your town:
http://www.bringthemhomenowtour.org/
Out of Iraq Hearings and Rally in D.C. on September 15
The DC-area peace movement will rally against the war in front of the White House following Democrat-led hearings on an exit strategy hosted by Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA). This is one of many smaller events building up to September 24th. Learn more:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2369
Be Part of the Largest Anti-War Effort
Join the massive mobilization against the war in Washington, D.C., on September 24, and stick around for workshops and trainings on the 25th, followed by a day of lobbying and civil disobedience on the 26th.
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/septmobe
Sign Up for Exciting Workshops in DC on Sept. 25
These events, organized by Progressive Democrats of America, will include a discussion with Cindy Sheehan, as well as a focus on the Downing Street Memos and remarks by John Bonifaz, Co-Founder of After Downing Street.
http://www.pdamerica.org/articles/events/sept2005/index.php
From the Democrats.com Blog:
Fix America Now
Katrina Aftermath Produces More Demands to Impeach Bush
Joe 'Funeralgate' Allbaugh Destroyed FEMA
How a REAL President Responds to Disaster
FEMA Director Mike Brown is a Horse's Ass
Poverty Rate Rises to 12.7%, Are You Better Off Than You Were 4 1/2 Yrs. Ago?
Vacation is Over... an open letter from Michael Moore to Our Feckless MisLeader
Operation Yellow Elephant
Missing the Forest for the Uprooted Floating Trees
http://democrats.com
FORWARD THIS EMAIL
"George Bush has been an incompetent failure his entire life. Fortunately, for humanity, he was just partying his way through school, running companies into the ground and being an alcoholic and cocaine abuser for most of that time and his incompetence was limited to hurting the people who worked for him and his own family. The people in his life who were hurt by his incompetence probably have been able to "get on" with their lives. Now, though, his incompetence affects the world and is responsible for so many deaths and so much destruction. How many of us did not foresee the mess he would make of the world when he was selected the first time? We saw what he had done to Texas. How many of us marvelled and were so discouraged and amazed when he was "re-elected" the second time? We saw what he had done to the world. Dangerous incomptence should never be rewarded, let alone be rewarded so handsomely as in George's case."
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2598
Resolution of Inquiry into Bush Lies: Time for Action
Congress is back in session after summer break, and there are now 61 co-sponsors of Barbara Lee's Resolution of Inquiry into the Downing Street Memos - including one Republican member of the International Relations Committee, Jim Leach. A vote in committee will come between Sept. 6 and Sept. 15. Now is the time to contact YOUR congress member. Whether or not they serve on the IR Committee, we need them to co-sponsor the Resolution. They come back to work on Tuesday. Call them first thing!
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/902
Sign the People's Petition
Hurricane Katrina underscored the need to bring our troops home from Iraq starting immediately - before the next devastating hurricane hits. Have you signed the petition for an exit strategy? Has everyone you know done so? Please make sure you can say Yes before September 15:
http://www.peoplespetition.org/
"Bring the Troops Home Now" Bus Tour Is Met by Enthusiastic Crowds
Three buses left Crawford for Washington DC on August 31, and every stop they make is being met by warm, enthusiastic crowds. Find out when they will pass through your town:
http://www.bringthemhomenowtour.org/
Out of Iraq Hearings and Rally in D.C. on September 15
The DC-area peace movement will rally against the war in front of the White House following Democrat-led hearings on an exit strategy hosted by Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA). This is one of many smaller events building up to September 24th. Learn more:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2369
Be Part of the Largest Anti-War Effort
Join the massive mobilization against the war in Washington, D.C., on September 24, and stick around for workshops and trainings on the 25th, followed by a day of lobbying and civil disobedience on the 26th.
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/septmobe
Sign Up for Exciting Workshops in DC on Sept. 25
These events, organized by Progressive Democrats of America, will include a discussion with Cindy Sheehan, as well as a focus on the Downing Street Memos and remarks by John Bonifaz, Co-Founder of After Downing Street.
http://www.pdamerica.org/articles/events/sept2005/index.php
From the Democrats.com Blog:
Fix America Now
Katrina Aftermath Produces More Demands to Impeach Bush
Joe 'Funeralgate' Allbaugh Destroyed FEMA
How a REAL President Responds to Disaster
FEMA Director Mike Brown is a Horse's Ass
Poverty Rate Rises to 12.7%, Are You Better Off Than You Were 4 1/2 Yrs. Ago?
Vacation is Over... an open letter from Michael Moore to Our Feckless MisLeader
Operation Yellow Elephant
Missing the Forest for the Uprooted Floating Trees
http://democrats.com
FORWARD THIS EMAIL
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:28
US courts have now found vaccine responsible for more than a thousand dead and 7,000 wounded
The Law of Vaccination - Toward Radical Reform
http://www.lippmannforcongress.us/vaccination.htm
Informant: Milo
http://www.lippmannforcongress.us/vaccination.htm
Informant: Milo
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:25
The Tipping Point On Iraq
by Robert Dreyfuss, TomPaine.com
The call for an end to the war is gaining steam -- with middle America and even some Republicans chiming in.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050906/the_tipping_point_on_iraq.php
The call for an end to the war is gaining steam -- with middle America and even some Republicans chiming in.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050906/the_tipping_point_on_iraq.php
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:22
The Media's Labor Day Revolution
by Russ Baker, TomPaine.com
The media woke up from their pro-administration fog this weekend to deliver critical reporting on Katrina's aftermath.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050906/the_medias_labor_day_revolution.php
The media woke up from their pro-administration fog this weekend to deliver critical reporting on Katrina's aftermath.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050906/the_medias_labor_day_revolution.php
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:21
When The Saints Don't Go Marching In
by E.J. Graff, TomPaine.com
The Bush administration turned its back on the most basic of American moral values: banding together to care for each other in ways no one of us can do alone.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050906/when_the_saints_dont_go_marching_in.php
The Bush administration turned its back on the most basic of American moral values: banding together to care for each other in ways no one of us can do alone.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050906/when_the_saints_dont_go_marching_in.php
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:20
Natural calamities provide the EXCUSE FOR TYRANNY
Natural calamities provide the EXCUSE FOR TYRANNY. The sequence of steps that have been taken, in this country, is the most common pathway to dictatorship.
In every call for more power for government there should be a reminder that nothing in the measure will abrogate the constitutional rights of American citizens. We must not destroy freedom in the name of defending freedom. Be careful about elimination of rights, or the setting up of totalitarian instruments.
Creating terrorism provides the EXCUSE FOR TYRANNY.
THE SHEEPLE ASK: "You would rather we let or guard down and suffer terrorist attacks on our own soil?" "Can't the government cut a few corners to help with natural calamities?"
Government officials making searches without warrants, demanding identification without probable cause, to believe that a crime has been committed IS a terrorist attack on our own soil. For Hitler, the national emergency was the burning of the Reichstag Building. Then he set up the Gestapo.
We have 9-11 and "HomeLand Security". It even sounds like "Fatherland"
Totalitarians gain power through techniques that have been developed over the entire history of mankind. Most of these techniques have been written down in "training manuals" for would be dictators.
Examples are:
"And Not a Shot is Fired" by Jan Kozak,
"The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx,
Communist Manifesto - $3.00
http://aobs-store.com/books/title/c_title.htm
and "The Prince" by Nicolo Machiavelli.
These techniques have also been revealed by "defectors" such as Eric Blair, who wrote "1984", under the pen name of George Orwell.
Nineteen Eighty Four (1984) by Orwell - $5.95
http://aobs-store.com/books/title/n_title.htm
The book called "Tragedy and Hope" was written by Dr. Carroll Quigley. Carroll Quigley claimed that he was not a "defector" but that he wrote ""Tragedy and Hope"" to PROMOTE what he called the "network". Dr. Quigley is an authority on the world's secret power structure because HE IS ONE OF THE INSIDERS. He boasts that he has been a part of this network for most of his life. He writes approvingly of their power, and influence. To assure his readers of his own qualifications for the writing of this book, Dr. Quigley states:
"I know of the operations of this network because I have studied it for twenty years and was permitted for two years, in the early 1960's, to examine its papers and secret records. I have no aversion to it or to most of its aims and have, for much of my life, been close to it and to many of its instruments. I have objected, both in the past and recently, to a few of its policies. . . but in general my chief difference of opinion is that it wishes to remain unknown, and I believe its role in history is significant enough to be known."
Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World in Our Time - $39.95
Liberal university college professor Carroll Quigley praises the efforts of "an international Anglophile network" whose goal is to rule the world. He boasts of having been permitted “to examine its papers and secret records,” and confirms the existence of an over-arching conspiracy, and details the origin and eventual power of the CFR and allied groups. (1997 ed, 1348pp, hb)
http://www.aobs-store.com/books/title/t_title.htm
How to become a dictator
The creation of "emergencies" is a part of the totalitarian agenda. The creation of "emergencies" gives the government an excuse to "crack down". Then the creation of tyranny becomes justifiable and inevitable.
When "emergencies" erupt the population accepts totalitarian measures as "the only alternative to the chaos". The action is in the REACTION.
This tactic is called "pressure from above and pressure from below".
The Communist book, called "And Not a Shot is Fired" by Jan Kozak , explains this entire strategy. Jan Kozak, who was then a member of the Czechoslovak Communist Party Central Committee, explains how a free government was actually transformed into a totalitarian dictatorship - legally. "And Not a Shot Is Fired" originated as an internal Czechoslovak Communist Party strategy paper.
"And Not a Shot is Fired" is a "'how-to' manual for takeover of a free and elected system of government, through legal means. Kozak's discussion is not theory about what "might" be possible to accomplish the seizure of power. It is a history of a technique that was actually proven, by its implementation.
And Not a Shot Is Fired by Kozak - $6.95
Jan Kozak explains
http://aobs-store.com/books/title/a_title.htm
Pressure from above is what Jan Kozak called "revolutionary parliamentarianism". "Revolutionary parliamentarianism" means working INSIDE of the system to change laws in such a way as to increase the power of government.
Pressure from below consists of the creation of the "emergencies"; which are then used as the excuses to increase the power of government. Karl Marx referred to pressure from below as "the proletarian struggle". Pressure from below might involve violence, or it might simply be the creation of the appearance of popular support for the increase in the power of government.
Our government leaves our border WIDE OPEN to illegal aliens, but then claims to "protect" us, by creating totalitarian measures against law abiding American citizens.
John Perna
In every call for more power for government there should be a reminder that nothing in the measure will abrogate the constitutional rights of American citizens. We must not destroy freedom in the name of defending freedom. Be careful about elimination of rights, or the setting up of totalitarian instruments.
Creating terrorism provides the EXCUSE FOR TYRANNY.
THE SHEEPLE ASK: "You would rather we let or guard down and suffer terrorist attacks on our own soil?" "Can't the government cut a few corners to help with natural calamities?"
Government officials making searches without warrants, demanding identification without probable cause, to believe that a crime has been committed IS a terrorist attack on our own soil. For Hitler, the national emergency was the burning of the Reichstag Building. Then he set up the Gestapo.
We have 9-11 and "HomeLand Security". It even sounds like "Fatherland"
Totalitarians gain power through techniques that have been developed over the entire history of mankind. Most of these techniques have been written down in "training manuals" for would be dictators.
Examples are:
"And Not a Shot is Fired" by Jan Kozak,
"The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx,
Communist Manifesto - $3.00
http://aobs-store.com/books/title/c_title.htm
and "The Prince" by Nicolo Machiavelli.
These techniques have also been revealed by "defectors" such as Eric Blair, who wrote "1984", under the pen name of George Orwell.
Nineteen Eighty Four (1984) by Orwell - $5.95
http://aobs-store.com/books/title/n_title.htm
The book called "Tragedy and Hope" was written by Dr. Carroll Quigley. Carroll Quigley claimed that he was not a "defector" but that he wrote ""Tragedy and Hope"" to PROMOTE what he called the "network". Dr. Quigley is an authority on the world's secret power structure because HE IS ONE OF THE INSIDERS. He boasts that he has been a part of this network for most of his life. He writes approvingly of their power, and influence. To assure his readers of his own qualifications for the writing of this book, Dr. Quigley states:
"I know of the operations of this network because I have studied it for twenty years and was permitted for two years, in the early 1960's, to examine its papers and secret records. I have no aversion to it or to most of its aims and have, for much of my life, been close to it and to many of its instruments. I have objected, both in the past and recently, to a few of its policies. . . but in general my chief difference of opinion is that it wishes to remain unknown, and I believe its role in history is significant enough to be known."
Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World in Our Time - $39.95
Liberal university college professor Carroll Quigley praises the efforts of "an international Anglophile network" whose goal is to rule the world. He boasts of having been permitted “to examine its papers and secret records,” and confirms the existence of an over-arching conspiracy, and details the origin and eventual power of the CFR and allied groups. (1997 ed, 1348pp, hb)
http://www.aobs-store.com/books/title/t_title.htm
How to become a dictator
The creation of "emergencies" is a part of the totalitarian agenda. The creation of "emergencies" gives the government an excuse to "crack down". Then the creation of tyranny becomes justifiable and inevitable.
When "emergencies" erupt the population accepts totalitarian measures as "the only alternative to the chaos". The action is in the REACTION.
This tactic is called "pressure from above and pressure from below".
The Communist book, called "And Not a Shot is Fired" by Jan Kozak , explains this entire strategy. Jan Kozak, who was then a member of the Czechoslovak Communist Party Central Committee, explains how a free government was actually transformed into a totalitarian dictatorship - legally. "And Not a Shot Is Fired" originated as an internal Czechoslovak Communist Party strategy paper.
"And Not a Shot is Fired" is a "'how-to' manual for takeover of a free and elected system of government, through legal means. Kozak's discussion is not theory about what "might" be possible to accomplish the seizure of power. It is a history of a technique that was actually proven, by its implementation.
And Not a Shot Is Fired by Kozak - $6.95
Jan Kozak explains
http://aobs-store.com/books/title/a_title.htm
Pressure from above is what Jan Kozak called "revolutionary parliamentarianism". "Revolutionary parliamentarianism" means working INSIDE of the system to change laws in such a way as to increase the power of government.
Pressure from below consists of the creation of the "emergencies"; which are then used as the excuses to increase the power of government. Karl Marx referred to pressure from below as "the proletarian struggle". Pressure from below might involve violence, or it might simply be the creation of the appearance of popular support for the increase in the power of government.
Our government leaves our border WIDE OPEN to illegal aliens, but then claims to "protect" us, by creating totalitarian measures against law abiding American citizens.
John Perna
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:18
Presidential failure in photos
This is excellent to show the failure of the government to ACT in behalf of its people!!
Annie
Subject: Presidential failure in photos
Hi Carol: I found the photos. DC
Presidential failure in photos
http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/8/31/9520/46323
As Katrina Struck, Bush Vacationed
http://thinkprogress.org/2005/08/30/as-katrina-struck-bush-vacationed/
Annie
Subject: Presidential failure in photos
Hi Carol: I found the photos. DC
Presidential failure in photos
http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/8/31/9520/46323
As Katrina Struck, Bush Vacationed
http://thinkprogress.org/2005/08/30/as-katrina-struck-bush-vacationed/
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:13
Politicians failed storm victims
News MyWay
by Ron Fournier
09/01/05
Robin Lovin, ethics professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said it's too convenient to blame one branch of government when they are all, at some level, failing people. From Watergate to Clinton's impeachment, governmental institutions have disappointed the public. "Bush, Congress, the mayor - each of them are symptoms of a bigger problem, that we don't have accountability for disasters or challenges of this scale," Lovin said. "That's all the public wants in trying times - accountability." Thus, Americans are doing what people do when government lets them down - they're turning to each other. Donations are pouring into charities. Internet sites are being used to find relatives. Residents of far-off states are opening their homes to victims. The community spirit is reminiscent of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. So is the second-guessing. It will happen again after the next crisis. You've heard the warnings: a cataclysmic California earthquake, another terrorist strike, a flu pandemic, a nuclear plant meltdown, a tsunami, the failure to address mounting U.S. debt - and on and on. Will the public and its leaders be better prepared next time?
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050901/D8CBNMA88.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Ron Fournier
09/01/05
Robin Lovin, ethics professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said it's too convenient to blame one branch of government when they are all, at some level, failing people. From Watergate to Clinton's impeachment, governmental institutions have disappointed the public. "Bush, Congress, the mayor - each of them are symptoms of a bigger problem, that we don't have accountability for disasters or challenges of this scale," Lovin said. "That's all the public wants in trying times - accountability." Thus, Americans are doing what people do when government lets them down - they're turning to each other. Donations are pouring into charities. Internet sites are being used to find relatives. Residents of far-off states are opening their homes to victims. The community spirit is reminiscent of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. So is the second-guessing. It will happen again after the next crisis. You've heard the warnings: a cataclysmic California earthquake, another terrorist strike, a flu pandemic, a nuclear plant meltdown, a tsunami, the failure to address mounting U.S. debt - and on and on. Will the public and its leaders be better prepared next time?
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050901/D8CBNMA88.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:08
Gone with the water
National Geographic
by Joel K. Bourne, Jr.
Thousands drowned in the murky brew that was soon contaminated by sewage and industrial waste. Thousands more who survived the flood later perished from dehydration and disease as they waited to be rescued. It took two months to pump the city dry, and by then the Big Easy was buried under a blanket of putrid sediment, a million people were homeless, and 50,000 were dead. It was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. When did this calamity happen? It hasn't—yet. But the doomsday scenario is not far-fetched .... Yet just as the risks of a killer storm are rising, the city's natural defenses are quietly melting away. From the Mississippi border to the Texas state line, Louisiana is losing its protective fringe of marshes and barrier islands faster than any place in the U.S. Since the 1930s some 1,900 square miles (4,900 square kilometers) of coastal wetlands—a swath nearly the size of Delaware or almost twice that of Luxembourg—have vanished beneath the Gulf of Mexico. Despite nearly half a billion dollars spent over the past decade to stem the tide, the state continues to lose about 25 square miles (65 square kilometers) of land each year, roughly one acre every 33 minutes... [Editor's note: Predicting the disaster in 2004 and showing what happens from environmental devastation... -MLS](2004)
http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5/
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
--------
An amazing story written by National Geographic in 2004 which validates the theory that the horrible tragedy provoked by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans could have been avoided if negligence didn't happened.
Angostura1819
by Joel K. Bourne, Jr.
Thousands drowned in the murky brew that was soon contaminated by sewage and industrial waste. Thousands more who survived the flood later perished from dehydration and disease as they waited to be rescued. It took two months to pump the city dry, and by then the Big Easy was buried under a blanket of putrid sediment, a million people were homeless, and 50,000 were dead. It was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. When did this calamity happen? It hasn't—yet. But the doomsday scenario is not far-fetched .... Yet just as the risks of a killer storm are rising, the city's natural defenses are quietly melting away. From the Mississippi border to the Texas state line, Louisiana is losing its protective fringe of marshes and barrier islands faster than any place in the U.S. Since the 1930s some 1,900 square miles (4,900 square kilometers) of coastal wetlands—a swath nearly the size of Delaware or almost twice that of Luxembourg—have vanished beneath the Gulf of Mexico. Despite nearly half a billion dollars spent over the past decade to stem the tide, the state continues to lose about 25 square miles (65 square kilometers) of land each year, roughly one acre every 33 minutes... [Editor's note: Predicting the disaster in 2004 and showing what happens from environmental devastation... -MLS](2004)
http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5/
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
--------
An amazing story written by National Geographic in 2004 which validates the theory that the horrible tragedy provoked by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans could have been avoided if negligence didn't happened.
Angostura1819
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:06
Nature is politics
CounterPunch
by Alexander Cockburn
09/03/05
Nature really kicks the door down once in a while, and let's us know how humans have made a mess of things .... There are all sorts of bargains the rich and the powerful in any society make with the poor. But one way or another through bread, circuses, the dole, the promise that Anyone Can Make It there's the offer of a deal: Don't make trouble: we'll take care of you. Empires collapse when the offer the "marginal rate of return" becomes empty: we won't take care of you. Or, we can't take care of you. We don't need you and we're not frightened of you. We're at that point here. Malthus, a Christian, proposed locating the surplus poor next to unhealthy marshes, in the hope they would get sick and die. How much of a difference is there between that and the "emergency preparedness" and evacuation procedures before, during and after Katrina? How did Washington perceive New Orleans and most of the Gulf coast? Basically as a vast huddle of the mostly poor and the mostly black. So, year after year, they denied funds to shore up levees that all experts agree are bound to give way in more than a Force Three storm. They hollowed out every state economy so that in the end Mississippi's tax base was its cut of the gambling take, from floating casinos because the Christians said the Devil's Work couldn't take place on dry land...
http://www.counterpunch.org/cockburn09032005.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Alexander Cockburn
09/03/05
Nature really kicks the door down once in a while, and let's us know how humans have made a mess of things .... There are all sorts of bargains the rich and the powerful in any society make with the poor. But one way or another through bread, circuses, the dole, the promise that Anyone Can Make It there's the offer of a deal: Don't make trouble: we'll take care of you. Empires collapse when the offer the "marginal rate of return" becomes empty: we won't take care of you. Or, we can't take care of you. We don't need you and we're not frightened of you. We're at that point here. Malthus, a Christian, proposed locating the surplus poor next to unhealthy marshes, in the hope they would get sick and die. How much of a difference is there between that and the "emergency preparedness" and evacuation procedures before, during and after Katrina? How did Washington perceive New Orleans and most of the Gulf coast? Basically as a vast huddle of the mostly poor and the mostly black. So, year after year, they denied funds to shore up levees that all experts agree are bound to give way in more than a Force Three storm. They hollowed out every state economy so that in the end Mississippi's tax base was its cut of the gambling take, from floating casinos because the Christians said the Devil's Work couldn't take place on dry land...
http://www.counterpunch.org/cockburn09032005.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:04
Censored: NBC's "A Concert for Hurricane Relief"
LA Times
by Robert Hilburn
09/04/05
As we enter the celebrity telethon phase of the Katrina tragedy, NBC's "A Concert for Hurricane Relief" stands as a blueprint for its own kind of institutional failure. By censoring Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West's remarks critical of President Bush during its West Coast feed of the program Friday night, the network violated the most moving and essential moment in an otherwise sterile, self-serving corporate broadcast. "It would be most unfortunate," the network said in a statement defending its action, "if the efforts of the artists who participated tonight and the generosity of millions of Americans who are helping those in need are overshadowed by one person's opinion."Excuse me, but whose tragedy is this: NBC's or America's?
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-critic4sep04,0,6609184.story?coll=la-home-headlines
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Robert Hilburn
09/04/05
As we enter the celebrity telethon phase of the Katrina tragedy, NBC's "A Concert for Hurricane Relief" stands as a blueprint for its own kind of institutional failure. By censoring Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West's remarks critical of President Bush during its West Coast feed of the program Friday night, the network violated the most moving and essential moment in an otherwise sterile, self-serving corporate broadcast. "It would be most unfortunate," the network said in a statement defending its action, "if the efforts of the artists who participated tonight and the generosity of millions of Americans who are helping those in need are overshadowed by one person's opinion."Excuse me, but whose tragedy is this: NBC's or America's?
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-critic4sep04,0,6609184.story?coll=la-home-headlines
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 19:01
"Good Mornin' America, How Are Ya?"
The Libertarian Enterprise
by L. Neil Smith
09/04/05
Apparently, Hurricane Katrina is not directly responsible for this monumentally rotten state of affairs. As I said above, the city of New Orleans has survived far worse in the past. If this were a game of Clue we're playing, the winning answer to "Who murdered this fine old city?" would have to be: government at every level, with your money, in Washington, D.C., Baton Rouge, and the Crescent City itself. Most of the blame belongs to the feds, of course—especially to the stupefyingly idiotic Chimpanzee-in-Chief currently running it—but there is plenty of blame left over to go around, and it'll be months, years, or possibly forever getting itself sorted out to anybody's satisfaction...
http://www.ncc-1776.com/tle2005/tle335-20050904-02.html
Death from government
The Libertarian Enterprise
by Ron Beattie
09/04/05
What we're seeing in New Orleans is shocking. But it has an even deeper meaning than just a city dying. What we are seeing is a city, and it's people, being murdered by the state...
http://www.ncc-1776.com/tle2005/tle335-20050904-03.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by L. Neil Smith
09/04/05
Apparently, Hurricane Katrina is not directly responsible for this monumentally rotten state of affairs. As I said above, the city of New Orleans has survived far worse in the past. If this were a game of Clue we're playing, the winning answer to "Who murdered this fine old city?" would have to be: government at every level, with your money, in Washington, D.C., Baton Rouge, and the Crescent City itself. Most of the blame belongs to the feds, of course—especially to the stupefyingly idiotic Chimpanzee-in-Chief currently running it—but there is plenty of blame left over to go around, and it'll be months, years, or possibly forever getting itself sorted out to anybody's satisfaction...
http://www.ncc-1776.com/tle2005/tle335-20050904-02.html
Death from government
The Libertarian Enterprise
by Ron Beattie
09/04/05
What we're seeing in New Orleans is shocking. But it has an even deeper meaning than just a city dying. What we are seeing is a city, and it's people, being murdered by the state...
http://www.ncc-1776.com/tle2005/tle335-20050904-03.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:59
My pet goat: the sequel
Editor and Publisher
by Greg Mitchell
09/03/05
While a rising chorus in the press has taken the White House, FEMA and the Pentagon to task for performing miserably in their response to the human disaster on the Gulf Coast, few have focused on the most telling aspect of the entire failure. It’s not just incompetence. It’s a shameful lack of concern: The 9/11 “My Pet Goat” dithering on an administration-wide scale. Simply stated, the president and his top advisers chose vacation over action. While the media has done a good job in portraying the overall deadly failure of leadership, it has not focused enough on this deadly dereliction of duty..... And what of FEMA chief Michael Brown? He was so out-of-it that he didn’t even know about 10,000 evacuees living and dying at the Convention Center, even after they had received wide TV coverage for hours and hours. The next day, the president greeted him with, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job'...
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/columns/pressingissues_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001054581
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Greg Mitchell
09/03/05
While a rising chorus in the press has taken the White House, FEMA and the Pentagon to task for performing miserably in their response to the human disaster on the Gulf Coast, few have focused on the most telling aspect of the entire failure. It’s not just incompetence. It’s a shameful lack of concern: The 9/11 “My Pet Goat” dithering on an administration-wide scale. Simply stated, the president and his top advisers chose vacation over action. While the media has done a good job in portraying the overall deadly failure of leadership, it has not focused enough on this deadly dereliction of duty..... And what of FEMA chief Michael Brown? He was so out-of-it that he didn’t even know about 10,000 evacuees living and dying at the Convention Center, even after they had received wide TV coverage for hours and hours. The next day, the president greeted him with, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job'...
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/columns/pressingissues_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001054581
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:56
Officials have long known which way the wind blows
Tennessean
by Tim Chavez
09/05/05
"The lesson from New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina is clear and frightening: Mother Nature can create a disaster, but it is man who makes a catastrophe. The scenes of devastating destruction and flooding by Katrina pale against the suffering caused by policymakers and leaders who failed to adequately plan for the inevitable and then decided to initially write off a whole group of people when the going got tough. Again, it was the poor and mostly African-Americans who endured the misery and indignity. Most could not evacuate because of a lack of transportation or an elderly loved one who could not be moved or would not go. It would be easy to attach the nation's long history of racism to this outrage, but New Orleans has an African-American mayor...
http://tinyurl.com/d3jnx
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Tim Chavez
09/05/05
"The lesson from New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina is clear and frightening: Mother Nature can create a disaster, but it is man who makes a catastrophe. The scenes of devastating destruction and flooding by Katrina pale against the suffering caused by policymakers and leaders who failed to adequately plan for the inevitable and then decided to initially write off a whole group of people when the going got tough. Again, it was the poor and mostly African-Americans who endured the misery and indignity. Most could not evacuate because of a lack of transportation or an elderly loved one who could not be moved or would not go. It would be easy to attach the nation's long history of racism to this outrage, but New Orleans has an African-American mayor...
http://tinyurl.com/d3jnx
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:52
The state and the flood
Ludwig von Mises Institute
by Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr.
09/02/05
'No one can escape the influence of a prevailing ideology,' wrote Ludwig von Mises, and Gulf Coast residents know precisely what it means to be trapped — ostensibly by a flood but actually by statist policies and ideological commitments that put the government in charge of crisis management and public infrastructure. For what we are seeing in New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast region is the most egregious example of government failure in the United States since September 11, 2001...
http://www.mises.org/story/1902
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr.
09/02/05
'No one can escape the influence of a prevailing ideology,' wrote Ludwig von Mises, and Gulf Coast residents know precisely what it means to be trapped — ostensibly by a flood but actually by statist policies and ideological commitments that put the government in charge of crisis management and public infrastructure. For what we are seeing in New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast region is the most egregious example of government failure in the United States since September 11, 2001...
http://www.mises.org/story/1902
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:48
Lady Katrina, bearer of hard truths
Strike the Root
by Szechuan Death
09/05/05
And all of those fools, you and I both, have been mulcted many times over to pay for this fiasco and others just like it. Well? Where's my f***ing refund? I can turn on a satellite receiver and see corpses floating in the flooded-out areas of Bangladesh during monsoon season. I was under the impression that the reason I have my wealth repeatedly confiscated at gunpoint is so that I need not ever see or suffer such tragedy here in America. Isn't that right? .... The problem is, in summary, the wealth-destroying and lie-generating machinery of the State, which chews up productive labor, capital and lives, and spits back shabby half-assed ersatz replicas of effective solutions, all the while mumbling vaguely pleasant-sounding blandishments about "the greater good." These are the problem, not the current Maximum Leader. Keep that in mind. Keep it in everybody else's mind, too. .... Lady Katrina--hateful, murderous b... though she was--has given us many truths in her passage. Those truths are ugly. They were also expensive. Make damn sure, then, that every time you speak on this subject, those truths are driven home, not wasted. Do not permit the facts surrounding this disaster to be spun into a State triumph or "disappeared" into the Memory Hole, as has happened with so many other State failures of our time. To do so is to squander what little good might be salvaged from this farce, this tragedy, this gd... waste...
http://www.strike-the-root.com/52/death/death2.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Szechuan Death
09/05/05
And all of those fools, you and I both, have been mulcted many times over to pay for this fiasco and others just like it. Well? Where's my f***ing refund? I can turn on a satellite receiver and see corpses floating in the flooded-out areas of Bangladesh during monsoon season. I was under the impression that the reason I have my wealth repeatedly confiscated at gunpoint is so that I need not ever see or suffer such tragedy here in America. Isn't that right? .... The problem is, in summary, the wealth-destroying and lie-generating machinery of the State, which chews up productive labor, capital and lives, and spits back shabby half-assed ersatz replicas of effective solutions, all the while mumbling vaguely pleasant-sounding blandishments about "the greater good." These are the problem, not the current Maximum Leader. Keep that in mind. Keep it in everybody else's mind, too. .... Lady Katrina--hateful, murderous b... though she was--has given us many truths in her passage. Those truths are ugly. They were also expensive. Make damn sure, then, that every time you speak on this subject, those truths are driven home, not wasted. Do not permit the facts surrounding this disaster to be spun into a State triumph or "disappeared" into the Memory Hole, as has happened with so many other State failures of our time. To do so is to squander what little good might be salvaged from this farce, this tragedy, this gd... waste...
http://www.strike-the-root.com/52/death/death2.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:45
Our gov't is killing the people of New Orleans
Propeganda Matrix
by staff
09/04/05
Please bring this matter to the attention of the people of the United States. They need to know that New Orleans is deliberately being denied food and water. Perhaps if the people there had food and water, they might not be shooting off guns...
http://propagandamatrix.com/Pages/Sept05/040905killing.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by staff
09/04/05
Please bring this matter to the attention of the people of the United States. They need to know that New Orleans is deliberately being denied food and water. Perhaps if the people there had food and water, they might not be shooting off guns...
http://propagandamatrix.com/Pages/Sept05/040905killing.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:41
The battle of New Orleans
CounterPunch
by David Vest
09/05/05
If New Orleans doesn't radicalize you, what will? Troops "fresh back from Iraq" are at this moment engaged in "hunting down" people defined as "looters." An Army Times report described the mission as a struggle to put down "the insurgency in the city." The only thing to prevent us from describing the Crescent City as Baghdad-on-the-bayou is the thought that Fallujah might be a better analogy, given the scale of destruction. .... Of course the military occupation of New Orleans has been spun as an effort to protect the innocent and the defenseless from thuggery, to "get the city back under control."Having left the people to die in a hurricane (after recommending Greyhound and Amtrak to any of the poor and disabled who wished to evacuate along with the well-to-do), and then having failed to deliver food, water, and medical care, they now wish to "protect" them...
http://www.counterpunch.org/vest09052005.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by David Vest
09/05/05
If New Orleans doesn't radicalize you, what will? Troops "fresh back from Iraq" are at this moment engaged in "hunting down" people defined as "looters." An Army Times report described the mission as a struggle to put down "the insurgency in the city." The only thing to prevent us from describing the Crescent City as Baghdad-on-the-bayou is the thought that Fallujah might be a better analogy, given the scale of destruction. .... Of course the military occupation of New Orleans has been spun as an effort to protect the innocent and the defenseless from thuggery, to "get the city back under control."Having left the people to die in a hurricane (after recommending Greyhound and Amtrak to any of the poor and disabled who wished to evacuate along with the well-to-do), and then having failed to deliver food, water, and medical care, they now wish to "protect" them...
http://www.counterpunch.org/vest09052005.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:39
Has Katrina saved US media?
BBC News
by Matt Wells
09/05/05
As President Bush scurries back to the Gulf Coast, it is clear that this is the greatest challenge to politics-as-usual in America since the fall of Richard Nixon in the 1970s.Then as now, good reporting lies at the heart of what is changing. But unlike Watergate, "Katrinagate" was public service journalism ruthlessly exposing the truth on a live and continuous basis. Instead of secretive "Deep Throat" meetings in car-parks, cameras captured the immediate reality of what was happening at the New Orleans Convention Center, making a mockery of the stalling and excuses being put forward by those in power.
Amidst the horror, American broadcast journalism just might have grown its spine back, thanks to Katrina...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4214516.stm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Matt Wells
09/05/05
As President Bush scurries back to the Gulf Coast, it is clear that this is the greatest challenge to politics-as-usual in America since the fall of Richard Nixon in the 1970s.Then as now, good reporting lies at the heart of what is changing. But unlike Watergate, "Katrinagate" was public service journalism ruthlessly exposing the truth on a live and continuous basis. Instead of secretive "Deep Throat" meetings in car-parks, cameras captured the immediate reality of what was happening at the New Orleans Convention Center, making a mockery of the stalling and excuses being put forward by those in power.
Amidst the horror, American broadcast journalism just might have grown its spine back, thanks to Katrina...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4214516.stm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:37
Superdome evacs temporarily halted, no reason given
Yahoo News
09/03/05
Buses taking Hurricane Katrina victims far from the squalor of the Superdome stopped rolling early Saturday. As many as 5,000 people remained in the stadium and could be there until Sunday, according to the Texas Air National Guard. Officials had hoped to evacuate the last of the crowd before dawn Saturday. Guard members said they were told only that the buses had stopped coming and to shut down the area where the vehicles were being loaded. "We were rolling," Capt. Jean Clark said. "If the buses had kept coming, we would have this whole place cleaned out already or pretty close to it."
Those left behind early Saturday were orderly, sitting down after hearing news that evacuations were temporarily stalled. .... At one point Friday, the evacuation was interrupted briefly when school buses pulled up so some 700 guests and employees from the Hyatt Hotel could move to the head of the evacuation line — much to the amazement of those who had been crammed in the Superdome since last Sunday. "How does this work? They (are) clean, they are dry, they get out ahead of us?" exclaimed Howard Blue, 22, who tried to get in their line. The National Guard blocked him as other guardsmen helped the well-dressed guests with their luggage. The 700 had been trapped in the hotel, near the Superdome, but conditions were considerably cleaner, even without running water, than the unsanitary crush inside the dome...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050903/ap_on_re_us/katrina_superdome_hk1
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/03/05
Buses taking Hurricane Katrina victims far from the squalor of the Superdome stopped rolling early Saturday. As many as 5,000 people remained in the stadium and could be there until Sunday, according to the Texas Air National Guard. Officials had hoped to evacuate the last of the crowd before dawn Saturday. Guard members said they were told only that the buses had stopped coming and to shut down the area where the vehicles were being loaded. "We were rolling," Capt. Jean Clark said. "If the buses had kept coming, we would have this whole place cleaned out already or pretty close to it."
Those left behind early Saturday were orderly, sitting down after hearing news that evacuations were temporarily stalled. .... At one point Friday, the evacuation was interrupted briefly when school buses pulled up so some 700 guests and employees from the Hyatt Hotel could move to the head of the evacuation line — much to the amazement of those who had been crammed in the Superdome since last Sunday. "How does this work? They (are) clean, they are dry, they get out ahead of us?" exclaimed Howard Blue, 22, who tried to get in their line. The National Guard blocked him as other guardsmen helped the well-dressed guests with their luggage. The 700 had been trapped in the hotel, near the Superdome, but conditions were considerably cleaner, even without running water, than the unsanitary crush inside the dome...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050903/ap_on_re_us/katrina_superdome_hk1
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:35
New Orleans left to the dead and dying
ABC News
09/03/05
Thousands more bedraggled refugees were bused and airlifted to salvation Saturday, leaving the heart of New Orleans to the dead and dying, the elderly and frail stranded too many days without food, water or medical care. No one knows how many were killed by Hurricane Katrina's floods and how many more succumbed waiting to be rescued. But the bodies are everywhere: hidden in attics, floating among the ruined city, crumpled on wheelchairs, abandoned on highways. And the dying goes on at the convention center and an airport triage center, where bodies were kept in a refrigerated truck...
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1094508
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/03/05
Thousands more bedraggled refugees were bused and airlifted to salvation Saturday, leaving the heart of New Orleans to the dead and dying, the elderly and frail stranded too many days without food, water or medical care. No one knows how many were killed by Hurricane Katrina's floods and how many more succumbed waiting to be rescued. But the bodies are everywhere: hidden in attics, floating among the ruined city, crumpled on wheelchairs, abandoned on highways. And the dying goes on at the convention center and an airport triage center, where bodies were kept in a refrigerated truck...
