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A Controlled Apocalypse - A Fresh Start

(Before continuing, kindly place your tongue in your cheek.)

There is only one solution to global warming, widespread pollution, and to resources shortages that the world faces by the exponential growth of consumption. 
The formula is simple but requires tough choices. 
 
All growth must be stopped, worldwide, now, if we wish to halt unchecked commodity consumption, and to maintain the current levels of global warming, emissions, greenhouse gases, and pollution.   All growth - population growth, industrial growth, agricultural growth, economic development.

However, this may not be enough.  Many are dissatisfied with the state of today's world.  They want to return to an idealized world of an earlier time, for example, 1992.  The approach is the same.

We simply need to return the Earth to the conditions existing in 1992, if we wish to to reduce resource consumption, and to reduce the amount of global warming, emissions, greenhouse gases, and pollution troubling the Earth.
 
This will require at least two immediate, non-negotiable changes be made to the Earth (in no particular order):

            1.  We need to restore the supply/demand equilibrium that existed in 1992.

            2.  We need to restore the global state of socio-economic development that existed in 1992.

Of course, to restore the supply/demand equilibrium that existed in 1992, changes must be made around the world, not just in the US.  
 
Resources are becoming increaingly scarce.  In some cases, producers cannot meet demand and they are constrained on their ability to increase production. In a number of cases, the cost of production now exceeds the ability of any producer to supply the product at a price point that consumers can sustain.  In other cases, a greater problem, the resources are approaching exhaustion.
 
So, a key step to restoring the existing supply/demand equilibrium that existed in 1992, is not merely to reduce consumption, but to reduce the number of consumers: we need to eliminate about 1.4 billion people from the Earth
 
Returning to 1960 levels means eliminating 3.4 billion people, or culling the herd by 50%.

Sounds harsh but, let's face it, the environmental impact of the additional animals and cultivated plant life that are being grown to feed that 1.4 billion people have had a dramatic impact on the Earth's environment, according to the environmental crowd.  Forests and grasslands are being destroyed, coastlines hazardously populated, and deserts are being irrigated and turned to agriculture to feed and house the growing horde.

The only way to control prices and to return the Earth to some halcyon day is control consumption.  When consumption rises by 20%, but each individual can reduce their consumption, on average, by 10%, then the answer is 20% fewer consumers.  The remaining 80% will realize an immediate improvement in environmental conditions and, for some, an restoration of their standard of living.

The amount of commodities consumed by these 1.4 billion people is now exceeding the ability of producers to supply the population's needs.
Fewer people mean less consumption. Less consumption means supply and demand will be somewhat balanced. Less consumption with adequate production ought to reduce prices to 1992 levels, too.

The environment will benefit, too. By r
educing the number of carbon-exhaling and excreting people, and the carbon-generating life forms required to feed them, we also will enjoy a reduction in carbon dioxide, methane, phosphates, and sulfur and nitrogen oxides.  Less of the Earth's surface will be require cultivation to sustain them, and the forests, coastlines, wetlands, and deserts can be restored to their state of existence in 1992.

As a side benefit, will be fewer resources wasted on fighting natural trends like erosion, wildfire, and climate change.  Fewer wild animals will be endangered, too.

To restore the pattern and balance of socio-economic development that existed in 1992, we need to enforce a restoration of past socio-economic patterns and conditions. 

The Third World will be required to surrender it's current 2.5 World status.
 

For example, t
he Chinese and Indians will return to bicycles and pull carts.  Famine and disease again will be used to maintain the Darwinian balance.
 
However, we can't just clean house, and return to the old ways.
 
In the US, borders must be made nearly airtight. Children will be required to meet the highest standards in the world in math and sciences, history, and civic studies or government, or be required to take vocational courses that will render them useful in a highly skilled workforce.  
 
Should our population grow beyond the 1992 threshold, mandatory birth control measures would be required, in accordance with one's religious beliefs.
 
The US can continue to take advantage of its homegrown technology advantage and the efficiencies that it can bring, so long as its population and resource consumption does not exceed 1992 standards.
 
