An Open Letter to Federal Judge William Pauley III

There are hardly words to express how appalling I find your ruling that NSA bulk spying is legal and constitutional.

I'm tempted to ask if you've been living in a cave.  If you've read anything about the NSA spying revelations from documents provided by whistleblower Edward Snowden, you should have plainly seen that these programs are not about anti-terrorism, but about control and economics.  A private citizen doing what they've been doing would probably be accused of stalking, at the very least.

When you took office, did you not swear to defend our Constitution?  It seems that now you're intent on shredding it.  You seem to be disdainful of privacy.  Privacy is what makes our society and our democracy work.  It is vital for humans, for citizens! I think you've forgotten that you're supposed to serve us - "We, the People" - remember?

I, for one, am furious that the NSA is doing this.  I think of all of those tax dollars spent on spying when there are so many better uses for them.  I am furious that we are all considered targets - with no probable cause.  And I am furious that we're not all marching in the streets; don't people see through that "anti-terrorism" propaganda?

I hope that groups and individuals will stay strong and on the case.  We must let everyone know we are not in the least happy with what has been done in secret in our names. Shame on you for not standing up for the privacy rights of ordinary citizens; something even the U. N. is beginning to recognize.  Shame on you for buying NSA propaganda.  And shame on you for not standing up for our Constitution and laws.

Great Ruling

I'm somewhat buoyed by the ruling today by Federal Judge Richard Leon.  In it he says the bulk collection of phone record metadata by the NSA is more than likely unconstitutional - a violation of the 4th Amendment!

Here is a link to The Guardian article on this important story.  Judge Leon describes the technology involved as "almost-Orwellian."  He also expressed doubts about the efficacy of such a program.

Edward Snowden hailed the decision (see here), as have some in Congress and spokespeople for civil liberties groups. Add me to the list!  This is an important first step in regaining some sanity in to privacy practices.

But that's what it is, of course, a first step.  This case and others must work their way through the courts.  We, in the meantime, must continue to be vigilant, let them know we are still watching, and let them know we are looking for meaningful action on this.

Still today, hats off to a courageous Federal Judge.  God bless you and protect you. 

In Solidarity With Fast Food Workers

Today there were walkouts by fast food workers in many cities.  We need to stand in solidarity with them.  In the current economy, the wages most are now paid are just not enough to support families, let alone lift anyone out of poverty even if working full-time hours.  A single person would even barely get by.

Some unsympathetic people say these jobs were not designed to support families.  Well, maybe not. But with the economy the way it is, especially the lack of well-paying jobs, make such jobs the only option for some to support themselves and their families.  The minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation.  I'd really like to see some of those who reject paying these folks a living wage do these jobs for the minimum wage now being paid. I went through the comments at The Guardian's story on this.  I was pretty appalled at the way some commenters cast all kind of aspersions on the one lady interviewed and on other workers.  Oh, they're just not worth $15.00 an hour (and that was mild!).  Well, I stand with those who feel if you work full time, you should be able to support your family.  I also feel that raising the minimum wage would be beneficial to the economy, not detrimental.  If these workers have more disposable income, they can purchase more and not have to be subsidized by having to use food stamps and other aid programs.

To read about these latest protests you can visit either or both of these links:

1) the NPR story - including the news that McDonald's is buying a new corporate jet, and other links to some interesting data.  But beware of that free-market apologist I guess they felt they had to include

2) The Guardian story

Let's stand with these hard-working employees and protesters and start lifting each other up.  That should help us all in the long run.

UPDATE 12/10:

Oh my, it must be good to be a CEO - at McDonald's especially.  This story highlights 10 corporations whose CEO hourly pay tops average workers' pay by the highest ratios.  No wonder there's such a growing gap between the top 1% and the rest of us!

Rest In Peace, Mr. Mandela

We simply must take a moment to note the passing of Nelson Mandela, former Pres. of South Africa, fighter against apartheid, and architect of reconciliation.

He certainly led an extraordinary life.   He met his challenges with both courage and grace.  He led a full life, yet still his passing is not one anyone could really have been prepared for.  All over the world his passing has been met with not only grief and mourning, but also celebrations of his life and legacy.