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1094508
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:29
French Quarter holdouts create 'tribes'
Yahoo! News
09/04/05
In the absence of information and outside assistance, groups of rich and poor banded together in the French Quarter, forming "tribes" and dividing up the labor. As some went down to the river to do the wash, others remained behind to protect property. In a bar, a bartender put near-perfect stitches into the torn ear of a robbery victim.While mold and contagion grew in the muck that engulfed most of the city, something else sprouted in this most decadent of American neighborhoods — humanity. "Some people became animals," Vasilioas Tryphonas said Sunday morning as he sipped a hot beer in Johnny White's Sports Bar on Bourbon Street. "We became more civilized." .... Even without water and power, most preferred it to the squalor and death in the emergency shelters set up at the Superdome and Convention Center. But what had at first been a refuge soon became an ornate prison. Police came through commandeering drivable vehicles and siphoning gas. Officials took over a hotel and ejected the guests. An officer pumped his shotgun at a group trying to return to their hotel on Chartres Street. "This is our block," he said, pointing the gun down a side street. "Go that way'...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050904/ap_on_re_us/katrina_surviving_in_the_quarter_hk1
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/04/05
In the absence of information and outside assistance, groups of rich and poor banded together in the French Quarter, forming "tribes" and dividing up the labor. As some went down to the river to do the wash, others remained behind to protect property. In a bar, a bartender put near-perfect stitches into the torn ear of a robbery victim.While mold and contagion grew in the muck that engulfed most of the city, something else sprouted in this most decadent of American neighborhoods — humanity. "Some people became animals," Vasilioas Tryphonas said Sunday morning as he sipped a hot beer in Johnny White's Sports Bar on Bourbon Street. "We became more civilized." .... Even without water and power, most preferred it to the squalor and death in the emergency shelters set up at the Superdome and Convention Center. But what had at first been a refuge soon became an ornate prison. Police came through commandeering drivable vehicles and siphoning gas. Officials took over a hotel and ejected the guests. An officer pumped his shotgun at a group trying to return to their hotel on Chartres Street. "This is our block," he said, pointing the gun down a side street. "Go that way'...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050904/ap_on_re_us/katrina_surviving_in_the_quarter_hk1
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:25
Government credibility takes hit amid Katrina
Tennessean
09/05/05
Amid the chaos and sweltering heat of the New Orleans Superdome, exhausted survivors of Hurricane Katrina pleaded for help that was slow to come. Hungry, thirsty and desperate for relief, they wondered why their government had led them to shelter, and then abandoned them without basics such as enough food or water. As each day passed, the news media images of desperation fueled the anger U.S. residents directed at the government for failing to keep people in the region safe. 'It looks like everybody's going to have to fend for themselves at this point,' said Jamie Lawhon, 28, of Huntington, W.Va. 'The government has definitely lost some trust.' Sylvia Contreras agrees. 'People I know have never really trusted the government,' said Contreras, 48, of San Jose, Calif. 'This tells them they were right.'" [editor's note: Dare we find a long-term "silver lining" in all of this? Could the realization that "Big Brother cannot save us" be far behind? - SAT]
http://tinyurl.com/9amc5
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/05/05
Amid the chaos and sweltering heat of the New Orleans Superdome, exhausted survivors of Hurricane Katrina pleaded for help that was slow to come. Hungry, thirsty and desperate for relief, they wondered why their government had led them to shelter, and then abandoned them without basics such as enough food or water. As each day passed, the news media images of desperation fueled the anger U.S. residents directed at the government for failing to keep people in the region safe. 'It looks like everybody's going to have to fend for themselves at this point,' said Jamie Lawhon, 28, of Huntington, W.Va. 'The government has definitely lost some trust.' Sylvia Contreras agrees. 'People I know have never really trusted the government,' said Contreras, 48, of San Jose, Calif. 'This tells them they were right.'" [editor's note: Dare we find a long-term "silver lining" in all of this? Could the realization that "Big Brother cannot save us" be far behind? - SAT]
http://tinyurl.com/9amc5
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:22
Katrina's political fallout weighed
Washington Times
09/05/05
Politics is on the minds of many as the federal government comes under fire for not responding fast enough to the devastation caused along the Gulf Coast last week by Hurricane Katrina. One veteran Republican aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, suggested that recent Republican gains in Louisiana, a state President Bush carried in 2004, could begin to erode. 'If a vote was taken in Louisiana today, I think we'd all be in the tank,' he said, pointing to the perception that the Bush administration was slow to provide help to New Orleans. Congressional Democrats have begun to point fingers at the Bush administration, with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi saying Friday that Mr. Bush displayed a 'failure of leadership' in the early days of the crisis." [editor's note: The only possible good that can come of this would be abolishing FEMA and DHS, and a housecleaning of the administration itself -- and then they can start on the Demeaucrats, who were just as blameworthy! - SAT]
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050904-104833-2040r.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/05/05
Politics is on the minds of many as the federal government comes under fire for not responding fast enough to the devastation caused along the Gulf Coast last week by Hurricane Katrina. One veteran Republican aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, suggested that recent Republican gains in Louisiana, a state President Bush carried in 2004, could begin to erode. 'If a vote was taken in Louisiana today, I think we'd all be in the tank,' he said, pointing to the perception that the Bush administration was slow to provide help to New Orleans. Congressional Democrats have begun to point fingers at the Bush administration, with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi saying Friday that Mr. Bush displayed a 'failure of leadership' in the early days of the crisis." [editor's note: The only possible good that can come of this would be abolishing FEMA and DHS, and a housecleaning of the administration itself -- and then they can start on the Demeaucrats, who were just as blameworthy! - SAT]
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050904-104833-2040r.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:19
Louisiana: Times-Picayune wants FEMA officials out
San Francisco Chronicle
09/05/05
Louisiana's largest newspaper is lashing out at the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. In an open letter to President Bush, the Times-Picayune is calling for every official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be fired -- especially director Michael Brown. The editorial says 'We're angry, Mr. President, and we'll be angry long after our beloved city and surrounding parishes have been pumped dry.' The newspaper goes on to say 'Our people deserved rescuing. Many who could have been were not. That's to the government's shame.' The letter says 'No expense should have been spared. No excuses should have been voiced.'" [editor's note: Although the anger is properly directed, it is for the response, not the preparation; the T-P editors seem to ignore the fact that the whole disaster could have mitigated beforehand, were it not for the theft of Congress-appropriated funds that were supposed to reinforce the levees! - SAT]
http://tinyurl.com/axjch
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
An Angry 'Times-Picayune' Calls for Firing of FEMA Chief and Others in Open Letter to President On Sunday
By E&P Staff
Published: September 04, 2005 10:40 AM ET
Editor & Publisher
NEW YORK The Times-Picayune of New Orleans on Sunday published its third print edition since the hurricane disaster struck, chronicling the arrival, finally, of some relief but also taking President Bush to task for his handling of the crisis, and calling for the firing of FEMA director Michael Brown and others. [...] Read the rest at http://tinyurl.com/abkhx
© Virginia Metze
09/05/05
Louisiana's largest newspaper is lashing out at the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. In an open letter to President Bush, the Times-Picayune is calling for every official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be fired -- especially director Michael Brown. The editorial says 'We're angry, Mr. President, and we'll be angry long after our beloved city and surrounding parishes have been pumped dry.' The newspaper goes on to say 'Our people deserved rescuing. Many who could have been were not. That's to the government's shame.' The letter says 'No expense should have been spared. No excuses should have been voiced.'" [editor's note: Although the anger is properly directed, it is for the response, not the preparation; the T-P editors seem to ignore the fact that the whole disaster could have mitigated beforehand, were it not for the theft of Congress-appropriated funds that were supposed to reinforce the levees! - SAT]
http://tinyurl.com/axjch
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
An Angry 'Times-Picayune' Calls for Firing of FEMA Chief and Others in Open Letter to President On Sunday
By E&P Staff
Published: September 04, 2005 10:40 AM ET
Editor & Publisher
NEW YORK The Times-Picayune of New Orleans on Sunday published its third print edition since the hurricane disaster struck, chronicling the arrival, finally, of some relief but also taking President Bush to task for his handling of the crisis, and calling for the firing of FEMA director Michael Brown and others. [...] Read the rest at http://tinyurl.com/abkhx
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:17
Cut the red tape, Lott says
CNN
09/05/05
Sen. Trent Lott berated both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and his own state's emergency management, MEMA, for being mired in red tape at a time of urgent need given the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. Lott said he has been trying to get FEMA to send 20,000 trailers 'sitting in Atlanta' to the Mississippi coast, and he urged President Bush during a meeting Monday to intervene. He said FEMA has refused to ship the trailers until contracts are secured...
http://tinyurl.com/8haup
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/05/05
Sen. Trent Lott berated both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and his own state's emergency management, MEMA, for being mired in red tape at a time of urgent need given the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. Lott said he has been trying to get FEMA to send 20,000 trailers 'sitting in Atlanta' to the Mississippi coast, and he urged President Bush during a meeting Monday to intervene. He said FEMA has refused to ship the trailers until contracts are secured...
http://tinyurl.com/8haup
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:13
UN chief: Iraq new epicenter for terrorism
MSNBC
09/05/05
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Monday that Iraq has become an even greater 'center for terrorist activities' than Afghanistan under the Taliban. Annan, speaking to British Broadcasting Corp., said many young Muslims are angry, and their anger has been exacerbated by what is happening in Iraq. 'They feel victimized in their own society; they feel victimized in the West'...
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9220940/
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/05/05
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Monday that Iraq has become an even greater 'center for terrorist activities' than Afghanistan under the Taliban. Annan, speaking to British Broadcasting Corp., said many young Muslims are angry, and their anger has been exacerbated by what is happening in Iraq. 'They feel victimized in their own society; they feel victimized in the West'...
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9220940/
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:11
Foreign Office says diplomats denied access
Guardian [UK]
09/06/05
Tony Blair apologised yesterday to Britons who complained of lack of support from the Foreign Office after their Hurricane Katrina ordeal. His comments came as the Foreign Office claimed that British diplomats had been unable to get into New Orleans until Sunday. A spokesman said more than 20 diplomats had been willing to go but requests for permission from the US state department and the Louisiana state government had been repeatedly rebuffed. .... Nine officials from the Foreign Office rapid deployment team had flown to the US on Thursday to support British staff converging on the hurricane-hit area from around the US. "When we were made aware there were Britons in the Superdome, we raised the conditions with the US authorities and not long after that they were moved."
Britons caught up in the hurricane continued to arrive back in the UK yesterday. One family said American police took snapshots of trapped tourists instead of helping them. .... "At one point, there were a load of girls on the roof of the lobby saying 'Can you help us?' and the policemen said 'Show us what you have got' and made signs for them to lift their T-shirts. When they said no, they said 'Fine' and motored off down the road in their motorboat"...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/katrina/story/0,16441,1563466,00.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/06/05
Tony Blair apologised yesterday to Britons who complained of lack of support from the Foreign Office after their Hurricane Katrina ordeal. His comments came as the Foreign Office claimed that British diplomats had been unable to get into New Orleans until Sunday. A spokesman said more than 20 diplomats had been willing to go but requests for permission from the US state department and the Louisiana state government had been repeatedly rebuffed. .... Nine officials from the Foreign Office rapid deployment team had flown to the US on Thursday to support British staff converging on the hurricane-hit area from around the US. "When we were made aware there were Britons in the Superdome, we raised the conditions with the US authorities and not long after that they were moved."
Britons caught up in the hurricane continued to arrive back in the UK yesterday. One family said American police took snapshots of trapped tourists instead of helping them. .... "At one point, there were a load of girls on the roof of the lobby saying 'Can you help us?' and the policemen said 'Show us what you have got' and made signs for them to lift their T-shirts. When they said no, they said 'Fine' and motored off down the road in their motorboat"...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/katrina/story/0,16441,1563466,00.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:09
The city where the dead are left lying on the streets
Independent [UK]
09/05/05
However Vera Smith may have lived her life, one thing was certain. In death, she had no dignity. Killed in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, her body lay under a tarpaulin at the junction of Magazine Street and Jackson Avenue for five full days. Not her friends, her grieving husband, not her neighbours could persuade the authorities to take her corpse away. Finally, disgusted by the way she had been abandoned - and concerned, too, about the health implications of advancing decomposition - her friends buried her in a makeshift grave. A local man fashioned a simple cross, and on top of the soil that was shovelled over her body he placed a white plastic sheet and wrote "Here Lies Vera. God Help Us"...
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article310554.ece
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
09/05/05
However Vera Smith may have lived her life, one thing was certain. In death, she had no dignity. Killed in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, her body lay under a tarpaulin at the junction of Magazine Street and Jackson Avenue for five full days. Not her friends, her grieving husband, not her neighbours could persuade the authorities to take her corpse away. Finally, disgusted by the way she had been abandoned - and concerned, too, about the health implications of advancing decomposition - her friends buried her in a makeshift grave. A local man fashioned a simple cross, and on top of the soil that was shovelled over her body he placed a white plastic sheet and wrote "Here Lies Vera. God Help Us"...
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article310554.ece
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 6. Sep, 18:06
Time to tell the media what's on your mind
***SOS***Time to tell the media what's on your mind
Press Release: Fox News and Bill O'Reilly
Date: 9/6/2005 10:57:24 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: Mofmars3
To: Oreilly@foxnews.com CC: info@fox16.com, nytimesreporter@nytimes.com buchananandpress@msnbc.com, chronfeedback@sfchronicle.com, CNN@cnn.com, comments@foxnews.com, contact@altermedia.info, countdown@msnbc.com, dan.abrams@msnbc.com, Dateline@nbc.com, editor@globe.com, editor@nytimes.com, editor.reuters@reuters.com, editor@usatoday.com, feedback@nytimes.com, frontline@pbs.org, gazette.emailsrv@wvgazette.com, general@hbo.com, greg@gregpalast.com, hardball@msnbc.com, headliners@msnbc.com, imc- news@lists.indymedia.org, letters@latimes.com, letters@MSNBC.com, letters@nytimes.com, letters@newsweek.com, Imus@msnbc.com, media@gregpalast.com, moveon-help@list.moveon.org, MSNBC_BreakingNews_NewsMail@MSNBC.COM, msnbcinvestigates@msnbc.com, msnbcreports@msnbc.com, nachman@msnbc.com, news@globe.com, newswatch@foxnews.com, newshour@pbs.org, news@worldnetdaily.com, newsroom@4bypass.com, news-tips@nytimes.com, Nightly@NBC.com, niteline@abc.com, oliver@gregpalast.com, Press@moveon.org, speakout@foxnews.com, staff@nytimes.com, TheNews@msnbc.com, webnews@washingtonpost.com, World@MSNBC.com, world@washingtonpost.com, Hannity@foxnews.com, Viewerservices@foxnews.com, Comments@foxnews.com, Foxnewsonline@foxnews.com, Afterhours@foxnews.com, Foxreport@foxnews.com, Atlarge@foxnews.com, Bullsandbears@foxnews.com, Colmes@foxnews.com, Cash@foxnews.com, Heartland@foxnews.com, Cavuto@foxnews.com, Ontherecord@foxnews.com, Dayside@foxnews.com, Special@foxnews.com, Forbes@foxnews.com, Studiob@foxnews.com, Friends@foxnews.com, Beltway@foxnews.com, Foxmagazine@foxnews.com, Myword@foxnews.com, Feedback@foxnews.com, warstories@foxnews.com, FNS@foxnews.com, Newswatch@foxnews.com
Good for Shepard Smith. He made his point eloquently even though Bill attempted to apply the usual spin, Monday night.
The reason Bill's ratings are high, is mainly because many people love to hate him and cannot miss the show.
I used to love him until I learned what he was really made of. His time is short so maybe he should be replaced now, by Shepard or someone more human.
When Bill said they should force the people to leave the flood areas when they refused, because it would mean leaving their pets, what exactly does he mean?
Does he think the military should shoot the pets under the circumstances to encourage them to leave?
If they will rebuild, why not leave those there needing and willing to stay? Maybe it would be just easier to steal all the land to make sure everyone is gone?
What about all the money the differing charity agencies are known for keeping? Can't some be allocated to those who can and are able to start their own rebuilding, now? Give them the damn money like it was donated for instead of what really happens to the majority of it, for a change. How about that? Will you help?
Bill himself, first exposed this type of theft and deception after the 911 tragedy when the Red Cross showed their true colors. I loved Bill then and even wished he were president.
Is Bill encouraging more scams to be perpetrated on the people by not being with them, opposed to being on the side of the already known, corrupt powers that be?
Let's hope not. If Fox News wants to redeem themselves in the eyes of the people, they have to stop helping to enable the criminal element to continue the deceptions the majority of the thinkers are now aware of.
Bill can be seen right through and we want him out of business because we mean business.
For God's sake and the children's, why won't he help "US" as well as all of you at Fox? The other networks are way ahead of you in telling truth in media.
"We The People" need you to help "US" now too. Please!
For the record. Our president doesn't hate black people just as O'Lielly doesn't. It seems they hate all those they consider peasants, equally, no matter what race, color or creed.
Marsha McClelland
Press Release: Fox News and Bill O'Reilly
Date: 9/6/2005 10:57:24 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: Mofmars3
To: Oreilly@foxnews.com CC: info@fox16.com, nytimesreporter@nytimes.com buchananandpress@msnbc.com, chronfeedback@sfchronicle.com, CNN@cnn.com, comments@foxnews.com, contact@altermedia.info, countdown@msnbc.com, dan.abrams@msnbc.com, Dateline@nbc.com, editor@globe.com, editor@nytimes.com, editor.reuters@reuters.com, editor@usatoday.com, feedback@nytimes.com, frontline@pbs.org, gazette.emailsrv@wvgazette.com, general@hbo.com, greg@gregpalast.com, hardball@msnbc.com, headliners@msnbc.com, imc- news@lists.indymedia.org, letters@latimes.com, letters@MSNBC.com, letters@nytimes.com, letters@newsweek.com, Imus@msnbc.com, media@gregpalast.com, moveon-help@list.moveon.org, MSNBC_BreakingNews_NewsMail@MSNBC.COM, msnbcinvestigates@msnbc.com, msnbcreports@msnbc.com, nachman@msnbc.com, news@globe.com, newswatch@foxnews.com, newshour@pbs.org, news@worldnetdaily.com, newsroom@4bypass.com, news-tips@nytimes.com, Nightly@NBC.com, niteline@abc.com, oliver@gregpalast.com, Press@moveon.org, speakout@foxnews.com, staff@nytimes.com, TheNews@msnbc.com, webnews@washingtonpost.com, World@MSNBC.com, world@washingtonpost.com, Hannity@foxnews.com, Viewerservices@foxnews.com, Comments@foxnews.com, Foxnewsonline@foxnews.com, Afterhours@foxnews.com, Foxreport@foxnews.com, Atlarge@foxnews.com, Bullsandbears@foxnews.com, Colmes@foxnews.com, Cash@foxnews.com, Heartland@foxnews.com, Cavuto@foxnews.com, Ontherecord@foxnews.com, Dayside@foxnews.com, Special@foxnews.com, Forbes@foxnews.com, Studiob@foxnews.com, Friends@foxnews.com, Beltway@foxnews.com, Foxmagazine@foxnews.com, Myword@foxnews.com, Feedback@foxnews.com, warstories@foxnews.com, FNS@foxnews.com, Newswatch@foxnews.com
Good for Shepard Smith. He made his point eloquently even though Bill attempted to apply the usual spin, Monday night.
The reason Bill's ratings are high, is mainly because many people love to hate him and cannot miss the show.
I used to love him until I learned what he was really made of. His time is short so maybe he should be replaced now, by Shepard or someone more human.
When Bill said they should force the people to leave the flood areas when they refused, because it would mean leaving their pets, what exactly does he mean?
Does he think the military should shoot the pets under the circumstances to encourage them to leave?
If they will rebuild, why not leave those there needing and willing to stay? Maybe it would be just easier to steal all the land to make sure everyone is gone?
What about all the money the differing charity agencies are known for keeping? Can't some be allocated to those who can and are able to start their own rebuilding, now? Give them the damn money like it was donated for instead of what really happens to the majority of it, for a change. How about that? Will you help?
Bill himself, first exposed this type of theft and deception after the 911 tragedy when the Red Cross showed their true colors. I loved Bill then and even wished he were president.
Is Bill encouraging more scams to be perpetrated on the people by not being with them, opposed to being on the side of the already known, corrupt powers that be?
Let's hope not. If Fox News wants to redeem themselves in the eyes of the people, they have to stop helping to enable the criminal element to continue the deceptions the majority of the thinkers are now aware of.
Bill can be seen right through and we want him out of business because we mean business.
For God's sake and the children's, why won't he help "US" as well as all of you at Fox? The other networks are way ahead of you in telling truth in media.
"We The People" need you to help "US" now too. Please!
For the record. Our president doesn't hate black people just as O'Lielly doesn't. It seems they hate all those they consider peasants, equally, no matter what race, color or creed.
Marsha McClelland
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:58
Press Conference: The New Orleans People's Committee
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:50
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES PROVING WEATHER CONTROL
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:47
WAS KATRINA A SURPRISE? NOT TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:46
Political correctness is killing America
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:43
Killed by Contempt
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:41
NEW ORLEANIANS CALL FOR ACTION
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:37
GENOCIDE in New Orleans
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:35
The militarized response to Hurricane Katrina
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:30
STRAHLENDE ZUKUNFT
Beitrag aus Michael Meyers* Rundbrief „Mobilfunk Sommer 2005“ zur Einmischung der Ärzteschaft und den Reaktionen der Mobilfunkindustrie.
Hier eingestellt von Helmut Breunig
http://f2.webmart.de/f.cfm?id=2888666&r=threadview&a=1&t=2583394
Strahlende Zukunft
Kommentar von Günther Nenning
Wenn man ein Ding, das elektromagnetische Strahlung aussendet, an das empfindliche menschliche Ohr hält, stundenlang, jahrelang, lebenslang - dass so etwas ungesund ist, dazu brauche ich keine wissenschaftliche Untersuchung, das sagt mir der gesunde Menschenverstand.
Weil aber dieser heutzutage nicht reicht, bin ich froh, dass es nun eine Untersuchung der Ärztekammer gibt: Handys können gesundheitsschädlich sein, insbesondere für Kinder.
Dass die Handy-Industrie laut aufschreit, halte ich eher für ein Zeichen schlechten Gewissens als für sonst was. Sie will jeden Österreicher jedes Jahr ein neues Handy anhängen, ein noch schöneres, moderneres, das noch mehr kann als das Handy, das jeder ohnehin schon hat.
Aber ob ihre wunderbaren Handys strahlungssicher sind, hat sie bisher noch nie interessiert. Sie sind es nicht. Die Ohrfeige der Wissenschaft ist wohlverdient.
Die Handy-Konzerne sind in einen mörderischen Konkurrenzkampf verstrickt. Sie erschlagen sich gegenseitig. Jeder will größer und stärker werden und noch besser verdienen. Es ist ein Krieg, in welchem keiner seine Zeit verschwenden will für Nebensachen wie Gesundheit.
In einem sind sich die wild einander konkurrierenden Konzerne aber einig: Sie stürzen sich auf die Ärztekammer. Es sei "verantwortungslos", sich in den blühenden Handy-Markt einzumischen; Motto: Wir wollen Handys verkaufen und nicht über Strahlenschäden diskutieren. Raus mit den Ärzten aus der Handy-Schlacht!
Die Handy-Konzerne sind Großmächte, sie werden sich mit allen Mitteln wehren. Es wird also nötig sein, den mutigen Ärzten beizuspringen.
Was ist wichtiger: dass unsere Kinder schon ab drei Jahren mit eigens für sie entworfenen Handys herumtelefonieren - oder dass ihr Erbgut vor Schädigung geschützt wird? Die Antwort ist selbstverständlich. Aber die Frage nach dem Strahlenschutz stellt sich nicht nur beim Handy für Kleinkinder - sondern sehr viel allgemeiner.
Wir sind unterwegs in die "strahlende Zukunft": Auf dem Globus sind rund fünfhundert Atomkraftwerke und sonstige Atomanlagen in Betrieb. Die von ihnen ausgehende Dauerstrahlung bleibt ununtersucht.
Eine Endlagerung der weiterhin strahlenden Atomabfälle ist nicht gefunden und wird sich auch nicht finden lassen. Das haben wir schon vergessen und verdrängt.
Die von Hochspannungsleitungen verursachte Strahlung - bleibt ununtersucht. Die vom allgegenwärtigen Wald ungezählter Handy-Masten ausgehende Strahlung - bleibt ununtersucht.
Die von den Handys abgestrahlte Schadwirkung steht zwar jetzt aktuell im Mittelpunkt - aber von einer Lösung sind wir weit entfernt. Das ist unsere "strahlende Zukunft": Die Gesundheitswünsche der Bevölkerung und die Verdienstwünsche der Wirtschaft klaffen weit auseinander.
Umso dankbarer müssen wir den Ärzten sein, dass sie den Knäuel der Probleme wenigstens an einem Ende aufgerollt haben.
http://www.krone.at
* Michael Meyer michael_meyer@aon.at Risiko Mobilfunk Österreich Plattform Sozialstaat Österreich - Netzwerk Zivilcourage A - 5165 Berndorf, Stadl 4 Tel/Fax 0043 - 6217 - 8576
Hier eingestellt von Helmut Breunig
http://f2.webmart.de/f.cfm?id=2888666&r=threadview&a=1&t=2583394
Strahlende Zukunft
Kommentar von Günther Nenning
Wenn man ein Ding, das elektromagnetische Strahlung aussendet, an das empfindliche menschliche Ohr hält, stundenlang, jahrelang, lebenslang - dass so etwas ungesund ist, dazu brauche ich keine wissenschaftliche Untersuchung, das sagt mir der gesunde Menschenverstand.
Weil aber dieser heutzutage nicht reicht, bin ich froh, dass es nun eine Untersuchung der Ärztekammer gibt: Handys können gesundheitsschädlich sein, insbesondere für Kinder.
Dass die Handy-Industrie laut aufschreit, halte ich eher für ein Zeichen schlechten Gewissens als für sonst was. Sie will jeden Österreicher jedes Jahr ein neues Handy anhängen, ein noch schöneres, moderneres, das noch mehr kann als das Handy, das jeder ohnehin schon hat.
Aber ob ihre wunderbaren Handys strahlungssicher sind, hat sie bisher noch nie interessiert. Sie sind es nicht. Die Ohrfeige der Wissenschaft ist wohlverdient.
Die Handy-Konzerne sind in einen mörderischen Konkurrenzkampf verstrickt. Sie erschlagen sich gegenseitig. Jeder will größer und stärker werden und noch besser verdienen. Es ist ein Krieg, in welchem keiner seine Zeit verschwenden will für Nebensachen wie Gesundheit.
In einem sind sich die wild einander konkurrierenden Konzerne aber einig: Sie stürzen sich auf die Ärztekammer. Es sei "verantwortungslos", sich in den blühenden Handy-Markt einzumischen; Motto: Wir wollen Handys verkaufen und nicht über Strahlenschäden diskutieren. Raus mit den Ärzten aus der Handy-Schlacht!
Die Handy-Konzerne sind Großmächte, sie werden sich mit allen Mitteln wehren. Es wird also nötig sein, den mutigen Ärzten beizuspringen.
Was ist wichtiger: dass unsere Kinder schon ab drei Jahren mit eigens für sie entworfenen Handys herumtelefonieren - oder dass ihr Erbgut vor Schädigung geschützt wird? Die Antwort ist selbstverständlich. Aber die Frage nach dem Strahlenschutz stellt sich nicht nur beim Handy für Kleinkinder - sondern sehr viel allgemeiner.
Wir sind unterwegs in die "strahlende Zukunft": Auf dem Globus sind rund fünfhundert Atomkraftwerke und sonstige Atomanlagen in Betrieb. Die von ihnen ausgehende Dauerstrahlung bleibt ununtersucht.
Eine Endlagerung der weiterhin strahlenden Atomabfälle ist nicht gefunden und wird sich auch nicht finden lassen. Das haben wir schon vergessen und verdrängt.
Die von Hochspannungsleitungen verursachte Strahlung - bleibt ununtersucht. Die vom allgegenwärtigen Wald ungezählter Handy-Masten ausgehende Strahlung - bleibt ununtersucht.
Die von den Handys abgestrahlte Schadwirkung steht zwar jetzt aktuell im Mittelpunkt - aber von einer Lösung sind wir weit entfernt. Das ist unsere "strahlende Zukunft": Die Gesundheitswünsche der Bevölkerung und die Verdienstwünsche der Wirtschaft klaffen weit auseinander.
Umso dankbarer müssen wir den Ärzten sein, dass sie den Knäuel der Probleme wenigstens an einem Ende aufgerollt haben.
http://www.krone.at
* Michael Meyer michael_meyer@aon.at Risiko Mobilfunk Österreich Plattform Sozialstaat Österreich - Netzwerk Zivilcourage A - 5165 Berndorf, Stadl 4 Tel/Fax 0043 - 6217 - 8576
Starmail - 6. Sep, 17:07
050906 - R - Mobilfunk - Newsletter
Starmail - 6. Sep, 16:44
New Orleans: Only the Beginning?
By Ted Glick
Future Hope column, September 6, 2005
It's a good thing that people across the political spectrum, even conservatives, have been speaking up to condemn what many see as the criminal negligence of the government, particularly Bush and his FEMA and Homeland Security Agency, in response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster, and it's a good thing that there is a tremendous outpouring of support for those who are suffering as a result. Because the likelihood is very high that there will be more and more hurricanes, floods, droughts, people displaced and other natural disasters hitting the U.S. in the coming years.
Indeed, God forbid, it is possible that Louisiana and Mississippi could be hit by another killer hurricane sometime this fall.
The scientists' predictions of what would happen as a result of global warming are coming true. There have been many other examples over the past several years, none in this country as disastrous, but Katrina may well be the wake-up call to galvanize a popular movement around this urgent survival issue that our threatened ecosystem badly needs.
Katrina is also example number one of this fact: global warming will disproportionately hurt black, Latino and other people of color, both in the U.S. and globally.
It is people of color who live on the islands in the South Pacific which have been shrinking as the oceans rise. Some of them will go under completely within the next 5-10 years.
It is the people of Bangladesh, most likely millions, who will be forced to leave their low-lying homes as sea levels continue to rise.
It is Indigenous, African, Asian and Latin American people who have been suffering as oil, coal and natural gas companies extract fossil fuels with little or no regard for the economic, social or environmental impacts of their operations.
It is disproportionately people of color who, as we have seen in New Orleans, tend to live in the areas of cities most vulnerable to flooding. White people with privilege tend to live disproportionately in the suburbs or exurbs.
But all people will be affected. Most of the 25,000 or so people who died as a result of the heat wave in Europe in the summer of 2003 were not people of color. Most were elderly white people. For that matter, all taxpayers in the United States will see tens of billions of dollars of their tax money go to pay for the damage done to New Orleans. This might have been avoided if Bush and Congress had not cut needed funding to strengthen the system of levees prior to Katrina at the same time that they were spending hundreds of billions for an illegal and unnecessary war.
The government's response to Hurricane Katrina is also having a huge political impact.
I was astounded a few nights ago to watch national public television news and hear David Brooks, a George Bush supporter and apologist, sharply criticize Bush's woeful performance as regards Hurricane Katrina. Not only that; he predicted that the anger and outrage among so many over the government's negligence and incompetence could well fuel a progressive movement of historic proportions. He was joined in this assessment by liberals Tom Oliphant of the Boston Globe and Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune.
The word "racism" is actually being spoken by mainstream columnists to describe, accurately, an essential aspect of what is going on. Sometimes the truth of things just can't be hidden.
On the other hand, I was not surprised to receive hundreds of angry, hurting and solidly critical emails from grassroots activists and others around the country all through last week. I was struck by how Katrina and its aftermath was uniting in action people from many different organizations and networks to provide immediate aid to the suffering. And just in the last couple of days I am beginning to see alternative proposals and projects put forward to try to have a positive, progressive, community-based impact upon the reconstruction process.
Perhaps the disaster caused by Katrina, both natural and government-made, will be another kind of beginning, the beginning of a grassroots-based, multi-cultural, anti-racist, massive, independent people's movement. One which has no use for dishonest and deceitful politicians of any party, which operates democratically and transparently, and which raises up and supports the leadership of those who have been most hurt by this system's oppressive institutions. A movement which links the issues of global warming, war, racism, class inequality, and the need for a fundamental restructuring of our economy toward sustainability and justice for all.
As I said in a poem written in 1997, "We must use our anger, our outrage, our humanity, our love, burning like a low flame, a pilot light, flaring up as necessary into a burning torch to lead others into a future, a future world, we must, we have to, claim and win."
Ted Glick is the coordinator of the Climate Crisis: USA Join the World! campaign http://www.climatecrisis.us , although these ideas are solely his own. He can be reached at indpol@igc.org or P.O. Box 1132, Bloomfield, N.J. 07003.
UNITED FOR PEACE & JUSTICE | 212-868-5545
From ufpj-news
Future Hope column, September 6, 2005
It's a good thing that people across the political spectrum, even conservatives, have been speaking up to condemn what many see as the criminal negligence of the government, particularly Bush and his FEMA and Homeland Security Agency, in response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster, and it's a good thing that there is a tremendous outpouring of support for those who are suffering as a result. Because the likelihood is very high that there will be more and more hurricanes, floods, droughts, people displaced and other natural disasters hitting the U.S. in the coming years.
Indeed, God forbid, it is possible that Louisiana and Mississippi could be hit by another killer hurricane sometime this fall.
The scientists' predictions of what would happen as a result of global warming are coming true. There have been many other examples over the past several years, none in this country as disastrous, but Katrina may well be the wake-up call to galvanize a popular movement around this urgent survival issue that our threatened ecosystem badly needs.
Katrina is also example number one of this fact: global warming will disproportionately hurt black, Latino and other people of color, both in the U.S. and globally.
It is people of color who live on the islands in the South Pacific which have been shrinking as the oceans rise. Some of them will go under completely within the next 5-10 years.
It is the people of Bangladesh, most likely millions, who will be forced to leave their low-lying homes as sea levels continue to rise.
It is Indigenous, African, Asian and Latin American people who have been suffering as oil, coal and natural gas companies extract fossil fuels with little or no regard for the economic, social or environmental impacts of their operations.
It is disproportionately people of color who, as we have seen in New Orleans, tend to live in the areas of cities most vulnerable to flooding. White people with privilege tend to live disproportionately in the suburbs or exurbs.
But all people will be affected. Most of the 25,000 or so people who died as a result of the heat wave in Europe in the summer of 2003 were not people of color. Most were elderly white people. For that matter, all taxpayers in the United States will see tens of billions of dollars of their tax money go to pay for the damage done to New Orleans. This might have been avoided if Bush and Congress had not cut needed funding to strengthen the system of levees prior to Katrina at the same time that they were spending hundreds of billions for an illegal and unnecessary war.
The government's response to Hurricane Katrina is also having a huge political impact.
I was astounded a few nights ago to watch national public television news and hear David Brooks, a George Bush supporter and apologist, sharply criticize Bush's woeful performance as regards Hurricane Katrina. Not only that; he predicted that the anger and outrage among so many over the government's negligence and incompetence could well fuel a progressive movement of historic proportions. He was joined in this assessment by liberals Tom Oliphant of the Boston Globe and Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune.
The word "racism" is actually being spoken by mainstream columnists to describe, accurately, an essential aspect of what is going on. Sometimes the truth of things just can't be hidden.
On the other hand, I was not surprised to receive hundreds of angry, hurting and solidly critical emails from grassroots activists and others around the country all through last week. I was struck by how Katrina and its aftermath was uniting in action people from many different organizations and networks to provide immediate aid to the suffering. And just in the last couple of days I am beginning to see alternative proposals and projects put forward to try to have a positive, progressive, community-based impact upon the reconstruction process.
Perhaps the disaster caused by Katrina, both natural and government-made, will be another kind of beginning, the beginning of a grassroots-based, multi-cultural, anti-racist, massive, independent people's movement. One which has no use for dishonest and deceitful politicians of any party, which operates democratically and transparently, and which raises up and supports the leadership of those who have been most hurt by this system's oppressive institutions. A movement which links the issues of global warming, war, racism, class inequality, and the need for a fundamental restructuring of our economy toward sustainability and justice for all.
As I said in a poem written in 1997, "We must use our anger, our outrage, our humanity, our love, burning like a low flame, a pilot light, flaring up as necessary into a burning torch to lead others into a future, a future world, we must, we have to, claim and win."
Ted Glick is the coordinator of the Climate Crisis: USA Join the World! campaign http://www.climatecrisis.us , although these ideas are solely his own. He can be reached at indpol@igc.org or P.O. Box 1132, Bloomfield, N.J. 07003.
UNITED FOR PEACE & JUSTICE | 212-868-5545
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 6. Sep, 16:37
Battle to stop phone mast
6/9/2005
Farnborough News and Mail
CAMPAIGNERS are battling yet again to stop another mobile phone mast being built just ten metres from their back gardens.
Plans have been submitted by the mobile phone company Vodafone to build a ten foot-high mast at the junction of Farnborough Road and Ship Alley, but residents are picking up their pens in protest against the proposals.
They plan to bombard Rushmoor Borough Council with letters objecting to the mast.
Last May the Mail reported Farnborough residents’ fight to stop a T-Mobile mast being built outside the Ship Inn, in Ship Lane, Farnborough, 20 metres away from the latest proposed site.
But despite the 200-strong petition from angry residents the mobile phone giant was given permission to build the 32 foot-high mast.
Now people are even more determined that they do not want two mobile phone masts so close together.
Donovan Baines, who lives just ten metres away from the proposed site, said that another mast would be a case of “overkill” and is rallying neighbours into a protest group.
He said: “I just want to stir it up and make a little bit of a scene to make everybody else aware.
“It’s far too close to the houses.”
Mr Baines wants as many people as possible to write to the council objecting to the plans.
He said: “In the next few years companies are going to put these masts everywhere.
“It’s not just happening on my doorstep, it will happen everywhere.”
And Mr Baines has the full backing of ward councillor Steve Masterson.
Cllr Masterson has already registered his objections to the council and said that he will support anyone else who wants to make their views known about the unwanted plans.
He said: “I’m totally opposed to the mast being situated in residential areas.
“They should keep them away from residential areas until the health risk is proven to be negative and the debate is no longer open.
“It’s in reasonably close proximity to schools and I’m not happy with that.
“There’s also the risk of the devaluation of people’s properties.”
But a Vodafone spokeswoman hit back at the claims and said that a report released by the Health Protection Agency in January claimed there was no scientific basis for citing minimal distances between masts and areas of public occupancy.
Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/ and
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
She added: “There are no guidelines to where masts are located as they are very low powered and in order for the hand sets to work the masts must be located locally.
Omega see "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk" under:
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
“Therefore, it’s essential that they are located in residential areas for the handsets to work.”
The spokeswoman said that the mast is designed to look like a telegraph pole so that it does not look out of place.
But she added: “They’re very much accepted parts of our urban environment.”
Residents have until the middle of September to register their objections with Rushmoor Borough Council.
Keith Holland, head of the council’s planning department, said that public objections will be taken into account.
He said: “The issue of phone masts is very emotive and as a result if we were going to approve any phone mast it’s likely it would go to committee first.
“It’s in the council hands to make decisions at this stage but we have to take into account the issues that the inspector looked at with the other one.”
The council refused permission for the T-Mobile mast in Ship Lane, but a planning inspector overturned the decision.
Farnborough News and Mail
CAMPAIGNERS are battling yet again to stop another mobile phone mast being built just ten metres from their back gardens.
Plans have been submitted by the mobile phone company Vodafone to build a ten foot-high mast at the junction of Farnborough Road and Ship Alley, but residents are picking up their pens in protest against the proposals.
They plan to bombard Rushmoor Borough Council with letters objecting to the mast.
Last May the Mail reported Farnborough residents’ fight to stop a T-Mobile mast being built outside the Ship Inn, in Ship Lane, Farnborough, 20 metres away from the latest proposed site.
But despite the 200-strong petition from angry residents the mobile phone giant was given permission to build the 32 foot-high mast.
Now people are even more determined that they do not want two mobile phone masts so close together.
Donovan Baines, who lives just ten metres away from the proposed site, said that another mast would be a case of “overkill” and is rallying neighbours into a protest group.
He said: “I just want to stir it up and make a little bit of a scene to make everybody else aware.
“It’s far too close to the houses.”
Mr Baines wants as many people as possible to write to the council objecting to the plans.
He said: “In the next few years companies are going to put these masts everywhere.
“It’s not just happening on my doorstep, it will happen everywhere.”
And Mr Baines has the full backing of ward councillor Steve Masterson.
Cllr Masterson has already registered his objections to the council and said that he will support anyone else who wants to make their views known about the unwanted plans.
He said: “I’m totally opposed to the mast being situated in residential areas.
“They should keep them away from residential areas until the health risk is proven to be negative and the debate is no longer open.
“It’s in reasonably close proximity to schools and I’m not happy with that.
“There’s also the risk of the devaluation of people’s properties.”
But a Vodafone spokeswoman hit back at the claims and said that a report released by the Health Protection Agency in January claimed there was no scientific basis for citing minimal distances between masts and areas of public occupancy.
Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/ and
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
She added: “There are no guidelines to where masts are located as they are very low powered and in order for the hand sets to work the masts must be located locally.
Omega see "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk" under:
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
“Therefore, it’s essential that they are located in residential areas for the handsets to work.”
The spokeswoman said that the mast is designed to look like a telegraph pole so that it does not look out of place.
But she added: “They’re very much accepted parts of our urban environment.”
Residents have until the middle of September to register their objections with Rushmoor Borough Council.
Keith Holland, head of the council’s planning department, said that public objections will be taken into account.
He said: “The issue of phone masts is very emotive and as a result if we were going to approve any phone mast it’s likely it would go to committee first.
“It’s in the council hands to make decisions at this stage but we have to take into account the issues that the inspector looked at with the other one.”
The council refused permission for the T-Mobile mast in Ship Lane, but a planning inspector overturned the decision.
Starmail - 6. Sep, 16:33
Councillors agree: The mast must move
http://www.edinburghsucks.com
Covered in the Evening News today is the story of how the mast must move. T-Mobile had erected one of their telephone masts in the wrong position. Local residents hope to be even more pleased than they were when the Council voted to take enforcement action against t-Moble because the rumour is that there is a gas main just below where the mast got planning permission to be erected.
Locals remember when there used to be a house on the site and have fairly good information that when t-Mobile were erecting the mast they watched the erectors trying in the right place then moving further south, towards the school and sticking the mast where they could.
A T-Mobile spokesman admitted the whole saga had been “embarrassing”. He said: “We are aware we will be presented with formal notice to move the mast.
“If that’s the decision I think we can promise it will be moved. “There’s no doubt at all this was a mistake. It’s unfortunate and slightly embarrassing. “But the need for a base station to serve mobile traffic in that area has not altered.”
It may be a bit more embarrasing for the company if they try to move the mast and hit on the suspected gas main!
Believe it or not, the the Councillors did an amazing job against the opposition of their Enforcement Officer who recommended keeping the mast where it was - 4 meters closer to the Brunstane Primary and Nursery School. Special mentions must go to Alnwickhill’s Councillor Ian Murray who spoke out furiously aginst the mast, Councillor Longstaff who said “it’s not like we are asking them to move a house” and even local councillor Maureen Child played a blinder on the day.
A thank you to all the planning committee who really saw sense on this matter and took the appropriate action. I hope we are not getting too soft!