Of course, the entire UN operation will be culled as a start.  The UN has contributed to more suffering and wrong-headed geopolitical and socioeconomic initiatives that all of the other countries, combined, even before its inception.
 
As outlandish as it sounds, think of all of the itches that are scratched, worldwide.

Al Gore and the Church of Global Warming would be happy.  Richard Branson cabal of green zillionaires would be happy.  Greenpeace would be happy.  There'd be fewer wars, because more would be available for the remaining 80%.  From that point forward, growth, health, and economic development would be managed to the benefit of all.

We'd also be doing the jihadists a favor.  As I understand it, these characters embrace death as a way of resurrection.  The only way to true happiness is through death - our way of ife pains them.

Being a giving and understanding people, we would grant their last wish and send them on their way to see their God.

In addition, when you look around the Western world and see the number of people who are truly miserable amid a sea of relative prosperity, it would be an act of kindness to release them from their hated existence. 

So, the way to undo nearly 20 years of global warming and an increasingly unsustainable drain upon global resources, the solution is obvious - return the Earth to the way it was "back then."

It's time to cull the herd.

(OK.  Tongue out)

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Three Card Monte - Obama Style

I think folks of all persuasions are starting to take stock of Obama.  This is good for all of us.
 
At the risk of repetitive repetition, I'd like to repeat that Wright stood for TWO things: black separatism (via Black Liberation Theology) and slavery reparations.  There are two balls to watch in this game. 
(Hang in there.  This article has some surprises, including trillions of dollars and weapons of mass destruction, which might be enough to make Glenn Beck's eyeballs shoot out of his head.)
 
When you think of a street game involving sleight of hand, like Three Card Monte, you also think of a group effort.  It's not just the dealer who's working you over, there are shills, inside men, outside men, and a veritable circus of beneficiaries. It's an entire criminal enterprise.
 
Begin with sleight of hand and misdirection.  Add some public distraction and, poof! 
 
While you are watching the card game spectacle unfold with the dealer and his cronies, you don't see others of the con man team picking your pocket, taking your SSN, credit card numbers, and license number, rifling your Day-Timer for your home schedule, and generally figuring out how to drain you dry over the weeks ahead.  You just see the mesmerizing display, cheesy suits, and intriguing "magic.".
 
They aren't just going for that $20 bill you put down on the Monte game.  They want everything you've got.
 
The whole thing with Obama smelled like a con game from the beginning.  A sophisticated con game, but a con game nevertheless. 
 
This bright and shiny new politician suddenly appears on the scene, has an ocean of backing and money, and is calling us all around his table to play in his cool, uplifting game.  He is so "magical" that he can dice the one of the most powerful political machines in the country, and leap to the lead in the Democratic race.
 
It's a mesmerizing display.  If you begin to notice activity on the sidelines, you see things are happening.   Dodgy characters appear and are shooed away in a stage whisper.  Still, you may not see "it" coming.
 
Doesn't this Obama thing all seem a little odd?
 
The rhetoric of Wright on black separatism was so over-the-top that people finally looked over the race card at the game table. They are now looking around a little but remain mesmerized by the fireworks.  It may be human nature to assume that there is only one issue that needs to be addressed and all else is well. Not so.
 
All along, there have been TWO PARTS to the Obama game.
 
What do
  • Wright/TUCC,
  • Farrakhan/Nation of Islam,
  • Shabazz/The New Black Panther Party,
  • Clarence Munford/The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA), and
  • John Conyers -- the House Judiciary Committee Chair --
ALL have in common?

Black Liberation Theology *and* Reparations!  

You can't have one without the other.  The reparations part of the Obama circus is the behind-the-scenes pocket-picking.  While we were being distracted by Obama's smooth talk (and now by the separatism rants of Wright), we aren't watching the other element of their game - reparations. 
 
How much reparations are "they" talking about? 
 
TEN TRILLION DOLLARS, as a start.  Ten million bags each with a million dollars, just as a start - to catch up to the end of the Civil War.
 