ABC World News Tonight on their special broadcast said he truly changed the world.  Indeed.  He showed how individuals and groups can harness power and make positive changes.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Mandela. Take your rest knowing you will be missed and not forgotten.

Ed Report

I suppose many of you readers have seen the media reports of the lackluster performance of U. S. teens in the latest International tests of Math, Science, and Reading (PISA Test).  The Guardian has a good overview here .

As a retired college math educator, I'm not surprised, unfortunately.  The lack of motivation on the part of some of my students reflected the problems we face in educating our students.  A teacher can run the most engaging classroom in the world, but if the student is not motivated to do homework and internalize the material, will learning take place?  Have we been focusing too much on "entertaining" the students that we're not giving them a thorough dose of material? 

And that's just the start of my questions!  I read somewhere that the results of poverty were similar to those of brain damage and that intense remediation is needed for those students.  With reports that so many students do live in poverty, I have to wonder if they're truly getting the type of remediation they need.  Parental involvement has also been shown to affect achievement.  Are we doing what we can to encourage that and provide students with educational role models when necessary?

Many educational critics have said that we're no longer emphasizing critical thinking.  I would have to agree.  Certainly we need training, but wouldn't the ability to think critically give us better employees, leaders, citizens in the long run? 

America must also truly support education.  We must show that we value learning and the intellect.  Dr. Henry Giroux was recently on the Bill Moyers Journal program.  He says we need to reclaim the value of the intellect (or something like that).  This page on his site has links to his online articles which you can read. I encourage you to do so.

More good reading on the subject can be found in Malcolm Gladwell's fine book, Outliers. He makes at least two good points:  1) Persistence was often related to excelling in math (now, if we can just get THAT through to the students!) and 2) schooling does work - but those at-risk students need more of it (good luck getting that accomplished on a large scale, though).

Some discussion can be made about the diversity/ inclusiveness of some participating nations' schools.  There might be a case that the U.S. has a more diverse/democratic educational system.  That doesn't mean we should be content or satisfied with where we're testing. I think we must view this as a challenge that requires a concerted effort to answer. My overall conclusion is that the schools cannot do this job alone.  We must as a nation seek to elevate our achievement and lift each other - especially our students - up.

What is it with the Supreme Court

Just what is it with the Supreme Court?

First, they refuse to hear the case brought by EPIC (Electronic Privacy Information Center) asking them to require the FISA judge to vacate an order requiring Verizon to turn over sweeping customer data.

Won't someone take a stand against this immoral, illegal, and unconstitutional suspicionless, warrantless snooping?  I'm fed up with this snooping.  I'm fed up with tech firms handing over our data.  I'm fed up with being tracked by corporations - and more than one observer has said that there now is a seamlessness between the governmental and corporate spying (REALLY creepy!)  Why aren't we marching in the streets, by the millions?  If you read up on the scandal, it's clear that this isn't about counter-terrorism; it's about economics, it's about control; it's about monitoring and probably quashing dissent.  Oversight has proven to be ineffective at best, and a joke at worst.  Does anyone in Congress get it?  Do we get it?  And why aren't we screaming for real change?

Then, the Supreme Court has now allowed that draconian Texas anti-abortion law to take effect.  What are they thinking/ not thinking? 

What little I know of Supreme Court history tells me it's a mixed bag.  I'm not thrilled that we seem to be in an era where they're almost racing to the bottom.  Dred Scott and Plessy v Ferguson are in my opinion the two worst Supreme Court decisions.  However, the more recent Citizens United isn't that far behind.  And I'm dismayed by the fact they have not stood up for privacy, and for something the Supreme Court itself has upheld in Roe v. Wade.

We need to really stand up and let Congress, the Executive Branch, and yes, the judiciary - including the Supreme Court remember who they're supposedly serving.  This happens to be the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, so let us all remember that we are supposed to have a "government of the people, by the people, for the people."

More Shame

Today The Guardian had this story of the CIA requiring doctors and nurses to participate in the mistreatment of detainees.  Here is also a link for more info about the report and the members of the committee who wrote it.

One commentator wrote that this story just made him or her sick.  As humans, we should all feel at least some of that emotion over the torture of other humans.  and outrage over the shame of health professionals participating in this in any way, shape or form.