Covered in the Evening News today is the story of how the mast must move. T-Mobile had erected one of their telephone masts in the wrong position. Local residents hope to be even more pleased than they were when the Council voted to take enforcement action against t-Moble because the rumour is that there is a gas main just below where the mast got planning permission to be erected.
Locals remember when there used to be a house on the site and have fairly good information that when t-Mobile were erecting the mast they watched the erectors trying in the right place then moving further south, towards the school and sticking the mast where they could.
A T-Mobile spokesman admitted the whole saga had been “embarrassing”. He said: “We are aware we will be presented with formal notice to move the mast.
“If that’s the decision I think we can promise it will be moved. “There’s no doubt at all this was a mistake. It’s unfortunate and slightly embarrassing. “But the need for a base station to serve mobile traffic in that area has not altered.”
It may be a bit more embarrasing for the company if they try to move the mast and hit on the suspected gas main!
Believe it or not, the the Councillors did an amazing job against the opposition of their Enforcement Officer who recommended keeping the mast where it was - 4 meters closer to the Brunstane Primary and Nursery School. Special mentions must go to Alnwickhill’s Councillor Ian Murray who spoke out furiously aginst the mast, Councillor Longstaff who said “it’s not like we are asking them to move a house” and even local councillor Maureen Child played a blinder on the day.
A thank you to all the planning committee who really saw sense on this matter and took the appropriate action. I hope we are not getting too soft!
Starmail - 6. Sep, 16:26
The President who destroyed America
Good morning and Happy Tuesday, America and fellow earth citizens! I think this one needs to be very widely circulated. Please pass it on...
sash
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 8:32 PM
Subject: The President who destroyed America
George Bush is going to go down in history as the President Who Destroyed America.
Oh sure, there were problems before he ever took office. Every nation has problems. But in the year 2000, the USA was at a fairly high point. The economy was growing. Science was moving forward. International relations were fairly good. The future looked bright. And then, an election was rigged, and a "President" who was never properly elected took office.
We all know how all the different stories about inappropriate election practices during the 2004 election. The cheating. The manipulation of the polls. The fact that people from largely Democrat demographics were prevented from voting. If you don't know about all this stuff... then you weren't paying attention. We also know that the 2000 elections were b... . But it's too late for that. We got the c... in the Oval Office, and we've got to deal with him. Too bad the War-Monger president, who doesn't even know HOW to run a war in the first place, also doesn't know how to run a country. The disaster on September 11th, 2001 was handled very well... not by Bush, but by Rudy, the esteemed former mayor of NYC. The only reaction from Bush to the whole fiasco: LET'S GO TO WAR! But... that's in the past. What about now?
Our country is already hurting financially because of the actions of our "president", or inactions, as the case might be. Our international relations are shot to hell - EVERYBODY hates us. The education system is hurting. Our entire economy is likely to fall into recession, if not an actual depression to rival the crash of the 1920s. The average citizen can't even afford gasoline - but if we'd invested in cars that used non-petroleum fuel sources (a technology we've had for a couple of decades but never developed) we wouldn't have this problem in the first place! (Hmm, does anyone else detect a connection between the oil companies, the government who funds research, and the car companies?) The progress of the scientific community is being thwarted by Chimp-Boy's religious convictions.
Bush was too busy "stopping the fags from destroying our nation" to bother running the nation. I wonder how much money went into his "Protect Marriage" campaign. How much money and resources have been spent on a war overseas, when our own infrastructure needs desperate help? DID YOU KNOW that Bush wanted to implement a universal health-care system in Iraq, funded by our own tax dollars, when we don't even have universal health care here? I don't have health coverage, but MY MONEY is going to help give medical care to some Iraqi. THIS IS B...!
Now, not all of these things fall solely on the shoulders of George W. Bush. It's his entire pathetic administration, but he's the man with the final say. He's the guy who was given all sorts of extra powers of authority by the Patriot Act. He's the i... leading the p... . I'm sorry, "leading" was the wrong word. Leadership is a quality he doesn't have.
Let's look at the situation we have right now. Our National Guard is overseas when we need them at home. Yes, they're calling them back home now, but they should have been here in the first place. People are dying, in America, of dehydration, hunger, and disease, because we took too long to respond to an emergency. The US Army can drop a bomb with pinpoint precision overseas within an hour of receiving the mission, and they're telling me it took our leaders THREE F... DAYS to drop food and water on our own soil? MORE BS...! American citizens are dying, on American soil. Oh sure, the "president" went to visit the poor victims, and he hugged women and girls for the camera, and shook people's hands... what a wonderful photo opportunity it must have been. But when he climbed aboard his helicopter to fly to the disaster area, did he even bother to think of loading a couple of extra crates of water, and maybe some food, for the victims? I'm sure there was space. And it may not have helped everybody, but to the family that would have received those supplies, it could mean the difference between life and death. Compassionate-conservativism, my f... a... .
This whole disaster-relief operation is a textbook example of "too little, too late." It's a textbook example of S... LEADERSHIP. All the way from the bottom up. For the first 24 hours, the mayor of New Orleans told people he had it under control, and they didn't need help. Two days later, he's screaming and swearing at people for not coming sooner. What? Did he think the National Guard just shows up on its own? You have to ask! We, the soldiers of the Reserves and Guard, don't sit in our unit headquarters, watching CNN, and say, "Oh look! A disaster! Let's go!" WE CAN'T. We have to have orders. We need authorization. And we need to be requested. And then, what about the governor of Louisiana? Have we even heard anything from her? She should have realized that the mayor of New Orleans wasn't seeing the situation clearly, and acted. But no. And then there's the "president." WHAT THE F...? There has been a failure in EVERY level of our civilian chain of command. And then there's FEMA. Don't even get me started. They're running a logistical nightmare. Yes, communications are down, but they knew that would happen! They were supposed to have been planning for this for years! The people of that organization are paid dearly, specifically to be ready in case of an emergency. And then, the emergency happens, and it all falls to hell. The Army can go in, and within 24 hours, we could have had food and water and medical facilities on the ground, IF we had been requested... but we weren't, until it was too late, and people were already dead and dying of preventable causes. 50,000 people were stranded in a convention center, and FEMA didn't know ANYTHING about them until four days after the storm. They would have known all about it if they'd just turned on the television, because apparently CNN has better information than the people who are supposed to handle the disaster. This is pitiful, and inexcusable.
Opportunities have been wasted, resources have been poorly used. Every vehicle going into that region, whether traveling by land, air, or sea, should be carrying food, water, clothing, medicine, and other supplies in, and carrying people out. It doesn't matter if they can only fit a little bit on a helicopter. If a helicopter is going to pick up medical evacuees, they have room in their cargo hold to carry supplies in, before picking up the patient. Who the f... was running the logistics here, and did we check to make sure they'd at least graduated kindergarten before hiring them? Things only started to work when the Army took over (thank God for General Honore), and I'm sure they're going to need much more help before it's over. I'm a qualified officer in the Army Engineer Corps. SEND ME, D... IT! I'm sitting here, making LJ entries, when I should be helping to save lives! I'm going insane, wanting to do something!
To finish off, I'd like to address Mr. George W. C... Bush, the President Who Destroyed America:
Your citizens are dying, and I personally hold you responsible for their lives. As the president, you are a public servant, NOT a king. Your job is to serve the people of the United States of America and to uphold the Constitution, not to preach your Biblical beliefs and to play golf. I'm sorry the hurricane disrupted your vacation. It must be awful for you, but I assure you, it's far worse for the victims.
Today, you addressed the nation, and admitted that you made some mistakes - that everyone involved in the relief effort made some mistakes. That's not good enough. Apologies won't bring back the people who died needlessly. As the highest authority in the land, you can't afford those sorts of mistakes. "Oops!" is not an answer. You were supposed to do something, but you didn't until it was too late for many of them, and more are going to die. Their blood is on your hands. There are still people living in filth, sleeping in the streets, crowded into crumbling buildings, stranded on rooftops, dehydrated, sick, dying, and desperate for just a bottle of water and a bit of food. These are American citizens - your highest priority... but you are incapable of understanding their suffering because you've been so sheltered all your life, you can't even comprehend the sensations of true hunger, thirst, or desperation. You've never had to worry about your next meal, or of having a roof over your head. And when you left New Orleans, after hugging a few people while surrounded by cameras, and you flew back to Washington, DC in the comfort of your helicopter, WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR DINNER? I'll bet it was delicious, wasn't it?
Oh, and by the way, how much money are you going to donate to the victims of the hurricane, Mr. Bush? How much money is going to come out of your personal bank account? You're independantly wealthy, and could live comfortably on JUST the pension from your presidency for the rest of your life. Children are giving their lunch money. What are you going to give? How much do you really love America?
The American people don't want your lies, excuses, and apologies anymore. How many mistakes can you make before you stop making them? How many more people have to die for your stupidity? Should we just wait for the next major disaster to strike, just in case you do better next time? We don't want a "next time", Mr. Bush. We don't want your promises of a better tomorrow. We want your resignation.
~Michelle J. d'Entremont
2LT, US Army Reserves, Engineer Corps
(I have no fear of publicly using my name for this. Pass it on. These are my words, and I stand behind them with my name, rank, and convictions. And if it ends up on CNN, with my name, and Bush reads it, even better.)
sash
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 8:32 PM
Subject: The President who destroyed America
George Bush is going to go down in history as the President Who Destroyed America.
Oh sure, there were problems before he ever took office. Every nation has problems. But in the year 2000, the USA was at a fairly high point. The economy was growing. Science was moving forward. International relations were fairly good. The future looked bright. And then, an election was rigged, and a "President" who was never properly elected took office.
We all know how all the different stories about inappropriate election practices during the 2004 election. The cheating. The manipulation of the polls. The fact that people from largely Democrat demographics were prevented from voting. If you don't know about all this stuff... then you weren't paying attention. We also know that the 2000 elections were b... . But it's too late for that. We got the c... in the Oval Office, and we've got to deal with him. Too bad the War-Monger president, who doesn't even know HOW to run a war in the first place, also doesn't know how to run a country. The disaster on September 11th, 2001 was handled very well... not by Bush, but by Rudy, the esteemed former mayor of NYC. The only reaction from Bush to the whole fiasco: LET'S GO TO WAR! But... that's in the past. What about now?
Our country is already hurting financially because of the actions of our "president", or inactions, as the case might be. Our international relations are shot to hell - EVERYBODY hates us. The education system is hurting. Our entire economy is likely to fall into recession, if not an actual depression to rival the crash of the 1920s. The average citizen can't even afford gasoline - but if we'd invested in cars that used non-petroleum fuel sources (a technology we've had for a couple of decades but never developed) we wouldn't have this problem in the first place! (Hmm, does anyone else detect a connection between the oil companies, the government who funds research, and the car companies?) The progress of the scientific community is being thwarted by Chimp-Boy's religious convictions.
Bush was too busy "stopping the fags from destroying our nation" to bother running the nation. I wonder how much money went into his "Protect Marriage" campaign. How much money and resources have been spent on a war overseas, when our own infrastructure needs desperate help? DID YOU KNOW that Bush wanted to implement a universal health-care system in Iraq, funded by our own tax dollars, when we don't even have universal health care here? I don't have health coverage, but MY MONEY is going to help give medical care to some Iraqi. THIS IS B...!
Now, not all of these things fall solely on the shoulders of George W. Bush. It's his entire pathetic administration, but he's the man with the final say. He's the guy who was given all sorts of extra powers of authority by the Patriot Act. He's the i... leading the p... . I'm sorry, "leading" was the wrong word. Leadership is a quality he doesn't have.
Let's look at the situation we have right now. Our National Guard is overseas when we need them at home. Yes, they're calling them back home now, but they should have been here in the first place. People are dying, in America, of dehydration, hunger, and disease, because we took too long to respond to an emergency. The US Army can drop a bomb with pinpoint precision overseas within an hour of receiving the mission, and they're telling me it took our leaders THREE F... DAYS to drop food and water on our own soil? MORE BS...! American citizens are dying, on American soil. Oh sure, the "president" went to visit the poor victims, and he hugged women and girls for the camera, and shook people's hands... what a wonderful photo opportunity it must have been. But when he climbed aboard his helicopter to fly to the disaster area, did he even bother to think of loading a couple of extra crates of water, and maybe some food, for the victims? I'm sure there was space. And it may not have helped everybody, but to the family that would have received those supplies, it could mean the difference between life and death. Compassionate-conservativism, my f... a... .
This whole disaster-relief operation is a textbook example of "too little, too late." It's a textbook example of S... LEADERSHIP. All the way from the bottom up. For the first 24 hours, the mayor of New Orleans told people he had it under control, and they didn't need help. Two days later, he's screaming and swearing at people for not coming sooner. What? Did he think the National Guard just shows up on its own? You have to ask! We, the soldiers of the Reserves and Guard, don't sit in our unit headquarters, watching CNN, and say, "Oh look! A disaster! Let's go!" WE CAN'T. We have to have orders. We need authorization. And we need to be requested. And then, what about the governor of Louisiana? Have we even heard anything from her? She should have realized that the mayor of New Orleans wasn't seeing the situation clearly, and acted. But no. And then there's the "president." WHAT THE F...? There has been a failure in EVERY level of our civilian chain of command. And then there's FEMA. Don't even get me started. They're running a logistical nightmare. Yes, communications are down, but they knew that would happen! They were supposed to have been planning for this for years! The people of that organization are paid dearly, specifically to be ready in case of an emergency. And then, the emergency happens, and it all falls to hell. The Army can go in, and within 24 hours, we could have had food and water and medical facilities on the ground, IF we had been requested... but we weren't, until it was too late, and people were already dead and dying of preventable causes. 50,000 people were stranded in a convention center, and FEMA didn't know ANYTHING about them until four days after the storm. They would have known all about it if they'd just turned on the television, because apparently CNN has better information than the people who are supposed to handle the disaster. This is pitiful, and inexcusable.
Opportunities have been wasted, resources have been poorly used. Every vehicle going into that region, whether traveling by land, air, or sea, should be carrying food, water, clothing, medicine, and other supplies in, and carrying people out. It doesn't matter if they can only fit a little bit on a helicopter. If a helicopter is going to pick up medical evacuees, they have room in their cargo hold to carry supplies in, before picking up the patient. Who the f... was running the logistics here, and did we check to make sure they'd at least graduated kindergarten before hiring them? Things only started to work when the Army took over (thank God for General Honore), and I'm sure they're going to need much more help before it's over. I'm a qualified officer in the Army Engineer Corps. SEND ME, D... IT! I'm sitting here, making LJ entries, when I should be helping to save lives! I'm going insane, wanting to do something!
To finish off, I'd like to address Mr. George W. C... Bush, the President Who Destroyed America:
Your citizens are dying, and I personally hold you responsible for their lives. As the president, you are a public servant, NOT a king. Your job is to serve the people of the United States of America and to uphold the Constitution, not to preach your Biblical beliefs and to play golf. I'm sorry the hurricane disrupted your vacation. It must be awful for you, but I assure you, it's far worse for the victims.
Today, you addressed the nation, and admitted that you made some mistakes - that everyone involved in the relief effort made some mistakes. That's not good enough. Apologies won't bring back the people who died needlessly. As the highest authority in the land, you can't afford those sorts of mistakes. "Oops!" is not an answer. You were supposed to do something, but you didn't until it was too late for many of them, and more are going to die. Their blood is on your hands. There are still people living in filth, sleeping in the streets, crowded into crumbling buildings, stranded on rooftops, dehydrated, sick, dying, and desperate for just a bottle of water and a bit of food. These are American citizens - your highest priority... but you are incapable of understanding their suffering because you've been so sheltered all your life, you can't even comprehend the sensations of true hunger, thirst, or desperation. You've never had to worry about your next meal, or of having a roof over your head. And when you left New Orleans, after hugging a few people while surrounded by cameras, and you flew back to Washington, DC in the comfort of your helicopter, WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR DINNER? I'll bet it was delicious, wasn't it?
Oh, and by the way, how much money are you going to donate to the victims of the hurricane, Mr. Bush? How much money is going to come out of your personal bank account? You're independantly wealthy, and could live comfortably on JUST the pension from your presidency for the rest of your life. Children are giving their lunch money. What are you going to give? How much do you really love America?
The American people don't want your lies, excuses, and apologies anymore. How many mistakes can you make before you stop making them? How many more people have to die for your stupidity? Should we just wait for the next major disaster to strike, just in case you do better next time? We don't want a "next time", Mr. Bush. We don't want your promises of a better tomorrow. We want your resignation.
~Michelle J. d'Entremont
2LT, US Army Reserves, Engineer Corps
(I have no fear of publicly using my name for this. Pass it on. These are my words, and I stand behind them with my name, rank, and convictions. And if it ends up on CNN, with my name, and Bush reads it, even better.)
Starmail - 6. Sep, 16:21
Sommer, Sonne, Arbeitsdienst - 1€Jobs
„10 Mitglieder des Kieler Bündnisses gegen Sozialabbau und Lohnraub führten am Sonntagnachmittag (04.09.) im Vorfeld des bundesweiten Aktionstages der sozialen Bewegung eine Theateraktion am Falkensteiner Strand durch. Der Falkensteiner Strand wurde als Aktionsort gewählt, da dort seit diesem Sommer 1€-Jobber tätig sind: Im prestigeträchtigen Projekt „Strandgut“ der DLRG werden Liegestühle, Sonnenschirme und Kinderbetreuung angeboten. Weniger auffällig sind die 1€-Jobber, welche morgens ab fünf Uhr für die Reinigung des Strandes sorgen; eine Aufgabe welche früher tariflich bezahlte MitarbeiterInnen der Stadtwerke erledigten…“ Artikel von „Beobachter“ auf Indymedia vom 05.09.2005
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127108.shtml
Aus: LabourNet, 6. September 2005
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127108.shtml
Aus: LabourNet, 6. September 2005
Starmail - 6. Sep, 16:02
Härtetest im Armutsgewöhnungslager
Tag des sozialen Protestes gegen Hartz IV: Bunte Aktionen in 57 Städten
In 57 Städten Deutschlands fanden gestern zum Tag des sozialen Protestes Aktionen gegen die Hartz IV-Reformen statt. »Wer auch immer regieren wird und weiteren Sozialabbau betreibt, muss mit unserem massiven Widerstand rechnen«, war die Losung des Tages.
Artikel von Kirschey in Neues Deutschland vom 06.09.2005
http://www.nd-online.de/artikel.asp?AID=77585&IDC=16
Aus: LabourNet, 6. September 2005
In 57 Städten Deutschlands fanden gestern zum Tag des sozialen Protestes Aktionen gegen die Hartz IV-Reformen statt. »Wer auch immer regieren wird und weiteren Sozialabbau betreibt, muss mit unserem massiven Widerstand rechnen«, war die Losung des Tages.
Artikel von Kirschey in Neues Deutschland vom 06.09.2005
http://www.nd-online.de/artikel.asp?AID=77585&IDC=16
Aus: LabourNet, 6. September 2005
Starmail - 6. Sep, 15:42
05. Sept. 2005 bundesweiter Aktionstag „Hartz-Schluss“
Bundesweiter dezentraler Aktionstag "Hartzschluss" am Montag, 5. September 2005
Dezentraler Aktionstag der sozialen Proteste erfolgreich – mehrere Tausend Menschen in 57 Städten beteiligen sich an Aktionen und Demonstrationen
Die Pressemitteilung des Aktionsbündnisses mit den bisher vorliegenden Meldungen aus den teilnehmenden Städten (pdf)
http://www.die-soziale-bewegung.de/2005/hartzschluss/Presse_5-9-2005-18Uhr.PDF
"Hartz-Schluss" in Köln
Bericht von „Rio“ auf Indymedia vom 05.09.2005
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127187.shtml
Hartz-Schluss in Hanau
Bericht von „für die 5 Std/Wo“ auf Indymedia vom 05.09.2005
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127175.shtml
Aktionstag Hartz - Schluss am 5. September
Am Montag, 5. September 2005 fand ein dezentraler Aktionstag "Hartz-Schluss" in mehr als 100 Städten statt. Dieser bundesweite Aktionstag wurde im Juli beim Sozialforum in Erfurt beschlossen. Es fanden neben den Montagsdemonstrationen viele verschiedene Aktionen statt. Aktualisierte Berichte von den Aktionen in verschiedenen Städten bei Indymedia
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127256.shtml
Siehe auch Eine Video-Kurzdoku „Aktionstag gegen Hartz 4“ bei KanalB
http://kanalb.org/video.php?clipId=1157&Viam=Clip&PHPSESSID=00f7ef7660ef7837c8c0d1ed06d99184
Bochum: Aktionstag 5.9.: Egal wie der Würfel fällt, es geht um unser Geld - Protest gegen HartzIV in Bochum. Bericht bei ver.di Bochum-Herne
http://www.verdi.de/0x0ac80f2b_0x02ca6954;internal&action=verdi_show_listenkopf_seite.action
Die in Offenburg /Baden gehaltene Rede von Ingrid Wagner, ver.di Erwerbslosenausschuss Südbaden
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/050905_off.html
Aus: LabourNet, 6., 8. u. 13. September 2005
--------
Alle Dokumente lassen sich außerdem im Archiv unserer Homepage http://www.die-soziale-bewegung.de ansehen und downloaden.
Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste Koordinierungsstellen: Michael Maurer, m.m(at)dalichow-online.net (Brandenburg); Ottokar Luhn, info-gotha (at) offenes-buendnis.de (Thüringen); Helmut Woda, Helmut.Woda (at) web.de (Karlsruhe); Detlef Spandau, Detlef.Spandau (at) gmx.net (Ostwestfalen/Lippe); Claudio Coladangelo, teoanacatl (at) web.de (Giessen/Mittelhessen); Rainer Wahls, Rwahls (at) web.de (Berlin); Wolfram Altekrüger, w.altekrueger(at)gmx.de Vernetzungsbüro: Renate Gaß, R.Gass1 (at) gmx.de, 0561-8618571 oder 0151-15390382 (Kassel); Edgar Schu, E.Schu1 (at) gmx.de, 0179-6729724 oder 0551-9964381 (Göttingen) Wissenschaftliche Beratung: Peter Grottian, pgrottia (at) zedat.fu-berlin.de
Homepage: http://www.die-soziale-bewegung.de
Email: die-soziale-bewegung@web.de
13. September 05
Liebe Mitstreiterinnen und Mitstreiter, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,
das Aktionsbündnis der Sozialproteste hat mit seinem bundesweiten Aktionstag "Hartz-Schluss" die Wahlinszenierung der Parteien ins grelle Licht der Sozialproteste gerückt. Die Rechnung, mit TV-Schattenboxen die Opfer des Sozialabbaus von der Wahlkampftribüne zu drängen, wurde durchkreuzt.
Reiche Vielfalt von Aktionen: Von Demonstrationen bis zur Belagerung von ARGEn In Berlin wurde Hartz IV offiziell beerdigt. In Magdeburg wurde mit Gierhard Schröder Schlitten gefahren. In Bielefeld wurde die Wäsche wieder per Hand gewaschen, weil sich Arbeitslose keine Waschmaschine mehr leisten können. In Wittenberg wurde ein Armutsgewöhnungsfrühstück eröffnet. In Hamburg wurde Gierhard Schröder der 1-Euro Wanderpokal verliehen. Der Pokal zeigt einen Arbeitslosen. In Giessen wurde die Sinnlosigkeit der 1-Euro-Jobs durch eine Alu-Leiter, 2 Wassereimer, einen Wasserschlauch und einen Trichter symbolisch demonstriert. Und es sind noch viel mehr tolle Aktionen gelaufen, bundesweit! Viele lokale Netzwerke konnten ihre Anliegen in den regionalen Medien oft sehr klar zur Sprache bringen. Und auch die Ansprache von Betroffenen in den Behörden ist an dem Aktionstag mancherorts sehr gut gelungen. Viele Berichte, Pressemeldungen, Fotos, Bewertungen der lokalen Initiativen etc. sind in der Dokumentation auf der Homepage zu finden. Wir möchten noch einmal alle ermuntern, Berichte, Fotos oder auch Internet-Adressen mit Berichten an die Email-Adresse des Aktionsbündnis (die-soziale-bewegung(at)web.de) zu senden.
Die Kampagne Hartzschluss wurde auch von den bundesweiten Medien, z.B. der Tagesschau, anfangs bildhungrig aufgenommen. Wir werden auch zukünftig damit leben, dass die Journalisten ein größeres Polit-Event der sozialen Proteste in einer der zentralen Medienstädte für ihre Berichterstattung haben wollen. Wir können und wollen uns aber nicht mit einer Massendemonstration wie am 3. April des letzten Jahres messen.
6000 TeilnehmerInnen waren an den bundesweiten aber regionalen Aktionen beteiligt. Das ist in den 60 beteiligten Städten eine deutliche Steigerung der Teilnehmerzahlen gegenüber der "normalen" Montagsdemo. Damit hat sich das Konzept, zur Zeit des Wahlkampfes den Schwerpunkt auf regionale Aktionen zu legen, bestätigt. Unsere Handlungsfähigkeit ist die Voraussetzung, um auf die sozialen Angriffe jeder zukünftigen Regierungskoalition eine zuspitzende Mobilisierung weit über unsere Netzwerke hinaus entgegen zu stellen.
Der Sozialprotest konnte mit unseren Hartz-Schluss Aktionen von keiner Partei für ihren Wahlkampf vereinnahmt werden. Es ist auch nicht die Aufgabe von sozialen Bewegungen, Wahlempfehlungen auszusprechen und auf parlamentarische Stellvertreter zu hoffen, sondern sich selber und direkt intervenierend in die politischen Entscheidungsfindungen und Umsetzungen einzumischen.
Die Sozialproteste gehen aber an den Nerv der Rechtfertigungen des Sozialraubs, weil sie den Finger in die Wunde der sozialen Verletzungen legen. Die neue politische Landschaft war bereits Thema für den Spiegel gewesen. Der Spiegel Nr. 34 warnte: "Ein Gespenst kehrt zurück. Die neue Macht der Linken". Gemeint ist der soziale Protest. Die Linkspartei selber ist nur eine Fußnote dieses von uns erkämpften Einflusses. Vor dem Hintergrund eines hohen Druckes dieser Linken, in den Wahlen nicht gespalten aufzutreten, hat Gierhard Schröder seine Rechnung ohne diese Linke gemacht. Sie hat ihre Kräfte gebündelt, die Parteien zu einer schnellen Einigung gedrängt, und die Linkspartei schickt sich an, mit einer zweistelligen Prozentzahl den etablierten Parteien gehörig Schreck einzujagen.
Aus den Startlöchern gekommen Die Aktion Hartzschluss hat demonstriert, dass es dem Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste gelingt, seine Kräfte überregional zusammenzuführen und dass es aus den Startlöchern heraus gekommen ist. Das ist auch bitter notwendig. Während aus allen Mülleimern der tiefste Dreck über die Linke gegossen wird, wird zwar die Linkspartei als Ziel genannt, gemeint sind aber wir. Das Wahlspektakel und die Schlammschlacht gegen die Linke sollen den Boden bereiten, nach der Wahl die sozialen Grausamkeiten weiter zu steigern. Aber auch hier werden die Parteien die Rechnung ohne die Sozialproteste gemacht haben. Hartzschluss war der Auftakt für Ausbau, Intensivierung und Verbreiterung des Aktionsbündnisses Sozialproteste.
Ohne diesen Protest würde auch die Linkspartei schnell im Sumpf des wohlfinanzierten etablierten Parlamentarismus verrotten. Dass sich der Stachel Linkspartei ins Fleisch des Parteiensumpfs mit allen Widerhaken einbohrt, ist auch unsere Verantwortung. Nur durch unsere außerparlamentarischen Aktionen kann die Linke so zum Jagen getragen werden, dass der Sozialraub auch parlamentarisch seine Durchsetzungsfähigkeit verliert.
Mit Hartzschluss haben wir gemeinsam einen ersten Erfolg erzielt. Der nächste Schwerpunkt können konkrete Projekte sein, die wir am 19. und 20. November auf der Aktionskonferenz vortragen, die bisher aus dem personellen Umfeld des Sozialforums in Deutschland heraus geplant wird. Ein paar Mitglieder des Koordinierungskreises und weitere Personen unseres Aktionsbündnis haben am vergangenen Freitag an einem diesbezüglichen Vorbereitungstreffen in Frankfurt teilgenommen.
Das nächste bundesweite Treffen des Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste wird am 1. Oktober, wahrscheinlich nicht wie angekündigt in Göttingen, sondern in Kassel, statt finden. Dort wird es um die Nachbereitung des Aktionstages, um die weitere Entwicklung des Aktionsbündnis und seiner Strukturen und um Planungen kommender Aktivitäten gehen.
Es wird von unserer Seite noch keine fertigen Projekte geben. Ein beinahe fertiges Projekt, wie Hartzschluss es war, haben wir bisher nicht "im Petto". Vielleicht sind nach dem Projekt Hartzschluss, das wir schon nach kurzer Vorbereitung gemeinsam in die Tat umsetzen konnten, für kommende Aktivitäten ein gründlicher Vorlauf und sorgfältige Vorabsprachen mit potentiellen Bündnispartnern notwendig. Wir möchten zu diesem Zeitpunkt daher nur ein paar Fragen aufwerfen:
- Wahrscheinlich werden weiterhin viele Menschen davon bedroht sein, aus ihren Wohnungen vertrieben zu werden. Könnte organisierter ziviler Ungehorsam, in Absprache mit den Betroffenen, unsere adäquate Antwort auf diese Bedrohung gegen einzelne Menschen sein?
- Wie sieht die Situation nach der Wahl aus? Bei einer schwarz-gelben Regierungskoalition ist zu erwarten, dass die Gewerkschaften sich teilweise neu positionieren werden. Welche Bedeutung hat das für unsere Möglichkeiten, Bündnispolitik zu betreiben?
- Wie sieht die Situation bei den anderen möglichen Regierungskoalitionen aus?
Wir würden uns freuen, Euch am 1. Oktober in Kassel begrüßen zu dürfen.
Mit solidarischen und kämpferischen Grüßen Wolfram Altekrüger, Claudio Coladangelo, Renate Gaß, Peter Grottian, Ottokar Luhn, Michael Maurer, Edgar Schu, Detlef Spandau, Rainer Wahls, Helmut Woda
Dezentraler Aktionstag der sozialen Proteste erfolgreich – mehrere Tausend Menschen in 57 Städten beteiligen sich an Aktionen und Demonstrationen
Die Pressemitteilung des Aktionsbündnisses mit den bisher vorliegenden Meldungen aus den teilnehmenden Städten (pdf)
http://www.die-soziale-bewegung.de/2005/hartzschluss/Presse_5-9-2005-18Uhr.PDF
"Hartz-Schluss" in Köln
Bericht von „Rio“ auf Indymedia vom 05.09.2005
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127187.shtml
Hartz-Schluss in Hanau
Bericht von „für die 5 Std/Wo“ auf Indymedia vom 05.09.2005
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127175.shtml
Aktionstag Hartz - Schluss am 5. September
Am Montag, 5. September 2005 fand ein dezentraler Aktionstag "Hartz-Schluss" in mehr als 100 Städten statt. Dieser bundesweite Aktionstag wurde im Juli beim Sozialforum in Erfurt beschlossen. Es fanden neben den Montagsdemonstrationen viele verschiedene Aktionen statt. Aktualisierte Berichte von den Aktionen in verschiedenen Städten bei Indymedia
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/09/127256.shtml
Siehe auch Eine Video-Kurzdoku „Aktionstag gegen Hartz 4“ bei KanalB
http://kanalb.org/video.php?clipId=1157&Viam=Clip&PHPSESSID=00f7ef7660ef7837c8c0d1ed06d99184
Bochum: Aktionstag 5.9.: Egal wie der Würfel fällt, es geht um unser Geld - Protest gegen HartzIV in Bochum. Bericht bei ver.di Bochum-Herne
http://www.verdi.de/0x0ac80f2b_0x02ca6954;internal&action=verdi_show_listenkopf_seite.action
Die in Offenburg /Baden gehaltene Rede von Ingrid Wagner, ver.di Erwerbslosenausschuss Südbaden
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/050905_off.html
Aus: LabourNet, 6., 8. u. 13. September 2005
--------
Alle Dokumente lassen sich außerdem im Archiv unserer Homepage http://www.die-soziale-bewegung.de ansehen und downloaden.
Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste Koordinierungsstellen: Michael Maurer, m.m(at)dalichow-online.net (Brandenburg); Ottokar Luhn, info-gotha (at) offenes-buendnis.de (Thüringen); Helmut Woda, Helmut.Woda (at) web.de (Karlsruhe); Detlef Spandau, Detlef.Spandau (at) gmx.net (Ostwestfalen/Lippe); Claudio Coladangelo, teoanacatl (at) web.de (Giessen/Mittelhessen); Rainer Wahls, Rwahls (at) web.de (Berlin); Wolfram Altekrüger, w.altekrueger(at)gmx.de Vernetzungsbüro: Renate Gaß, R.Gass1 (at) gmx.de, 0561-8618571 oder 0151-15390382 (Kassel); Edgar Schu, E.Schu1 (at) gmx.de, 0179-6729724 oder 0551-9964381 (Göttingen) Wissenschaftliche Beratung: Peter Grottian, pgrottia (at) zedat.fu-berlin.de
Homepage: http://www.die-soziale-bewegung.de
Email: die-soziale-bewegung@web.de
13. September 05
Liebe Mitstreiterinnen und Mitstreiter, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,
das Aktionsbündnis der Sozialproteste hat mit seinem bundesweiten Aktionstag "Hartz-Schluss" die Wahlinszenierung der Parteien ins grelle Licht der Sozialproteste gerückt. Die Rechnung, mit TV-Schattenboxen die Opfer des Sozialabbaus von der Wahlkampftribüne zu drängen, wurde durchkreuzt.
Reiche Vielfalt von Aktionen: Von Demonstrationen bis zur Belagerung von ARGEn In Berlin wurde Hartz IV offiziell beerdigt. In Magdeburg wurde mit Gierhard Schröder Schlitten gefahren. In Bielefeld wurde die Wäsche wieder per Hand gewaschen, weil sich Arbeitslose keine Waschmaschine mehr leisten können. In Wittenberg wurde ein Armutsgewöhnungsfrühstück eröffnet. In Hamburg wurde Gierhard Schröder der 1-Euro Wanderpokal verliehen. Der Pokal zeigt einen Arbeitslosen. In Giessen wurde die Sinnlosigkeit der 1-Euro-Jobs durch eine Alu-Leiter, 2 Wassereimer, einen Wasserschlauch und einen Trichter symbolisch demonstriert. Und es sind noch viel mehr tolle Aktionen gelaufen, bundesweit! Viele lokale Netzwerke konnten ihre Anliegen in den regionalen Medien oft sehr klar zur Sprache bringen. Und auch die Ansprache von Betroffenen in den Behörden ist an dem Aktionstag mancherorts sehr gut gelungen. Viele Berichte, Pressemeldungen, Fotos, Bewertungen der lokalen Initiativen etc. sind in der Dokumentation auf der Homepage zu finden. Wir möchten noch einmal alle ermuntern, Berichte, Fotos oder auch Internet-Adressen mit Berichten an die Email-Adresse des Aktionsbündnis (die-soziale-bewegung(at)web.de) zu senden.
Die Kampagne Hartzschluss wurde auch von den bundesweiten Medien, z.B. der Tagesschau, anfangs bildhungrig aufgenommen. Wir werden auch zukünftig damit leben, dass die Journalisten ein größeres Polit-Event der sozialen Proteste in einer der zentralen Medienstädte für ihre Berichterstattung haben wollen. Wir können und wollen uns aber nicht mit einer Massendemonstration wie am 3. April des letzten Jahres messen.
6000 TeilnehmerInnen waren an den bundesweiten aber regionalen Aktionen beteiligt. Das ist in den 60 beteiligten Städten eine deutliche Steigerung der Teilnehmerzahlen gegenüber der "normalen" Montagsdemo. Damit hat sich das Konzept, zur Zeit des Wahlkampfes den Schwerpunkt auf regionale Aktionen zu legen, bestätigt. Unsere Handlungsfähigkeit ist die Voraussetzung, um auf die sozialen Angriffe jeder zukünftigen Regierungskoalition eine zuspitzende Mobilisierung weit über unsere Netzwerke hinaus entgegen zu stellen.
Der Sozialprotest konnte mit unseren Hartz-Schluss Aktionen von keiner Partei für ihren Wahlkampf vereinnahmt werden. Es ist auch nicht die Aufgabe von sozialen Bewegungen, Wahlempfehlungen auszusprechen und auf parlamentarische Stellvertreter zu hoffen, sondern sich selber und direkt intervenierend in die politischen Entscheidungsfindungen und Umsetzungen einzumischen.
Die Sozialproteste gehen aber an den Nerv der Rechtfertigungen des Sozialraubs, weil sie den Finger in die Wunde der sozialen Verletzungen legen. Die neue politische Landschaft war bereits Thema für den Spiegel gewesen. Der Spiegel Nr. 34 warnte: "Ein Gespenst kehrt zurück. Die neue Macht der Linken". Gemeint ist der soziale Protest. Die Linkspartei selber ist nur eine Fußnote dieses von uns erkämpften Einflusses. Vor dem Hintergrund eines hohen Druckes dieser Linken, in den Wahlen nicht gespalten aufzutreten, hat Gierhard Schröder seine Rechnung ohne diese Linke gemacht. Sie hat ihre Kräfte gebündelt, die Parteien zu einer schnellen Einigung gedrängt, und die Linkspartei schickt sich an, mit einer zweistelligen Prozentzahl den etablierten Parteien gehörig Schreck einzujagen.
Aus den Startlöchern gekommen Die Aktion Hartzschluss hat demonstriert, dass es dem Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste gelingt, seine Kräfte überregional zusammenzuführen und dass es aus den Startlöchern heraus gekommen ist. Das ist auch bitter notwendig. Während aus allen Mülleimern der tiefste Dreck über die Linke gegossen wird, wird zwar die Linkspartei als Ziel genannt, gemeint sind aber wir. Das Wahlspektakel und die Schlammschlacht gegen die Linke sollen den Boden bereiten, nach der Wahl die sozialen Grausamkeiten weiter zu steigern. Aber auch hier werden die Parteien die Rechnung ohne die Sozialproteste gemacht haben. Hartzschluss war der Auftakt für Ausbau, Intensivierung und Verbreiterung des Aktionsbündnisses Sozialproteste.
Ohne diesen Protest würde auch die Linkspartei schnell im Sumpf des wohlfinanzierten etablierten Parlamentarismus verrotten. Dass sich der Stachel Linkspartei ins Fleisch des Parteiensumpfs mit allen Widerhaken einbohrt, ist auch unsere Verantwortung. Nur durch unsere außerparlamentarischen Aktionen kann die Linke so zum Jagen getragen werden, dass der Sozialraub auch parlamentarisch seine Durchsetzungsfähigkeit verliert.
Mit Hartzschluss haben wir gemeinsam einen ersten Erfolg erzielt. Der nächste Schwerpunkt können konkrete Projekte sein, die wir am 19. und 20. November auf der Aktionskonferenz vortragen, die bisher aus dem personellen Umfeld des Sozialforums in Deutschland heraus geplant wird. Ein paar Mitglieder des Koordinierungskreises und weitere Personen unseres Aktionsbündnis haben am vergangenen Freitag an einem diesbezüglichen Vorbereitungstreffen in Frankfurt teilgenommen.
Das nächste bundesweite Treffen des Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste wird am 1. Oktober, wahrscheinlich nicht wie angekündigt in Göttingen, sondern in Kassel, statt finden. Dort wird es um die Nachbereitung des Aktionstages, um die weitere Entwicklung des Aktionsbündnis und seiner Strukturen und um Planungen kommender Aktivitäten gehen.
Es wird von unserer Seite noch keine fertigen Projekte geben. Ein beinahe fertiges Projekt, wie Hartzschluss es war, haben wir bisher nicht "im Petto". Vielleicht sind nach dem Projekt Hartzschluss, das wir schon nach kurzer Vorbereitung gemeinsam in die Tat umsetzen konnten, für kommende Aktivitäten ein gründlicher Vorlauf und sorgfältige Vorabsprachen mit potentiellen Bündnispartnern notwendig. Wir möchten zu diesem Zeitpunkt daher nur ein paar Fragen aufwerfen:
- Wahrscheinlich werden weiterhin viele Menschen davon bedroht sein, aus ihren Wohnungen vertrieben zu werden. Könnte organisierter ziviler Ungehorsam, in Absprache mit den Betroffenen, unsere adäquate Antwort auf diese Bedrohung gegen einzelne Menschen sein?
- Wie sieht die Situation nach der Wahl aus? Bei einer schwarz-gelben Regierungskoalition ist zu erwarten, dass die Gewerkschaften sich teilweise neu positionieren werden. Welche Bedeutung hat das für unsere Möglichkeiten, Bündnispolitik zu betreiben?
- Wie sieht die Situation bei den anderen möglichen Regierungskoalitionen aus?