In an article about leading reparationist and separationist, Clarence Munford, John Conyers, and the Reparations Bill, H.R. 40: 
"On the international scene, Munford is an active participant, with other historians, legal scholars, social scientists and psychologists, in the preparation of legislative recommendations and a legal brief in regards to U.S. Bill HR 40.  Introduced by Detroit congressman John Conyers Jr., the bill would acknowledge the fundamental injustice of slavery in the United States and create a commission to examine the resulting economic and racial discrimination against African-Americans and the impact of these forces on those still living in the United States. The commission would also make recommendations to Congress on appropriate remedies, which N'COBRA economists say should include reparations as high as $10 trillion US.
*   *   *  
The value of the accrued wages of Africans enslaved in the United States, plus interest, has been estimated at anywhere from $5 trillion to $10 trillion US. This debt does not count the other billions of dollars that may have been lost to blacks in the last 130 years through segregation and reduced job opportunities due to racial discrimination. Nor does it count the additional debts owed to the descendants of slavery in other countries - the West Indies, for example, where thousands were enslaved."
 
In April 2007, Conyers noted that he was willing to wait to begin his big push for reparation until after Obama was elected to the Presidency. (See other posts, citing TheHill.com) 
Considering that Conyers has been pushing hard for reparations since 1989, and finally had a bill (HR 40) introduced into the House in Jan. 2007, you've got to wonder why Conyers suddenly wants to get below the radar for reparations.

Does Conyers know something the rest of us doesn't?  Has Qaddafi's money to Farrakhan been siphoned through Farrakhan and Wright, and all of their adherents, to give Obama the spectacular cash gets he's enjoyed?

(Note: Obama dodged the reparations question in the SC debate, and may have avoided the State of the Black Union for this reason too - to avoid waves).

I can only imagine what a group of people will pull to get even a tiny fraction of TEN TRILLION DOLLARS!

With this in mind, it may be instructive to review Obama's race speech, particularly where he raises black inequality and white responsibility/guilt.  Obama's strange choice of words may not be so strange after all.

In the course of muddying the waters on Black Liberation Theology and race relations, Obama clearly telegraphed his intent to implement reparations, if elected.
 
A lot of non-blacks have been saying that reparations will never happen.  Don't be so sure. For that amount of money all bets are off.

As a matter of fact, Clarence Munford is calling for blacks to arm themselves with weapons of mass destruction to gain compliance from whites: 
Military power is needed to overcome the fear that has paralyzed Black people for so long and that has made Africa a cipher in the diplomatic power equation. There is no ducking the need, therefore, to acquire weapons of mass destruction. Any Black nation which truly aspires to Great Power status must have them. The news of full-power weaponry at Black disposal would mean that our people would no longer be ignored during international emergencies. It would inspire confidence in Black folk wherever they live. The news of full-power weaponry at Black disposal would mean that our people would no longer be ignored during international emergencies. It would inspire confidence in Black folk wherever they live. We would know that our interests would be taken seriously. Black diplomatic input would not only be sought, it would finally have some clout. Just knowing that the hand of a Black statesman is poised somewhere over an Armageddon button, like the hands of white statesmen have been for decades, would neutralize the fearful inferiority some of us feel. It would also inspire some respect in the white man, causing him to fear us for a change.
 
Was the WMD "over the top" on my part?  Alarmist? Considering the consequences if this guy had a 1 part per billion chance of success, I'd say no.

It may be time to start storing non-perishables and potable water.  If Obama is not stopped, we may be toast.
 
 
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How 10% of Voters Can Rule A "Democracy"

Some have noted that our enemies are using the democratic to install powerful Islamist, anti-US governments.  They become confused about Islam being a "peaceful" religion and the governments of those states planning death for Americans worldwide.
If these Islamist countries only had "free" elections, the thinking goes, they would become just like us (US) and peaceful.  Not so.  
 
Some countries are moving to popular votes instead of edicts, as a way of gaining control of the populace.  It's a two-step process, with radical Islamists laying the initial relgious groundwork for the final political step. It smells like democracy; the people have a say in what happens; and we have not ground to complain.