Will those involved ever be held to account?  Those involved always seem to want to shield themselves from any consequences.  But at the very least we should all be raising our voices to see that such practice stop immediately and never resume.

Guess Whose Birthday It Is

Well, it's time again to send up birthday wishes to - guess who!

Happy Birthday, John Adams!  Hope it's a great one for you.  Time does fly by (I think this one's number 278, but who's counting?) - at least for us down here it still does.

I'm still working on the biography; David McCullough has certainly done a fine job, but it is a big project to get this one finished.  One day I WILL get through it!  I noted that Mr. McCullough said on your life portraits program (C-Span) that you Adamses, down to present day, firmly believe in education.  As an educator (retired now) I second that for sure.

Well, as usual, I'll ask you to help keep an eye on us down here.  We could use it.

And today, celebrate and enjoy.

League of Concussion?

Well, I confess I enjoy watching football on Sundays - and the occasional Monday night.  Kind of strange, I guess, because I certainly tend to be the nonviolent type.  Still, I can't help rooting for certain teams.

Well, I watched the recent PBS Frontline - "League of Denial" based on a book by two brothers. It was really gripping, holding my interest for a full two hours.  If you go to the PBS site for it, there are lots of things: a book excerpt, timeline, chat transcript, and more.

This was brought back to mind especially today, when former QB Brett Favre spoke of experiencing memory loss - perhaps related to concussions.  Here's an online article on this.

My feelings are very conflicted.  I still want to be a fan, but the way the NFL has dealt with this makes me wonder about commitment to player safety.  Further, the results some researchers have found (re: CTE) have been pretty startling, so of course you have to begin to wonder about the safety of the game, period.  Naturally, there are some risks that athletes take.  We do hope that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect players and that players, managers, coaches, and officials manage the risks in a sensible manner.

Finally, one emotion that wants to come out is a great sadness.  I hate to think of the players I have watched over the years, players I'm watching today someday having the debilitating CTE symptoms some researchers found and are detailed in "League of Denial." They are/have been "heroes" and "villains"  to many of us; I'm sure we wish them all an enjoyable retirement after their playing days are over.  The physical toll is bad enough in some cases; let's hope we can help them not suffer from CTE and related dementias.

Watch out - What next?

Came across this article on the NPR news online.  I know some find NPR suspect, but online they have some good articles.

The article in question concerns credit card companies cutting off doing business with certain controversial sites; maybe they have "hate" speech or "adult" content, for example.  In my opinion, the article weighed a little too much toward the fellow who was advocating the companies do just that; I would have liked just a bit more from critics of this practice.

Now I'm  the LAST person who would condone hate speech. I believe in boycotts if you don't support something.  But I feel that people should be free to visit sites and buy goods - certainly as long as all was legal. I'm troubled by this practice, however, because it can have a really chilling on free speech.  Also, these companies don't have consistent policies.  One critic says policies are vague and they've had sites shut down that were completely legal.  I would encourage you all to read the article and to also read the comments.  I find myself more in tune with a commenter (EBrittingham) who asks if allowing a few powerful businesses such command over our financial transactions (which are increasingly online and/or by credit/debit card) is wise. 

Freedom isn't easy. Freedom of Speech and Expression can be very hard when we don't like the speech.  But we must not take the "easy" way and erode our liberties slowly.  I think another commenter posted what if the next site/organization/business these card companies want to part company with is one which you support.  That's the danger few seem to want to face. 

A Must Read from Edward Snowden

I fairly regularly follow The Guardian's coverage of the NSA spying story and Edward Snowden. 

They have a "blog" going now covering NSA/Snowden related developments.  If you visit the link and scroll down to the section marked 11:07 AM BST and marked with the title: "Snowden: Economies Are Built On Creativity, Curiosity, and Privacy." you will be able to read his statement read at the meeting of the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. There is also a video of his statement being read by a Ms. Radack.

The link:  Guardian NSA Blog

There's quite a bit in their NSA files section and Greenwald's commentary series.  I encourage you to browse them and stay informed!