Wir würden uns freuen, Euch am 1. Oktober in Kassel begrüßen zu dürfen.
Mit solidarischen und kämpferischen Grüßen Wolfram Altekrüger, Claudio Coladangelo, Renate Gaß, Peter Grottian, Ottokar Luhn, Michael Maurer, Edgar Schu, Detlef Spandau, Rainer Wahls, Helmut Woda
Starmail - 6. Sep, 15:39
American troops in Iraq have mutinied against their officers?
http://www.waynemadsenreport.com/
September 4, 2005 -- US Embassy in Baghdad inquires into reports that American troops in Iraq have mutinied against their officers. WMR has learned that the US embassy in Baghdad is checking into reports that U.S. troops in Iraq, including National Guardsmen, Army and Marine Corps Reserves, and regular military troops from Louisiana and Mississippi, have mutinied against their officers and are demanding to be immediately sent back home to help their families. It is not known whether the reported mutinies involve physical violence. The reports of rebellions among U.S. troops are filtering out of the Green Zone and at Baghdad International Airport from Iraqis who are working alongside their American counterparts at both locations.
Comment:
Remember 9/11 - Remember Katrina - Remember New Orleans Impeach the entire neo-con administration !
I wonder if bushco didn't get to kill two birds with one stone. Surely if there was discontent in the military to this degree, they knew it. So, they stall on helping NOLA, which they were probably going to do half-assed anyway, but now they make it a worse, so that while we're all watching NOLA, the mutiny in Iraq goes un-noticed. Sure, they'll be fall out from the way they handled NOLA, but they can spin a lot of it which will work on some people, form a partisan "investigation" who'll say no one in the govt. was to blame, repeat the lies about how they didn't know about the levee, etc. It'll be a good excuse to get rid of even more "drains on the economy" then they had originally planned to eliminate(because we know they planned something since they didn't evacuate the poor people). So while everyone is watching the humanitarian scandal, hardly anyone notices the really big POLITICAL deal, that US soldiers in Iraq are mutinying.
I think they think they can pull themselves out of the NOLA scandal. They have a chance. I'm afraid that if the dems don't get spines quickly, they might be successful, at least to a certain degree. Who out their in middle class america knows what we know here on the internet? Do you think people know that they were refusing aid, actually stopping buses from getting people, etc. But soldiers mutinying in Iraq, whoo, hoo, that's the big one.
Actually, I don't consider it mutiny. I consider it a people's revolution to take back their country.
Donna Cineli
USA
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=impeach
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Downing+Street+Memo
September 4, 2005 -- US Embassy in Baghdad inquires into reports that American troops in Iraq have mutinied against their officers. WMR has learned that the US embassy in Baghdad is checking into reports that U.S. troops in Iraq, including National Guardsmen, Army and Marine Corps Reserves, and regular military troops from Louisiana and Mississippi, have mutinied against their officers and are demanding to be immediately sent back home to help their families. It is not known whether the reported mutinies involve physical violence. The reports of rebellions among U.S. troops are filtering out of the Green Zone and at Baghdad International Airport from Iraqis who are working alongside their American counterparts at both locations.
Comment:
Remember 9/11 - Remember Katrina - Remember New Orleans Impeach the entire neo-con administration !
I wonder if bushco didn't get to kill two birds with one stone. Surely if there was discontent in the military to this degree, they knew it. So, they stall on helping NOLA, which they were probably going to do half-assed anyway, but now they make it a worse, so that while we're all watching NOLA, the mutiny in Iraq goes un-noticed. Sure, they'll be fall out from the way they handled NOLA, but they can spin a lot of it which will work on some people, form a partisan "investigation" who'll say no one in the govt. was to blame, repeat the lies about how they didn't know about the levee, etc. It'll be a good excuse to get rid of even more "drains on the economy" then they had originally planned to eliminate(because we know they planned something since they didn't evacuate the poor people). So while everyone is watching the humanitarian scandal, hardly anyone notices the really big POLITICAL deal, that US soldiers in Iraq are mutinying.
I think they think they can pull themselves out of the NOLA scandal. They have a chance. I'm afraid that if the dems don't get spines quickly, they might be successful, at least to a certain degree. Who out their in middle class america knows what we know here on the internet? Do you think people know that they were refusing aid, actually stopping buses from getting people, etc. But soldiers mutinying in Iraq, whoo, hoo, that's the big one.
Actually, I don't consider it mutiny. I consider it a people's revolution to take back their country.
Donna Cineli
USA
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=impeach
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Downing+Street+Memo
Starmail - 6. Sep, 15:29
Alleingelassen im Gefängnis Stadt
Starmail - 6. Sep, 15:17
Skandal: betreibt das BMU illegale Werbung für die Handybetreiber?
Ist es der Sinn des BMU Klingeltöne anzubieten? Wäre Aufklärung und Minimierung nicht Aufgabe und angemessen? Illegale Werbung für Handybetreiber?
Schauen Sie selbst:
http://www.bmu.de/artenschutz/aktuell/content/35861.php
BMU-Klingeltöne
Wählen Sie bitte den Klingelton:
Rechtliche und Technische Hinweise - Der Klingelton ist kostenlos und im Real-Format verfügbar. - Bitte beachten Sie, dass für das Herunterladen auf Ihr Handy Kosten gemäß der mit Ihrem Vertragspartner abgeschlossenen Verbindungsentgelte anfallen (WAP-/GPRS-Verbindung). - Ob Ihr Handy Realtöne abspielen kann, entnehmen Sie bitte der Betriebsanleitung Ihres Handys oder informieren Sie sich direkt bei Ihrem Vertragspartner. - Eine Haftung für technische Probleme wird nicht übernommen. - Für Nachfragen nutzen Sie bitte das Kontaktformular auf http://www.bmu.de/kontakt - Um Mißbrauch zu vermeiden wird geprüft, ob der gewählte Klingelton schon von der angegebenen Handy-Nummer abgerufen wurde. Dazu werden Informationen anonymisiert gespeichert. Aus den gespeicherten Daten ist Ihre Handy-Nummer nicht wieder herstellbar. - Die Klingeltöne dürfen nur für private nicht jedoch für kommerzielle Zwecke verwendet werden.
Landesverband Thüringen
Bürger gegen Elektrosmog
Ö f f e n t l i c h k e i t s a r b e i t
Bernd Schreiner
Freier Architekt AK Thüringen
http://www.buerger-gegen-esmog.de
mail@landesverband-thueringen.de
036875 fon 69873
fax 69874
98663 Westhausen/Thüringen
Schauen Sie selbst:
http://www.bmu.de/artenschutz/aktuell/content/35861.php
BMU-Klingeltöne
Wählen Sie bitte den Klingelton:
Rechtliche und Technische Hinweise - Der Klingelton ist kostenlos und im Real-Format verfügbar. - Bitte beachten Sie, dass für das Herunterladen auf Ihr Handy Kosten gemäß der mit Ihrem Vertragspartner abgeschlossenen Verbindungsentgelte anfallen (WAP-/GPRS-Verbindung). - Ob Ihr Handy Realtöne abspielen kann, entnehmen Sie bitte der Betriebsanleitung Ihres Handys oder informieren Sie sich direkt bei Ihrem Vertragspartner. - Eine Haftung für technische Probleme wird nicht übernommen. - Für Nachfragen nutzen Sie bitte das Kontaktformular auf http://www.bmu.de/kontakt - Um Mißbrauch zu vermeiden wird geprüft, ob der gewählte Klingelton schon von der angegebenen Handy-Nummer abgerufen wurde. Dazu werden Informationen anonymisiert gespeichert. Aus den gespeicherten Daten ist Ihre Handy-Nummer nicht wieder herstellbar. - Die Klingeltöne dürfen nur für private nicht jedoch für kommerzielle Zwecke verwendet werden.
Landesverband Thüringen
Bürger gegen Elektrosmog
Ö f f e n t l i c h k e i t s a r b e i t
Bernd Schreiner
Freier Architekt AK Thüringen
http://www.buerger-gegen-esmog.de
mail@landesverband-thueringen.de
036875 fon 69873
fax 69874
98663 Westhausen/Thüringen
Starmail - 6. Sep, 15:10
Rotes Kreuz muss draußen bleiben
Starmail - 6. Sep, 14:48
Versetzt die mobile Welt dem Datenschutz den Todesstoß?
Starmail - 6. Sep, 14:43
Kammerflimmern durch Taser-Waffen
HLV INFO 140/AT
6-09-2005
Deutsches Ärzteblatt
2. September 05
Chicago. Die so genannte Elektroschockpistole Taster ist nach Aussage des gleichnamigen Herstellers die "effektivste aller nichttödlichen Waffen". Dem widersprechen jetzt Kinderärzte aus Chicago. Im New England Journal of Medicine dokumentieren sie den Beinahetodesfall eines Teenagers, der nach dem Einsatz von Tasers in ein Kammerflimmern rutschte.
Der junge Mann war von den beiden Nadeln des Geräts getroffen worden, das einen Stromschlag von 50 000 Volt mit einer Stromstärke von etwa 3,6 Miliampere versetzt, wenn die Angaben des Herstellers zutreffen. Der Strom erreicht die Nadeln über zwei Drähte, die nach dem Schuss mit dem Schussgerät verbunden bleiben. Das Ziel der Waffe ist die rasche Immobilisierung des Gegners.
Der Stromstoß führe zu einem unmittelbaren Verlust der "neuromuskulären Kontrolle" heißt es in den Gebrauchsanweisungen. Für einen Moment sei der Angreifer wehrlos und könne von der Polizei überwältigt werden. Der Hersteller betont die hohe Sicherheit der Waffe und beruft sich dabei auf mehrere Gutachten der britischen und amerikanischen Polizei, die die Waffe seit 2001 einsetzten.
Aus kardiologischer Sicht sind Elektroschocks jedoch nicht unbedenklich, da sie, wenn sie in der vulnerablen Phase des EKGs appliziert werden, ein Kammerflimmern auslösen können. Dieser Fall ist jetzt erstmals medizinisch dokumentiert worden. Der junge Mann kollabierte nach dem Taser-Treffer, konnte aber von den anwesenden Sanitätern wiederbelebt werden. Die Reanimation begann innerhalb von zwei Minuten nach dem Taser-Treffer. Erforderlich waren vier Stromstöße aus dem Defibrillator. Außerdem erhielt der Patient Noradrenalin, Atropin und Lidocain. Ohne die sofortige Reanimation wäre der Patient verstorben, behauptet Wayne Franklin vom Childrens`s Memorial Hospital. Er rät deshalb der Polizei, automatische Defibrillatoren bei ihren Einsätzen mitzuführen, um auf diese Komplikationen vorbereitet zu sein.
Nach Recherchen von Amnesty International vom Dezember 2004 sind in den USA seit der Einführung der Taser-Waffen mehr als 70 Menschen nach dem Einsatz der Modelle M 26 oder X26 ums Leben gekommen. Der Hersteller bestreitet bisher einen kausalen Zusammenhang - auch in dem jetzt vorliegenden Fall, obwohl ein Kammerflimmern eindeutig vorlag. Der Zusammenhang sei rein spekulativ und wissenschaftlich nicht erwiesen, schreibt Richard Luceri von Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in einer E-Mail, die der Hersteller an die Presse weiterleitete.
Dr. Claus Scheingraber 5-09-05
6-09-2005
Deutsches Ärzteblatt
2. September 05
Chicago. Die so genannte Elektroschockpistole Taster ist nach Aussage des gleichnamigen Herstellers die "effektivste aller nichttödlichen Waffen". Dem widersprechen jetzt Kinderärzte aus Chicago. Im New England Journal of Medicine dokumentieren sie den Beinahetodesfall eines Teenagers, der nach dem Einsatz von Tasers in ein Kammerflimmern rutschte.
Der junge Mann war von den beiden Nadeln des Geräts getroffen worden, das einen Stromschlag von 50 000 Volt mit einer Stromstärke von etwa 3,6 Miliampere versetzt, wenn die Angaben des Herstellers zutreffen. Der Strom erreicht die Nadeln über zwei Drähte, die nach dem Schuss mit dem Schussgerät verbunden bleiben. Das Ziel der Waffe ist die rasche Immobilisierung des Gegners.
Der Stromstoß führe zu einem unmittelbaren Verlust der "neuromuskulären Kontrolle" heißt es in den Gebrauchsanweisungen. Für einen Moment sei der Angreifer wehrlos und könne von der Polizei überwältigt werden. Der Hersteller betont die hohe Sicherheit der Waffe und beruft sich dabei auf mehrere Gutachten der britischen und amerikanischen Polizei, die die Waffe seit 2001 einsetzten.
Aus kardiologischer Sicht sind Elektroschocks jedoch nicht unbedenklich, da sie, wenn sie in der vulnerablen Phase des EKGs appliziert werden, ein Kammerflimmern auslösen können. Dieser Fall ist jetzt erstmals medizinisch dokumentiert worden. Der junge Mann kollabierte nach dem Taser-Treffer, konnte aber von den anwesenden Sanitätern wiederbelebt werden. Die Reanimation begann innerhalb von zwei Minuten nach dem Taser-Treffer. Erforderlich waren vier Stromstöße aus dem Defibrillator. Außerdem erhielt der Patient Noradrenalin, Atropin und Lidocain. Ohne die sofortige Reanimation wäre der Patient verstorben, behauptet Wayne Franklin vom Childrens`s Memorial Hospital. Er rät deshalb der Polizei, automatische Defibrillatoren bei ihren Einsätzen mitzuführen, um auf diese Komplikationen vorbereitet zu sein.
Nach Recherchen von Amnesty International vom Dezember 2004 sind in den USA seit der Einführung der Taser-Waffen mehr als 70 Menschen nach dem Einsatz der Modelle M 26 oder X26 ums Leben gekommen. Der Hersteller bestreitet bisher einen kausalen Zusammenhang - auch in dem jetzt vorliegenden Fall, obwohl ein Kammerflimmern eindeutig vorlag. Der Zusammenhang sei rein spekulativ und wissenschaftlich nicht erwiesen, schreibt Richard Luceri von Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in einer E-Mail, die der Hersteller an die Presse weiterleitete.
Dr. Claus Scheingraber 5-09-05
Starmail - 6. Sep, 13:43
5
Sep
2005
Eyewitness report from New Orleans
Gloria LaRiva
From: Alicia Jrapko
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 12:20 PM
To: Walter Lippmann
Subject: Eyewitness report from New Orleans
On Saturday September 3, award-winning filmmaker Gloria La Riva, internationally-acclaimed photographer Bill Hackwell and A.N.S.W.E.R. Youth & Student Coordinator Caneisha Mills arrived in New Orleans as an A.N.S.W.E.R. delegation to document an accurate account of the situation and provide solidarity and support to those in need
The following is an eyewitness report of the crisis in the area written on Sunday, September 4.
Media reports on September 2 describe anarchy and general chaos as the climate in all of New Orleans. The national media reports that hope, supplies and food were now being distributed in the area. However, once we arrived in the Algiers district of New Orleans after seven checkpoints, the reality shows otherwise.
Algiers
While 80 percent of New Orleans was submerged in water, Algiers is one of the few districts that has been spared as it sits higher than most of the city. An historic district established in 1719, Algiers is on the west bank of the Mississippi river, across from the French Quarter. Probably 15% of the residents still remain behind, most of them determined to stay in their homes. The majority of homes are still intact, although many have suffered damage. While their houses survived, the peoples' chance of survival seemed very bleak since there was no electricity or disbursement of food, water or other supplies.
"Imagine being in a city, poor, without any money and all of a sudden you are told to leave and you don't even have a bicycle," stated Malik Rahim, a community activist in the Algiers section of New Orleans. "90% of the people don't even have cars."
One woman told us it was not possible for her to evacuate. She said, "I can't leave. I don't have a car and I have nine children." She and her husband are getting by with the help of several men in the community who are joining resources to provide for their neighbors.
The government claims that people can get water, but residents have to travel at least 17 miles to the nearest water and ice distribution center. Only one case of water is available per family. Countless people have no way to drive.
There is a huge military and police presence but none of it to provide services. All of them, north and south of the river, are stationed in front of private buildings and abandoned stores, protecting private property.
The goods they are driving in are for their own forces.
Not one of them has delivered water to Algiers or gone to the houses to see if sick or elderly people need help. There is no door-to-door survey to see who was injured. The overwhelming majority of people who have stayed in Algiers are Black but some are white. One white man in his late 50s in Algiers pointed across the street to a 10-acre grassy lot. It looks like a beautiful park. He said, "I had my daughter call FEMA. I told them I want to donate this land to the people in need. They could set up 100 tractor trailers with aid, they could set up tents. No one has ever called me back." He is clearly angry.
Although some of the residents do express fear of burglaries into houses, acts of heroism, sacrifice and solidarity are evident everywhere.
Steve, a white man in his 40s, knocks on Malik's front door. He tells us, "Malik has kept this neighborhood together. We don't know what we'd do without his help." He has come in because he needs to use the phone. Malik's street is the only one with phones still working.
Malik and three of his friends have been delivering food, water and ice to those in need three times a day, searching everywhere for goods.
There is a strong suspicion among the residents that this is a deliberately forced removal. Algiers is full of quaint, historic French-style houses, with a high real estate value, and signs of gentrification are evident.
Downtown New Orleans
Although entry is prohibited into downtown New Orleans north and east of the Mississippi, because of extensive flooding and the almost total evacuation, we were able to get in on Sunday.
The Superdome is still surrounded by water and all types of military - helicopters, army trucks, etc - are coming in and out of the area; however, most of the people have already left. On US-90, the only road out of New Orleans, convoys of National Guard troops are pouring into the city, too late for many. According to an emergency issue of The Times-Picayune, 16,000 National Guard troops now occupy the city.
Water is premium and not available. One African American couple approached our car. The woman asked us, "Do you have water you could give us? We have four kids. When they told us to leave before the hurricane we couldn't. We have no car and no money."
Undoubtedly it is similar in the other states that got the direct hit of Katrina, Mississippi and Alabama. On the radio we hear reports of completely demolished towns. What differentiates the rest of the Gulf coast from New Orleans is that the many thousands of deaths in New Orleans were absolutely preventable and occurred after the hurricane. On everyone's lips is the cutting in federal funds to strengthen the levees of Lake Pontchartrain.
Two reporters from New York tell us they just came from the New Orleans airport emergency hospital that was set up.
New Orleans International Airport
The New Orleans International Airport was converted into an emergency hospital center. Thousands of people were evacuated there to get supplies and food, and for transportation that would take them out of the city. Many people arrived with only one or two bags, their entire lives minimized to a few belongings.
Some people did not want to leave their homes, but say they were forced to do so. For example, one white woman and her husband, Pauline Noble and Jerome Hill, were forced to evacuate. Pauline said, "The military told us that we had one minute to evacuate. We said that we weren't ready and he said they can't force us to leave but if we don't leave anybody left would be arrested . but it was the end of the month. The two of us have been living for a couple of months on $600 a month and rent is $550. At the end of the month, we only had $20 and 1/8 of a tank of gas. There was no way we could leave."
When it became apparent that nobody was coming back to pick them up, the couple walked five miles to the airport to see if they could get help.
Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, doctors, nurses and community organizations came from as far as San Diego, California and Kentucky to provide support during the crisis. None of them were dispersed into the community. When we arrived at the airport on Sunday, September 4, there were approximately 20 medical people for every one patient while people in regions such as Algiers and the 9th ward were left to fend for themselves.
The majority of people in New Orleans blame the local and national government for the catastrophe. One young Black man said, "The government abandoned us . [it's] pre-meditated murder." Another said, "Why would you [the government] protect a building . instead of rescuing people that have been without food or water for three or four days? It seems like that was the plan. . We couldn't starve them out, the hurricane didn't kill them, it seems planned."
Baton Rouge
As we drive to Baton Rouge tonight to visit evacuated people, we hear on local radio that possibly 10,000 people have died in the flooded areas of New Orleans. Tonight in one announcement, we hear the names of some of the missing people still being searched for, a 90-year-old woman named Lisa, a man 102 years old, two women 82 and 85 years old. The elderly, the most vulnerable, left to their own devices.
Bodies are lying everywhere, and hidden in attics and apartments. The announcer describes how one body, rotting after days in the sun, was surrounded by a wall fashioned from fallen bricks by survivors, and given a provisional burial to give her some dignity. The sign placed next to her body said, "Here lies Vera, God Help Us."
At a Red Cross shelter outside of Baton Rouge, we meet Emmanuel, who can't find his wife and three sons after the floods. His story is shocking. His home is near the 17th Street Canal, where the Pontchartrain levee broke through.
"I stayed behind to rescue my neighbors while I sent my wife and kids to dry land," he says. It is difficult for him to relate what happened. He had a small boat so he went from house to house picking up neighbors. While doing so, he encountered many bodies in the water.
"My best friend's body was floating by in the water. One mother whose baby drowned tied her baby to a fence so she could bury him after she returned." Because troops kept driving by him and others without helping them, he had to walk 30 miles north until he was picked up.
This crisis is a crime of the highest magnitude. The Bush Administration is always able to find money to fund wars that will benefit the rich of this country; however, when it comes to providing aid to respond to a disaster of this magnitude, funds, supplies and resources are lacking. From Bush on down, they should be indicted.
Informant: Carlos Rovira
From ufpj-news
From: Alicia Jrapko
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 12:20 PM
To: Walter Lippmann
Subject: Eyewitness report from New Orleans
On Saturday September 3, award-winning filmmaker Gloria La Riva, internationally-acclaimed photographer Bill Hackwell and A.N.S.W.E.R. Youth & Student Coordinator Caneisha Mills arrived in New Orleans as an A.N.S.W.E.R. delegation to document an accurate account of the situation and provide solidarity and support to those in need
The following is an eyewitness report of the crisis in the area written on Sunday, September 4.
Media reports on September 2 describe anarchy and general chaos as the climate in all of New Orleans. The national media reports that hope, supplies and food were now being distributed in the area. However, once we arrived in the Algiers district of New Orleans after seven checkpoints, the reality shows otherwise.
Algiers
While 80 percent of New Orleans was submerged in water, Algiers is one of the few districts that has been spared as it sits higher than most of the city. An historic district established in 1719, Algiers is on the west bank of the Mississippi river, across from the French Quarter. Probably 15% of the residents still remain behind, most of them determined to stay in their homes. The majority of homes are still intact, although many have suffered damage. While their houses survived, the peoples' chance of survival seemed very bleak since there was no electricity or disbursement of food, water or other supplies.
"Imagine being in a city, poor, without any money and all of a sudden you are told to leave and you don't even have a bicycle," stated Malik Rahim, a community activist in the Algiers section of New Orleans. "90% of the people don't even have cars."
One woman told us it was not possible for her to evacuate. She said, "I can't leave. I don't have a car and I have nine children." She and her husband are getting by with the help of several men in the community who are joining resources to provide for their neighbors.
The government claims that people can get water, but residents have to travel at least 17 miles to the nearest water and ice distribution center. Only one case of water is available per family. Countless people have no way to drive.
There is a huge military and police presence but none of it to provide services. All of them, north and south of the river, are stationed in front of private buildings and abandoned stores, protecting private property.
The goods they are driving in are for their own forces.
Not one of them has delivered water to Algiers or gone to the houses to see if sick or elderly people need help. There is no door-to-door survey to see who was injured. The overwhelming majority of people who have stayed in Algiers are Black but some are white. One white man in his late 50s in Algiers pointed across the street to a 10-acre grassy lot. It looks like a beautiful park. He said, "I had my daughter call FEMA. I told them I want to donate this land to the people in need. They could set up 100 tractor trailers with aid, they could set up tents. No one has ever called me back." He is clearly angry.
Although some of the residents do express fear of burglaries into houses, acts of heroism, sacrifice and solidarity are evident everywhere.
Steve, a white man in his 40s, knocks on Malik's front door. He tells us, "Malik has kept this neighborhood together. We don't know what we'd do without his help." He has come in because he needs to use the phone. Malik's street is the only one with phones still working.
Malik and three of his friends have been delivering food, water and ice to those in need three times a day, searching everywhere for goods.
There is a strong suspicion among the residents that this is a deliberately forced removal. Algiers is full of quaint, historic French-style houses, with a high real estate value, and signs of gentrification are evident.
Downtown New Orleans
Although entry is prohibited into downtown New Orleans north and east of the Mississippi, because of extensive flooding and the almost total evacuation, we were able to get in on Sunday.
The Superdome is still surrounded by water and all types of military - helicopters, army trucks, etc - are coming in and out of the area; however, most of the people have already left. On US-90, the only road out of New Orleans, convoys of National Guard troops are pouring into the city, too late for many. According to an emergency issue of The Times-Picayune, 16,000 National Guard troops now occupy the city.
Water is premium and not available. One African American couple approached our car. The woman asked us, "Do you have water you could give us? We have four kids. When they told us to leave before the hurricane we couldn't. We have no car and no money."
Undoubtedly it is similar in the other states that got the direct hit of Katrina, Mississippi and Alabama. On the radio we hear reports of completely demolished towns. What differentiates the rest of the Gulf coast from New Orleans is that the many thousands of deaths in New Orleans were absolutely preventable and occurred after the hurricane. On everyone's lips is the cutting in federal funds to strengthen the levees of Lake Pontchartrain.
Two reporters from New York tell us they just came from the New Orleans airport emergency hospital that was set up.
New Orleans International Airport
The New Orleans International Airport was converted into an emergency hospital center. Thousands of people were evacuated there to get supplies and food, and for transportation that would take them out of the city. Many people arrived with only one or two bags, their entire lives minimized to a few belongings.
Some people did not want to leave their homes, but say they were forced to do so. For example, one white woman and her husband, Pauline Noble and Jerome Hill, were forced to evacuate. Pauline said, "The military told us that we had one minute to evacuate. We said that we weren't ready and he said they can't force us to leave but if we don't leave anybody left would be arrested . but it was the end of the month. The two of us have been living for a couple of months on $600 a month and rent is $550. At the end of the month, we only had $20 and 1/8 of a tank of gas. There was no way we could leave."
When it became apparent that nobody was coming back to pick them up, the couple walked five miles to the airport to see if they could get help.
Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, doctors, nurses and community organizations came from as far as San Diego, California and Kentucky to provide support during the crisis. None of them were dispersed into the community. When we arrived at the airport on Sunday, September 4, there were approximately 20 medical people for every one patient while people in regions such as Algiers and the 9th ward were left to fend for themselves.
The majority of people in New Orleans blame the local and national government for the catastrophe. One young Black man said, "The government abandoned us . [it's] pre-meditated murder." Another said, "Why would you [the government] protect a building . instead of rescuing people that have been without food or water for three or four days? It seems like that was the plan. . We couldn't starve them out, the hurricane didn't kill them, it seems planned."
Baton Rouge
As we drive to Baton Rouge tonight to visit evacuated people, we hear on local radio that possibly 10,000 people have died in the flooded areas of New Orleans. Tonight in one announcement, we hear the names of some of the missing people still being searched for, a 90-year-old woman named Lisa, a man 102 years old, two women 82 and 85 years old. The elderly, the most vulnerable, left to their own devices.
Bodies are lying everywhere, and hidden in attics and apartments. The announcer describes how one body, rotting after days in the sun, was surrounded by a wall fashioned from fallen bricks by survivors, and given a provisional burial to give her some dignity. The sign placed next to her body said, "Here lies Vera, God Help Us."
At a Red Cross shelter outside of Baton Rouge, we meet Emmanuel, who can't find his wife and three sons after the floods. His story is shocking. His home is near the 17th Street Canal, where the Pontchartrain levee broke through.
"I stayed behind to rescue my neighbors while I sent my wife and kids to dry land," he says. It is difficult for him to relate what happened. He had a small boat so he went from house to house picking up neighbors. While doing so, he encountered many bodies in the water.
"My best friend's body was floating by in the water. One mother whose baby drowned tied her baby to a fence so she could bury him after she returned." Because troops kept driving by him and others without helping them, he had to walk 30 miles north until he was picked up.
This crisis is a crime of the highest magnitude. The Bush Administration is always able to find money to fund wars that will benefit the rich of this country; however, when it comes to providing aid to respond to a disaster of this magnitude, funds, supplies and resources are lacking. From Bush on down, they should be indicted.
Informant: Carlos Rovira
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 5. Sep, 23:13
Katrina und der Klimawandel – wer nicht fragt, bleibt dumm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 22:15
Die deregulierte Katastrophe
Der Hurrikan enthüllt die dunklen Seiten der amerikanischen Supermacht.
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20867/1.html
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20867/1.html
Starmail - 5. Sep, 22:12
Electronic Weather Control: Why It Doesn't Rain Much Anymore
Have you noticed how it¹s not raining much again; how most of the weather fronts that have managed to come through this season have been dissipated and broken up? Have you noticed the occasional weird cloud shapes that appear with the few fronts that do manage to pass by? And how the jet stream has been forced North again? How high pressure ridges continue to dominate the Southwest? On the Fourth of July, 1976, the former Soviet Union began broadcasting huge, pulsed electromagnetic fields from three gigantic 40-million watt transmitters which beamed those signals halfway around the world to the U.S. This electronic assault disrupted and jammed radio and television broadcast signals, enraged the FCC, and irritated ham radio operators, who quickly dubbed the signals 'The Russian Woodpecker,' because of their pulsed cadence. To date, the Russians have completed nearly 30 of the huge transmitters which emit signals primarily in the very dangerous 10-Hertz range, otherwise known as Extreme Low Frequency (ELF). The technology is based on the brilliant work of the peerless electrical genius, Nikola Tesla. So, what exactly does the 'Russian Woodpecker' do and how does it do it? Consider the following: These 'Tesla' transmitters create massive 'standing' ELF waves that form major high pressure 'blocking systems' that change the normal high altitude jet stream pattern, force it to the north, and actually retard the normal flow patterns of incoming weather systems. Ever notice the television weather satellite pictures showing the jet stream pushed north and a big stationary high pressure blocking nearly every major rain system that approaches the southern half of California?... Regarding the 7-year drought, which appears to be rearing its arid head again, the 1/13/93 edition of Discovery Magazine stated: Scientists would be happy if they learned one thing from this (seven year) drought: What causes the massive high pressure system to build up just off the California coast and stay there, like a double-parked delivery truck in rush-hour traffic, pushing storms to the north? Odd things were also being reported back in the winters of the early 1980's: A ridge of high pressure has hovered nearly 800 miles off the California Coast for the past two months, blocking the usual flow of moist air from the Pacific. --Time 1/1981 For the past four months, a single weather pattern...causing the drought is one of the most unusual national patterns ever recorded...such long lasting (high pressure) centers were unheard of until 1977 (when the Soviets began the 'Woodpecker' transmissions --ed.) --Washington Post 2/2/81 It is important to note that the end of the 7-year California drought in the winter of 1992-93 coincided exactly with the well-documented period of intense solar magnetic storms that disrupted all electromagnetic transmissions here on Earth including the 'Woodpecker.' Last summer's Midwest flooding was probably no accident, either. An unusual shift in the jet stream, acting as a barrier (is causing the floods)... --Newsweek 7/26/93 The stagnant high pressure zone acted like a barrier, preventing the normal flow of weather patterns from west to east... New York Times 7/29/93 It is extremely unusual for weather patterns to persist for so many weeks. The reasons for the weather patterns to become fixed...are unclear. --Storm, The World Weather Magazine 9/93 As far back in April, 1969, Spectrum, a publication of the prestigious Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, featured an article by Seymour Tilson which stated: Workers in the field of atmospheric electricity and cloud physics have accumulated sufficient evidence to suggest that electric fields in the Earth¹s lower atmosphere play a critical role...perhaps the critical role...in the development and behavior of clouds that produces precipitation. Mr. Tilson was correct. Exactly two years after the 'birth' of the Russian Woodpecker, July 4, 1978, the U.S. Government conducted its own ELF weather experiment which created an enormous downpour of rain over six counties of northern Wisconsin. This ELF-generated storm generated winds of 157 mph and caused $50 million in damage, levelling Phillips, Wisconsin, and destroying 350,000 hectares of forest. The first published alarm about Soviet weather control warfare came from Dr. Andrew Michrowski of PACE (Planetary Association for Clean Energy). In a published paper in 1978, Dr. Michrowski described how he had placed monitoring stations all across Canada and determined that "the Soviets managed to establish relatively stable and localized ELF fields (over North America) which were able to hamper or divert the jet stream flow in the Northern Hemisphere." Several years later, Michrowski stated in a PACE Newsletter (Vol.4, #4): ELF fields...propagate vertically to the ground, creating 'standing waves'...that can redistribute energy and momentum in (atmosphere) through cumulus convection. It has been consistently noted that variance of the (Soviet) ELF transmissions leads to a subsequent change in the route of the jet stream flow in the Northern Hemisphere within 72 hours. The 2/81 PACE Newsletter reported that the Soviets turned off their ELF Woodpecker signal for a brief period in 1980: "During the two-week lull, the Northern Hemisphere's jet stream was NORMAL... ...with the return of the Soviet ELF transmissions, the jet stream was deflected (again) by a persistent (high) pressure ridge extending from the Yukon to Arizona." There is much more, but I think you get the picture. 'Everyone complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it,' doesn¹t function any more. Nikola Tesla said, in June, 1900, " The time is very near when we shall have the precipitation of the moisture of the atmosphere under complete control..." If you have ever read a biography of the great genius, you'll know he wasn't joking. Does the U.S. government have its own series of ELF/microwave transmitters? You bet. Can ELF be used to do more than engineer and influence just the weather (like human beings, for example)? Yes, it CAN and IS. But that's another story...
Email eotl@west.net
Homepage Secret Weapons
Informant: Be Kind Whenever Possible
Email eotl@west.net
Homepage Secret Weapons
Informant: Be Kind Whenever Possible
Starmail - 5. Sep, 21:59
Katrina makes a mockery of American Exceptionalism
The US is now seen in a new light, not much different than Bangladesh, Sudan, Ethiopia, or Haiti as just another place where horrific natural disasters occur. The US has always believed itself above these things, an exception to the global rule. Hence American Exceptionalism: the doctrine that gives us the right to have all the nuclear bombs it wants, a military as large as the next 32 countries combined, and the authority to dicate terms to any country that lacks 'superpower' status. Katrina puts this fragile exceptionalism in a new light because it contrasts imperial ambitions with a shameful disregard for the welfare of its citizens in dire need.
It becomes all too apparent that the neo-con's foreign adventurism has come at the expense of domestic needs. Witness the social blights of American cities, vast pockets of poverty, New Orleans being a good example. No neocon has ever proposed a plan to boost the morale and economny of these blighted areas. The gang of Perle, Wolfowitz, Feith, Kristol, Krauthammer, and Rumsfeld were too busy restructuring the Middle East or preventing new countries from becoming nuclear to care for blighted American cities. Such places were theoretically not supposed to exist, and if they did, it wasn't a matter that concered the federal government.
It is incredible how few people are standing up and taking responsibility for the inadequate rescue response. The federal government is claiming they responded within the normal time frame of up to 96 hours. State and local authorities are expected to manage the first 96 hours, apparently. But with a disaster of this magnitude, only the federal government could have moved enough people and supplies to make a difference. This is what federal governments are for. Unfortunately the leadership is more interested in jockying for an ever more dominant position in this New American Century.
The terrorist boogeyman has taken hold of the American psyche and will not let go. Ever since that band of 20 terrorists struck on 911, the US has been whipped into a frenzy of fear, shifting its resources into homeland security, much of it going into expensive privatized contracts to the tune of hundreds of billions. Agencies like FEMA, before they were castrated, knew that huricanes struck every year and were the first order of business. Neocon politicians in charge were busy putting terrorism to use by using it to justify their New American Century. The people have been duped utterly in one of history's most tragic deceptions. Even moreso now, we are falling into the pattern that destroyed ancient Athens, that of a demagogue leading the people into needless and costly foreign adventure, ending in total ruin and defeat.
If terrorists were a true threat warranting the lion's share of our defense budget, then why hasn't another band of 20 taken to poisoning our reservoirs, booby trapping our shopping malls, setting our national forests on fire? Because they are a boogeyman threat and do not exist in serious numbers. We need to listen to the terrorists to understand them. We don't have to agree with them. We need to defuse their anger by striving for a common justice. They are people who believe they are practicing their version of homeland security. When their fear looks into our fear and sees its own reflection, somebody better call Houston and tell them we have 'a problem.'
Hugo Chavez believes the US is the biggest menace to the world today. The US global hegemony simply inspires fear in other countries, and this in itself is dangerous. The best possible defense for the US is to practice goodwill and respect for all nations, large and small. It is also the cheapest defense, proven to build allies not enemies. It may not be as exciting as ruling the entire world but it is safer for the planet.
Bush's words upon landing on Louisiana soil were full of the buzzwords his advisors told him to stress, and his kissing of two black women was just what the spin doctor oredered, but I noticed his words lacked any spiritual depth, any deep sympathy or understanding with the victims. George exhibited his usual pinhead consciousness, slightly perterbed, smirky and vindictive. He has been called a 'dry drunk' by one reporter lately and I've not seen a better term applied to him. As a former drunk he seems still under the gravitational influence of alchohol even though he supposedly quit years ago.
In fairness, there were plenty of experts during Clinton's administration that called for immediate action to reconfigure the levies of New Orleans before tens of thousands drowned. Bush simply continued the pattern by doing things like appointing a lawyer as head of FEMA, then trimming its budget 40%, etc. And the local government of New Orleans surely could have tried harder to evacuate the carless population. They should have known not to wait for FEMA.
But most of all, the people will see that American exceptionalism and the neocon plan to make the entire world its business has been nothing but 'imperial overstretch,' and the administration's concern for the welfare of its own citizens woefully lacking.
May God help the remaining people of New Orleans, and the United States of America.
John
It becomes all too apparent that the neo-con's foreign adventurism has come at the expense of domestic needs. Witness the social blights of American cities, vast pockets of poverty, New Orleans being a good example. No neocon has ever proposed a plan to boost the morale and economny of these blighted areas. The gang of Perle, Wolfowitz, Feith, Kristol, Krauthammer, and Rumsfeld were too busy restructuring the Middle East or preventing new countries from becoming nuclear to care for blighted American cities. Such places were theoretically not supposed to exist, and if they did, it wasn't a matter that concered the federal government.
It is incredible how few people are standing up and taking responsibility for the inadequate rescue response. The federal government is claiming they responded within the normal time frame of up to 96 hours. State and local authorities are expected to manage the first 96 hours, apparently. But with a disaster of this magnitude, only the federal government could have moved enough people and supplies to make a difference. This is what federal governments are for. Unfortunately the leadership is more interested in jockying for an ever more dominant position in this New American Century.
The terrorist boogeyman has taken hold of the American psyche and will not let go. Ever since that band of 20 terrorists struck on 911, the US has been whipped into a frenzy of fear, shifting its resources into homeland security, much of it going into expensive privatized contracts to the tune of hundreds of billions. Agencies like FEMA, before they were castrated, knew that huricanes struck every year and were the first order of business. Neocon politicians in charge were busy putting terrorism to use by using it to justify their New American Century. The people have been duped utterly in one of history's most tragic deceptions. Even moreso now, we are falling into the pattern that destroyed ancient Athens, that of a demagogue leading the people into needless and costly foreign adventure, ending in total ruin and defeat.
If terrorists were a true threat warranting the lion's share of our defense budget, then why hasn't another band of 20 taken to poisoning our reservoirs, booby trapping our shopping malls, setting our national forests on fire? Because they are a boogeyman threat and do not exist in serious numbers. We need to listen to the terrorists to understand them. We don't have to agree with them. We need to defuse their anger by striving for a common justice. They are people who believe they are practicing their version of homeland security. When their fear looks into our fear and sees its own reflection, somebody better call Houston and tell them we have 'a problem.'
Hugo Chavez believes the US is the biggest menace to the world today. The US global hegemony simply inspires fear in other countries, and this in itself is dangerous. The best possible defense for the US is to practice goodwill and respect for all nations, large and small. It is also the cheapest defense, proven to build allies not enemies. It may not be as exciting as ruling the entire world but it is safer for the planet.
Bush's words upon landing on Louisiana soil were full of the buzzwords his advisors told him to stress, and his kissing of two black women was just what the spin doctor oredered, but I noticed his words lacked any spiritual depth, any deep sympathy or understanding with the victims. George exhibited his usual pinhead consciousness, slightly perterbed, smirky and vindictive. He has been called a 'dry drunk' by one reporter lately and I've not seen a better term applied to him. As a former drunk he seems still under the gravitational influence of alchohol even though he supposedly quit years ago.
In fairness, there were plenty of experts during Clinton's administration that called for immediate action to reconfigure the levies of New Orleans before tens of thousands drowned. Bush simply continued the pattern by doing things like appointing a lawyer as head of FEMA, then trimming its budget 40%, etc. And the local government of New Orleans surely could have tried harder to evacuate the carless population. They should have known not to wait for FEMA.
But most of all, the people will see that American exceptionalism and the neocon plan to make the entire world its business has been nothing but 'imperial overstretch,' and the administration's concern for the welfare of its own citizens woefully lacking.