In a way, we may become a victim of our own success, our craving to clone our flavor of freedom in areas where Freedom is defined by Sharia law.  Where radical Islamists are democratically elected, we have no room to gripe.  Look at trends in Pakistan.

In the US, a very small but motivated, political, religious, or social group can seize control of government.  For example, a turnout of only about 10% of the voting population can be enough to determine the winner of the election.  To be sure, the voters need to be strategically located, but it does not invalidate the concept.
 
When only 20% of the voters turn out and the other 80% stay at home, the outcome of the election, though "democratic," can be very skewed to one particular view.  For example, in a three-candidate race with a 20% voter turn-out, where 10% vote for one candidate, 8% for another, and 2% for a third, it is the candidate with 10% of the vote who goes on to govern.
 
Although this election cycle will have a wider representation of the populace, may elections in this country have been held with a voter turnout of 20% or less.  So, I'm not speculating here.

It really doesn't matter whether the 80% non-voters are bored or angry with both candidates, as happens here in the US, or whether the 80% of non-voters are fearful of voting, as happens in some radicalized states, the outcome for both is still bad, even if the democratic process was faithfully followed in each country.

As you can see, a highly motivated voting block of only 10% of the voter population can have a dramatic impact on a nation's leadership, and a small minority, or faction, can rule and control the (unarmed) masses.
 
So if Ayatollah Azzahola gets out his followers in droves, while the rest sit at home, then the Ayatollah Azzahola governs the nation as it sees fit.  Being in power, they can persuade or even force a enough of the other 90% to do their bidding, that worldwide havoc would result.  After all, how many people were originally in the Nazi Party?

So, we must use a modicum of caution and common sense to "liberate" countries and introduce them to democracy.  If our enemies' governments are democratically elected, we lose the pretext of wiping them out to eliminate a dictatorship, and we have a perversion of democracy used to our detriment.

We need to keep this concept in the forefront of our minds for November.  When you look at the kooks ranting during this election, consider that they may be crazy enough to turn out.  Their turnout may be enough to turn this country on its head.  When all of the "Drink The Kool-Aid" rhetoric starts to fly about voters abstaining or making protest votes, I'm reminded of just how fragile our democracy really is.  These dimwits could kill our country and not even realize it.

We do not need "majority rule" to determine our leaders, only the most motivated voting bloc.

 
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Obama's Pervasive Racism - Wright and La Raza

There is/was speculation that Obama was in Chicago, attending Wright's "United States of White America" hate speech on July 22, 2007.  This would prove, to some, that Obama knew of Wright's vile racism.
 
 
Apparently, Obama wasn't dancing with the Wright devil that day, but in Miami with another bunch of vile racists, La Raza ("The Race"). 
 
 
Obama was promising amnesty and freebies galore to this hispanic group.

La Raza is the front organization for the radical hispanic terrorist group, MEChA.
 
What's MEChA?
 
Here's a taste:
"We don’t want to drink from a White water fountain, we have our own wells and our natural reservoirs and our way of collecting rain in our aqueducts. We don’t need a White water fountain. So the whole issue of segregation and the whole issue of the Civil Rights Movement is all within the box of White culture and White supremacy. We should not still be fighting for what they have. We are not interested in what they have because we have so much more and because the world is so much larger. And ultimately the White way, the American way, the neo liberal, capitalist way of life will eventually lead to our own destruction."
One of their goals is to "re-unite" California with Mexico, which would su!ck for the masses of Native Americans murdered and displaced in California by these folks.  Incidentally, Aztlan is a synthetic nation, devised to rile up uneducated hispanic natives into a "cause."
 
Be very afraid.
 
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Obama Excuses Wright, Sells Book

For the sake of the country, I was hoping Obama would set forth his positions, and not just continue with the same old "Grand Vision" theme.
 
I'm certain that the true believer Obamabots will consider today's speech as the Rosetta Stone, explaining everything.  In fact, it only raises more questions, and shows us what a creepy guy he is.  Obama has added a new level to the term "intellectually dishonest" today.  Really now, who does he think he is kidding?
 