Racial Issues Discussion

Hello and welcome readers!  There was some interest from folks commenting on Memory Hole Blog to have a discussion of racial issues.  So here I am setting up a thread.  Since I know this a touchy issue and discussions could get intense, allow me to set up some GUIDELINES!

First and foremost, be civil at all times and post respectfully.  No personal attacks, etc..  As of right now, comments are not moderated - that could change and I still can remove any abusive comments (and no, I WON'T censor ideas,!).  I don't think this will be a problem - everyone at MHB seems fine - but you don't know who else is reading, may want to participate, so I'd rather say it and have no need for doing so than not.  And please, as a favor to your hostess, no cursing or profanity.

Second - and this is really more of a hint - although our language is certainly imperfect and imprecise, do try to write as clearly as possible.  If your meaning is clear, there's less chance of fuss over misreading and simple misunderstanding.

I would like this discussion to be thoughtful so here are some questions to get us started.  You may answer all or any in comments and go from there...

1) Do you perceive race/ethnicity has impacted your life?  How so?  (be as specific or as general as you feel comfortable with sharing.)

2) Why do we seem to separate ourselves into "us" and "them"?  (I ask this because this has happened in many cultures over the centuries, but it seems in the U. S. it was often done along racial lines.)

3)  What changes in race relations have you noticed in your lifetime?

4) Can we eliminate racism by ignoring the existence of race?

5) What book(s) would you suggest for a reading list on race/racial issues?

My responses:

1) Full disclosure for those who don't personally know me: I'm multi-ethnic/multi-racial - that is (in alphabetical order): African-European-Native American.  It's hard to say how race has specifically impacted me.  Of course my experience I don't believe is typical.  I've not encountered very much, if any, OVERT racism, and covert? Well that's harder to pin down, but of course there have been some things here and there.  I've had supporters and mentors of most races and both genders.  My parents were great, supportive as well as my extended family (which especially on Mom's side looks now like a mini-U.N.). I also grew up in an integrated neighborhood and attended an integrated Church. So I'd better try to relate to everyone.

2) This is not original, but I think it comes from a place of fear.  "We" somehow feel threatened (about something - maybe economic?) and think it is "they" who are to blame.  Along with that, maybe if "we" look down on "them" it somehow makes us feel better about ourselves. 

3)  Hmmm - I think there was a "coming together" during the sixties - people were talking to each other even through the turmoil.  I remember going to a discussion group ( I was in maybe in 9th grade) with my parents.  Then things sort of fizzled out; groups sort of diverged, especially economically.   Now I feel the differences are probably as much socioeconomic as racial. Maybe that's why groups have such a hard time relating to each other. Socially, though - I think interaction of races is a bit lagging, I'll say.

4) Tough one.  Can we really ignore race, should we?  My own take is that we have to work on accepting each other, differences included.  My great Psych prof., Dr, Keller (shout out!) once said, it would be so boring if there were no differences in people.  The only question left would be 'Why are we all the same?'

5) The one I'll suggest is old, but I believe to be classic and more than likely still relevant.  It is  The Nature of Prejudice by Gordon W. Allport.  I will confess I have not read it, but do have a copy here somewhere!

Ok, folks, now to it!

CUNY Protests

I am again dismayed about the treatment of peaceful protesters.  This time at CUNY, protesting against ret. General Petraeus.  You can read about it here .

When will people start demanding that police stop using brutal tactics on peaceful protesters?  We cannot remain silent.  We must raise our voices in support of those who dissent. Yes, sometimes, those who dissent may be distasteful to us; however, if they do things peacefully, nonviolently, we must decry any such brutality used against them.

You can also read the support letter/petition including contact info for adding your signature.

And one more time:  I know I'm getting page views.  I would hope that someone would leave a comment or two.  I do put *some* effort into these posts; can't someone even spare a moment to comment - good, bad, indifferent?

Urgent - Save Food Stamp Funding

The House is set to consider a bill that would drastically cut food stamps (supplemental nutrition programs) ON TOP OF cuts that are already scheduled for this Fall. 

The vote might come Thurs. - that's TOMORROW.  Please contact your representative and ask that he/she vote against HR 3102.

We need to stand together and stand up for each other!

Oh, My, WHAT is going on???