May God help the remaining people of New Orleans, and the United States of America.
John
Starmail - 5. Sep, 21:52
Tell Wal-Mart Enough is Enough
One after another, the scandals emerge revealing Wal-Mart's ruthless campaign against workers' rights.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/154065406
When Wal-Mart employees attempt to stand up for themselves and try to form a union, they face threats, propaganda, discrimination, intimidation, and even firings.
Is this any way to treat employees who just want to negotiate for better wages, more affordable health care, and basic protections on the job?
It's a struggle of epic proportions: 1.3 million employees versus Wal- Mart. College students, single parents, the elderly—barely making enough to cross the poverty line, competing against the world's largest employer and corporation—raking in $10,000,000,000 in profits last year. Clearly, Wal-Mart can afford to do the right thing and treat its workers with the respect they deserve. The question is, will it?
It's time to demand Wal-Mart stop denying its employees a voice at work. Tell Wal-Mart enough is enough!
Signatures: 28,175 Goal: 50,000 Deadline: Ongoing...
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/154065406
Informant: Mari
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/154065406
When Wal-Mart employees attempt to stand up for themselves and try to form a union, they face threats, propaganda, discrimination, intimidation, and even firings.
Is this any way to treat employees who just want to negotiate for better wages, more affordable health care, and basic protections on the job?
It's a struggle of epic proportions: 1.3 million employees versus Wal- Mart. College students, single parents, the elderly—barely making enough to cross the poverty line, competing against the world's largest employer and corporation—raking in $10,000,000,000 in profits last year. Clearly, Wal-Mart can afford to do the right thing and treat its workers with the respect they deserve. The question is, will it?
It's time to demand Wal-Mart stop denying its employees a voice at work. Tell Wal-Mart enough is enough!
Signatures: 28,175 Goal: 50,000 Deadline: Ongoing...
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/154065406
Informant: Mari
Starmail - 5. Sep, 19:39
Was tun, wenn Konzerne die Welt regieren?
- Bitte an Interessierte weiterleiten - Danke! -
//Fortbildung der Bewegungsakademie//
Seminar für politisch Interessierte oder Aktive in sozialen Bewegungen
Was tun, wenn Konzerne die Welt regieren?
mit Thomas Dürmeier und Daniel Mittler
14.10.05 - 16.10.05 in Verden/Aller
Seminarinhalte
Nicht erst seit wir wissen, dass Konzerne Politiker bezahlen, ist bekannt: Konzerne sind heute die wahre Macht im Staate – national wie global. Dieser Workshop zeigt auf, worin die Macht der Konzerne liegt und stellt alternative Konzepte der Konzernkontrolle zur Diskussion. Wie können wir es schaffen, die zu regulieren, die unsere Regierungen regieren? Wer darauf Antworten sucht, ist bei diesem Seminar richtig.
Das Wochenendseminar will Kenntnisse über die wirtschaftliche und politische Macht von Großkonzernen vermitteln und ihren Einfluss auf unser Leben in lokalen bis globalen Zusammen aufzeigen.
Themen dieses Seminars sind Konzerne, Machtstrukturen, Unternehmensregulierung, Kritik an Unternehmensethik und „Corporate Social Responsibility“
Diese Einführungsveranstaltung richtet sich an politisch Interessierte, die entweder mehr über diesen Problembereich wissen, aktiv die Welt verbessern oder ihre Vorkenntnisse vertiefen wollen. Es soll sowohl ein inhaltlicher Überblick gegeben werden, wie auch Einblicke in die Alltägliche NGO-Arbeit zum Thema Corporate Power vermittelt werden.
Referenten
Thomas Dürmeier ist Diplom-Volkswirt. Derzeit promoviert er an der Universität Kassel zum Thema „Politische Macht transnationaler Unternehmen in der internationalen Politik“ und ist als Referent bei Attac tätig.
Daniel Mittler ist Politikberater für Greenpeace International in Berlin. Seine Hauptarbeitsfelder sind Welthandel und Corporate Accountability Themen. Von 2000-2002 leitete er bei Friends of the Earth eine Kampagne unter dem Titel „Don’t let big business rule the world“.
Ort
Tagungshaus "Forum" im Ökologischen Zentrum, Artilleriestr.6, Verden
Teilnahmebeitrag
60,- € normaler Beitrag
90,- € Förderbeitrag
30,- € Solibeitrag
Im Teilnahmebeitrag sind die Kosten für Unterbringung im Tagungshaus Forum enthalten. Hinzu kommen Kosten für Verpflegung in Höhe von 38,- Euro pro Wochenende.
Teilnahmebedingungen
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de/index.php?id=anmeldung&sub=bedingungen)
Anmeldung
Bis 05.10.2005 per Online-Formular im Netz unter:
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de/index.php?id=anmeldung.
Telefonische Anmeldungen sind zu normalen Bürozeiten unter 04231/957-595 ebenfalls möglich.
Weitere Informationen
Weitere Information zur Bewegungsakademie im Netz:
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de
Bewegungsakademie - Ideen für soziale Bewegungen
Artilleriestr.6
27283 Verden
Tel. 04231/957-595
Fax 04231/957-400
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de
info@bewegungsakademie.de
//Fortbildung der Bewegungsakademie//
Seminar für politisch Interessierte oder Aktive in sozialen Bewegungen
Was tun, wenn Konzerne die Welt regieren?
mit Thomas Dürmeier und Daniel Mittler
14.10.05 - 16.10.05 in Verden/Aller
Seminarinhalte
Nicht erst seit wir wissen, dass Konzerne Politiker bezahlen, ist bekannt: Konzerne sind heute die wahre Macht im Staate – national wie global. Dieser Workshop zeigt auf, worin die Macht der Konzerne liegt und stellt alternative Konzepte der Konzernkontrolle zur Diskussion. Wie können wir es schaffen, die zu regulieren, die unsere Regierungen regieren? Wer darauf Antworten sucht, ist bei diesem Seminar richtig.
Das Wochenendseminar will Kenntnisse über die wirtschaftliche und politische Macht von Großkonzernen vermitteln und ihren Einfluss auf unser Leben in lokalen bis globalen Zusammen aufzeigen.
Themen dieses Seminars sind Konzerne, Machtstrukturen, Unternehmensregulierung, Kritik an Unternehmensethik und „Corporate Social Responsibility“
Diese Einführungsveranstaltung richtet sich an politisch Interessierte, die entweder mehr über diesen Problembereich wissen, aktiv die Welt verbessern oder ihre Vorkenntnisse vertiefen wollen. Es soll sowohl ein inhaltlicher Überblick gegeben werden, wie auch Einblicke in die Alltägliche NGO-Arbeit zum Thema Corporate Power vermittelt werden.
Referenten
Thomas Dürmeier ist Diplom-Volkswirt. Derzeit promoviert er an der Universität Kassel zum Thema „Politische Macht transnationaler Unternehmen in der internationalen Politik“ und ist als Referent bei Attac tätig.
Daniel Mittler ist Politikberater für Greenpeace International in Berlin. Seine Hauptarbeitsfelder sind Welthandel und Corporate Accountability Themen. Von 2000-2002 leitete er bei Friends of the Earth eine Kampagne unter dem Titel „Don’t let big business rule the world“.
Ort
Tagungshaus "Forum" im Ökologischen Zentrum, Artilleriestr.6, Verden
Teilnahmebeitrag
60,- € normaler Beitrag
90,- € Förderbeitrag
30,- € Solibeitrag
Im Teilnahmebeitrag sind die Kosten für Unterbringung im Tagungshaus Forum enthalten. Hinzu kommen Kosten für Verpflegung in Höhe von 38,- Euro pro Wochenende.
Teilnahmebedingungen
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de/index.php?id=anmeldung&sub=bedingungen)
Anmeldung
Bis 05.10.2005 per Online-Formular im Netz unter:
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de/index.php?id=anmeldung.
Telefonische Anmeldungen sind zu normalen Bürozeiten unter 04231/957-595 ebenfalls möglich.
Weitere Informationen
Weitere Information zur Bewegungsakademie im Netz:
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de
Bewegungsakademie - Ideen für soziale Bewegungen
Artilleriestr.6
27283 Verden
Tel. 04231/957-595
Fax 04231/957-400
http://www.bewegungsakademie.de
info@bewegungsakademie.de
Starmail - 5. Sep, 19:34
Katrina enthüllt die Menschenverachtung des Systems
http://rs.net-hh.de/archiv/22622.htm?PHPSESSID=efc21ce62dd730a3efcf3ab70a8edfb2
Mit dem Drama in New Orleans erleben wir die Wiederholung einer altbekannten Geschichte und viele identifizieren inzwischen den Gang der Dinge als Klassen- und Rassenkampf - ein Thema, das lange beerdigt zu sein schien.
http://links.net-hh.de?lid=22622
Mit dem Drama in New Orleans erleben wir die Wiederholung einer altbekannten Geschichte und viele identifizieren inzwischen den Gang der Dinge als Klassen- und Rassenkampf - ein Thema, das lange beerdigt zu sein schien.
http://links.net-hh.de?lid=22622
Starmail - 5. Sep, 19:29
Anti-mast residents win battle with mobile giant
Edinburgh Evening News 05.09.05
RESIDENTS who took on phone giant T-Mobile after a mast was built three metres closer to their homes than agreed have won their fight.
Neighbours in the area around Brunstane Road South, who embarked on the David and Goliath battle, took their case to city planners.
A council development committee has now agreed to order T-Mobile to move the mast. The move marked what residents hope will be the end of a six-month campaign which began when the controversial mast was erected in the wrong spot.
Sandra Yeaman, of Milton Road East, said: "It's excellent news. This is massive to me because it is currently standing just 21 metres from my kitchen window and it is 15 metres high."
Unless T-Mobile appeals the decision, the mast will be moved to Milton Road East where residents claim it will be further away from homes, and a nursery and primary school.
A T-Mobile spokesman admitted the whole saga had been "embarrassing".
He said: "We are aware we will be presented with formal notice to move the mast.
"If that's the decision I think we can promise it will be moved.
"There's no doubt at all this was a mistake. It's unfortunate and slightly embarrassing.
"But the need for a base station to serve mobile traffic in that area has not altered."
A council spokeswoman said that if T-Mobile was good to its word the local authority would not issue a formal notice.
RESIDENTS who took on phone giant T-Mobile after a mast was built three metres closer to their homes than agreed have won their fight.
Neighbours in the area around Brunstane Road South, who embarked on the David and Goliath battle, took their case to city planners.
A council development committee has now agreed to order T-Mobile to move the mast. The move marked what residents hope will be the end of a six-month campaign which began when the controversial mast was erected in the wrong spot.
Sandra Yeaman, of Milton Road East, said: "It's excellent news. This is massive to me because it is currently standing just 21 metres from my kitchen window and it is 15 metres high."
Unless T-Mobile appeals the decision, the mast will be moved to Milton Road East where residents claim it will be further away from homes, and a nursery and primary school.
A T-Mobile spokesman admitted the whole saga had been "embarrassing".
He said: "We are aware we will be presented with formal notice to move the mast.
"If that's the decision I think we can promise it will be moved.
"There's no doubt at all this was a mistake. It's unfortunate and slightly embarrassing.
"But the need for a base station to serve mobile traffic in that area has not altered."
A council spokeswoman said that if T-Mobile was good to its word the local authority would not issue a formal notice.
Starmail - 5. Sep, 19:14
PROTESTERS FIGHT PHONE MAST PLANS
Evening Post S Wales
10:00 - 05 September 2005
Almost 400 people are fighting plans to site a mobile phone mast in Sketty. And they look like being successful as the plans are set to be turned down by councillors tomorrow.
The mast is planned for the footway alongside Gower Road, opposite the junction with Eversley Road, Sketty. Several investigations are underway into the possible health hazards associated with such masts.
In a report to tomorrow's planning committee, council officers refer to the Stewart report on Mobile Phones and base stations.
It states: "Science can never provide a guarantee of zero risk."
The mast, put forward by Vodaphone, would be 12 metres high, with three antennae and a ground-based cabinet.
Council planning officers are recommending that the plan is turned down.
But the recommendation is due to the fact it would loom over the rear garden of a house in Masefield Way. A spokesman for the 381 objectors said: "The proposal poses unknown risks. The council will have to balance the likelihood of harm against the severity of injury that could be caused by the proposal.
"In the short term, the risk may be low but in the long term the risk could be very high, causing serious harm."
10:00 - 05 September 2005
Almost 400 people are fighting plans to site a mobile phone mast in Sketty. And they look like being successful as the plans are set to be turned down by councillors tomorrow.
The mast is planned for the footway alongside Gower Road, opposite the junction with Eversley Road, Sketty. Several investigations are underway into the possible health hazards associated with such masts.
In a report to tomorrow's planning committee, council officers refer to the Stewart report on Mobile Phones and base stations.
It states: "Science can never provide a guarantee of zero risk."
The mast, put forward by Vodaphone, would be 12 metres high, with three antennae and a ground-based cabinet.
Council planning officers are recommending that the plan is turned down.
But the recommendation is due to the fact it would loom over the rear garden of a house in Masefield Way. A spokesman for the 381 objectors said: "The proposal poses unknown risks. The council will have to balance the likelihood of harm against the severity of injury that could be caused by the proposal.
"In the short term, the risk may be low but in the long term the risk could be very high, causing serious harm."
Starmail - 5. Sep, 19:12
New mast battle for residents
Harborough Today 05.09.05
CONCERNED residents have organised a public meeting to discuss controversial plans for a 15m high phone mast in Kibworth – just weeks after successfully challenging a similar scheme.
Last month Hutchison 3G submitted a planning application for a mast 90m away from the 17th century Kibworth Windmill, off Langton Road, Kibworth Harcourt.
Campaigners have arranged a meeting for tomorrow at the Methodist Church in School Road from 6.30pm.
Hundreds of pamphlets raising awareness of the plan have also been distributed to residents.
Protester Beverley Burdett said: "If they can put a man on the moon why can't they find a better place to put these phone masts. "We are not just going to lie down and die. If we are unsuccessful, we will go down fighting."
Villagers successfully campaigned in March against an application from Orange for an 18m high mast 250m away from the Grade II listed windmill. It was thrown out by councillors in May because they felt the siting and appearance would adversely affect the character and appearance of the rural landscape. It is believed the windmill was built in the early 1600s although the main post has a carving dated 1711.
Hutchison 3G say the mast is needed to provide mobile phone coverage for customers. In the application documents Hutchison said: "We have carefully designed a solution to blend in with the farm setting and maximise the use of natural screening." They say the mast will not affect the view from the windmill as it will be screened by conifers.
05 September 2005
CONCERNED residents have organised a public meeting to discuss controversial plans for a 15m high phone mast in Kibworth – just weeks after successfully challenging a similar scheme.
Last month Hutchison 3G submitted a planning application for a mast 90m away from the 17th century Kibworth Windmill, off Langton Road, Kibworth Harcourt.
Campaigners have arranged a meeting for tomorrow at the Methodist Church in School Road from 6.30pm.
Hundreds of pamphlets raising awareness of the plan have also been distributed to residents.
Protester Beverley Burdett said: "If they can put a man on the moon why can't they find a better place to put these phone masts. "We are not just going to lie down and die. If we are unsuccessful, we will go down fighting."
Villagers successfully campaigned in March against an application from Orange for an 18m high mast 250m away from the Grade II listed windmill. It was thrown out by councillors in May because they felt the siting and appearance would adversely affect the character and appearance of the rural landscape. It is believed the windmill was built in the early 1600s although the main post has a carving dated 1711.
Hutchison 3G say the mast is needed to provide mobile phone coverage for customers. In the application documents Hutchison said: "We have carefully designed a solution to blend in with the farm setting and maximise the use of natural screening." They say the mast will not affect the view from the windmill as it will be screened by conifers.
05 September 2005
Starmail - 5. Sep, 19:10
Bush Faces Rising Complaints about Handling of Disaster
Starmail - 5. Sep, 19:07
050905 - R - Mobilfunk - Newsletter
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:46
Mobiles in cars
It was interesting to hear that Princess Diana was using a mobile phone in the Merc when it crashed in Paris. Could the emissions within the car have been compounded by entering the tunnel? I know that my awareness of emissions increases as I pass through a "corridor" on the M54.
Sylvia
--------
This is something we will never know. Those of you who have followed my issue of TETRA lines will have heard my latest fear that when all else runs critical (speed, conditions, proximity of other cars, tiredness etc.) hitting something that suddenly confuses or disorientates for a few moments can be fatal.
I have a number of incidents relating to TETRA on this score (let alone the issue of engine control electronics interference when particularly near even Dolphin TETRA), but they will never be proven.
Andy
Sylvia
--------
This is something we will never know. Those of you who have followed my issue of TETRA lines will have heard my latest fear that when all else runs critical (speed, conditions, proximity of other cars, tiredness etc.) hitting something that suddenly confuses or disorientates for a few moments can be fatal.
I have a number of incidents relating to TETRA on this score (let alone the issue of engine control electronics interference when particularly near even Dolphin TETRA), but they will never be proven.
Andy
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:41
Bush Nominates Roberts As Chief Justice
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:38
Hurricane Relief - Katrina-Refugees: Veterans For Peace Road Trip
A New Camp Casey In Covington, Louisiana
9.2.05 Crawford Peace
This report came through the new Yahoo group for Camp Casey Alumni. It pretty much speaks for itself.
Hurricane Relief - Katrina-Refugees: Veterans For Peace Road Trip
Where did the food go? What about the Medical supplies? How about all the water that was never sucked up in the 109 degree heat of Camp Casey?
It got loaded up by the team and members of the Veterans For Peace Chapter 116, Mendocino County, http://www.vfproadtrips.org and hauled out with Annie and Buddy Spell of the Louisiana Activist Network, Commanding the way to as close as Camp Casey could get to the catastrophe in Louisiana.
Alberto signed on the tour in Austin and we were joined by Alex and Ella of Minnesota who spent a lot of time at Camp Casey the past month.
We are here, CAMP CASEY is alive, the food is cooking, and we are handing out supplies to the citizens of the community. We need help. Louisiana Activist Network and the VFP Chapter 116 are the only ones here in Covington.
We are in the Same Camp, Different Ditch 96 degrees today
The ditch is at:
Reverend Peter Atkins Park in Covington. Corner of 28th and Tyler in Covington. Louisiana
Where we can take mail: 124 E 14th Street, Covington, LA 70433
The Mendocino, CA Chapter (#116) of Veterans for Peace has joined the Louisiana Activist Network on the corner of Tyler and 28th Street in Covington, LA where we have opened up a soup kitchen and medical station in a public park.
THERE IS NO GOVERNMENT HERE!
THE LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARD IS NOT HERE. ONLY WE ARE HERE AND THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY ARE IN DISTRESS.
We need, immediately, the following:
WATER, WATER, WATER ice chests with ice baby supplies (diapers, formula, ointments) low fat powdered milk canned foods fresh fruit gasoline additional generators shelter flash lights portable toilets
Deliveries to: 124 E 14th Street, Covington, LA 70433
We, the veterans and activists of Camp Casey are here to stay.
Financial donations are useless under these circumstances. This is anarchy. We need basic supplies ASAP!
GEORGE BUSH HAS LET THESE PEOPLE DOWN!
IT'S UP TO YOU AND US!
REVEREND PETER ATKINS PARK CORNER OF 28TH AND TYLER COVINGTON, LA
Charles Jenks Chair of Advisory Board and Web Manager Traprock Peace Center
103A Keets Road Deerfield, MA 01342
413-773-7427 fax 413-773-7507
http://www.traprockpeace.org
Informant: Ashley Smith
9.2.05 Crawford Peace
This report came through the new Yahoo group for Camp Casey Alumni. It pretty much speaks for itself.
Hurricane Relief - Katrina-Refugees: Veterans For Peace Road Trip
Where did the food go? What about the Medical supplies? How about all the water that was never sucked up in the 109 degree heat of Camp Casey?
It got loaded up by the team and members of the Veterans For Peace Chapter 116, Mendocino County, http://www.vfproadtrips.org and hauled out with Annie and Buddy Spell of the Louisiana Activist Network, Commanding the way to as close as Camp Casey could get to the catastrophe in Louisiana.
Alberto signed on the tour in Austin and we were joined by Alex and Ella of Minnesota who spent a lot of time at Camp Casey the past month.
We are here, CAMP CASEY is alive, the food is cooking, and we are handing out supplies to the citizens of the community. We need help. Louisiana Activist Network and the VFP Chapter 116 are the only ones here in Covington.
We are in the Same Camp, Different Ditch 96 degrees today
The ditch is at:
Reverend Peter Atkins Park in Covington. Corner of 28th and Tyler in Covington. Louisiana
Where we can take mail: 124 E 14th Street, Covington, LA 70433
The Mendocino, CA Chapter (#116) of Veterans for Peace has joined the Louisiana Activist Network on the corner of Tyler and 28th Street in Covington, LA where we have opened up a soup kitchen and medical station in a public park.
THERE IS NO GOVERNMENT HERE!
THE LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARD IS NOT HERE. ONLY WE ARE HERE AND THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY ARE IN DISTRESS.
We need, immediately, the following:
WATER, WATER, WATER ice chests with ice baby supplies (diapers, formula, ointments) low fat powdered milk canned foods fresh fruit gasoline additional generators shelter flash lights portable toilets
Deliveries to: 124 E 14th Street, Covington, LA 70433
We, the veterans and activists of Camp Casey are here to stay.
Financial donations are useless under these circumstances. This is anarchy. We need basic supplies ASAP!
GEORGE BUSH HAS LET THESE PEOPLE DOWN!
IT'S UP TO YOU AND US!
REVEREND PETER ATKINS PARK CORNER OF 28TH AND TYLER COVINGTON, LA
Charles Jenks Chair of Advisory Board and Web Manager Traprock Peace Center
103A Keets Road Deerfield, MA 01342
413-773-7427 fax 413-773-7507
http://www.traprockpeace.org
Informant: Ashley Smith
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:36
The Red Cross Is Great, But Here Is a Grassroots Alternative
On Friday, I talked on the phone with my friend Marylee Orr, who lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Marylee is the director of the Louisiana Environmental Action Network--a coalition of over 100 grassroots citizens groups throughout the now devastated state of Louisiana. I got to know her on the Department of Environmental Studies' field studies trip to Louisiana last March when 13 of our students got up close and personal with environmental justice issues in "Cancer Alley." Marylee helped our students out a lot during our trip and I have been fast friends with her ever since.
Here is why I love her. Marylee hasn't been up late every night out for the last week out of aimless worry about the many victims and the environmental tragedy left in the wake of the hurricane and official mismanagement of both the disaster prevention and response efforts. She's been up late because she is working hard to do something about the situation. As she told me on the phone on Friday afternoon, the federal government is not really on the ground doing much yet and, in some of the hard hit parishes in the state, even the Red Cross is not much of a presence yet. In the time honored tradition of grassroots citizenship for the common good, this gutsy woman is using the local contacts with grassroots activists, local officials, and Louisiana faith communities she has built up over 20 years to help close the dramatic gap between the intense need of the people of the Louisiana and the official response so far.
Just this Thurday, LEAN members provided an airdrop of food, water, and medical supplies to the trapped residents of St. Bernard and Plaquemine Parishes, two of the most inundated areas in the state. Saturday, LEAN dropped more supplies for stranded people in Washington Parish. LEAN is also working hard now to raise more funds to allow local people, working with local government leaders to provide direct, immediate assistance with all the efficiency that comes from not being a bureaucrat or an outsider. I've already made a contribution to the Red Cross to offer some assistance to the hurricane victims in Louisiana, but I've decided to write a check for ten times that amount to the Louisiana Environmental Action Network in order to support people that I know have both the big hearts and the local knowledge needed to help meet the crying humanitarian needs in Louisiana. I also know that LEAN won't just leave the area when the immediate crisis is over. LEAN will also work to address the toxic cesspool and chemical contamination that will be left behind when the water finally recedes. I’m asking everyone I know to join me in contributing money directly to LEAN for their local efforts in disaster relief. Every penny will be used well. I would trust Marylee with my life and I know her effort will save lives. Please dig deep and give as much as you can to: LEAN, 162 Craydon Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
At the very end of our phone call on Friday, Marylee thanked me for pledging money and for my offer to encourage other folks to contribute to LEAN's disaster relief efforts, but she also asked for one more thing. She said, "We need financial contributions from all our friends around the country for sure, but we could also really use your prayers. It means so much to know that people around the country care." For people who want to send good wishes as well as their checks, please write to Marylee's group at lean@leanweb.org. She likely won't have time to write back, but it will mean a lot to this hard working, non-sleeping group of local heros to know that our hearts and prayers are with them.
Below is an email I received from Marylee after our phone call.
Best, Steve
September 2, 2005
Dear Friends of Louisiana,
Due to the catastrophic event of Hurricane Katrina there is an enormous need for life-saving and life-sustaining supplies. At this time, the most needed items are tetanus shots, insulin, IV fluids, as well as financial resources to purchase and transport medical and food assistance directly to victims.
Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) is working closely with the Office of Representative Brasso of St. Bernard Parish. Our contributions are being immediately given to the residents of St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes, two of the most inundated areas. LEAN feels that by working directly with the parish representatives we are best able to assist in meeting the critical needs of these victims and addressing the crisis in our communities.
The situation in Louisiana is heartbreaking and we hope that by working together we can help save lives and improve the lives of those who have survived this disaster. We would appreciate donations of medical supplies, food and water, or funds to purchase these supplies. For example, yesterday, September 1,
2005, we purchased medical supplies such as aspirin, neosporin, syringes, hand sanitizer, gloves, tylenol, bandages, and so forth. These supplies were directly air dropped down today on September 2, 2005, to people stuck in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish.
We can not thank you enough for caring about what is going on in our region. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Words can not describe the suffering and courage of the people here. Please help us help our neighbors in our home state. May God bless you for all your support, concern and prayers during this tragic time.
With warmest regards,
Marylee Orr
Executive Director
Louisiana Environmental Action Network
162 Croydon Ave Baton Rouge, La. 70806
Here is why I love her. Marylee hasn't been up late every night out for the last week out of aimless worry about the many victims and the environmental tragedy left in the wake of the hurricane and official mismanagement of both the disaster prevention and response efforts. She's been up late because she is working hard to do something about the situation. As she told me on the phone on Friday afternoon, the federal government is not really on the ground doing much yet and, in some of the hard hit parishes in the state, even the Red Cross is not much of a presence yet. In the time honored tradition of grassroots citizenship for the common good, this gutsy woman is using the local contacts with grassroots activists, local officials, and Louisiana faith communities she has built up over 20 years to help close the dramatic gap between the intense need of the people of the Louisiana and the official response so far.
Just this Thurday, LEAN members provided an airdrop of food, water, and medical supplies to the trapped residents of St. Bernard and Plaquemine Parishes, two of the most inundated areas in the state. Saturday, LEAN dropped more supplies for stranded people in Washington Parish. LEAN is also working hard now to raise more funds to allow local people, working with local government leaders to provide direct, immediate assistance with all the efficiency that comes from not being a bureaucrat or an outsider. I've already made a contribution to the Red Cross to offer some assistance to the hurricane victims in Louisiana, but I've decided to write a check for ten times that amount to the Louisiana Environmental Action Network in order to support people that I know have both the big hearts and the local knowledge needed to help meet the crying humanitarian needs in Louisiana. I also know that LEAN won't just leave the area when the immediate crisis is over. LEAN will also work to address the toxic cesspool and chemical contamination that will be left behind when the water finally recedes. I’m asking everyone I know to join me in contributing money directly to LEAN for their local efforts in disaster relief. Every penny will be used well. I would trust Marylee with my life and I know her effort will save lives. Please dig deep and give as much as you can to: LEAN, 162 Craydon Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
At the very end of our phone call on Friday, Marylee thanked me for pledging money and for my offer to encourage other folks to contribute to LEAN's disaster relief efforts, but she also asked for one more thing. She said, "We need financial contributions from all our friends around the country for sure, but we could also really use your prayers. It means so much to know that people around the country care." For people who want to send good wishes as well as their checks, please write to Marylee's group at lean@leanweb.org. She likely won't have time to write back, but it will mean a lot to this hard working, non-sleeping group of local heros to know that our hearts and prayers are with them.
Below is an email I received from Marylee after our phone call.
Best, Steve
September 2, 2005
Dear Friends of Louisiana,
Due to the catastrophic event of Hurricane Katrina there is an enormous need for life-saving and life-sustaining supplies. At this time, the most needed items are tetanus shots, insulin, IV fluids, as well as financial resources to purchase and transport medical and food assistance directly to victims.
Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) is working closely with the Office of Representative Brasso of St. Bernard Parish. Our contributions are being immediately given to the residents of St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes, two of the most inundated areas. LEAN feels that by working directly with the parish representatives we are best able to assist in meeting the critical needs of these victims and addressing the crisis in our communities.
The situation in Louisiana is heartbreaking and we hope that by working together we can help save lives and improve the lives of those who have survived this disaster. We would appreciate donations of medical supplies, food and water, or funds to purchase these supplies. For example, yesterday, September 1,
2005, we purchased medical supplies such as aspirin, neosporin, syringes, hand sanitizer, gloves, tylenol, bandages, and so forth. These supplies were directly air dropped down today on September 2, 2005, to people stuck in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish.
We can not thank you enough for caring about what is going on in our region. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Words can not describe the suffering and courage of the people here. Please help us help our neighbors in our home state. May God bless you for all your support, concern and prayers during this tragic time.
With warmest regards,
Marylee Orr
Executive Director
Louisiana Environmental Action Network
162 Croydon Ave Baton Rouge, La. 70806
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:30
What Happens to a Race Deferred
The white people got out. Most of them, anyway. If television and newspaper images can be deemed a statistical sample, it was mostly black people who were left behind. Poor black people, growing more hungry, sick and frightened by the hour as faraway officials counseled patience and warned that rescues take time.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405X.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405X.shtml
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:28
NBC Deletes Rap Star's Anti-Bush Remarks on Telethon
Kanye West's impromptu attack on President Bush during a live telecast Friday prompted NBC to delete his remark in its West Coast broadcast of the benefit for hurricane victims. "George Bush doesn't care about black people," West said.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405G.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405G.shtml
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:27
Fallujah Floods the Superdome
Frank Rich: As the levees cracked open and ushered hell into New Orleans on Tuesday, President Bush once again chose to fly away from Washington, not toward it, while disaster struck. We can all enumerate the many differences between a natural catastrophe and a terrorist attack. But character doesn't change: it is immutable, and it is destiny.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405D.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405D.shtml
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:25
Despite Warnings, Washington Failed to Fund Levee Projects
For years, Washington had been warned that doom lurked just beyond the levees. And for years, the White House and Congress had dickered over how much money to put into shoring up century-old dikes and carrying out newer flood control projects to protect the city of New Orleans.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405B.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405B.shtml
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:22
Living Paycheck to Paycheck Made Leaving Impossible
To those who wonder why so many stayed behind when push came to water's mighty shove here, those who were trapped have a simple explanation: Their nickels and dimes and dollar bills simply didn't add up to stage a quick evacuation mission.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405A.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405A.shtml
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:20
HOW COULD THIS BE HAPPENING IN THE UNITED STATES?
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:18
"Concrete" evidence?
From: "who_declares" Date: Fri Sep 2, 2005 9:50 pm Subject: "Concrete" evidence?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abidemir/message/5546
[Yes, it is quite possible that the New Orleans' levees were sabotaged to accomplish the complete destruction of the city that Hurricane Katrina HAD NOT DONE. Experts would be able to know if the levee had been blasted. It is even possible that explosives were embedded into the CONCRETE levee when it was being constructed to be exploded at the proper time.Just like Murrah and WTC.There are Army engineers out there who MUST know.]
http://www.stewwebb.com/BreakingNews.html
Breaking News September 1, 2005
Second Battle of New Orleans Commences. Witnesses saw Levy Sabotaged by Bushes (FEMA) Federal Emergency Management Agency. American French Alliance (AFA) protecting Poor Black Witnesses who saw Bush-FEMA Blow the Levy's that flooded New Orleans. The American Revolution Continues.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125442964217_7
New Orleans: When the levee breaks
Bill Doskoch, CTV.ca News
If you drive into New Orleans from the west, you travel on elevated expressways built on concrete pilings that tower above the swamps and bayous below.
New Orleans is sandwiched between Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the Mississippi River, about 160 kilometres north of where the river joins the Gulf of Mexico, one of the world's most fertile hurricane zones.
The city's location was chosen in part because it was the only patch of relatively high ground along that part of the river, and because of the narrow portage, favoured by the native Indians of the area, between the river and the lake.
New Orleans is home to 485,000 people -- about 160,000 less than Winnipeg, a city that also has some familiarity with flooding -- although the area population is 1.3 million.
While living in Winnipeg is like living on a tabletop, living in New Orleans is more like being in a sunken soup bowl.
The majority of the city is an average of 1.9 metres below sea level -- with the lowest point six metres below sea level and the highest ground still 0.3 metres lower than the sea.
Almost half of New Orleans' 907-square-kilometre surface area is comprised of water, not land.
Since the area is naturally flood-prone, engineers have worked to build an intricate system of canals, pumps and elevated embankments called levees, which form the bowl, to protect the city.
As little as 2.5 centimetres of rain can trigger some degree of local flooding. With its semi-tropical climate, the city gets an average of
90 cm per year.
That reality helps explain one colourful aspect of New Orleans and southern Louisiana -- people are buried in aboveground crypts, not underground graves.
A history of near misses
Levees exist up and down the Mississippi River valley.
The earliest levees were erected soon after the city's founding in
1718 and the system has been expanded and strengthened ever since.
Breaches, and the damage and heartbreak that follows, are ingrained in southern folklore.
For example, "When the Levee Breaks" is the name of a 1929 blues tune by Memphis Minnie, made famous by Led Zeppelin.
"Now, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good, When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move," the lyrics warn.
IN 1965, WHEN HURRICANE BETSY STRUCK THE COAST NEAR NEW ORLEANS, THE LEVEES ENCIRCLING THE CITY AND OUTLYING PARISHES WERE RAISED TO HEIGHTS RANGING UP TO ABOUT SEVEN METRES.
SINCE THEN, THE BIG EASY HAS HAD NOTHING BUT NEAR MISSES AS HURRICANE AFTER HURRICANE WREAKED HAVOC ELSEWHERE ALONG THE GULF COAST.
IN 1988, HURRICANE GEORGES HEADED STRAIGHT FOR NEW ORLEANS, THEN VEERED AT THE LAST MINUTE TO STRIKE MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA.
HURRICANE LILI BLEW HERSELF OUT AT THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN 2002.
AND LAST YEAR'S HURRICANE IVAN SWERVED TO THE EAST AS IT CAME ASHORE, BARELY GRAZING THE CITY.
NEVERTHELESS, EXPERTS REPEATEDLY CAUTIONED THAT THE LEVEE SYSTEM WAS UNLIKELY TO PROTECT THE CITY AGAINST A CATEGORY 4 OR 5 STORM.
"We're talking about an incredible environmental disaster," Marine scientist Ivor van Heerden of Louisiana State University, who has developed flooding models for New Orleans, said before the storm arrived.
He predicted that floodwaters would overcome the levee system, fill the low-lying areas of the city and remain trapped there.
So when meteorologists forecasted that Hurricane Katrina was bearing down on the city, city officials ordered a mass evacuation, fearing the worst.
"We are facing a storm that most of us have long feared," New Orleans' Mayor Ray Nagin said Sunday as he issued a mandatory evacuation order.
"The storm surge will most likely topple our levee system."
Experts have long warned the network of earthen, steel and concrete barriers protecting the city were inadequate.
When the levee breaks
The 560 kilometre-long hurricane levee system, mostly along Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the Mississippi River on the south -- was designed to withstand a fast-moving Category 3 hurricane, which carries with it a storm surge of up to 5.5 metres.
As it crossed the Gulf of Mexico after pummeling south Florida, Katrina was rated a rare Category 5 hurricane, with winds of 280 kilometres per hour and a predicted storm surge of 8.5 metres. Meteorologists thought the storm would bring 38 centimetres of rain too.
WHEN KATRINA HIT EARLY MONDAY MORNING, IT HAD BEEN DOWNGRADED TO A STILL-DANGEROUS CATEGORY 4 STORM. AS WELL, IT VEERED TO THE EAST WHEN IT CAME ASHORE, SPARING NEW ORLEANS A DIRECT HIT.
BUT PEAK WINDS STILL HIT 160 KM/H AS KATRINA LASHED NEW ORLEANS FOR EIGHT HOURS.
ON MONDAY NIGHT, RESIDENTS BELIEVED THEY HAD ESCAPED MAJOR DAMAGE. THEY WERE WRONG.
AS WATER LEVELS IN LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN ROSE IN THE CITY'S NORTH, THE LEVEE SYSTEM BUCKLED UNDER THE STRAIN.
THERE WAS ONE LEVEE BREAK REPORTED AT THE EAST END OF TOWN, BUT ONLY LOCALIZED FLOODING RESULTED.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS A FAILURE OF A LARGE SECTION OF THE VITAL 17TH STREET CANAL LEVEE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE OLD HAMMOND HIGHWAY BRIDGE.
THE GAP -- FIRST REPORTED TO BE ABOUT 60 METRES WIDE, BUT NOW ABOUT 150 METRES -- ALLOWED MILLIONS OF LITRES OF WATER FROM LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN TO FLOOD NEW ORLEANS, TURNING IT INTO AN URBAN SWAMP.
ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES, THIS BREACH WAS ON A SPOT THAT HAD RECEIVED MORE ATTENTION THAN OTHER AREAS IN THE REGION.
SHEA PENLAND, DIRECTOR OF THE PONTCHARTRAIN INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS, SAID THAT BREACH WAS PARTICULARLY SURPRISING BECAUSE IT OCCURRED "ALONG A SECTION THAT WAS JUST UPGRADED."
"IT DID NOT HAVE AN EARTHEN LEVEE," PENLAND TOLD THE NEWSPAPER.
"IT HAD A VERTICAL CONCRETE WALL SEVERAL FEEL THICK."
BY LATE AFTERNOON TUESDAY, MAYOR NAGIN REPORTED THAT 80 PER CENT OF HIS CITY WAS NOW UNDERWATER.
ENGINEERS BELIEVE HIGH WINDS PUSHED WATER OVER THE LEVEES' TOP AND ERODED THEM FROM BEHIND.
OTHER EXPERTS STUDYING FLOOD PREVENTION SPECULATED THAT ANY DIP IN THE RETAINING LEVEE SYSTEM MIGHT HAVE ALLOWED WATER TO SLOSH OVER, TRIGGERING THE COLLAPSE.
To make matters worse, it appeared that the breaches in the levees would not be fixed quickly and may in fact take days to repair.
Plugging the breaches
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had hoped to plug the breaches by dropping 1,360-kilogram sand bags from twin-rotored CH-53 helicopters.
Another plan was to use shipping containers filled with gravel.
But neither option has gone well so far.
"The challenge is an engineering nightmare," Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana told ABC's Good Morning America on Wednesday.
"The National Guard has been dropping sandbags into it, but it's like dropping it into a black hole."
In addition, there was a report of a pump failure Tuesday night.
On Wednesday morning, Blanco called for the complete evacuation of New Orleans.
LATER THAT DAY, EXPERTS FROM THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE, ASSESSING WAYS TO REPAIR THE BREACHES.
"We're attempting to contract for materials, such as rock, super sand bags, cranes, and also for modes of transportation like barges and helicopters, to close the gap and stop the flow of water," said Walter Baumy, the Corps' manager for the project.
According to reports on Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers said it was having trouble getting the sandbags to the affected site because the waterways were blocked by boats, debris, and loose barges. The Corps is expected to drive corrugated vertical steel plates into the mud near where the canal meets the lake, sealing it off so that the large breach farther in, can be tackled more systematically.
The decision was made after futile efforts to determine how to drop concrete highway barriers or huge sandbags into the torrent.
Even after the breaches are plugged, electricity will still have to be restored and the pumps repaired before the long process of pumping the water out of New Orleans can begin.
The broken levees allowed the water to fill the city's streets, but dozens of barriers that remained intact are keeping the floodwater from receding.
To help matters; however, the army considered creating an opening in a south levee to allow water to drain out.
"That way, gravity would work for us," corps spokesman Jim Pogue told Reuters on Tuesday.
And once the flooding is over, Michael Brown, head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, told one U.S. network on Tuesday it could be weeks before people could return to their homes.
That's because the floodwaters have turned New Orleans into a toxic soup bowl, with chemicals, human waste and rotting animal carcasses and human corpses all mixing together to make the trapped water highly polluted.
When the city is dried out and roads are restored, people could return to survey their homes, not necessarily live in them, Blanco said at a news conference.
"It's hard to say how many homes may be structurally salvageable," she said.
The push is on now to find temporary housing for hundreds of thousands of people who will likely need it for months, not days or weeks.