His speech was an outrageous exercise in hide the ball.  If you pay attention to what Obama says in his speech, he dangles the slap down of Wright before the crowd and, as soon as the slow-minded in the crowd take the bait, he snatches it away - and excuses Wright!  His devotees are none the wiser.

"It has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn."

Ya think, bunkie?  You've been trying to hide this Wright thing since you entered the race.  Obama, I'd say you were extremely lucky that the DNC apparatus was able to keep most of their media buffaloed into seeing that halo around you.

Because you waited until the issue blew up, it would be a compliment to call you "disingenuous."  You knew about Wright's preaching.  You said so yourself over a year ago.  You and Wright discussed that, some day in the future, you might need to distance yourself from him.

Now, that day has come, and you made the typical Democrat foul call of "UNFAIR!"  Grow some, Obama.

"I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy."

Yeah, so??? That isn't the point.  So, if you don't get it, you aren't smart enough to be President.  If you do, then you are pretty slimy. 
To save your political skin, you had to say something about his hateful invective.  If you defended the particular sound bites of Wright that started this wave of controversy, you'd be a raving lunatic - like Farrakhan.
 
However, you never stated your positions on the social and political stances taken, and preached in the pulpit, by Wright.  You only distanced yourself from the statements that created controversy so far.  You just know there is more, so why don't you lay out your position?

"And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way."
 
What were you doing during the two decades that Wright was d@mning Amerikkka, Obama???  Sleeping?
 
The video clips that were aired didn't come from some trolling media gerbil, like you might find at DailyKOS, MediaMatters, or MSNBC.  They were from the "Jeremiah Wright's Greatest Hits (against the white devils)."  What did you expect?
 
Were not talking about Wright's caricatures, but your character, Obama.

"In my first book, Dreams From My Father ..."

What?  A shameless plug!  How cheesy!

"I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother..."
 
Wait, Obama, what did your grandmother do or say that was even remotely like Wright?  It's oh, so clever to bring in "white" and "grandmother" to your defense in one fell swoop.
 
Don't bring my people into this, dude!  You are the one who is actively courting the black vote.  You had a lot of white folk hoodwinked by your baloney. At least he didn't diss the Asians.

"Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven’t fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today’s black and white students.

Legalized discrimination - where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments – meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today’s urban and rural communities.

A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one’s family, contributed to the erosion of black families – a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods – parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement – all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.

                                                                                    *   *   *

In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds – by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper."

So, here we see Obama setting the stage for justifying reparations, if he is elected.  What a horror.
 
I can't believe that Obama had the b@lls to excuse what Wright and many other blacks openly say about whites, without fear of recrimination or reproach.  They just laugh, chuckle, and holler "AMEN!"  That stuff just would not fly in white churces or white communities, no matter what.
 
For anyone who reads Obama's words today - really reads them - they see more smoke, more malarkey.  Playing the victim card, playing the race card, playing the underdog card, carting out his "white" "grandmother" for cover, telling us why he's going to impose crushing taxes on some of us and, worst of all, selling his book.
 
I'm glad that Obama's background is getting more scrutiny, and his affiliations are undergoing vetting - finally.  As I predicted, some of the Obama supporters were bound to awaken, and question their views, once they understood Wright's extreme rac!st and anti-American views.  Unfortunately, others will soldier on, making excuse after excuse for hatred and divisiveness, and pointing the finger of blame at the target of the hatred, just like Obama.

Again, it's not a matter of guilt by association, but merely a matter of raising legitimate questions about a candidate's positions, and his judgement and character in adopting or tolerating divisive views.

Obama's statement didn't answer anything, so the probing (and the heat) must continue.  What did Obama do before he was elected to office? All we really have are his books, and what precious little we are being selectively fed by Obama's machine.  We know just about every bump and wart in McCain and Clinton's pasts (not all), but Obama is still unknown.  I think it's time to turn over the rocks and see what this man's left behind.

 

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Time To Re-Target Paris ...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/12/europe/france.php
 
"Asked whether the United States could repair the damage it has suffered to its reputation during the Bush presidency and especially since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Kouchner replied, 'It will never be as it was before.'"
 