I follow developments in the NSA spying scandal, of course, and there always seems to be a new outrage.

I would recommend that everyone follow this story, get informed, and press for serious reforms.  Again, probably the best place to start is The Guardian online site.

The latest incident happened just this past weekend when security at Heathrow Airport detained David Miranda, the partner of journalist Glenn Greenwald who broke the NSA story and continues to report on it.  Supposedly, he was detained using a terrorism law, but it seems clear he was involved in NO terrorist activity.  In fact, in his interview at The Guardian site, he says he was interviewed about the NSA/Snowden story, Greenwald, and Laura Poitras (who is doing documentary on the subject.  Definitely NOT terrorism.  Also it has come to light that GCHQ personnel destroyed computers in The Guardian's basement  in an attempt to stop reporting on Snowden's leaks and NSA (and GCHQ?) spying.  You can read about that (and Miranda's detention) here .

We all should be outraged that Freedom of the Press is under such severe attack.  We must start standing together to support real journalism, and to work to defend our liberties.

My Update on a Classic

Here, without further ado, is my update and take on an old classic:

First they came for the “terrorists”

And I said nothing because I was not a “terrorist”
After all, they were bad guys, right?

Then they came for the “lawbreakers”
And I said nothing because I was not a “lawbreaker”
For those who have nothing to hide had nothing to fear, right?

Then they came for the “whistleblowers”
And I said nothing because I was not a “whistleblower”
Besides, they should have followed internal procedures, right?

Then they came for the “conspiracy nuts”
And I said nothing because I was not a “conspiracy nut”
Oh, they all probably just went off somewhere to party in tin foil hats, right?

Then they came for the “protesters”
And I said nothing because I was not a “protester”
Then I finally started to think
That couldn't happen HERE; that could only happen somewhere else, right?

Then they came for me –

And the silence was deafening.

Happy Belated Birthday to Edward Snowden

Hello there!

Just saw that yesterday was the 30th birthday of whistleblower Edward Snowden.  Hope that you had a good one under the circumstances, Edward, and that you are and continue to remain, safe!

Saw the birthday blurb in the latest Glenn Greenwald piece at The Guardian site

This is a good read as to the important issues involved.  The comments are usually pretty good, too.  Pay attention to those who mention that stifling of dissent is probably at least one cause behind all this suspicionless snooping and warrantless wiretapping.

You can also read the Q and A Snowden did at the Guardian's site.  I read it a few days ago and was pretty stunned.  Here's why: 

Back in February (before any of us had heard of Snowden), I wrote a poem, the first I'd composed in a while.  When I read his response to the second part of the first question - what did he say----- "Truth is coming..."  THAT WAS THE TITLE OF MY POEM !!!  So here's the poem - I hope somehow Snowden gets to read it:

Truth is Coming (Truth Chant)

 

Truth is coming
Truth is on the horizon

Truth is coming
Truth must be our guide
Its light chasing the shadows from our path

Truth is coming
Truth must be our fortress
Its strength forming our pillar of support

Truth is coming
Truth always must be heard
Its voice piercing the static of oft-competing lies

Truth is coming
Truth must not be denied
Its pure simplicity finding a way to be openly revealed
 

Truth is on the horizon
Truth is coming


A neat (I think) aside:  The fortress/strength stanza was inspired by Rep. John Lewis. Shortly after I finished the first version of the poem, I was reviewing his BookTV appearance and at one point he said: "Nothing is stronger than the Truth!"  Well, I had to add a stanza after that!

BTW, I see I have been getting some readers - or page views anyway.  Hope some of you leave some comments sometime; it would be nice to actually hear from folks - it would make it less like speaking to an empty hall!

Protests in Turkey

I'm really appalled that the Prime Minister of Turkey used riot police to clear their famous square of protesters.  Things like this just seem to happen way too much all over the world.  Yes, here in the U. S., too.  They certainly took lots of pains to throttle the Occupy Movement.  I guess it's still around, but it's certainly getting no notice.

Why do those in power feel they have to do this.? Do they forget that they SHOULD be accountable to the people, not the other way around?  Is the lure of power so strong that they would do ANYTHING to hold on to it?  Physical force is probably the worst - as Civil Rights protesters, Suffragists, and labor organizers could probably attest.  But it can be more subtle, too.  I remember when Occupy Philly was camping in the one spot, the news media seemed to be all to happy to point out how much this was costing the city (police overtime, cleaning, etc.).