As the song laments: "When the levee breaks, I'll have no place to stay. Mean old levee, taught me to weep and moan."
Informant: Di
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abidemir/message/5546
[Yes, it is quite possible that the New Orleans' levees were sabotaged to accomplish the complete destruction of the city that Hurricane Katrina HAD NOT DONE. Experts would be able to know if the levee had been blasted. It is even possible that explosives were embedded into the CONCRETE levee when it was being constructed to be exploded at the proper time.Just like Murrah and WTC.There are Army engineers out there who MUST know.]
http://www.stewwebb.com/BreakingNews.html
Breaking News September 1, 2005
Second Battle of New Orleans Commences. Witnesses saw Levy Sabotaged by Bushes (FEMA) Federal Emergency Management Agency. American French Alliance (AFA) protecting Poor Black Witnesses who saw Bush-FEMA Blow the Levy's that flooded New Orleans. The American Revolution Continues.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125442964217_7
New Orleans: When the levee breaks
Bill Doskoch, CTV.ca News
If you drive into New Orleans from the west, you travel on elevated expressways built on concrete pilings that tower above the swamps and bayous below.
New Orleans is sandwiched between Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the Mississippi River, about 160 kilometres north of where the river joins the Gulf of Mexico, one of the world's most fertile hurricane zones.
The city's location was chosen in part because it was the only patch of relatively high ground along that part of the river, and because of the narrow portage, favoured by the native Indians of the area, between the river and the lake.
New Orleans is home to 485,000 people -- about 160,000 less than Winnipeg, a city that also has some familiarity with flooding -- although the area population is 1.3 million.
While living in Winnipeg is like living on a tabletop, living in New Orleans is more like being in a sunken soup bowl.
The majority of the city is an average of 1.9 metres below sea level -- with the lowest point six metres below sea level and the highest ground still 0.3 metres lower than the sea.
Almost half of New Orleans' 907-square-kilometre surface area is comprised of water, not land.
Since the area is naturally flood-prone, engineers have worked to build an intricate system of canals, pumps and elevated embankments called levees, which form the bowl, to protect the city.
As little as 2.5 centimetres of rain can trigger some degree of local flooding. With its semi-tropical climate, the city gets an average of
90 cm per year.
That reality helps explain one colourful aspect of New Orleans and southern Louisiana -- people are buried in aboveground crypts, not underground graves.
A history of near misses
Levees exist up and down the Mississippi River valley.
The earliest levees were erected soon after the city's founding in
1718 and the system has been expanded and strengthened ever since.
Breaches, and the damage and heartbreak that follows, are ingrained in southern folklore.
For example, "When the Levee Breaks" is the name of a 1929 blues tune by Memphis Minnie, made famous by Led Zeppelin.
"Now, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good, When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move," the lyrics warn.
IN 1965, WHEN HURRICANE BETSY STRUCK THE COAST NEAR NEW ORLEANS, THE LEVEES ENCIRCLING THE CITY AND OUTLYING PARISHES WERE RAISED TO HEIGHTS RANGING UP TO ABOUT SEVEN METRES.
SINCE THEN, THE BIG EASY HAS HAD NOTHING BUT NEAR MISSES AS HURRICANE AFTER HURRICANE WREAKED HAVOC ELSEWHERE ALONG THE GULF COAST.
IN 1988, HURRICANE GEORGES HEADED STRAIGHT FOR NEW ORLEANS, THEN VEERED AT THE LAST MINUTE TO STRIKE MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA.
HURRICANE LILI BLEW HERSELF OUT AT THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN 2002.
AND LAST YEAR'S HURRICANE IVAN SWERVED TO THE EAST AS IT CAME ASHORE, BARELY GRAZING THE CITY.
NEVERTHELESS, EXPERTS REPEATEDLY CAUTIONED THAT THE LEVEE SYSTEM WAS UNLIKELY TO PROTECT THE CITY AGAINST A CATEGORY 4 OR 5 STORM.
"We're talking about an incredible environmental disaster," Marine scientist Ivor van Heerden of Louisiana State University, who has developed flooding models for New Orleans, said before the storm arrived.
He predicted that floodwaters would overcome the levee system, fill the low-lying areas of the city and remain trapped there.
So when meteorologists forecasted that Hurricane Katrina was bearing down on the city, city officials ordered a mass evacuation, fearing the worst.
"We are facing a storm that most of us have long feared," New Orleans' Mayor Ray Nagin said Sunday as he issued a mandatory evacuation order.
"The storm surge will most likely topple our levee system."
Experts have long warned the network of earthen, steel and concrete barriers protecting the city were inadequate.
When the levee breaks
The 560 kilometre-long hurricane levee system, mostly along Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the Mississippi River on the south -- was designed to withstand a fast-moving Category 3 hurricane, which carries with it a storm surge of up to 5.5 metres.
As it crossed the Gulf of Mexico after pummeling south Florida, Katrina was rated a rare Category 5 hurricane, with winds of 280 kilometres per hour and a predicted storm surge of 8.5 metres. Meteorologists thought the storm would bring 38 centimetres of rain too.
WHEN KATRINA HIT EARLY MONDAY MORNING, IT HAD BEEN DOWNGRADED TO A STILL-DANGEROUS CATEGORY 4 STORM. AS WELL, IT VEERED TO THE EAST WHEN IT CAME ASHORE, SPARING NEW ORLEANS A DIRECT HIT.
BUT PEAK WINDS STILL HIT 160 KM/H AS KATRINA LASHED NEW ORLEANS FOR EIGHT HOURS.
ON MONDAY NIGHT, RESIDENTS BELIEVED THEY HAD ESCAPED MAJOR DAMAGE. THEY WERE WRONG.
AS WATER LEVELS IN LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN ROSE IN THE CITY'S NORTH, THE LEVEE SYSTEM BUCKLED UNDER THE STRAIN.
THERE WAS ONE LEVEE BREAK REPORTED AT THE EAST END OF TOWN, BUT ONLY LOCALIZED FLOODING RESULTED.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS A FAILURE OF A LARGE SECTION OF THE VITAL 17TH STREET CANAL LEVEE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE OLD HAMMOND HIGHWAY BRIDGE.
THE GAP -- FIRST REPORTED TO BE ABOUT 60 METRES WIDE, BUT NOW ABOUT 150 METRES -- ALLOWED MILLIONS OF LITRES OF WATER FROM LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN TO FLOOD NEW ORLEANS, TURNING IT INTO AN URBAN SWAMP.
ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES, THIS BREACH WAS ON A SPOT THAT HAD RECEIVED MORE ATTENTION THAN OTHER AREAS IN THE REGION.
SHEA PENLAND, DIRECTOR OF THE PONTCHARTRAIN INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS, SAID THAT BREACH WAS PARTICULARLY SURPRISING BECAUSE IT OCCURRED "ALONG A SECTION THAT WAS JUST UPGRADED."
"IT DID NOT HAVE AN EARTHEN LEVEE," PENLAND TOLD THE NEWSPAPER.
"IT HAD A VERTICAL CONCRETE WALL SEVERAL FEEL THICK."
BY LATE AFTERNOON TUESDAY, MAYOR NAGIN REPORTED THAT 80 PER CENT OF HIS CITY WAS NOW UNDERWATER.
ENGINEERS BELIEVE HIGH WINDS PUSHED WATER OVER THE LEVEES' TOP AND ERODED THEM FROM BEHIND.
OTHER EXPERTS STUDYING FLOOD PREVENTION SPECULATED THAT ANY DIP IN THE RETAINING LEVEE SYSTEM MIGHT HAVE ALLOWED WATER TO SLOSH OVER, TRIGGERING THE COLLAPSE.
To make matters worse, it appeared that the breaches in the levees would not be fixed quickly and may in fact take days to repair.
Plugging the breaches
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had hoped to plug the breaches by dropping 1,360-kilogram sand bags from twin-rotored CH-53 helicopters.
Another plan was to use shipping containers filled with gravel.
But neither option has gone well so far.
"The challenge is an engineering nightmare," Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana told ABC's Good Morning America on Wednesday.
"The National Guard has been dropping sandbags into it, but it's like dropping it into a black hole."
In addition, there was a report of a pump failure Tuesday night.
On Wednesday morning, Blanco called for the complete evacuation of New Orleans.
LATER THAT DAY, EXPERTS FROM THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE, ASSESSING WAYS TO REPAIR THE BREACHES.
"We're attempting to contract for materials, such as rock, super sand bags, cranes, and also for modes of transportation like barges and helicopters, to close the gap and stop the flow of water," said Walter Baumy, the Corps' manager for the project.
According to reports on Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers said it was having trouble getting the sandbags to the affected site because the waterways were blocked by boats, debris, and loose barges. The Corps is expected to drive corrugated vertical steel plates into the mud near where the canal meets the lake, sealing it off so that the large breach farther in, can be tackled more systematically.
The decision was made after futile efforts to determine how to drop concrete highway barriers or huge sandbags into the torrent.
Even after the breaches are plugged, electricity will still have to be restored and the pumps repaired before the long process of pumping the water out of New Orleans can begin.
The broken levees allowed the water to fill the city's streets, but dozens of barriers that remained intact are keeping the floodwater from receding.
To help matters; however, the army considered creating an opening in a south levee to allow water to drain out.
"That way, gravity would work for us," corps spokesman Jim Pogue told Reuters on Tuesday.
And once the flooding is over, Michael Brown, head of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, told one U.S. network on Tuesday it could be weeks before people could return to their homes.
That's because the floodwaters have turned New Orleans into a toxic soup bowl, with chemicals, human waste and rotting animal carcasses and human corpses all mixing together to make the trapped water highly polluted.
When the city is dried out and roads are restored, people could return to survey their homes, not necessarily live in them, Blanco said at a news conference.
"It's hard to say how many homes may be structurally salvageable," she said.
The push is on now to find temporary housing for hundreds of thousands of people who will likely need it for months, not days or weeks.
As the song laments: "When the levee breaks, I'll have no place to stay. Mean old levee, taught me to weep and moan."
Informant: Di
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:16
Killing Americans By Health Care Policy
Lack of health insurance kills Americans. More Americans die from political decisions concerning health care policy on a weekly or monthly basis than died in the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10109.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10109.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:11
Troubled Waters
Bush flies over New Orleans much as he flew over Baghdad. He claps his FEMA director on the shoulder, chuckles, and says good job, much the way he hung out with his generals in the Green Zone for Thanksgiving.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10110.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10110.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:10
The war at home
They fought for their country in Iraq. Now veterans are struggling to find a decent job in the United States.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05247/563961.stm
From Information Clearing House
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05247/563961.stm
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:09
What the right says, and what Cindy Sheehan says
Flash prestation
http://www.bushflash.com/vigil.html
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:04
As Iraq unravels, Bush cant hold it together
WHO lost Iraq? Someday, as a fragmented Iraq spirals further into religious madness, terrorism and civil war, there will be a bipartisan inquiry into this blundering intrusion into another peoples history.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/oped/ci_3000678
From Information Clearing House
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/oped/ci_3000678
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:03
We came, we saw, we ruined Iraq – to stay will wound it more
Two great cities, New Orleans and Baghdad, were last week plunged in horror. They both cried out for sympathy. One will get it, the other will not.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10120.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10120.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 16:01
Impeach Bush Now, Before More Die
Bush's single-minded focus on the "war against terrorism" has compounded a natural disaster and turned it into the greatest calamity in American history.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10108.htm
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=impeach
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Downing+Street+Memo
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10108.htm
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=impeach
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Downing+Street+Memo
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:59
Only in America
The near total incompetence and callousness of the Bush administration has thankfully floated to the top of New Orleans' rank floodwaters like so much rotting waste; and no amount of blame-the-victim spin and war-over-people rhetoric can put the genie back in the bottle.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10107.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10107.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:58
Drenched in profits: Drenched in blood
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:56
Tell Bush & Congress: Accept Cuba's offer to send doctors to the hurricane victims
Specifically, Cuba is offering to send 1,100 medical doctors with 26.4 tons of medications and diagnosis kits at no expense to the U.S. (they will even bring their own food and water).
http://blog.radioleft.com/blog/MaryMacElveen/_archives/2005/9/4/1196199.html
From Information Clearing House
http://blog.radioleft.com/blog/MaryMacElveen/_archives/2005/9/4/1196199.html
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:51
Ex-officials say weakened FEMA botched response
Government disaster officials had an action plan if a major hurricane hit New Orleans. They simply didn't execute it when Hurricane Katrina struck.
http://snipurl.com/hfoh
From Information Clearing House
http://snipurl.com/hfoh
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:50
Brown pushed from last job: FEMA chief had to be `asked to resign'
The federal official in charge of the bungled New Orleans rescue was fired from his last private-sector job overseeing horse shows.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10115.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10115.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:48
How the Free Market Killed New Orleans
Everyone was expected to devise their own way out of the disaster area by private means, just as the free market dictates, just like people do when disaster hits free-market Third World countries.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10118.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10118.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:47
New Orleans is a bad place to be poor
New Orleans officials issued an almost cynical evacuation order in a city where they know full well that thousands have no car, no money for airfare or an interstate bus, no credit cards for hotels, and therefore no way to leave town before the deadly storm and flood arrived.
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/343324p-292991c.html
From Information Clearing House
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/343324p-292991c.html
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:46
Left Behind
We are afraid of each other. Isolating ourselves to our own class or perceived kind behind ‘gated’ neighborhoods and communities, we drive with blinders in SUVs towering above the fray at lightning, gas-guzzling speeds looking over, through, and/or around our fellow citizens trying to do anything but see them.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10111.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10111.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:44
Navy ship nearby underused
The Bataan's hospital facilities, including six operating rooms and beds for 600 patients, are empty.
http://snipurl.com/hfof
From Information Clearing House
http://snipurl.com/hfof
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:42
Warnings went ignored as Bush slashed flood defence budget to pay for wars
Funding for flood prevention was slashed by 80 per cent, work on strengthening levees to protect the city was stopped for the first time in 37 years, and planning for housing stranded citizens and evacuating refugees from the Superdome were crippled.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10117.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10117.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:41
Delusions Under Siege
As more people become acquainted with the reality behind the veneer of lies, the Bush administration, large corporations, the wealthy elite, and powerful lobbying groups are slowly losing their grip on power as the tide of public opinion rises against them, here and abroad.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10099.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10099.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:39
Police looters in walmart
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:36
New Orleans Police, Overwhelmed, Are Quitting the Force
At least 200 New Orleans police officers have walked away from their jobs and two have committed suicide.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10116.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10116.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:33
Bush Visit Grounded Helicopter Rescue
For the entire time Bush was in the state, the congressman said, a ban on helicopter flights further stalled the delivery of food and supplies.
http://snipurl.com/hfod
From Information Clearing House
http://snipurl.com/hfod
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:32
Bush visit halts food delivery
Three tons of food ready for delivery by air to refugees in St. Bernard Parish and on Algiers Point sat on the Crescent City Connection bridge Friday afternoon as air traffic was halted because of President Bush’s visit to New Orleans, officials said.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10119.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10119.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:30
Met by Despair, Not Violence
As they plunged into the dark water engulfing the business district of New Orleans, their wake pushed the body of a woman onto the steps of the Superdome. The floodwater had ripped her pants down to her knees. She was facedown in the muck, a red ribbon still tied neatly around her graying hair.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10114.htm
"Sixteen in the clip!" one Guardsman shouted, a common refrain used to indicate that rifles are fully loaded. But when they arrived, they did not find marauding mobs. They did not come under fire. They found people who had lost everything in the storm and, since then, their dignity.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405C.shtml
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10114.htm
"Sixteen in the clip!" one Guardsman shouted, a common refrain used to indicate that rifles are fully loaded. But when they arrived, they did not find marauding mobs. They did not come under fire. They found people who had lost everything in the storm and, since then, their dignity.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090405C.shtml
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:28
New Orleans crisis shames Americans
The only difference between the chaos of New Orleans and a Third World disaster operation, he said, was that a foreign dictator would have responded better.
http://snipurl.com/hfob
From Information Clearing House
http://snipurl.com/hfob
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:27
Police official: Guardsmen 'played cards' amid New Orleans chaos
A top New Orleans police officer said that National Guard troops sat around playing cards while people died in the stricken city after Hurricane Katrina.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10105.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10105.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:25
A Death In New Orleans
Neighbors buried Vera Smith on top of the concrete sidewalk at the edge of the Garden District on Saturday in a crude grave they made of soil and bricks they had unearthed from a little park nearby.
http://snipurl.com/hfnc
From Information Clearing House
http://snipurl.com/hfnc
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:24
Eyewitness: My friend was shot and killed for his car
"These murders are not being reported to avoid panic".
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10097.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10097.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:21
An open letter to the little boy in the red shirt
By Thomas M. Braun
You are in the middle of hell. However, you are loved, I have no doubt in my mind about that. Your family has cared for you, and god bless them for that. But the rich and powerful in your city, your state and in this country, care nothing about you and all the others who live next to you and who struggle to make it through each and every day. They could care less.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10098.htm
You are in the middle of hell. However, you are loved, I have no doubt in my mind about that. Your family has cared for you, and god bless them for that. But the rich and powerful in your city, your state and in this country, care nothing about you and all the others who live next to you and who struggle to make it through each and every day. They could care less.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10098.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:20
Failing at War, Peace and Dignity
By Dan La Botz
Hurricane Katrina blew off the façade of American society. It pulled back the curtain to reveal the millions who live in poverty, mostly African American in New Orleans, but in other cities Latino, Native American, and white. The most apparent failure of the state has been in emergency response, but far greater has been the failure to create a stable existence, a decent society for millions.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10095.htm
Hurricane Katrina blew off the façade of American society. It pulled back the curtain to reveal the millions who live in poverty, mostly African American in New Orleans, but in other cities Latino, Native American, and white. The most apparent failure of the state has been in emergency response, but far greater has been the failure to create a stable existence, a decent society for millions.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10095.htm
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:18
Do you plan to squeeze every cent you can out of the hurricane Katrina crisis?
I have sent the following oil companies-ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco, Royal Dutch/Shell Group and BP Group PLC the following question:
- Do you plan to squeeze every cent you can out of the hurricane Katrina crisis?
Here is the email address for two of them and the other two you have to go into the web sight to the contact page:
ShellCustomerCare@shell.com
comment@chevron.com
I urge everyone to drop them a line. Thank You.
Doug Haddix
- Do you plan to squeeze every cent you can out of the hurricane Katrina crisis?
Here is the email address for two of them and the other two you have to go into the web sight to the contact page:
ShellCustomerCare@shell.com
comment@chevron.com
I urge everyone to drop them a line. Thank You.
Doug Haddix
Starmail - 5. Sep, 15:12
FEMA blocked 500 boats from joining rescue efforts
-------- Original Message --------
--- Cathy Gilbert wrote:
I just got word that a camp in Live Oaks, Fla. designated for evacuees to go to is closed and the Red Cross has a padlock on the door. I'm hearing that ad hoc citizen rescue teams are being turned away by FEMA. Both Cuba and Venezuela have offered doctors (1100 from Cuba, and) and additional help, all rejected. Ham radio channels are apparently being jammed from somewhere in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico (where the US Navy happens to be..) and below is a story of how a rescue caravan of 500 boats led by police escort was turned away last Wednesday!
And of course all the lead up factors that made the disaster possible.
Is there deliberate non-help going on? Is there an agenda to flush "undesirables" (i.e., people) so something else can happen? a land grab or a restructuring to favor some corporate sweet pie?
What will the rebuilding of the area look like...
From: Michael Canney
Subject: Katrina News - FEMA blocked 500 boats from joining rescue efforts
Look for these FEMA officials to get promotions and raises for a "job well done"...
FEMA BLOCKED 500 BOATS FROM JOINING IN RESCUE EFFORT
CLARK WARNER, DAILY KOS - On Wednesday morning a group of approximately 1,000 citizens pulling 500 boats left the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette in the early morning and headed to New Orleans with a police escort from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department. The flotilla of trucks pulling boats stretched over five miles. This citizen rescue group was organized by La. State Senator, Nick Gautreaux from Vermilion Parish. The group was comprised of experienced boaters, licensed fishermen and hunters, people who have spent their entire adult life and teenage years on the waterways of Louisiana.
The State Police waved the flotilla of trucks/boats through the barricades in LaPlace and we sped into New Orleans via I-10 until past the airport and near the Clearview exit. At that time we were stopped by agents of the FEMA controlled La. Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries.
A young DWF agent strolled through the boats and told approximately half of the citizens that their boats were too large because the water had dropped during the night and that they should turn around and go home.
They were pulling a large (24ft) shallow draft aluminum boat that can safely carry 12 passengers and had ramp access which would allow the elderly and infirm to have easier access to the boat. They then politely informed the DWF agent that the local and national media had consistently reported that the water level had risen during the night which contradicted his statement to them that the water was dropping and no boat over 16 ft. in length would be allowed to participate in rescue operations.
They then specifically asked the DWF agent that they (and other citizens in the flotilla) be allowed to go to the hospitals and help evacuate the sick and the doctors and nurses stranded there. They offered to bring these people back to Lafayette, in our own vehicles, in order to ensure that they received proper and prompt medical care.
The DWF agent did not want to hear this and ordered them home -- all five hundred boats. They complied with the DWF agent's orders, turned around and headed back to Lafayette along with half of the flotilla. However, two friends were pulling a smaller 15 ft alumaweld with a 25 hp. The DWF agents let them through to proceed to the rescue operation launch site.
They were allowed to drive to the launch site where the FEMA controlled La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries were launching their rescue operations (via boat). They reported to me that there were over 200 DWF agents just standing around and doing nothing. They were kept there for approximately 3 hours. During that time they observed a large number of DWF agents doing absolutely nothing. Why? Because FEMA would not let them help! After three hours had passed they were told that they were not needed and should go home. They complied with the DWF's orders and turned around and went home to Lafayette. .
On Tuesday afternoon, August 30, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee asked for all citizens with boats to come to the aid of Jefferson Parish. A short time later Dwight Landreneau, the head of the La. Depart. of Wildlife and Fisheries, got on television and remarked that his agency had things under control and citizen help was not needed. .
http://pelican.dailykos.com/
Cathy Gilbert Miami, FL
305 573 2909
--- End forwarded message ---
Informant: Debi Clark
--- Cathy Gilbert wrote:
I just got word that a camp in Live Oaks, Fla. designated for evacuees to go to is closed and the Red Cross has a padlock on the door. I'm hearing that ad hoc citizen rescue teams are being turned away by FEMA. Both Cuba and Venezuela have offered doctors (1100 from Cuba, and) and additional help, all rejected. Ham radio channels are apparently being jammed from somewhere in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico (where the US Navy happens to be..) and below is a story of how a rescue caravan of 500 boats led by police escort was turned away last Wednesday!
And of course all the lead up factors that made the disaster possible.
Is there deliberate non-help going on? Is there an agenda to flush "undesirables" (i.e., people) so something else can happen? a land grab or a restructuring to favor some corporate sweet pie?
What will the rebuilding of the area look like...
From: Michael Canney
Subject: Katrina News - FEMA blocked 500 boats from joining rescue efforts
Look for these FEMA officials to get promotions and raises for a "job well done"...
FEMA BLOCKED 500 BOATS FROM JOINING IN RESCUE EFFORT
CLARK WARNER, DAILY KOS - On Wednesday morning a group of approximately 1,000 citizens pulling 500 boats left the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette in the early morning and headed to New Orleans with a police escort from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department. The flotilla of trucks pulling boats stretched over five miles. This citizen rescue group was organized by La. State Senator, Nick Gautreaux from Vermilion Parish. The group was comprised of experienced boaters, licensed fishermen and hunters, people who have spent their entire adult life and teenage years on the waterways of Louisiana.
The State Police waved the flotilla of trucks/boats through the barricades in LaPlace and we sped into New Orleans via I-10 until past the airport and near the Clearview exit. At that time we were stopped by agents of the FEMA controlled La. Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries.
A young DWF agent strolled through the boats and told approximately half of the citizens that their boats were too large because the water had dropped during the night and that they should turn around and go home.
They were pulling a large (24ft) shallow draft aluminum boat that can safely carry 12 passengers and had ramp access which would allow the elderly and infirm to have easier access to the boat. They then politely informed the DWF agent that the local and national media had consistently reported that the water level had risen during the night which contradicted his statement to them that the water was dropping and no boat over 16 ft. in length would be allowed to participate in rescue operations.
They then specifically asked the DWF agent that they (and other citizens in the flotilla) be allowed to go to the hospitals and help evacuate the sick and the doctors and nurses stranded there. They offered to bring these people back to Lafayette, in our own vehicles, in order to ensure that they received proper and prompt medical care.
The DWF agent did not want to hear this and ordered them home -- all five hundred boats. They complied with the DWF agent's orders, turned around and headed back to Lafayette along with half of the flotilla. However, two friends were pulling a smaller 15 ft alumaweld with a 25 hp. The DWF agents let them through to proceed to the rescue operation launch site.
They were allowed to drive to the launch site where the FEMA controlled La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries were launching their rescue operations (via boat). They reported to me that there were over 200 DWF agents just standing around and doing nothing. They were kept there for approximately 3 hours. During that time they observed a large number of DWF agents doing absolutely nothing. Why? Because FEMA would not let them help! After three hours had passed they were told that they were not needed and should go home. They complied with the DWF's orders and turned around and went home to Lafayette. .
On Tuesday afternoon, August 30, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee asked for all citizens with boats to come to the aid of Jefferson Parish. A short time later Dwight Landreneau, the head of the La. Depart. of Wildlife and Fisheries, got on television and remarked that his agency had things under control and citizen help was not needed. .
http://pelican.dailykos.com/
Cathy Gilbert Miami, FL
305 573 2909
--- End forwarded message ---
Informant: Debi Clark
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:55
Descent into chaos
I do try to get it refilled 3 to 4 days early. Insurance does not kick unless it is a week or more early. Hubby is about 2 hours from home terminal then a little over an hour from home. Not as long as it has been. Long run because most stores and stations are closed or running out of things coming through La., Ms., and Al.. It sure is a mess what Katrina left behind. My heart goes out to the victims. I will always hate the name Katrina...the day she came in my Chihuahua died in my arms. It has been a sad week for a lot of people...
jade
----- Original Message -----
From: Redneck RN
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 8:14 PM
Subject: descent into chaos
Glad to hear from you, Jade. Hope Hubby does make it home OK & SOON. Some docs are REALLY bad about not giving samples or giving refills. Sometimes you can play this game. Have your RX refilled before you're out- but not too long before. That way you have gained a small amt each time you refill. I don't know what kind of neb you are on - but there are now over the counter nebs for sale. Probably not as good as your RX - but certainly would help some in a pinch.
Mary
----- Original Message -----
From: dogpatch7
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 10:05 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
Just talked to my husband and they filled the truck with fuel in Tx. I have a bad feeling also. This coming week will tell if the restrictions of gas and fuel will ease. For some reason TPB want to cripple the east. As for medication...my worst problem is breathing. I have to use a nebulizer and my doctor will not let me have extra. I have managed to save up quite a bit of extra so maybe it will help. I have warned my family about stocking up on staples but they think I am nuts. Guess we all have to take care of ourselves. Keep safe everyone and keep yours eyes and ears open...
jade
----- Original Message -----
From: Redneck RN
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 8:41 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
Jade, My hubby drove long haul for many years & I went with him alot. I've been hearing the same stories from others locally about not being able to get fuel due to the 50 gal. restriction. I agree - this whole thing smells to high heaven!! Let us hear from you. I just keep having this eerie feeling that this country is REALLY close to being TOTALLY shut down. Get your supplies folks- you may need them SOON!!
FYI
If anybody is on any type of medication that you cannot live without (insulin, BP meds, blood thinner, etc) go to your doctor & ask for samples if he as them or get an extra RX filled NOW!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: dogpatch7
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
My husband is a long haul driver. Atlanta, Ga. to Fontana, California. Starting in Atlanta through La. you can get 50 gallons of fuel at a time. You can get gas in Ga. and Al. but no gas (for cars) in Mississippi or La. He was told from TX. on they have fuel and gas. Hope he can get back from Fontana. I have a bad feeling this is going to get much worse. Gov. of Ga. said we have no fuel shortage but...I won't say who but in our family and works under Gov. said we have 7 day supply so what happens then...who knows...have my supplies but hope to get my hubby home! Beware everyone...things are stinking to high heaven...jade
----- Original Message -----
From: Redneck RN
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 2:14 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
Amen!! The old saying comes to mind- "Where there's a will, there's a way". Sad to say that many of the folks who we've been trying to educate for years, & who thought we were all nuts, may soon (if not already), be paying the VERY high price for their ignorance. Just talked to someone locally who is a long haul trucker. He said that fuel rationing is VERY widespread at truckstops. He told me that they will not sell truckers more that $50 worth of fuel at a time. He said that in order to just get home, he had to stop at 4 truckstops just to be able to get enough fuel. The ENTIRE state of Tennesse had NO gas at all yesterday. A vision of things to come???? I look for SERIOUS fuel rationing (of ALL kinds) to start very soon, followed by VERY limited food ( & other), supplies across the country. I KNOW that I'm preaching to the choir- but I just hope that while there is still food on the shelves - that at least SOME of the brain dead sheeple will wake up & smell the coffee. THIS COUNTRY IS GOING TO GO DOWN IF SOMETHING DOES NOT CHANGE IMMEDIATELY!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Dani Djinn
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 8:54 PM
Subject: Re: [prep2003discovery2] descent into chaos
I have to agree. I myself make very little and am not on public assistance. And when I say little try under 500 a month. For the past 5 years I have always had supplies on hand. This is what I do. 10 gal bucket with seal....seperated out for meals rice, oats, dried vegetables, beans, spice for example. I rotate food out every couple of months. Tablets for water purification, water proof matches etc. Fits nicely in this container and at a moments notice I can pick it up by the handle and go. Enough to feed at least two people for two weeks. Preparedness is really very simple poeple just don't take the time to do it. And as for Govt. response...I agree They have their own plans and agenda and we're not in them.
Redneck RN wrote:
I will admit that I, like so many of you, do not watch alot of television. I will also admit that I have been totally hypnotized ( if you will ), by the endless pictures & stories coming out of the Gulf Coast - especially New Orleans. There are 2 things that have hit me right between the eyes with this scenerio.
1. Has there EVER been a BETTER picture that supports what we have known for years- stock food & water. Before you start crawling down my back with things like - they are poor & couldn't afford to do this, & it wouldn't have done any good - as their homes were destroyed- I will say this to you : -- I KNOW that for the MOST part these people are at or below the poverty level. BUT 99.9% of these folks GET government assistance in the form of food stamps, WIC, etc. Water from home faucets can easily be stored in pop bottles, etc. And I REALLY think that almost EVERYONE (even on food stamps), can throw in a 30 cent can or two of soup, or vienna sausage each "payday" to be stored. Do NOT get me wrong. My heart goes out to these folks because they DID NOT KNOW what was coming. May God hold EACH of them close to Him at this time. But for those of us who DO know what may be around the corner- this DOES provide a REAL lesson on the importance of being prepared. As for those who's homes were totally destroyed - I realize that NO amount of stored supplies would have helped them. But we MUST keep preparing in the event that we DO have a dwelling left.
2. Have you ever seen such a horribly botched, feeble attempt by the government to "help" these poor starving people? These folks are not only starving but they are literally dying of dehydration in the New Orleans heat. What on earth is KEEPING our government from dropping cases of food & water from helicopters to those stranded on the streets. If there is ONE lesson that the people of this ENTIRE country should NEVER forget - it is that the federal government did little of NOTHING to come to the rescue of it's own citizens who are dying in the streets. Does the phrase "We're from the government & we're here to help", ring a bell with anyone. THIS, my friends is what we can ALL expect in ANY future disaster!!
Mary
----- Original Message -----
From: Di
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 7:46 PM
Subject: descent into chaos
Rescuers struggle to cope with a descent into chaos
By Jacqui Goddard in New Orleans
BY his own admission, things are going badly for Sheriff Harry Lee and his crisis management efforts.
Outside his mobile headquarters truck, two officers grip a stepladder while a third stands on the top rung waving his mobile telephone in the air, searching for a signal.
Inside Sheriff Lee, of Jefferson parish in New Orleans, is sitting at a table, fuming. He is doing his best to alleviate the biggest catastrophe he will ever witness, but lacks even the most basic of resources.
He cannot communicate with his own officers, and his officers can barely communicate with each other, because the overloaded radio frequency keeps jamming. The chain of command for Louisiana’s hurricane rescue plan has missing links. There is tension between the numerous agencies involved in the relief effort, and some of Sheriff Lee’s deputies are so overwhelmed and demoralised that they are giving up.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-1761346,00.html
Informant: dogpatch7
jade
----- Original Message -----
From: Redneck RN
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 8:14 PM
Subject: descent into chaos
Glad to hear from you, Jade. Hope Hubby does make it home OK & SOON. Some docs are REALLY bad about not giving samples or giving refills. Sometimes you can play this game. Have your RX refilled before you're out- but not too long before. That way you have gained a small amt each time you refill. I don't know what kind of neb you are on - but there are now over the counter nebs for sale. Probably not as good as your RX - but certainly would help some in a pinch.
Mary
----- Original Message -----
From: dogpatch7
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 10:05 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
Just talked to my husband and they filled the truck with fuel in Tx. I have a bad feeling also. This coming week will tell if the restrictions of gas and fuel will ease. For some reason TPB want to cripple the east. As for medication...my worst problem is breathing. I have to use a nebulizer and my doctor will not let me have extra. I have managed to save up quite a bit of extra so maybe it will help. I have warned my family about stocking up on staples but they think I am nuts. Guess we all have to take care of ourselves. Keep safe everyone and keep yours eyes and ears open...
jade
----- Original Message -----
From: Redneck RN
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 8:41 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
Jade, My hubby drove long haul for many years & I went with him alot. I've been hearing the same stories from others locally about not being able to get fuel due to the 50 gal. restriction. I agree - this whole thing smells to high heaven!! Let us hear from you. I just keep having this eerie feeling that this country is REALLY close to being TOTALLY shut down. Get your supplies folks- you may need them SOON!!
FYI
If anybody is on any type of medication that you cannot live without (insulin, BP meds, blood thinner, etc) go to your doctor & ask for samples if he as them or get an extra RX filled NOW!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: dogpatch7
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
My husband is a long haul driver. Atlanta, Ga. to Fontana, California. Starting in Atlanta through La. you can get 50 gallons of fuel at a time. You can get gas in Ga. and Al. but no gas (for cars) in Mississippi or La. He was told from TX. on they have fuel and gas. Hope he can get back from Fontana. I have a bad feeling this is going to get much worse. Gov. of Ga. said we have no fuel shortage but...I won't say who but in our family and works under Gov. said we have 7 day supply so what happens then...who knows...have my supplies but hope to get my hubby home! Beware everyone...things are stinking to high heaven...jade
----- Original Message -----
From: Redneck RN
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 2:14 PM
Subject: Re: descent into chaos
Amen!! The old saying comes to mind- "Where there's a will, there's a way". Sad to say that many of the folks who we've been trying to educate for years, & who thought we were all nuts, may soon (if not already), be paying the VERY high price for their ignorance. Just talked to someone locally who is a long haul trucker. He said that fuel rationing is VERY widespread at truckstops. He told me that they will not sell truckers more that $50 worth of fuel at a time. He said that in order to just get home, he had to stop at 4 truckstops just to be able to get enough fuel. The ENTIRE state of Tennesse had NO gas at all yesterday. A vision of things to come???? I look for SERIOUS fuel rationing (of ALL kinds) to start very soon, followed by VERY limited food ( & other), supplies across the country. I KNOW that I'm preaching to the choir- but I just hope that while there is still food on the shelves - that at least SOME of the brain dead sheeple will wake up & smell the coffee. THIS COUNTRY IS GOING TO GO DOWN IF SOMETHING DOES NOT CHANGE IMMEDIATELY!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Dani Djinn
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 8:54 PM
Subject: Re: [prep2003discovery2] descent into chaos
I have to agree. I myself make very little and am not on public assistance. And when I say little try under 500 a month. For the past 5 years I have always had supplies on hand. This is what I do. 10 gal bucket with seal....seperated out for meals rice, oats, dried vegetables, beans, spice for example. I rotate food out every couple of months. Tablets for water purification, water proof matches etc. Fits nicely in this container and at a moments notice I can pick it up by the handle and go. Enough to feed at least two people for two weeks. Preparedness is really very simple poeple just don't take the time to do it. And as for Govt. response...I agree They have their own plans and agenda and we're not in them.
Redneck RN wrote:
I will admit that I, like so many of you, do not watch alot of television. I will also admit that I have been totally hypnotized ( if you will ), by the endless pictures & stories coming out of the Gulf Coast - especially New Orleans. There are 2 things that have hit me right between the eyes with this scenerio.
1. Has there EVER been a BETTER picture that supports what we have known for years- stock food & water. Before you start crawling down my back with things like - they are poor & couldn't afford to do this, & it wouldn't have done any good - as their homes were destroyed- I will say this to you : -- I KNOW that for the MOST part these people are at or below the poverty level. BUT 99.9% of these folks GET government assistance in the form of food stamps, WIC, etc. Water from home faucets can easily be stored in pop bottles, etc. And I REALLY think that almost EVERYONE (even on food stamps), can throw in a 30 cent can or two of soup, or vienna sausage each "payday" to be stored. Do NOT get me wrong. My heart goes out to these folks because they DID NOT KNOW what was coming. May God hold EACH of them close to Him at this time. But for those of us who DO know what may be around the corner- this DOES provide a REAL lesson on the importance of being prepared. As for those who's homes were totally destroyed - I realize that NO amount of stored supplies would have helped them. But we MUST keep preparing in the event that we DO have a dwelling left.
2. Have you ever seen such a horribly botched, feeble attempt by the government to "help" these poor starving people? These folks are not only starving but they are literally dying of dehydration in the New Orleans heat. What on earth is KEEPING our government from dropping cases of food & water from helicopters to those stranded on the streets. If there is ONE lesson that the people of this ENTIRE country should NEVER forget - it is that the federal government did little of NOTHING to come to the rescue of it's own citizens who are dying in the streets. Does the phrase "We're from the government & we're here to help", ring a bell with anyone. THIS, my friends is what we can ALL expect in ANY future disaster!!
Mary
----- Original Message -----
From: Di
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 7:46 PM
Subject: descent into chaos
Rescuers struggle to cope with a descent into chaos
By Jacqui Goddard in New Orleans
BY his own admission, things are going badly for Sheriff Harry Lee and his crisis management efforts.
Outside his mobile headquarters truck, two officers grip a stepladder while a third stands on the top rung waving his mobile telephone in the air, searching for a signal.
Inside Sheriff Lee, of Jefferson parish in New Orleans, is sitting at a table, fuming. He is doing his best to alleviate the biggest catastrophe he will ever witness, but lacks even the most basic of resources.
He cannot communicate with his own officers, and his officers can barely communicate with each other, because the overloaded radio frequency keeps jamming. The chain of command for Louisiana’s hurricane rescue plan has missing links. There is tension between the numerous agencies involved in the relief effort, and some of Sheriff Lee’s deputies are so overwhelmed and demoralised that they are giving up.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-1761346,00.html
Informant: dogpatch7
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:48
Share Your Home
http://shareyourhome.org/
Operation: Share Your Home was started in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and launched by a group of friends and co-workers that wanted to pitch in and make a difference as quickly as possible.
What are the goals of your organization? To serve as a bridge of communication between those who are in need and those who have resources to offer. Through our network of users via our website and call center we hope to find temporary homes for families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Where are you looking for homes? We are looking for homes specifically in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and neighboring states but many people are interested in going anywhere in the US. We are going to match families together to the best of our ability based on preferences stated from both sides.
Who can help? Anyone who has resources to lend a helping hand.
How can my family be sure it is safe to volunteer my home? Share Your Home can provide a background check if requested. Host families will be able to communicate with their families to discuss logistics and iron out all necessary details prior to arrival.
If my family is a victim of Hurricane Katrina does it matter what state I am from? Share Your Home is matching Hurricane Katrina victims from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
What if my matched family doesn't work out, does Share Your Home find new placement? We understand that every match can't be perfect and we will make every effort to match as many needs on both sides again and again if need be.
If my family shares our home, how long do we house the family in need? This answer is up to the family lending the house. We realize that lengths of time may shorten and lengthen depending on the quality of the match. Again, we will make every effort to match as many needs on both sides.
Does my family receive compensation for sharing our home? Not at this time. Some families may want to pitch in and help but this is not a requirement.
Is Share Your Home a tax-exempt organization? Operation: Share Your Home is a non-profit organization and has applied for 501 (c)(3) status. Share Your Home does not discriminate with respect to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or partisan affiliation.
http://shareyourhome.org/faq.html
Informant: Friends
Operation: Share Your Home was started in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and launched by a group of friends and co-workers that wanted to pitch in and make a difference as quickly as possible.