No, it won't be as it was before. I don't want it to be - vulnerable and open to bullying by Islamists, socialists, communists, and religious zealots, as it has been during each Democratic President's term of office.
 
France has an enormous problem with its Arab community.  High unemployment, frequent riots, hatred and anger toward the government.  There are a lot of terrorists passing under the radar there, intermingling with decent citizens and immigrants.
 
France will never be as it ought to be.  The magic was never there.
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Obama *MUST* Explain His Position on Wright's Black Separatism and Reparations

In a previous post, I stated my belief that Obama must explain the influence of Rev. Jeremiah Wright on his intientions to lead this country.

http://mhucao.blogtownhall.com/2008/03/07/obama_must_explain_wrights_influence.thtml
 
Recently, more videos of Wright's recent preaching have been publicized.  In one video, dated Christmas Day 2007, Wright is seen, in the pulpit, denouncing the Clintons, going as far as saying "Hillary has never been called a n!gger!," as if her race somehow disqualifies her from leading blacks.
 
He also makes hateful remarks against rich whites - from the pulpit!  "God damn America!"
 
(UPDATE: Here's a link to a great post from Sharon Hughes on this point:
 
Really now!  Who has been slyly injecting race into the Democratic primary election cycle? 
 
Obama, through his surrogates, Wright and Farrakhan.
 
Time after time, we see reverse racism injected into the election.  Non-blacks (e.g., Geraldine Ferraro) are set ablaze for uttering any word thought to be a racist "code word," or for making some remark that is an indirect and not totally inaccurate characterization of race in the election. Oh, cracker! How dare you use race!
 
How can Wright not be excoriated for making such blatant racist comments?  Will he be allowed to hide behind his collar and the First Amendment?  Wright's statements do not fall within the protections afforded by the First Amendment deference to religion, do they?
 
Wright is not just a homeless lunatic ranting at a trash dumpster, he is the leader of what's been described as a "megachurch," with a huge following of those faithful who are influenced by, and adhere to the preachings of, Wright.
 
Wright openly preaches a gospel of black separatism, and is not just showing a passing disdain with an opposing candidate.
 
Wright is foolishly risking the tax-exempt status of his church by making political statements from the pulpit.  He knows the rules.  Either he knows that he can face down the government on the matter of the separation of state from his church, or he really doesn't care what the law may be.  Let's see how quickly Wright attempts to characterize the IRS scrutiny as "racist," or an attempt by Bush or the Clintons, or the "rich white men" to discredit him
 
Obama cannot refute that Wright has influenced him.
 
Wright is the man who inspired Obama to become Christian.  Wright has been Obama's spiritual mentor for 20 years.  This is more than mere association. 
 
It is reasonable to infer that Obama has adopted at least some of Wright's beliefs in order to be converted to Christianity.  It is reasonable to infer that Obama has embraced Wright's beliefs on black separatism and slavery reparations.  Had Obama not embraced Wright's teachings on black separatism and slavery reparations, he could have attended a different church, where the pastor did not advance such views.
 
We all have a "crazy uncle" in the family.  We all have some persons we admire that we may not fully embrace.  To use these rationalizations is a disingenuous ruse intended to deflect any scrutiny into Obama's beliefs on the political and social philosophies that are taught by Wright, and their influence on Obama.  
 
In some ways, Wright's preachings may now be politically painful for Obama.  Obama is forced to distance himself from those words of Wright, even if he still embraces Wright.  However, Obama's current political pain is meaningless because Wright has preached a convenient form racism for decades, and he is still at it.
 
Had Wright's sermons exhorted the faithful to do good deeds, avoid evil, and be kind to others, hisinfluence on Obama would not cry out for scrutiny.
 
But Wright practiced a particularly noxious form of ministry - one that separates under the guise of unification, one that spews hate in the name of Love. 
 
It is not enough for Obama to distance himself from Wright's current, embarrassing words.
 
Obama must explain his views of race, unity, and reparations, on the record, and must categorically denounce the Gospel of Wright.
 