I hope the brave people of Turkey stand firm, make their voices heard, and get real results to their petitions!

Now, what would THEY say?

Especially considering the revelations of such far-reaching spying and data gathering recently, I decided to play that old game of imagining what the Founding Fathers would have to say.  We may not know for sure, but we may have some clues - and I do have some actual quotes!

So imagine a news anchor is on air when 5 gentlemen in colonial garb enter the studio...

"Here in the studio are some gentlemen with extraordinary claims.  I think I'll let them speak for themselves and you folks at home can make up your own minds."  She gives a microphone to the first guest.

"This is George Washington.  I have some real concerns about the state of our freedoms.  In 1783, I said, 'If freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to slaughter.'  Citizens, do not take this Freedom, or any other of our Freedoms for granted.  Be ever vigilant."

The next guest takes the microphone.  "This is John Adams.  I learned the hard way that Freedom of Speech needs to respected. Yes, the Bill of Rights is there for a reason.  Remember also not invest too much power in any one official.  My words are still true: ' ...trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.'  By the way, Mrs. Adams keeps asking me about why some Equal Rights Amendment has not been ratified."

The microphone passes to a third guest. "This is Thomas Jefferson.  It is true that members of our generation were the first American Dissenters.  So nothing could be more American.  I still feel that 'The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.'  Do not let government put out this fire of independence of spirit."

Guest number four now takes up the mike.  "This is Benjamin Franklin.  A wise man once said, ' They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.'  Oh, that was me, wasn't it?  Well, I told you it was a wise man!  My message to you today is do not give into fear-mongering, but cherish and defend your liberties.  Freedom may have some risks, but isn't it really better than the alternative?"

Guest number five now takes his turn.  "This is James Madison.  Please remember who ordained our Constitution.  It was 'We, the People.'  It was not We, the Surveillance State, and certainly not We, the Corporations. One of the functions of our hallowed document is to 'secure the Blessings of Liberty.'  We must make sure we hold our laws and officials to that standard."

The microphone passes back to George Washington.  "Dear citizens, remember that a republic is supposed to foster liberty and freedom. As I wrote so many years ago, 'It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it.' Know your freedoms and protect them."

The anchor receives back the microphone.  "Thank you, gentlemen for sharing with us your very stimulating thoughts.  We'll be right back after this break."

Invading Workers' Privacy

If you haven't heard of the new CVS health policy - go here.

I don't know about anyone else, but I am outraged.  We need to put a stop to this corporate invasion of workers' private lives.  Another example: there's a hospital in Phila. that will be stop hiring smokers.   What next? No workers who drink iced tea?

I've written on this issue before, and it seems to be getting worse.  One report said CVS would also be insisting employees take steps to MANAGE their health.  Another report, if I remember correctly, said the percent of companies using some sort of punishment for not submitting to corporate health dictums has increased to around 20%.

We must not just shake our heads and think - oh, it's the OTHER guys and gals who are affected.  WE might be next.  Employment is employment, not a license to control employees off the clock.

Let's do what we can to oppose these invasive behaviors.  Be sure to post a comment if you hear of or are working on any action .

Death of Lorraine Bayless

For sevreal days now, since I first heard the news, I can't stop thinking of the death of  87 year old Lorraine Bayless who was denied CPR by a staffer at the Glenwood Gardens residence facility.  This was in spite of desparate pleas from the 911 dispatcher. 

I can hardly believe this happened.  How could someone not only refuse to administer cpr but basically keep anyone else from helping as well?  In my opinion it was totally heartless.

The family says it was her wish to "die naturally".  First of all, there was NO DNR order on file according to all reports I've read.  If this really was her wish, why wasn't there such an order? I would think that would have been one of the first things done on admission. And did she really want to die collapsed on the floor with someone diverting all possibility of timely help?  It just doesn't seem right to me.

And of course we must not lose the big issue.  That is, this should NOT happen again. We need to make sure our elder facilities have decent policies and treat residents very well.