What are the goals of your organization? To serve as a bridge of communication between those who are in need and those who have resources to offer. Through our network of users via our website and call center we hope to find temporary homes for families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Where are you looking for homes? We are looking for homes specifically in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and neighboring states but many people are interested in going anywhere in the US. We are going to match families together to the best of our ability based on preferences stated from both sides.
Who can help? Anyone who has resources to lend a helping hand.
How can my family be sure it is safe to volunteer my home? Share Your Home can provide a background check if requested. Host families will be able to communicate with their families to discuss logistics and iron out all necessary details prior to arrival.
If my family is a victim of Hurricane Katrina does it matter what state I am from? Share Your Home is matching Hurricane Katrina victims from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
What if my matched family doesn't work out, does Share Your Home find new placement? We understand that every match can't be perfect and we will make every effort to match as many needs on both sides again and again if need be.
If my family shares our home, how long do we house the family in need? This answer is up to the family lending the house. We realize that lengths of time may shorten and lengthen depending on the quality of the match. Again, we will make every effort to match as many needs on both sides.
Does my family receive compensation for sharing our home? Not at this time. Some families may want to pitch in and help but this is not a requirement.
Is Share Your Home a tax-exempt organization? Operation: Share Your Home is a non-profit organization and has applied for 501 (c)(3) status. Share Your Home does not discriminate with respect to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or partisan affiliation.
http://shareyourhome.org/faq.html
Informant: Friends
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:36
Schröder und Merkel trennen politisch keine Welten
05. September 2005
Zum Fernsehduell zwischen Bundeskanzler Gerhard Schröder und Kanzlerkandidatin Angela Merkel erklärt Bundeswahlkampfleiter Bodo Ramelow:
Wer das Duell zwischen Gerhard Schröder und Angela Merkel jenseits von Glaubwürdigkeit, Sympathie und Bildschirmpräsenz, wo der Kanzler ohne Zweifel erwartungsgemäß im Vorteil war, analysiert, wird schnell bemerken, dass zwischen den beiden Duellanten politisch keine Welten liegen. Das nimmt nicht Wunder. Haben doch Union und SPD wesentliche Teile der Sozialabbaupolitik der letzten Jahre gemeinsam umgesetzt - Hartz I bis IV, Gesundheitsreform, Steuerreform. Von 95 Gesetzen wurden 92 im Vermittlungsausschuss zur gemeinsamen Sache gemacht. So blieb beim Duell als einziger Unterschied zwischen Schröder und Merkel nur das Schrittmaß, in dem die bisherige falsche Politik fortgesetzt werden soll. Schröder steht für ein Weiter so, Merkel will die soziale Ungleichheit und Ungerechtigkeit noch weiter forcieren. Doch die Auswirkungen der rot-grünen Politik der letzten Jahre sind viel zu verheerend, um die Schröder-SPD nach 2002 noch einmal als kleineres Übel durchgehen zu lassen. Zumal beim Duell wichtige Punkte völlig ausgespart worden sind. Der Osten hat praktisch überhaupt keine Rolle gespielt.
Die Linkspartei hat konkrete Vorschläge für den Osten und strukturschwache Regionen im Westen gemacht. Bei der Rente wurde zwar über die zwei Säulen der gesetzlichen Versicherung und der privaten Vorsorge fabuliert, jedoch keinerlei Überlegung zur Situation derjenigen Millionen angestellt, für die die eine nicht reicht und die sich die andere nicht leisten können. Die Linkspartei hat gerade deshalb ihren Vorschlag einer Mindestrente entwickelt. Die Situation von 1,7 Millionen Kindern in Armut in Deutschland und die damit verbundene Chancenungleichheit war beiden kaum der Rede wert. Die Linkspartei hingegen will das Kindergeld auf 250 Euro erhöhen und zusätzlich zu den ALG II-Leistungen zahlen sowie eine soziale Grundsicherung einführen. Das Fazit des Duells lautet deshalb: Schröder hat gewonnen, Merkel hat sich besser geschlagen als erwartet aber beide haben keine Perspektiven aufgezeigt, die sie und die politischen Konstellationen, für die sie stehen, wählbar machen.
http://sozialisten.de/presse/presseerklaerungen/view_html?zid=29734
Zum Fernsehduell zwischen Bundeskanzler Gerhard Schröder und Kanzlerkandidatin Angela Merkel erklärt Bundeswahlkampfleiter Bodo Ramelow:
Wer das Duell zwischen Gerhard Schröder und Angela Merkel jenseits von Glaubwürdigkeit, Sympathie und Bildschirmpräsenz, wo der Kanzler ohne Zweifel erwartungsgemäß im Vorteil war, analysiert, wird schnell bemerken, dass zwischen den beiden Duellanten politisch keine Welten liegen. Das nimmt nicht Wunder. Haben doch Union und SPD wesentliche Teile der Sozialabbaupolitik der letzten Jahre gemeinsam umgesetzt - Hartz I bis IV, Gesundheitsreform, Steuerreform. Von 95 Gesetzen wurden 92 im Vermittlungsausschuss zur gemeinsamen Sache gemacht. So blieb beim Duell als einziger Unterschied zwischen Schröder und Merkel nur das Schrittmaß, in dem die bisherige falsche Politik fortgesetzt werden soll. Schröder steht für ein Weiter so, Merkel will die soziale Ungleichheit und Ungerechtigkeit noch weiter forcieren. Doch die Auswirkungen der rot-grünen Politik der letzten Jahre sind viel zu verheerend, um die Schröder-SPD nach 2002 noch einmal als kleineres Übel durchgehen zu lassen. Zumal beim Duell wichtige Punkte völlig ausgespart worden sind. Der Osten hat praktisch überhaupt keine Rolle gespielt.
Die Linkspartei hat konkrete Vorschläge für den Osten und strukturschwache Regionen im Westen gemacht. Bei der Rente wurde zwar über die zwei Säulen der gesetzlichen Versicherung und der privaten Vorsorge fabuliert, jedoch keinerlei Überlegung zur Situation derjenigen Millionen angestellt, für die die eine nicht reicht und die sich die andere nicht leisten können. Die Linkspartei hat gerade deshalb ihren Vorschlag einer Mindestrente entwickelt. Die Situation von 1,7 Millionen Kindern in Armut in Deutschland und die damit verbundene Chancenungleichheit war beiden kaum der Rede wert. Die Linkspartei hingegen will das Kindergeld auf 250 Euro erhöhen und zusätzlich zu den ALG II-Leistungen zahlen sowie eine soziale Grundsicherung einführen. Das Fazit des Duells lautet deshalb: Schröder hat gewonnen, Merkel hat sich besser geschlagen als erwartet aber beide haben keine Perspektiven aufgezeigt, die sie und die politischen Konstellationen, für die sie stehen, wählbar machen.
http://sozialisten.de/presse/presseerklaerungen/view_html?zid=29734
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:34
Hurricane an Unnatural Disaster, Root Causes Are Ecological
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Must Be Protected
Earth Meanders by Dr. Glen Barry http://earthmeanders.blogspot.com/ August 31, 2005
The catastrophe unfolding on the US Gulf Coast is fundamentally a human caused ecological tragedy rather than a natural disaster. When President Bush and others smirk at global warming, when developers destroy wetlands, governments channel rivers, and billions are wasted on war and tax cuts for the rich - conditions are created where natural processes are greatly intensified.
America is witnessing an environmental catastrophe of historic magnitude, yet because of their myopic "modern" viewpoint can not recognize it as such. When thousands of refugees from a climate change intensified hurricane, huddle in wrecked cities along barren coastlines and destroyed water works, we are witnessing human-caused ecological collapse. Hurricane Katrina's intensity and difficult aftermath is a direct result of habitat degradation, over-population and climate change.
I am not suggesting Katrina sprang directly from global warming. But leading scientists have long warned that climate change creates an environment prone to more violent storms and other weather extremes. Nor is it suggested that President Bush caused the hurricane. But his obstinacy in refusing to address climate change and refusal to focus on non-oil based energy perpetuates conditions that make these situations more likely and more deadly.
Let me express my deepest sympathy for the victims. We owe it to them to identify the root causes of this disaster, particularly since ecological refugees of this sort will increasingly become the norm. Disaster recovery must include learning and acting upon the ecological lessons of this tragic and historically unprecedented event.
Disaster Waiting to Happen
New Orleans being fed to a hurricane was the result of specific "unnatural" policy decisions. It is not natural (or wise) to build a city below sea-level surrounded by water on three sides in an area where hurricanes occur. A human intensified hurricane fueled by ocean waters warmed by human emissions is not natural. Millions living along a narrow coast line cleared of natural vegetation and coastal ecosystems is not natural. And destruction of wetlands and diverting natural water flows, which leads to sinking coasts, is indeed most unnatural and dangerous.
Katrina was especially deadly because it struck heavily populated areas. From 1980 to 2003, the U.S. coastal population grew by 33 million. There are far too many people living along the Gulf Coast relative to the ecosystems that exist to support them. A few decades ago coastal Louisiana and Mississippi were still covered in swampy wetlands, natural buffers to such storms.
The loss of such coastal wetlands may be the single preventable factor that most exacerbated Hurricane Katrina's destructive power. Wetlands along rivers and near the coast are vital for absorbing and storing floodwaters, and slowing down storm surges. Coastal wetlands in the Gulf Coast have been lost to ill-planned and deadly commercial developments. Louisiana alone has lost 5000 square kilometers of wetlands over the past seven decades - an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. This equals 65 square kilometers of hurricane absorbing coast being lost every year.
The hydrology of the Gulf Coast has been dramatically altered. Natural water flows have been tamed, including straightening the Mississippi River. As a result, the low-lying Mississippi Delta, which buffers New Orleans from the gulf, has been rapidly disappearing as less silt is deposited. Together the Gulf Coast's drastic habitat and hydrological changes have caused the coastline and New Orleans itself to sink.
While Katrina's existence can not specifically be linked to global warming, warming oceans as a cause of stronger hurricanes is consistent with current climate change science. All indications are that hurricanes are intensifying in strength. It has long been known that hurricanes suck energy from warm ocean waters to drive their winds. A recent MIT study found average peak wind speeds of hurricanes over the North Atlantic and the western and eastern North Pacific has increased by 50% over past decades. This increase in storm intensity closely aligned with rising sea-surface temperatures due to global warming.
Global warming has also led to a sea level rise, which exacerbates flooding such as occurred in New Orleans. Some one third of the world’s population lives within 100 kilometers of the ocean, and thirteen of the eighteen largest cities in the world are by the sea. When some two billion people are faced with rising sea levels caused by global warming, as well as intensified hurricanes, the potential for flooding and other dramatic disasters goes up significantly. This is why we must pursue policies to protect the climate as we further study these phenomena.
What It Means, What Must Be Done
It is not too early to find fault, or to diagnose long-term measures to avoid such disasters. Those that are most at fault for this disaster include the oil industry and their consumers, coastal developers and their occupants, and government officials that failed to heed science on climate change, the risk of flooding in New Orleans, and the importance of coastal ecosystems.
Human development that is planned and conceived without regard to natural ecosystems can not be sustained. The way to minimize future occurrences of this type is to embrace ecological sustainability, sustainable development and ecological restoration as policies underpinning a post-modern society. Blindness to human dependence upon nature is no longer tolerable.
The United States simply can not go on with profligate use of oil. The time when we could count on cheap oil is clearly ending. Important aspects of both 911 and Hurricane Katrina are blowback resulting from America's oil addiction. America has been shown to be a fragile place, one environmental disaster or oil shock away from chaos.
What to do in the mid to long term? We must stop emitting carbon dioxide. We must stop financing development in coastal areas and flood plains. We need a ban on reoccupying storm wracked coastal areas, in order that they may be restored to living, protecting barriers from such storms. Cities must be placed and designed for sustainability over centuries. Further, all humanity must stop having more than one or two children a couple.
These ecologically based policies will not immediately help the hapless victims - but over decades and generations we can maintain an Earth that is livable. Given current population, deteriorating ecosystems, and diminished resources - there can be no other outcome other than mass death and anarchy unless we start changing our ways and preparing now. We are not owed a safe life secure from nature's vagaries. We earn it by treating the Earth with respect, and living in an ecologically sustainable manner.
The whole world has seen how utterly horrible ecological collapse can be. The air-conditioned, highly mobile and wired reality that Americans take for granted is a thin veneer indeed. This past week has drummed home to me that global ecological collapse is going to mean misery and suffering for hundreds of millions if not billions of people. The anarchy that sadly pervades so much of the World has come to America and, as I and others have predicted, it is due to our ecological ignorance and recklessness.
This message was sent by Care2 Connect member:
Stacy Bergot Campbell
Earth Meanders by Dr. Glen Barry http://earthmeanders.blogspot.com/ August 31, 2005
The catastrophe unfolding on the US Gulf Coast is fundamentally a human caused ecological tragedy rather than a natural disaster. When President Bush and others smirk at global warming, when developers destroy wetlands, governments channel rivers, and billions are wasted on war and tax cuts for the rich - conditions are created where natural processes are greatly intensified.
America is witnessing an environmental catastrophe of historic magnitude, yet because of their myopic "modern" viewpoint can not recognize it as such. When thousands of refugees from a climate change intensified hurricane, huddle in wrecked cities along barren coastlines and destroyed water works, we are witnessing human-caused ecological collapse. Hurricane Katrina's intensity and difficult aftermath is a direct result of habitat degradation, over-population and climate change.
I am not suggesting Katrina sprang directly from global warming. But leading scientists have long warned that climate change creates an environment prone to more violent storms and other weather extremes. Nor is it suggested that President Bush caused the hurricane. But his obstinacy in refusing to address climate change and refusal to focus on non-oil based energy perpetuates conditions that make these situations more likely and more deadly.
Let me express my deepest sympathy for the victims. We owe it to them to identify the root causes of this disaster, particularly since ecological refugees of this sort will increasingly become the norm. Disaster recovery must include learning and acting upon the ecological lessons of this tragic and historically unprecedented event.
Disaster Waiting to Happen
New Orleans being fed to a hurricane was the result of specific "unnatural" policy decisions. It is not natural (or wise) to build a city below sea-level surrounded by water on three sides in an area where hurricanes occur. A human intensified hurricane fueled by ocean waters warmed by human emissions is not natural. Millions living along a narrow coast line cleared of natural vegetation and coastal ecosystems is not natural. And destruction of wetlands and diverting natural water flows, which leads to sinking coasts, is indeed most unnatural and dangerous.
Katrina was especially deadly because it struck heavily populated areas. From 1980 to 2003, the U.S. coastal population grew by 33 million. There are far too many people living along the Gulf Coast relative to the ecosystems that exist to support them. A few decades ago coastal Louisiana and Mississippi were still covered in swampy wetlands, natural buffers to such storms.
The loss of such coastal wetlands may be the single preventable factor that most exacerbated Hurricane Katrina's destructive power. Wetlands along rivers and near the coast are vital for absorbing and storing floodwaters, and slowing down storm surges. Coastal wetlands in the Gulf Coast have been lost to ill-planned and deadly commercial developments. Louisiana alone has lost 5000 square kilometers of wetlands over the past seven decades - an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. This equals 65 square kilometers of hurricane absorbing coast being lost every year.
The hydrology of the Gulf Coast has been dramatically altered. Natural water flows have been tamed, including straightening the Mississippi River. As a result, the low-lying Mississippi Delta, which buffers New Orleans from the gulf, has been rapidly disappearing as less silt is deposited. Together the Gulf Coast's drastic habitat and hydrological changes have caused the coastline and New Orleans itself to sink.
While Katrina's existence can not specifically be linked to global warming, warming oceans as a cause of stronger hurricanes is consistent with current climate change science. All indications are that hurricanes are intensifying in strength. It has long been known that hurricanes suck energy from warm ocean waters to drive their winds. A recent MIT study found average peak wind speeds of hurricanes over the North Atlantic and the western and eastern North Pacific has increased by 50% over past decades. This increase in storm intensity closely aligned with rising sea-surface temperatures due to global warming.
Global warming has also led to a sea level rise, which exacerbates flooding such as occurred in New Orleans. Some one third of the world’s population lives within 100 kilometers of the ocean, and thirteen of the eighteen largest cities in the world are by the sea. When some two billion people are faced with rising sea levels caused by global warming, as well as intensified hurricanes, the potential for flooding and other dramatic disasters goes up significantly. This is why we must pursue policies to protect the climate as we further study these phenomena.
What It Means, What Must Be Done
It is not too early to find fault, or to diagnose long-term measures to avoid such disasters. Those that are most at fault for this disaster include the oil industry and their consumers, coastal developers and their occupants, and government officials that failed to heed science on climate change, the risk of flooding in New Orleans, and the importance of coastal ecosystems.
Human development that is planned and conceived without regard to natural ecosystems can not be sustained. The way to minimize future occurrences of this type is to embrace ecological sustainability, sustainable development and ecological restoration as policies underpinning a post-modern society. Blindness to human dependence upon nature is no longer tolerable.
The United States simply can not go on with profligate use of oil. The time when we could count on cheap oil is clearly ending. Important aspects of both 911 and Hurricane Katrina are blowback resulting from America's oil addiction. America has been shown to be a fragile place, one environmental disaster or oil shock away from chaos.
What to do in the mid to long term? We must stop emitting carbon dioxide. We must stop financing development in coastal areas and flood plains. We need a ban on reoccupying storm wracked coastal areas, in order that they may be restored to living, protecting barriers from such storms. Cities must be placed and designed for sustainability over centuries. Further, all humanity must stop having more than one or two children a couple.
These ecologically based policies will not immediately help the hapless victims - but over decades and generations we can maintain an Earth that is livable. Given current population, deteriorating ecosystems, and diminished resources - there can be no other outcome other than mass death and anarchy unless we start changing our ways and preparing now. We are not owed a safe life secure from nature's vagaries. We earn it by treating the Earth with respect, and living in an ecologically sustainable manner.
The whole world has seen how utterly horrible ecological collapse can be. The air-conditioned, highly mobile and wired reality that Americans take for granted is a thin veneer indeed. This past week has drummed home to me that global ecological collapse is going to mean misery and suffering for hundreds of millions if not billions of people. The anarchy that sadly pervades so much of the World has come to America and, as I and others have predicted, it is due to our ecological ignorance and recklessness.
This message was sent by Care2 Connect member:
Stacy Bergot Campbell
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:30
WHERE TO BUY YOUR GAS
From: Meria Heller To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 6:29 PM
Subject: where to buy your gas - courtesy of Bob Chapman - The International Forecaster
WHERE TO BUY YOUR GAS,
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW.
READ ON--
Why didn't George W. think of this?
Gas rationing in the 80's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods. We should return the favor. An interesting thought it to boycott their GAS.
Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia. Just buy from gas companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis. Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who are trying to kill me, my family, and my friends.
I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil:
Shell............................ 205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco......... 144,332,000 barrels
Exxon/Mobil............... 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway... 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco............................62,231,000 barrels
If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18 BILLION! Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:
Citgo.....................0 barrels
Sunoco..................0 barrels
Conoco...................0 barrels
Sinclair..................0 barrels
BP/Phillips..............0 barrels
Hess.......................0 barrels
ARC0.......................0 barrels
All of this information is available from the Department of Energy and each is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing.
But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do.
Now, don't wimp out at this point .. keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!
I'm sending this note to about thirty people.
If each of you send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300) ... and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000) ... and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth generation of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers!
If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!
If it goes one level further, you guessed it.
THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!
Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people.
Informant: Friends
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 6:29 PM
Subject: where to buy your gas - courtesy of Bob Chapman - The International Forecaster
WHERE TO BUY YOUR GAS,
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW.
READ ON--
Why didn't George W. think of this?
Gas rationing in the 80's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods. We should return the favor. An interesting thought it to boycott their GAS.
Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia. Just buy from gas companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis. Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who are trying to kill me, my family, and my friends.
I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil:
Shell............................ 205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco......... 144,332,000 barrels
Exxon/Mobil............... 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway... 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco............................62,231,000 barrels
If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18 BILLION! Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:
Citgo.....................0 barrels
Sunoco..................0 barrels
Conoco...................0 barrels
Sinclair..................0 barrels
BP/Phillips..............0 barrels
Hess.......................0 barrels
ARC0.......................0 barrels
All of this information is available from the Department of Energy and each is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing.
But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do.
Now, don't wimp out at this point .. keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!
I'm sending this note to about thirty people.
If each of you send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300) ... and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000) ... and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth generation of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers!
If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!
If it goes one level further, you guessed it.
THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!
Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people.
Informant: Friends
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:26
Überforderte Helfer lassen Sterbende zurück
http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/0,1518,373133,00.html
(SPON) Auch eine Woche nach dem Hurrican Katrina gibt es noch immer zu wenige Helfer für die Rettung von überlebenden Katastrophenopfern. Viele der über 1000 Hilferufe in New Orleans bleiben weiterhin unbeantwortet.
http://rs.net-hh.de/links.php?lid=22610
(SPON) Auch eine Woche nach dem Hurrican Katrina gibt es noch immer zu wenige Helfer für die Rettung von überlebenden Katastrophenopfern. Viele der über 1000 Hilferufe in New Orleans bleiben weiterhin unbeantwortet.
http://rs.net-hh.de/links.php?lid=22610
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:19
MEET THE PRESS WITH TIM RUSSERT: Transcript for September 4
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9179790/
EDITOR'S COMMENT:
On "Meet The Press" today, Michael Chertoff, the secretary of Homeland Security, insisted that now is not the time to talk about mistakes that may have been made in New Orleans and elsewhere. Rather, our attention should be focused on getting through the current crisis. After that, the mistakes could be addressed.
I have two questions:
1. Are the people who helped create the current catastrophe competent enough to clean things up?
2. What if another hurricane (or other disaster) strikes while these folks are still in charge?
--- David Sunfellow
Informant: NHNE
EDITOR'S COMMENT:
On "Meet The Press" today, Michael Chertoff, the secretary of Homeland Security, insisted that now is not the time to talk about mistakes that may have been made in New Orleans and elsewhere. Rather, our attention should be focused on getting through the current crisis. After that, the mistakes could be addressed.
I have two questions:
1. Are the people who helped create the current catastrophe competent enough to clean things up?
2. What if another hurricane (or other disaster) strikes while these folks are still in charge?
--- David Sunfellow
Informant: NHNE
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:16
New Orleans crisis shames US
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:10
Nicht die Hungrigen sind die wahren Plünderer
Stellungnahme des »International Action Center« aus New York in einer
Übersetzung von Wolfgang Pomrehn in junge Welt vom 05.09.2005.
http://www.jungewelt.de/2005/09-05/006.php
Aus: LabourNet, 5. September 2005
Übersetzung von Wolfgang Pomrehn in junge Welt vom 05.09.2005.
http://www.jungewelt.de/2005/09-05/006.php
Aus: LabourNet, 5. September 2005
Starmail - 5. Sep, 14:00
Now, let's turn to Hurricane Katrina
Starmail - 5. Sep, 13:55
Do You Know What It Means to Lose New Orleans?
Starmail - 5. Sep, 13:54
NEW ORLEANS IS SINKING
Starmail - 5. Sep, 13:53
Senator Landrieu "Enraged slams Bush"
Starmail - 5. Sep, 13:51
1999 Scientific American: Drowning New Orleans
Starmail - 5. Sep, 13:04
New Orleans Mayor Nagin's Failure
Starmail - 5. Sep, 13:02
NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL KILLS STRANDED PATIENT
Starmail - 5. Sep, 13:00
Bush Panics and Sends In The Marines
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:59
Health Risks Rampant After Katrina
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:57
To other countries who helped or tried because of hurricane
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:56
Did the Bush administration destroy FEMA's effectiveness?
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:53
Horrible scenes at New Orleans airport
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:52
Casualties of War: Camp Casey and New Orleans
http://www.starhawk.org/activism/activism-writings/camp_casey.katrina.html
Informant: NHNE
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:45
Our terrifying ordeal
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:42
One of 300 Million Takes a Stand
http://www.lewrockwell.com/white/white74.html
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:29
The Political Rehabilitation of Joseph Rotblat
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:26
Thank God for George W. Bush’s Freedoms
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:25
The Yellow Dog Contract: Bring It Back
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:19
Privatize the Levees and the Public Sector
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:17
Hôpital Nord Marseille Infos Minute Next-up
Infos Minute Next-up Hôpital Nord de Marseille
http://www.next-up.org/hnm/3hn.jpg
Rappel du dossier partiel rendu public ce matin
http://www.next-up.org/hnm/hnm.php
Développements prévus en cours de journée.
http://www.next-up.org/hnm/3hn.jpg
Rappel du dossier partiel rendu public ce matin
http://www.next-up.org/hnm/hnm.php
Développements prévus en cours de journée.
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:15
War is declared on New Orleans by our own gov't
Can't confirm any specific here. If you can let us know.
J
Our gov't intensified Katrina and directed the storm to New Orleans & Mississippi with relatively old technology. They blew up the levees in New Orleans. There are at least 25 earwitnesses to explosions on levee breach. They prevented water, supplies, and rescues. They jammed communications. This is not bureaucracy, it's pointed murder on a mass scale. There's a forced evacuation at gunpoint going on. Federal thugs are provocateurs sabotaging infrastucture, setting fires, withholding fireboats & supplies.
FEMA is blatantly wreaking havoc and making war on the people of Southeast Louisiana. Will Bush/FEMA treason be exposed?
The national media outlets are now suggesting that hurricane relief is finally leading to vast improvements with each hour that passes. lol
Libertythink feed
Frankensteins monster on the loose: New Orleans = New World Order
New Orleans: Who is jamming communications and why? The Dark Side of Black People Living In Another World Chaotic Evacuation of New Orleans Superdome Katrina could tip U.S. toward recession The Truth Hurts: Snapshot of the Nation--New Orleans, Louisiana
BREAKING: MARTIAL LAW DECLARED IN LOUISIANA FEMA orders New Orleans flooded!
Kanye West Rips Bush During NBC Concert Trusted computing, youve heard of it Unrest Intensifies at Superdome Shelter
MIRED IN MISERY: DEATH, DISEASE: Thousands feared killed; water fetid Superdome evacuation suspended because of fires and gunshots
TOTAL INFORMATION ANALYSIS
Sunday, September 04, 2005 Jefferson Parish must continue fight versus FEMA Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard announced on WWL-TV Saturday Night that residents would be allowed back in the Parish on Monday, but must re-evacuate by Thursday. Broussard had promised earlier in the week that residents would be allowed back on Monday, and seems to have managed to cut a deal with the feds to allow this happen.
Earlier reports on this site have shown that FEMA has barred rescue teams from entering New Orleans. And now the feds are dragging people out of the city by gunpoint. And back in Jefferson, Broussard explained on NBC's Meet the Press this morning that FEMA is making war even on local authorites [VIDEO] :
RUSSERT: You just heard the director of homeland security's explanation of what has happened this last week. What is your reaction?
BROUSSARD: We have been abandoned by our own country. Hurricane Katrina will go down in history as one of the worst storms ever to hit an American coast. But the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will go down as one of the worst abandonments of Americans on American soil ever in U.S. history. … Whoever is at the top of this totem pole, that totem pole needs to be chainsawed off and we've got to start with some new leadership. It's not just Katrina that caused all these deaths in New Orleans here. Bureaucracy has committed murder here in the greater New Orleans area and bureaucracy has to stand trial before Congress now.
"Three quick examples. We had Wal-Mart deliver three trucks of water. FEMA turned them back. They said we didn't need them. This was a week ago. FEMA, we had 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel on a Coast Guard vessel docked in my parish. When we got there with our trucks, FEMA says don't give you the fuel. Yesterday — yesterday — FEMA comes in and cuts all of our emergency communication lines. They cut them without notice. Our sheriff, Harry Lee, goes back in, he reconnects the line. He posts armed guards and said no one is getting near these lines…" Broussard ended the interview pleading for help with the moving story of how Jefferson Parish Emrgency Director Walter Maestri's mother died in a nursing home after being promised rescue repeatedly for five days. No wonder he said earlier this week that Jefferson Parish would be better off right now if it were its own country.
Earlier in the week, Maestri explained how FEMA broke signed agreements to have sufficient assets on the ground within 48 hours of an emergency. FEMA assets are blatantly wreaking havoc and making war on the people of Southeast Louisiana. As residents "temporarily" stream back in tomorrow, they should bring with them generators, gasoline, weaponry, and weeks or months worth of provisions. Sherriff Harry Lee needs to deputize every able-bodied male of Jefferson Parish who returns to patrol key infrastructure and keep an eye on all federal thugs who may be provocateuring, sabotaging infrastucture or withholding supplies.
Claim: 25 earwitnesses to explosions on levee breach It is interesting to note that this report from Tom Heneghen was posted to CloakAndDagger.de on 9/2/05 soon after cable news reported that former Vice-President Al Gore had flown in and out of Louis Armstrong International Airport. Heneghen has long claimed an affiliation with an intelligence network connected to Gore: SECOND BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sabotaged the levee. So say more than 25 eyewitnesses, primarily but not exclusively blacks. Some weather-warfare experts contend Hurricane Katrina was man-made, created and directed by the latest technology and high-level treachery.
On the ground and in helicopters, FEMA operatives have vowed to identify and snuff out the finger-pointers. But, like the War of
1812, amid British-instigated violence, a French and American alliance is protecting brave Americans.
Will Bush/FEMA treason be exposed? Stay tuned.
Who is jamming communications in New Orleans? From former NSA Wayne Madsen's waynemadsenreport.com : September 4, 2005 -- Reports continue that communications in and around New Orleans are being purposely jammed (and severed) by the US government (see Sep. 2 article below). The jamming is having an adverse impact on emergency, disaster recovery, and news media communications. The jamming is even affecting police radio frequencies in Jefferson Parish, according to an Australian news report. The President of Jefferson Parish Aaron Broussard told Meet the Press today that FEMA cut his parish's emergency communications lines and he had to have his sheriff restore the severed lines and post armed deputies to ensure that FEMA did not try to cut the communications lines again. Broussard's statement: "Yesterday -- yesterday--FEMA comes in and cuts all of our emergency communication lines. They cut them without notice. Our sheriff, Harry Lee, goes back in, he reconnects the line. He posts armed guards on our line and says, 'No one is getting near these lines.'"
Jamming radio and other communications such as television signals is part of a Pentagon tactic called "information blockade" or "technology blockade." The tactic is one of a number of such operations that are part of the doctrine of "information warfare" and is one of the psychological operations (PSYOPS) methods used by the US Special Operations Command. Jamming is currently being used by US forces in Iraq and was used by the US Navy in the botched coup attempt against President Hugo Chavez in April 2002. US Navy ships off the Venezuelan coast jammed diplomatic, military, emergency services, police, and even taxi cab frequencies in Caracas and other large cities.
From "The Manchurian Printer," Simson L. Garfinkel [The Boston Sunday Globe, March 5, 1995, Focus Section, Page 83]:
"Not surprisingly, the unclassified version of the Pentagon's report barely mentions the offensive possibilities of Information Warfare--- capabilities that the Pentagon currently has under development. Nevertheless, these capabilities are alluded to in several of the diagrams, which show a keen interest by the military in OOTW--- Operations Other Than War. "They have things like information influence, perception management, and PSYOPS---psychological operations," says Wayne Madsen, a lead scientist at the Computer Sciences Corporation in northern Virginia, who has studied the summer study report. 'Basically, I think that what they are talking about is having the capability to censor and put out propaganda on the networks. That includes global news networks like CNN and BBC, your information services, like CompuServe and Prodigy,' and communications satellite networks. 'When they talk about 'technology blockade,' they want to be able to block data going into or out of a certain region of the world that they may be attacking."'
September 2, 2005 -- Who is jamming communications in New Orleans? Ham radio operators are reporting that communications in and around New Orleans are being jammed. In addition, perplexed ham radio operators who were enlisted by the Federal government in 911 are not being used for hurricane Katrina Federal relief efforts. There is some misinformation circulating on the web that the jamming is the result of solar flares. Ham radio operators report that the flares are not the source of the communications jamming. If anyone at the National Security Agency is aware of the source of the jamming, from direction finding or satellite intelligence, please discretely contact me at waynemadsendc@hotmail.com (from a private or temporary email account). In this case, the Bush administration cannot hide behind national security and it is the duty of every patriotic American to report such criminal activity to the press. Even though the information on the jamming may be considered classified -- it is in the public interest to disclose it. Also, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reporting that no aircraft over New Orleans have been fired on over New Orleans or anywhere else in the area. Are the reports of shots being fired at aircraft an attempt by the Bush administration to purposely delay the arrival of relief to the city's homeless and dying poor? The neocons have turned New Orleans into Baghdad on the Mississippi.
New Orleans: Who is jamming communications and why?
UPDATE: We can now report that the jamming of New Orleans' communications is emanating from a pirate radio station in the Caribbean. The noise is continuous and it is jamming frequencies, including emergency high frequency (HF) radios, in the New Orleans area. The radio frequency jammers were heard last night, stopped for a while, and are active again today. The Pentagon must locate the positions of these transmitters and order the Air Force to bomb them immediately.
However, we now have a new unconfirmed report that the culprit may be the Pentagon itself. The emitter is an IF (Intermediate Frequency) jammer that is operating south southwest of New Orleans on board a U.S. Navy ship, according to an anonymous source. The jamming is cross-spectrum and interfering with superheterodyne receiver components, including the emergency radios being used in New Orleans relief efforts. The jammed frequencies are:
72.0MHZ (high end of Channel 4 WWL TV New Orleans)
45.0MHZ (fixed mobile)
10.245MHZ (fixed mobile)
10.240 Mhz (fixed mobile)
11.340 Mhz (aeronautical mobile)
233 MHZ (fixed mobile)
455 IF (jammer)
A former DoD source says the U.S. Army uses a portable jammer, known as WORLOCK, in Iraq and this jammer may be similar to the one that is jamming the emergency frequencies.
New Orleans: Forced evacuation at gunpoint GetYourActOn.com Sept. 4: The entire city of New Orleans is under evacuation orders. I just spoke to my friend Daniel in the Bywater (9th ward). He reports that unmarked police vehicles (cadillacs) are driving through the neighborhood with SWAT team police armed with `big black machine guns' telling people through bullhorns they are under orders to evacuate and must leave the city now. People in that neighborhood are being told to go to the big pool on the corner of Lesseps and St. Claude (this is one block from my house) to be airlifted out, tho people are allowed to leave by their own means if they can. He reports helicopters all over the place of all kinds - everything from large Army helicopters with guns to Red Cross helicopters - they are swooping down low in the neighborhood and `buzzing' houses - he said one just flew low enough over him to blow shingles off the roof. He is starting to see National Guardsmen marching through the streets with guns to make sure people obey evacuation orders. He wanted to get into a neighbor's house to save their dog that is locked up in there, but was told by a National Guardsman that unless he has keys to the house, if he tries to break the door in he will be shot on the spot.
We are being forced out of our city, with no word as to if and when we will be allowed to return. We've been wondering what they would do after enough people were forced to die of starvation. Population reduction has been accomplished.
Provocateur forces in New Orleans? The case builds On Thursday, there was a report on the net Delta Force had just dropped into New Orleans. This was at about the same time this website noticed a couple helicopters full of unidentified troops being dropped off the helipad at the Superdome. If the "Delta Force" story is true (and even Army Times says forces are engaging in combat in New Orleans), or another small special ops force were dropped into New Orleans, they would be well placed, for provacateuring more than anything else. Such as laying down sniper fire on boats evacuating patients from a hospital or setting fires, or sniping at firefighters.
This item is from the LiveJournal blog of someone holed up in a functioning datacenter on Canal St. at 1pm CDT Saturday: "The Riverwalk may be on fire (shopping mall at the river at end of CBD/Quarter). Everytime we talk to the police, we hear about sniper fire at the fire scenes. I cannot confirm that there is any. This is all hearsay, but it's coming from the police. The police we talk to, while consistent about claiming there is sniper fire, are conflicted about whether it's police sniper fire trying to take out arsonists or criminal sniper fire trying to take out police and fire rescue teams. Again, this is rumor for now, but we're hearing a lot of this rumor. Delta Force is a criminal organization, having previously engaged in the murder of Americans at Waco, so any fire from them would by definition be sniper fire.
It seems like someone is going up and down the river, setting prime real estate on fire and laying sniper fire to make sure it burns down. First the warehouses, now the Riverwalk shopping mall, a structure orginally constructed for the 1984 World's Fair.
Are there other special forces teams out there that could take out these provocateurs? Anyone that gives a damn about America or New Orleans? Could someone call France and ask for a hand?
West Nile op imminent in La.? Nagin asks Bush for cropdusters
(Total411.info) -- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said in an interview with WWL-TV Saturday night that he asked Presisdent Bush to send cropdusters to spray for mosquitos in the New Orleans area. Nagin pointed out that mosquitos will be feeding on corpses and spreading exotic diseases.
LSU, now headed by Bohemian Grover Sean O'Keefe, has long had an active West Nile research program in its AgCenter biosciences lab. In fact, that lab was once due to hire anthrax "person of interest" Stephen Hatfill, formerly of Ft. Dietrick and Army programs in Africa coincident with genocidal die-offs.
This could be a volatile situation with provacateurs releasing West Nile as a bioweapon in the second wave of the Katrina attack on Louisiana.
Tell the White House to spray for mosquitos in Louisiana, immediately: 202-456-1414
Tell LSU AgCenter to secure their stockpiles of West Nile and be alert for insiders looking to steal it. 225-578-6803 or 225-578-4161 or 225-336-2416.
People STILL dying trapped in New Orleans From the livejournal blog of someone working inside a datacenter still operational in downtown New Orleans : URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED.
First of all, many thanks to the kind and courageous folks currently staffing Outpost Crystal. Their compassion and honesty are unparalleled.
I am writing this to describe a horrific situation in NOLA that few are aware of, and those who are aware are doing little or nothing. As many of you have likely observed, the national media outlets are suggesting that hurricane relief is finally leading to vast improvements with each hour that passes. Food and water are being delivered, power restored, levees repaired, water drainage plans developed, and those still living successfully evacuated. Many are reporting that the final areas are being checked for survivors, as well as those who have passed at the hands of Katrina (and more often, neglect). Unfortunately, this is not the case. As demonstrated on nola.com's blog section, many individuals know the exact locations and WORKING telephone numbers of family members, most of whom are elderly, sickly, starving, and in serious need of medical attention. When able to get through on emergency telephone numbers, a feat not to be taken lightly, they are dismissed or told that dispatch would be sent immediately, yet no one has come, even though calls have been placed for days. Many do not require full evacuation, but basic medical attention and/or supplies. Many are completely immobile, and unable to access the limited relief sites or food drops. I spoke to one such individual, Ms. Lee Livermore, who was still trapped in her home earlier this evening (around 6:00pm EST).
Her nephew, living in Michigan, explained to me that she is diabetic, has difficulty moving, and he has been in contact with the coast guard, emergency services, and even the governor's office, yet nothing is being done. Stranded on a 3rd floor apartment, with little food, no sweets, and low blood sugar, her outlook is not promising. This is just one case out of hundreds, probably thousands. Incredibly, much of this information is available through nola.com, a resource many of the media are utilizing, yet remains unreported. The television broadcasts refer to none of this, simply stressing the importance of financial contributions, encouraging National Guard membership for potential volunteers, and emphasizing the positive direction the situation is headed.
For more information on these people who are stranded and requiring immediate assistance, please visit ://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_nolaview/arch ives/2005_09.html Note: specific contact information and locations ARE provided
Some of these people, primarily those in high profile areas, such as universities and hospitals, have since been rescued. Others, however, are being ignored, even though their situation and status is easily discernable and their telephone contacts are reliable and consistent.
Is FEMA holding back the fire boats?
(Total411.info) -- New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin in an interview by WWL-TV, broadcast on Louisiana Public Broadcasting and webcast on wwltv.com, said that as things are going, much of the city still standing is going to burn a lot more.
So, why aren't their additonal fireboats to put out all these mysterious fires? Thie biggest fire burning today is right on the river!
Nagin has confirmed that national outrage has helped spur the feds from their passive genocide.
We must keep up the heat, calling for fireboats.
Call FEMA and tell them to activate fireboats from all available agencies: FEMA -- (800) 621-FEMA / (202) 566-1600
Pensacola isn't too far away. They can send fireboats from the Coast Guard base there -- demand they ignore any treasonous FEMA orders not to help: (850) 453-8282.
http://www.total411.info/
Informant: JHW369
J
Our gov't intensified Katrina and directed the storm to New Orleans & Mississippi with relatively old technology. They blew up the levees in New Orleans. There are at least 25 earwitnesses to explosions on levee breach. They prevented water, supplies, and rescues. They jammed communications. This is not bureaucracy, it's pointed murder on a mass scale. There's a forced evacuation at gunpoint going on. Federal thugs are provocateurs sabotaging infrastucture, setting fires, withholding fireboats & supplies.
FEMA is blatantly wreaking havoc and making war on the people of Southeast Louisiana. Will Bush/FEMA treason be exposed?