John F. Kennedy was pro-active and held an extensive news conference, where he faced a no-holds-barred grilling from those concerned about the influence of the Church on Kennedy's ability to govern as President.  I remember that news conference, it wasn't a subdued chat with Russert.
 
See: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jfkhoustonministerialQ&A.htm
 
Obama must confront this issue head-on, in a pro-active way, using an open, no-holds-barred press conference, in the Kennedy model.  Wright's theology is far more explosive and divisive than the theology of Catholic could ever be, so Obama owes it to every American to step up and explain his positions on race, separatism, black liberation theology, Wright's anti-white statements, Wright's flouting of the law, and, of course, the influence of Wright's ongoing demands for slavery reparations. 
 
If he doesn't, then he is unworthy of governing this country.
 
 
 
 
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Farrakhanism Is Not Islam

I've noticed, with some amusement, how many seem to confuse Obama's ties to Farrakhan and his Nation of Islam, with ties to Muslims and Islam. 

Apparently, the people who call themselves "Black Muslims" aren't Muslims at all.  The Nation of Islam isn't a legitimate version of Islam.  It is a socio-political organization using the appearance of a religion as a way to deter scrutiny.

Louis Farrakhan's odd mixture of passages from the Qur'an (Koran) and scriptures from the Holy Bible always puzzled me. Although there is a historically common heritage between the Bible and the Qur'an, Farrakhan's intermingling of the two holy tests with his own brand of vengenace, hatred, and racism never seemed to jibe with either Judaeo-Christian or Islamic principles.  Farrakhan

On first glance, the anti-American radical islamists demanding jihad against Western countries ought to despise the outright corruption of Islamic dogma by the Black Muslims.  However, in the honor-based society in which the jihadists flourish, "an enemy of my enemy is a friend of mine," giving the Black Muslims a pass.  This is very unfortunate for the many good Muslims in the US and around the world.
The distorted hatred spewed by the Nation of Islam should not be confused with the teachings of Islam.  A member or affiliate of the Nation of Islam may be a Muslin but they also may be a Christian.
 
In many ways, Farrakhan's teachings are considered to be heretical to traditional Muslim prinicples and tenets.  Likewise, the Nation of Islam is not considered to be a legitimate Islamic entity.
 
Although to avoid extreme controversy, some Muslims deem the NOI as a "religion," they make clear that it isn't part of their religion (Islam). For example,  

 ISLAM, and so-called "NATION OF ISLAM," are two different religions. The only thing common between them is  the  jargon, the language used by the both. "The Nation of Islam" is a misnomer;  this religion should be called Farrakhanism, after the name of its propagator. The religion of Elijah Muhammad and W.D. Fard  died with their death because their officially and popularly elected successor, W.D. Muhammad, integrated the community with the Muslim  community at-large, following the Qur'an and Hadith of  Prophet  Muhammad, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Louis Farrakhan joined W.D. Muhammad and gave  his pledge of allegiance to him after Elijah Muhammad's death; he later rebelled and broke his oath with impunity, or without paying any expiation, and restarted "The Nation of Islam."

 * * *

On the topic of God/Allah Alone:
    ISLAM: One Unique, never appeared in any physical form; hence, no physical representation is possible.  He is recognized through his 99 names.

    FARRAKHANISM: "...Allah (God)  appeared  in the Person of Master W. Fard Muhammad, July 1930; the long awaited 'Messiah' of the Christians and the 'Mahdi' of the Muslims."

 taken from
 
Islam FAQ (Part 10/15): Islam: Farrakhism & Malcom X
 
Again, a member or affiliate of the Nation of Islam may be a Christian or a Muslim, or anything else.  
 
Why is this relevant?  Because Obama support from the NOI does not mean that Obama is a Muslim. 
 
If a man is known by the company he keeps, and birds of a feather flock together, then it is not mere coincidence that Obama's spiritual mentor, Jeremiah Wright, and Louis Farrakhan constitute a mutual admiration society. 
 