The national media outlets are now suggesting that hurricane relief is finally leading to vast improvements with each hour that passes. lol
Libertythink feed
Frankensteins monster on the loose: New Orleans = New World Order
New Orleans: Who is jamming communications and why? The Dark Side of Black People Living In Another World Chaotic Evacuation of New Orleans Superdome Katrina could tip U.S. toward recession The Truth Hurts: Snapshot of the Nation--New Orleans, Louisiana
BREAKING: MARTIAL LAW DECLARED IN LOUISIANA FEMA orders New Orleans flooded!
Kanye West Rips Bush During NBC Concert Trusted computing, youve heard of it Unrest Intensifies at Superdome Shelter
MIRED IN MISERY: DEATH, DISEASE: Thousands feared killed; water fetid Superdome evacuation suspended because of fires and gunshots
TOTAL INFORMATION ANALYSIS
Sunday, September 04, 2005 Jefferson Parish must continue fight versus FEMA Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard announced on WWL-TV Saturday Night that residents would be allowed back in the Parish on Monday, but must re-evacuate by Thursday. Broussard had promised earlier in the week that residents would be allowed back on Monday, and seems to have managed to cut a deal with the feds to allow this happen.
Earlier reports on this site have shown that FEMA has barred rescue teams from entering New Orleans. And now the feds are dragging people out of the city by gunpoint. And back in Jefferson, Broussard explained on NBC's Meet the Press this morning that FEMA is making war even on local authorites [VIDEO] :
RUSSERT: You just heard the director of homeland security's explanation of what has happened this last week. What is your reaction?
BROUSSARD: We have been abandoned by our own country. Hurricane Katrina will go down in history as one of the worst storms ever to hit an American coast. But the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will go down as one of the worst abandonments of Americans on American soil ever in U.S. history. … Whoever is at the top of this totem pole, that totem pole needs to be chainsawed off and we've got to start with some new leadership. It's not just Katrina that caused all these deaths in New Orleans here. Bureaucracy has committed murder here in the greater New Orleans area and bureaucracy has to stand trial before Congress now.
"Three quick examples. We had Wal-Mart deliver three trucks of water. FEMA turned them back. They said we didn't need them. This was a week ago. FEMA, we had 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel on a Coast Guard vessel docked in my parish. When we got there with our trucks, FEMA says don't give you the fuel. Yesterday — yesterday — FEMA comes in and cuts all of our emergency communication lines. They cut them without notice. Our sheriff, Harry Lee, goes back in, he reconnects the line. He posts armed guards and said no one is getting near these lines…" Broussard ended the interview pleading for help with the moving story of how Jefferson Parish Emrgency Director Walter Maestri's mother died in a nursing home after being promised rescue repeatedly for five days. No wonder he said earlier this week that Jefferson Parish would be better off right now if it were its own country.
Earlier in the week, Maestri explained how FEMA broke signed agreements to have sufficient assets on the ground within 48 hours of an emergency. FEMA assets are blatantly wreaking havoc and making war on the people of Southeast Louisiana. As residents "temporarily" stream back in tomorrow, they should bring with them generators, gasoline, weaponry, and weeks or months worth of provisions. Sherriff Harry Lee needs to deputize every able-bodied male of Jefferson Parish who returns to patrol key infrastructure and keep an eye on all federal thugs who may be provocateuring, sabotaging infrastucture or withholding supplies.
Claim: 25 earwitnesses to explosions on levee breach It is interesting to note that this report from Tom Heneghen was posted to CloakAndDagger.de on 9/2/05 soon after cable news reported that former Vice-President Al Gore had flown in and out of Louis Armstrong International Airport. Heneghen has long claimed an affiliation with an intelligence network connected to Gore: SECOND BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sabotaged the levee. So say more than 25 eyewitnesses, primarily but not exclusively blacks. Some weather-warfare experts contend Hurricane Katrina was man-made, created and directed by the latest technology and high-level treachery.
On the ground and in helicopters, FEMA operatives have vowed to identify and snuff out the finger-pointers. But, like the War of
1812, amid British-instigated violence, a French and American alliance is protecting brave Americans.
Will Bush/FEMA treason be exposed? Stay tuned.
Who is jamming communications in New Orleans? From former NSA Wayne Madsen's waynemadsenreport.com : September 4, 2005 -- Reports continue that communications in and around New Orleans are being purposely jammed (and severed) by the US government (see Sep. 2 article below). The jamming is having an adverse impact on emergency, disaster recovery, and news media communications. The jamming is even affecting police radio frequencies in Jefferson Parish, according to an Australian news report. The President of Jefferson Parish Aaron Broussard told Meet the Press today that FEMA cut his parish's emergency communications lines and he had to have his sheriff restore the severed lines and post armed deputies to ensure that FEMA did not try to cut the communications lines again. Broussard's statement: "Yesterday -- yesterday--FEMA comes in and cuts all of our emergency communication lines. They cut them without notice. Our sheriff, Harry Lee, goes back in, he reconnects the line. He posts armed guards on our line and says, 'No one is getting near these lines.'"
Jamming radio and other communications such as television signals is part of a Pentagon tactic called "information blockade" or "technology blockade." The tactic is one of a number of such operations that are part of the doctrine of "information warfare" and is one of the psychological operations (PSYOPS) methods used by the US Special Operations Command. Jamming is currently being used by US forces in Iraq and was used by the US Navy in the botched coup attempt against President Hugo Chavez in April 2002. US Navy ships off the Venezuelan coast jammed diplomatic, military, emergency services, police, and even taxi cab frequencies in Caracas and other large cities.
From "The Manchurian Printer," Simson L. Garfinkel [The Boston Sunday Globe, March 5, 1995, Focus Section, Page 83]:
"Not surprisingly, the unclassified version of the Pentagon's report barely mentions the offensive possibilities of Information Warfare--- capabilities that the Pentagon currently has under development. Nevertheless, these capabilities are alluded to in several of the diagrams, which show a keen interest by the military in OOTW--- Operations Other Than War. "They have things like information influence, perception management, and PSYOPS---psychological operations," says Wayne Madsen, a lead scientist at the Computer Sciences Corporation in northern Virginia, who has studied the summer study report. 'Basically, I think that what they are talking about is having the capability to censor and put out propaganda on the networks. That includes global news networks like CNN and BBC, your information services, like CompuServe and Prodigy,' and communications satellite networks. 'When they talk about 'technology blockade,' they want to be able to block data going into or out of a certain region of the world that they may be attacking."'
September 2, 2005 -- Who is jamming communications in New Orleans? Ham radio operators are reporting that communications in and around New Orleans are being jammed. In addition, perplexed ham radio operators who were enlisted by the Federal government in 911 are not being used for hurricane Katrina Federal relief efforts. There is some misinformation circulating on the web that the jamming is the result of solar flares. Ham radio operators report that the flares are not the source of the communications jamming. If anyone at the National Security Agency is aware of the source of the jamming, from direction finding or satellite intelligence, please discretely contact me at waynemadsendc@hotmail.com (from a private or temporary email account). In this case, the Bush administration cannot hide behind national security and it is the duty of every patriotic American to report such criminal activity to the press. Even though the information on the jamming may be considered classified -- it is in the public interest to disclose it. Also, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reporting that no aircraft over New Orleans have been fired on over New Orleans or anywhere else in the area. Are the reports of shots being fired at aircraft an attempt by the Bush administration to purposely delay the arrival of relief to the city's homeless and dying poor? The neocons have turned New Orleans into Baghdad on the Mississippi.
New Orleans: Who is jamming communications and why?
UPDATE: We can now report that the jamming of New Orleans' communications is emanating from a pirate radio station in the Caribbean. The noise is continuous and it is jamming frequencies, including emergency high frequency (HF) radios, in the New Orleans area. The radio frequency jammers were heard last night, stopped for a while, and are active again today. The Pentagon must locate the positions of these transmitters and order the Air Force to bomb them immediately.
However, we now have a new unconfirmed report that the culprit may be the Pentagon itself. The emitter is an IF (Intermediate Frequency) jammer that is operating south southwest of New Orleans on board a U.S. Navy ship, according to an anonymous source. The jamming is cross-spectrum and interfering with superheterodyne receiver components, including the emergency radios being used in New Orleans relief efforts. The jammed frequencies are:
72.0MHZ (high end of Channel 4 WWL TV New Orleans)
45.0MHZ (fixed mobile)
10.245MHZ (fixed mobile)
10.240 Mhz (fixed mobile)
11.340 Mhz (aeronautical mobile)
233 MHZ (fixed mobile)
455 IF (jammer)
A former DoD source says the U.S. Army uses a portable jammer, known as WORLOCK, in Iraq and this jammer may be similar to the one that is jamming the emergency frequencies.
New Orleans: Forced evacuation at gunpoint GetYourActOn.com Sept. 4: The entire city of New Orleans is under evacuation orders. I just spoke to my friend Daniel in the Bywater (9th ward). He reports that unmarked police vehicles (cadillacs) are driving through the neighborhood with SWAT team police armed with `big black machine guns' telling people through bullhorns they are under orders to evacuate and must leave the city now. People in that neighborhood are being told to go to the big pool on the corner of Lesseps and St. Claude (this is one block from my house) to be airlifted out, tho people are allowed to leave by their own means if they can. He reports helicopters all over the place of all kinds - everything from large Army helicopters with guns to Red Cross helicopters - they are swooping down low in the neighborhood and `buzzing' houses - he said one just flew low enough over him to blow shingles off the roof. He is starting to see National Guardsmen marching through the streets with guns to make sure people obey evacuation orders. He wanted to get into a neighbor's house to save their dog that is locked up in there, but was told by a National Guardsman that unless he has keys to the house, if he tries to break the door in he will be shot on the spot.
We are being forced out of our city, with no word as to if and when we will be allowed to return. We've been wondering what they would do after enough people were forced to die of starvation. Population reduction has been accomplished.
Provocateur forces in New Orleans? The case builds On Thursday, there was a report on the net Delta Force had just dropped into New Orleans. This was at about the same time this website noticed a couple helicopters full of unidentified troops being dropped off the helipad at the Superdome. If the "Delta Force" story is true (and even Army Times says forces are engaging in combat in New Orleans), or another small special ops force were dropped into New Orleans, they would be well placed, for provacateuring more than anything else. Such as laying down sniper fire on boats evacuating patients from a hospital or setting fires, or sniping at firefighters.
This item is from the LiveJournal blog of someone holed up in a functioning datacenter on Canal St. at 1pm CDT Saturday: "The Riverwalk may be on fire (shopping mall at the river at end of CBD/Quarter). Everytime we talk to the police, we hear about sniper fire at the fire scenes. I cannot confirm that there is any. This is all hearsay, but it's coming from the police. The police we talk to, while consistent about claiming there is sniper fire, are conflicted about whether it's police sniper fire trying to take out arsonists or criminal sniper fire trying to take out police and fire rescue teams. Again, this is rumor for now, but we're hearing a lot of this rumor. Delta Force is a criminal organization, having previously engaged in the murder of Americans at Waco, so any fire from them would by definition be sniper fire.
It seems like someone is going up and down the river, setting prime real estate on fire and laying sniper fire to make sure it burns down. First the warehouses, now the Riverwalk shopping mall, a structure orginally constructed for the 1984 World's Fair.
Are there other special forces teams out there that could take out these provocateurs? Anyone that gives a damn about America or New Orleans? Could someone call France and ask for a hand?
West Nile op imminent in La.? Nagin asks Bush for cropdusters
(Total411.info) -- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said in an interview with WWL-TV Saturday night that he asked Presisdent Bush to send cropdusters to spray for mosquitos in the New Orleans area. Nagin pointed out that mosquitos will be feeding on corpses and spreading exotic diseases.
LSU, now headed by Bohemian Grover Sean O'Keefe, has long had an active West Nile research program in its AgCenter biosciences lab. In fact, that lab was once due to hire anthrax "person of interest" Stephen Hatfill, formerly of Ft. Dietrick and Army programs in Africa coincident with genocidal die-offs.
This could be a volatile situation with provacateurs releasing West Nile as a bioweapon in the second wave of the Katrina attack on Louisiana.
Tell the White House to spray for mosquitos in Louisiana, immediately: 202-456-1414
Tell LSU AgCenter to secure their stockpiles of West Nile and be alert for insiders looking to steal it. 225-578-6803 or 225-578-4161 or 225-336-2416.
People STILL dying trapped in New Orleans From the livejournal blog of someone working inside a datacenter still operational in downtown New Orleans : URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED.
First of all, many thanks to the kind and courageous folks currently staffing Outpost Crystal. Their compassion and honesty are unparalleled.
I am writing this to describe a horrific situation in NOLA that few are aware of, and those who are aware are doing little or nothing. As many of you have likely observed, the national media outlets are suggesting that hurricane relief is finally leading to vast improvements with each hour that passes. Food and water are being delivered, power restored, levees repaired, water drainage plans developed, and those still living successfully evacuated. Many are reporting that the final areas are being checked for survivors, as well as those who have passed at the hands of Katrina (and more often, neglect). Unfortunately, this is not the case. As demonstrated on nola.com's blog section, many individuals know the exact locations and WORKING telephone numbers of family members, most of whom are elderly, sickly, starving, and in serious need of medical attention. When able to get through on emergency telephone numbers, a feat not to be taken lightly, they are dismissed or told that dispatch would be sent immediately, yet no one has come, even though calls have been placed for days. Many do not require full evacuation, but basic medical attention and/or supplies. Many are completely immobile, and unable to access the limited relief sites or food drops. I spoke to one such individual, Ms. Lee Livermore, who was still trapped in her home earlier this evening (around 6:00pm EST).
Her nephew, living in Michigan, explained to me that she is diabetic, has difficulty moving, and he has been in contact with the coast guard, emergency services, and even the governor's office, yet nothing is being done. Stranded on a 3rd floor apartment, with little food, no sweets, and low blood sugar, her outlook is not promising. This is just one case out of hundreds, probably thousands. Incredibly, much of this information is available through nola.com, a resource many of the media are utilizing, yet remains unreported. The television broadcasts refer to none of this, simply stressing the importance of financial contributions, encouraging National Guard membership for potential volunteers, and emphasizing the positive direction the situation is headed.
For more information on these people who are stranded and requiring immediate assistance, please visit ://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_nolaview/arch ives/2005_09.html Note: specific contact information and locations ARE provided
Some of these people, primarily those in high profile areas, such as universities and hospitals, have since been rescued. Others, however, are being ignored, even though their situation and status is easily discernable and their telephone contacts are reliable and consistent.
Is FEMA holding back the fire boats?
(Total411.info) -- New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin in an interview by WWL-TV, broadcast on Louisiana Public Broadcasting and webcast on wwltv.com, said that as things are going, much of the city still standing is going to burn a lot more.
So, why aren't their additonal fireboats to put out all these mysterious fires? Thie biggest fire burning today is right on the river!
Nagin has confirmed that national outrage has helped spur the feds from their passive genocide.
We must keep up the heat, calling for fireboats.
Call FEMA and tell them to activate fireboats from all available agencies: FEMA -- (800) 621-FEMA / (202) 566-1600
Pensacola isn't too far away. They can send fireboats from the Coast Guard base there -- demand they ignore any treasonous FEMA orders not to help: (850) 453-8282.
http://www.total411.info/
Informant: JHW369
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:13
They are painted into a corner
There is apparently a safe technology developed by a Dr Meyl in Germany. He has written a book, in English, called Skaler Waves (it might be Scaler Waves)
He was sued by the mobile phone companies but the German courts have found in his favour!
Dr Hyland has a copy of the book and is looking at the theory (apparently in the realms of quantum physics) so there is hope out there.
Sarah
--------
Hi Sarah
I have the book as well. Not easy reading, and I remain to be reassured that scalar wave (vector potentials / longitudinal waves) are a wise option. The book is absolutely fascinating, and not just about mobile communications, and shares a deal of material with Tesla. Look up Tesla and find out about his amplifying transmitter etc., look up Konstantin Meyl on Google too, and you'll soon come to the "free energy" area. It's all potentially very big, and as ever what can be used for good can be used for ill. Maybe the bad guys have got there first anyway, if you believe Tom Bearden and the Cheniere site.
But I don't think scalar-technology mobile phones are around the corner yet; for a start the industry does not accept the current risk, nor do they have a clue about this physics. If they did, on both counts, they would then have to come up with a new technology that in its prototype was technically superior to what 3G already offers, because the one thing they could NOT sell on was "the new safe phone". Or they would be sued for knowing current ones are harmful. They are painted into a corner.
Andy
He was sued by the mobile phone companies but the German courts have found in his favour!
Dr Hyland has a copy of the book and is looking at the theory (apparently in the realms of quantum physics) so there is hope out there.
Sarah
--------
Hi Sarah
I have the book as well. Not easy reading, and I remain to be reassured that scalar wave (vector potentials / longitudinal waves) are a wise option. The book is absolutely fascinating, and not just about mobile communications, and shares a deal of material with Tesla. Look up Tesla and find out about his amplifying transmitter etc., look up Konstantin Meyl on Google too, and you'll soon come to the "free energy" area. It's all potentially very big, and as ever what can be used for good can be used for ill. Maybe the bad guys have got there first anyway, if you believe Tom Bearden and the Cheniere site.
But I don't think scalar-technology mobile phones are around the corner yet; for a start the industry does not accept the current risk, nor do they have a clue about this physics. If they did, on both counts, they would then have to come up with a new technology that in its prototype was technically superior to what 3G already offers, because the one thing they could NOT sell on was "the new safe phone". Or they would be sued for knowing current ones are harmful. They are painted into a corner.
Andy
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:07
CLIMATE CHANGE: THE ULTIMATE WAKE-UP CALL
Bush sure as hell doesn't read Scientific American or Nature.
http://www.sundayherald.com/51621
<snip>
The drowning of New Orleans, which lies mostly below sea level and is surrounded by large dams, has long been predicted. In October 2001, a feature in the journal Scientific American described the city as “a disaster waiting to happen”. “A major hurricane could swamp New Orleans under 20 feet of water, killing thousands,” it said. The sunken city’s fate was “at best a troubled Venice, at worst a modern-day Atlantis”.
Informant: Hopedance
http://www.sundayherald.com/51621
<snip>
The drowning of New Orleans, which lies mostly below sea level and is surrounded by large dams, has long been predicted. In October 2001, a feature in the journal Scientific American described the city as “a disaster waiting to happen”. “A major hurricane could swamp New Orleans under 20 feet of water, killing thousands,” it said. The sunken city’s fate was “at best a troubled Venice, at worst a modern-day Atlantis”.
Informant: Hopedance
Starmail - 5. Sep, 12:01
Too Many People in Nature's Way
In a message dated 9/4/05 9:58:45 PM, gaia@charter.net writes:
Hi Bob, interesting angle -- also environmental -- on why 'natural disasters' are getting worse. Also see the purple colored (bulleted) notes below about why Cuba and Jamaica can handle hurricanes with less loss of life than we have.
Experts: Too Many People in Nature's Way
By CHARLES J. HANLEY, AP Special Correspondent http://tinyurl.com/djreh (LA Times)
I thought the The dead and the desperate of New Orleans now join the farmers of Aceh and the fishermen of Trincomalee, villagers in Iran and the slum dwellers of Haiti in a world being dealt ever more punishing blows by natural disasters.
It's a world where Americans can learn from even the poorest nations, experts say, and where they should learn not to build future settlements like the drowned old metropolis on the Mississippi.
The levees in New Orleans inspired a false sense of security, says Dennis S. Miletti, a leading scholar on disaster prevention.
"We rely on technology and we end up thinking as human beings that we're totally safe, and we're not," said Miletti, of the University of Colorado. "The bottom line is we have a very unsafe planet."
By one critical measure, the impact on populations, statistics show the planet to be increasingly unsafe. More than 2.5 billion people were affected by floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters between 1994 and 2003, a 60 percent increase over the previous two 10-year periods, U.N. officials reported at a conference on disaster prevention in January.
Those numbers don't include millions displaced by last December's tsunami, which killed an estimated 180,000 people as its monstrous waves swept over coastlines from Indonesia's Aceh province to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, and beyond.
By another measure -- property damage -- 2004 was the costliest year on record for global insurers, who paid out more than $40 billion on natural disasters, reports German insurance giant Munich Re. Florida's quartet of 2004 hurricanes was the big factor.
But generally it's not that more "events" are happening, rather that more people are in the way, said Thomas Loster, a Munich Re expert. "More and more people are being hit," he said.
In the 1970s, only 11 percent of earthquakes affected human settlements, researchers at Belgium's University of Louvain report. That soared to 31 percent in 1993-2003, including a quake in 2003 that killed 26,000 people in Iran, whose population has doubled since the '70s.
The expanding U.S. population "has migrated to hazard-prone areas -- to Florida, the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, particularly barrier islands, to California," noted retired U.S. government seismologist Robert M. Hamilton, a disaster-prevention specialist. "Several decades ago we didn't have wall-to-wall houses down the coast as we do now."
The way America builds too often invites disasters, experts say -- by draining Florida swampland and bulldozing California hillsides, for example, disrupting natural runoff and magnifying flood hazards.
"We're building our communities in ways that aren't compatible with the natural perils we have," Miletti said.
The more advanced the nations, the bigger the blow may be.
Terry Jeggle, a U.N. disaster-reduction planner, cites the New Orleans levee system -- dependent on pumps that run on electricity produced by fuel that must be transported in. One failure will lead to another along that chain.
"Complex systems invite compounding of complexity in consequences, too," said the Geneva-based Jeggle.
Experts fear more is to come.
The scientific consensus expects global warming to intensify storms, floods, heat waves and drought. Climatologists are still researching whether climate change has already strengthened hurricanes, whose energy is drawn from warm ocean waters, or whether the Atlantic Basin and Gulf are witnessing only a cyclical upsurge in intense storms. Computer models of climate change in the decades to come point to more devastating Category 5 storms.
The prospect of more vulnerable populations on a more turbulent Earth has U.N. officials and other advocates pressuring governments to plan and prepare. They cite examples of poorer nations that in ways do a better job than the rich:
* No one was reported killed when Ivan struck Cuba in 2004, its worst hurricane in 50 years and a storm that, after weakening, killed 25 people in the United States. Cuba's warning-evacuation system is minutely planned, even down to neighborhood workers keeping updated charts on which residents need help during evacuations.
* Along Bangladesh's cyclone coast, 33,000 well-organized volunteers stand ready to shepherd neighbors to raised concrete shelters at the approach of one of the Bay of Bengal's vicious storms.
* In 2002, Jamaica conducted a full-scale evacuation rehearsal in a low-lying suburb of coastal Kingston, and fine-tuned plans afterward. When Ivan's 20-foot surge destroyed hundreds of homes two years later, only eight people died. Ordinary Jamaicans also are taught search-and-rescue methods and towns at risk have trained flood-alert teams.
Like many around the world, Barbara Carby, Jamaica's disaster coordinator, watched in disbelief as catastrophe unfolded on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
"We always have resource constraints," she said. "That's not a problem the U.S. has. But because they have the resources, they may not pay enough attention to preparedness and awareness, and to educating the public how to help themselves."
Informant: Hopedance
Hi Bob, interesting angle -- also environmental -- on why 'natural disasters' are getting worse. Also see the purple colored (bulleted) notes below about why Cuba and Jamaica can handle hurricanes with less loss of life than we have.
Experts: Too Many People in Nature's Way
By CHARLES J. HANLEY, AP Special Correspondent http://tinyurl.com/djreh (LA Times)
I thought the The dead and the desperate of New Orleans now join the farmers of Aceh and the fishermen of Trincomalee, villagers in Iran and the slum dwellers of Haiti in a world being dealt ever more punishing blows by natural disasters.
It's a world where Americans can learn from even the poorest nations, experts say, and where they should learn not to build future settlements like the drowned old metropolis on the Mississippi.
The levees in New Orleans inspired a false sense of security, says Dennis S. Miletti, a leading scholar on disaster prevention.
"We rely on technology and we end up thinking as human beings that we're totally safe, and we're not," said Miletti, of the University of Colorado. "The bottom line is we have a very unsafe planet."
By one critical measure, the impact on populations, statistics show the planet to be increasingly unsafe. More than 2.5 billion people were affected by floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters between 1994 and 2003, a 60 percent increase over the previous two 10-year periods, U.N. officials reported at a conference on disaster prevention in January.
Those numbers don't include millions displaced by last December's tsunami, which killed an estimated 180,000 people as its monstrous waves swept over coastlines from Indonesia's Aceh province to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, and beyond.
By another measure -- property damage -- 2004 was the costliest year on record for global insurers, who paid out more than $40 billion on natural disasters, reports German insurance giant Munich Re. Florida's quartet of 2004 hurricanes was the big factor.
But generally it's not that more "events" are happening, rather that more people are in the way, said Thomas Loster, a Munich Re expert. "More and more people are being hit," he said.
In the 1970s, only 11 percent of earthquakes affected human settlements, researchers at Belgium's University of Louvain report. That soared to 31 percent in 1993-2003, including a quake in 2003 that killed 26,000 people in Iran, whose population has doubled since the '70s.
The expanding U.S. population "has migrated to hazard-prone areas -- to Florida, the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, particularly barrier islands, to California," noted retired U.S. government seismologist Robert M. Hamilton, a disaster-prevention specialist. "Several decades ago we didn't have wall-to-wall houses down the coast as we do now."
The way America builds too often invites disasters, experts say -- by draining Florida swampland and bulldozing California hillsides, for example, disrupting natural runoff and magnifying flood hazards.
"We're building our communities in ways that aren't compatible with the natural perils we have," Miletti said.
The more advanced the nations, the bigger the blow may be.
Terry Jeggle, a U.N. disaster-reduction planner, cites the New Orleans levee system -- dependent on pumps that run on electricity produced by fuel that must be transported in. One failure will lead to another along that chain.
"Complex systems invite compounding of complexity in consequences, too," said the Geneva-based Jeggle.
Experts fear more is to come.
The scientific consensus expects global warming to intensify storms, floods, heat waves and drought. Climatologists are still researching whether climate change has already strengthened hurricanes, whose energy is drawn from warm ocean waters, or whether the Atlantic Basin and Gulf are witnessing only a cyclical upsurge in intense storms. Computer models of climate change in the decades to come point to more devastating Category 5 storms.
The prospect of more vulnerable populations on a more turbulent Earth has U.N. officials and other advocates pressuring governments to plan and prepare. They cite examples of poorer nations that in ways do a better job than the rich:
* No one was reported killed when Ivan struck Cuba in 2004, its worst hurricane in 50 years and a storm that, after weakening, killed 25 people in the United States. Cuba's warning-evacuation system is minutely planned, even down to neighborhood workers keeping updated charts on which residents need help during evacuations.
* Along Bangladesh's cyclone coast, 33,000 well-organized volunteers stand ready to shepherd neighbors to raised concrete shelters at the approach of one of the Bay of Bengal's vicious storms.
* In 2002, Jamaica conducted a full-scale evacuation rehearsal in a low-lying suburb of coastal Kingston, and fine-tuned plans afterward. When Ivan's 20-foot surge destroyed hundreds of homes two years later, only eight people died. Ordinary Jamaicans also are taught search-and-rescue methods and towns at risk have trained flood-alert teams.
Like many around the world, Barbara Carby, Jamaica's disaster coordinator, watched in disbelief as catastrophe unfolded on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
"We always have resource constraints," she said. "That's not a problem the U.S. has. But because they have the resources, they may not pay enough attention to preparedness and awareness, and to educating the public how to help themselves."
Informant: Hopedance
Starmail - 5. Sep, 11:57
The real reason for ICNIRP hegemony
Starmail - 5. Sep, 11:45
John Ryans Mast Misery
Last year, dairy farmers John and Rosie Ryan of Dangan, Co Tipperary, gave permission to Vodaphone to erect a telephone mast on their farm. However, the couple claim that since the mast became operational their lives have been turned upside down. Since Vodafone erected a mast on his land, John Ryan claims he has suffered from blinding headaches and burning sensations. These are so bad that he cannot carry out his farming activities to an optimal standard, and he can no longer sleep in his home. The family claim these problems are directly related to emissions from the telephone mast that was erected on their farm in March 2003. They claim they had no unusual health problems before the mast became operational. "As soon as the mast went up in March, I started to feel the effects of it. After putting serious pressure on Vodaphone, it was switched off for three weeks and everything was fine, but the minute it was switched back on my symptoms returned. I'm no longer able to sleep at home and can only stay on the farm for a few hours at a time,'' said John. Rosie Ryan said there had been a complete upheaval in family life since that mast started working. "John cannot live here. At the moment we are trying to calve nearly 100 cows and heifers and it's impossible. I spend my nights watching the cameras, and if there's any trouble with a cow I have to ring him to come back and deal with it,'' she said.
IFA call for mast to be shut down In a letter to Vodaphone on 23 January, Jim Devlin, executive secretary of the IFA Industrial committee, called on the company "to cease radio signal transmissions from the mast immediately''. He stated that the IFA was very concerned for Mr Ryan's health. "He is unable to stay in his home and on his farming premises due to the impact this transmission mast is having on his well-being. His farming is being neglected, with dairy cows going unmilked. I must insist that you address this matter without further delay.'' In their response on 30 January, Vodaphone insisted that health and safety issues were extremely important to the company. "Vodaphone acknowledges that some people are concerned about radio frequency electromagnetic fields, from mobile phones and their base stations. Based on current scientific research, there is no evidence of an impact on human health when exposure levels are below internationally recognised guidelines. Mobile phones and their base stations are designed and operated so that people are not exposed above these guideline levels.''
Neighbours back the Ryans The health problems suffered by John Ryan are endorsed by at least six other neighbours and individuals who have cause to work on the farm. Walter Cleary is one of these people. "I do a bit of welding for John and I was here during the summer making gates when I suddenly got this tingling feeling and a violent headache. I left the place and recovered, but as soon as I returned the headache started again. Now I'll only come here when he is badly stuck.'' Tom Hally cuts the hedges and he also says he had to leave the farm as a result of blinding headaches. He claims these disappeared when he went a distance from the mast, but as soon as he returned to the farm they returned. "I didn't imagine it could happen; I don't get headaches and it makes me believe everything John, Rosie and the others are saying.'' Tim Ryan (no relation) also farms nearby and he has noticed that he is getting an increasing number of slight headaches. "I came up here one day to help John out, and after a while I got two right darts in the head. Then I knew exactly what John was complaining about.'' Tom Prendergast's farm lies beneath the mast and he lives within 500m of it. He too insists that his health has suffered since the mast became operational. "I've brought ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation) here to test the mast three times, because since it arrived life has become unbearable. Most of my house is unusable, especially where it is in view of the mast. We've had to screen the house with radiation-proof material in order to remain living there. I've written countless letters and made phone calls about the problem, but no one is listening,'' he said. Despite having the mast tested three times, Tom Prendergast is unhappy about the way the results were presented. "The first test was invalid and ComReg have agreed it was. We claim the second test was invalid because it is our belief that the power levels were turned down. We say this because there was no mobile reception in the area at the time.'' As for the third test, which took place on 24 October last, this was called off halfway through, but ComReg stood over its findings even though it was incomplete.''
Shut it down John Ryan wants the mast shut down and has offered to return the €10,000 he received for providing a site for it. However, Vodaphone did not accept his offer. "This was never about money. Long before we leased the site for the mast I was worried about the health implications, but I was assured that the mast would give out no more emissions than a hand-held mobile phone.'' John Ryan said he was promised that if there was any trouble the mast would be gone within a year. "I've now discovered that opt-out is only available to the company that owns the mast. As it is, unless Vodaphone voluntarily removes or deactivates it I cannot have it removed for another four years.'' However, Vodaphone said that John Ryan had approached them to secure the company as a tenant on his site. "Negotiations were entered into and independent legal advice was sought and received by Mr Ryan. After a period of weeks a contract was negotiated between the parties. '' Should the mast be decommissioned, Vodaphone estimate it would cost them approximately €50,000. Both John Ryan and Tom Prendergast feel isolated by the phone company. "They keep telling us it's the same mast as all the others around the country and that there are no complaints about them. They tell us they are working within the WHO guidelines, but as far as we are concerned that is all theory. We are left with the reality,'' said Tom Prendergast.
ComReg response ComReg is the regulatory body charged with overseeing the telecoms industry in Ireland. Currently it is conducting a comprehensive monitoring programme at 400 mast sites throughout the country. ComReg has hired Masons Communications Ltd to conduct the measurements. In a statement, it said: "As part of this work, the Dangan site was measured. Measurements there indicate emission levels well within the International guideline limits set down by ICNIRP - the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. This is the first time ComReg has conducted such an extensive survey. In previous years they have audited the procedures adopted by licensees to ensure compliance to the ICNIRP guideline limits and made measurements at 30 sites on each occasion. In addition, 40 people contacted us regarding 48 sites. They are currently been surveyed and so far they have all complied. With regard to the issue of health, ComReg would like to clarify that it does not have any remit or expertise in this area. In this regard, it looks to national, international and EU policy for guidance. Currently the guideline limits adopted are the ICNIRP guideline limits and these are used internationally.'' Additional statement by Vodaphone "Vodaphone Ireland meets ICNIRP radio frequency exposure guidelines in the rollout of its mobile phone network. Emissions are independently monitored by ComReg, and Vodaphone's 100% record in this regard can be verified by the Commission. In order to provide a high level of protection for the general public, standards for limiting exposure to radio frequency fields have been developed, which incorporate substantial safety margins. Indeed, in practice, levels many times below the ICNIRP guidelines normally exist through the adoption of best contemporary practice, including not raising signal strengths beyond those necessary to achieve service objectives. In the case of Mr Ryan, the signal strength in our infrastructure has been reduced, and is currently operating at a below-optimum level. Vodaphone encourages and supports open, independent, quality scientific research, reviews the results of research on radio frequency fields being performed throughout the world and takes the advice of recognised expert scientific review panels and health authorities for assessments on mobile phone technology and health. From 1999 until 2007, Vodaphone have committed over €8million to research programmes on radio frequency fields and projects. Where research funding is involved, important measures have been implemented to ensure the complete independence of this research.''
Mairead Lavery reports
http://www.mast-victims.org/index.php?content=journal&action=view&type=journal&id=32
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=John+Ryan
IFA call for mast to be shut down In a letter to Vodaphone on 23 January, Jim Devlin, executive secretary of the IFA Industrial committee, called on the company "to cease radio signal transmissions from the mast immediately''. He stated that the IFA was very concerned for Mr Ryan's health. "He is unable to stay in his home and on his farming premises due to the impact this transmission mast is having on his well-being. His farming is being neglected, with dairy cows going unmilked. I must insist that you address this matter without further delay.'' In their response on 30 January, Vodaphone insisted that health and safety issues were extremely important to the company. "Vodaphone acknowledges that some people are concerned about radio frequency electromagnetic fields, from mobile phones and their base stations. Based on current scientific research, there is no evidence of an impact on human health when exposure levels are below internationally recognised guidelines. Mobile phones and their base stations are designed and operated so that people are not exposed above these guideline levels.''
Neighbours back the Ryans The health problems suffered by John Ryan are endorsed by at least six other neighbours and individuals who have cause to work on the farm. Walter Cleary is one of these people. "I do a bit of welding for John and I was here during the summer making gates when I suddenly got this tingling feeling and a violent headache. I left the place and recovered, but as soon as I returned the headache started again. Now I'll only come here when he is badly stuck.'' Tom Hally cuts the hedges and he also says he had to leave the farm as a result of blinding headaches. He claims these disappeared when he went a distance from the mast, but as soon as he returned to the farm they returned. "I didn't imagine it could happen; I don't get headaches and it makes me believe everything John, Rosie and the others are saying.'' Tim Ryan (no relation) also farms nearby and he has noticed that he is getting an increasing number of slight headaches. "I came up here one day to help John out, and after a while I got two right darts in the head. Then I knew exactly what John was complaining about.'' Tom Prendergast's farm lies beneath the mast and he lives within 500m of it. He too insists that his health has suffered since the mast became operational. "I've brought ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation) here to test the mast three times, because since it arrived life has become unbearable. Most of my house is unusable, especially where it is in view of the mast. We've had to screen the house with radiation-proof material in order to remain living there. I've written countless letters and made phone calls about the problem, but no one is listening,'' he said. Despite having the mast tested three times, Tom Prendergast is unhappy about the way the results were presented. "The first test was invalid and ComReg have agreed it was. We claim the second test was invalid because it is our belief that the power levels were turned down. We say this because there was no mobile reception in the area at the time.'' As for the third test, which took place on 24 October last, this was called off halfway through, but ComReg stood over its findings even though it was incomplete.''
Shut it down John Ryan wants the mast shut down and has offered to return the €10,000 he received for providing a site for it. However, Vodaphone did not accept his offer. "This was never about money. Long before we leased the site for the mast I was worried about the health implications, but I was assured that the mast would give out no more emissions than a hand-held mobile phone.'' John Ryan said he was promised that if there was any trouble the mast would be gone within a year. "I've now discovered that opt-out is only available to the company that owns the mast. As it is, unless Vodaphone voluntarily removes or deactivates it I cannot have it removed for another four years.'' However, Vodaphone said that John Ryan had approached them to secure the company as a tenant on his site. "Negotiations were entered into and independent legal advice was sought and received by Mr Ryan. After a period of weeks a contract was negotiated between the parties. '' Should the mast be decommissioned, Vodaphone estimate it would cost them approximately €50,000. Both John Ryan and Tom Prendergast feel isolated by the phone company. "They keep telling us it's the same mast as all the others around the country and that there are no complaints about them. They tell us they are working within the WHO guidelines, but as far as we are concerned that is all theory. We are left with the reality,'' said Tom Prendergast.
ComReg response ComReg is the regulatory body charged with overseeing the telecoms industry in Ireland. Currently it is conducting a comprehensive monitoring programme at 400 mast sites throughout the country. ComReg has hired Masons Communications Ltd to conduct the measurements. In a statement, it said: "As part of this work, the Dangan site was measured. Measurements there indicate emission levels well within the International guideline limits set down by ICNIRP - the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. This is the first time ComReg has conducted such an extensive survey. In previous years they have audited the procedures adopted by licensees to ensure compliance to the ICNIRP guideline limits and made measurements at 30 sites on each occasion. In addition, 40 people contacted us regarding 48 sites. They are currently been surveyed and so far they have all complied. With regard to the issue of health, ComReg would like to clarify that it does not have any remit or expertise in this area. In this regard, it looks to national, international and EU policy for guidance. Currently the guideline limits adopted are the ICNIRP guideline limits and these are used internationally.'' Additional statement by Vodaphone "Vodaphone Ireland meets ICNIRP radio frequency exposure guidelines in the rollout of its mobile phone network. Emissions are independently monitored by ComReg, and Vodaphone's 100% record in this regard can be verified by the Commission. In order to provide a high level of protection for the general public, standards for limiting exposure to radio frequency fields have been developed, which incorporate substantial safety margins. Indeed, in practice, levels many times below the ICNIRP guidelines normally exist through the adoption of best contemporary practice, including not raising signal strengths beyond those necessary to achieve service objectives. In the case of Mr Ryan, the signal strength in our infrastructure has been reduced, and is currently operating at a below-optimum level. Vodaphone encourages and supports open, independent, quality scientific research, reviews the results of research on radio frequency fields being performed throughout the world and takes the advice of recognised expert scientific review panels and health authorities for assessments on mobile phone technology and health. From 1999 until 2007, Vodaphone have committed over €8million to research programmes on radio frequency fields and projects. Where research funding is involved, important measures have been implemented to ensure the complete independence of this research.''
Mairead Lavery reports
http://www.mast-victims.org/index.php?content=journal&action=view&type=journal&id=32
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=John+Ryan
Starmail - 5. Sep, 11:39
Schulaktion gegen Handymasten
Beiliegend unsere heutige Presseinformation zu dem Thema:
Schulaktion gegen Handymasten
http://www.schutz-vor-elektrosmog.at/top-termin_dateien/Presseinformation%202005-09-05.PDF
Gablitz (NÖ), 5. Sept. 2005: Immer mehr Handymasten und Mobilfunkantennen auf den Schuldächern; Wie hoch ist die Strahlung im Klassenzimmer? Was Eltern von Schulkindern gegen Handymasten tun können; TriCoTel sammelt Schuldaten und setzt sich für eine rasche Abhilfe ein; Fotos und Messdaten online im Internet.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Mag. Robert Marschall Geschäftsführer
Schulaktion gegen Handymasten
http://www.schutz-vor-elektrosmog.at/top-termin_dateien/Presseinformation%202005-09-05.PDF
Gablitz (NÖ), 5. Sept. 2005: Immer mehr Handymasten und Mobilfunkantennen auf den Schuldächern; Wie hoch ist die Strahlung im Klassenzimmer? Was Eltern von Schulkindern gegen Handymasten tun können; TriCoTel sammelt Schuldaten und setzt sich für eine rasche Abhilfe ein; Fotos und Messdaten online im Internet.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Mag. Robert Marschall Geschäftsführer
Starmail - 5. Sep, 10:18