Both Wright and Farrakhan are black separatists.
Both demand slavery reparations.
Both have spoken Obama's praises from their pulpits (federal law be damned). 
Both have embraced and endorsed Obama.
Farrakhan is known to call for the destruction of America, and for overthrowing the US government other than by Constitutional means.  Farrakhan is a known anti-Semite, anti-white, anti-Asian ...
 
Guilt by association? No.
 
Obama is not being condemned for associating with these men.  However, these circumstances suggest that a reasonable inquiry be made into Obama's beliefs on the issues, which Wright and Farrakhan hold so dearly.  
 
Farrakhanism isn't Islam, and Farrakhan's motives for endorsing Obama ought not be shielded by First Amendment deferences to religion.
 
 

 
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FLASH! SPITZER'S WIFE HIRES SAMURAI MOHEL ...

The URPi (Unconfirmed Rumor Press international) is reporting that Spitzer's wife has awarded a contract to an unidentified Samurai Mohel to perform a emergency total schvantz-ectomy on Gov. Spitzer.  The date and time of the procedure is not known, but is acknowledged to be imminent. 

Sources say that the contract requires Gov. Spitzer is to be gelded, with the Governor's oysters being gilded and wall-mounted.

According to reports, the semi-retired Mohel is legally-blind and has severe Parkinson's disease.  

Also, URPi reports that Lorena Bobbitt has been retained, as the Mohel's substitute, in case of illness. 

Off the record, Wall Street insiders told URPi that the procedure will be funded and officiated by approximately two hundred unidentified hedge fund managers, currently passing a top hat for donations in unmarked bills. 

The procedure is to be performed in Spitzer's Park Avenue home, because attending the procedure in Albany would violate the attendees terms of parole. 
 
 
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STDs and Teens - A Product of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

It's being widely reported that 1 in 4 teen females have an STD.
 

Although I believe the "1-in-4" number to be grossly overstated and self-servingly alarmist, I also believe that this epidemic, whatever its scope and magnitude, found its roots in the misguided, cynical, progressivism of the 1990's.
 
However, regarding the study, there are two issues (among others) that immediately come to mind:

1.  Study sample issue, and
2.  The "Virginity" issue
 
The underlying study may be defective because of the population that participated in the study - those questioned may have been in groups more likely to engage in sexual activity, to admit having sex, and to seek treatment for what they recognize as an illness. 
 
The population sampled may be more sexually active, with less sexually active or sexually inactive teens not participating in the study.  For example, teens in urban areas have far more access to public health facilities or private organizations like Planned Parenthood, than teens in smaller urban or rural areas.  Sexually active teens in large urban areas may be more likely to go to such facilities.

So, less sexually active teens in large urban areas may not have been counted, as were teens in smaller urban or rural areas.. 
It is a common error with medical and sociological studies to confuse a large sample size, or a long sampling duration, with representation of a population as a whole, particularly when the study subjects are drawn primarily from urban areas.  This is not to say that the teens in less populated areas are having less sex or are less likely to have an STD.  We just don't know.  
 
Also, many sexually active teens will not admit to engaging in sexual activity, even if they are given assurances of confidentiality.  As a result, those who participated in the study were more likely to be open about their sexuality.

Again, away from a large urban setting, teens may be more reserved, fearing potential sanctions.   As a result they (a) may not report their activity accurately or (b) just not engage in the behavior to the extent that urban youths do.  I've observed such differences in behavior between youths in large urban areas and others.  Although I can't say that my observations invalidate this study, they do raise questions.

Was the questionnaire administered to teens who recognized that their symptoms might be an STD, and also sought treatment for that illness?  If so, the self-selection may artifically inflate the prevalence of STDs in teens. 
 
The teens seeking medical attention for STD symptoms are those who recognize those symptoms as indicating a disease.   Many teens just do not recognize illnesses, including STDs, if they are aymptomatic or do not have symptoms associated with a "disease," e.g., pain, bleeding, loss of function.  These teens may attribute their symptoms to something "natural," or hygiene-related, or something merely embarrassing. 
 
Ignorance, peer attitudes, parental attitudes, and the conflicting moralistic positions of political and religious groups also may tend to distort who steps forward. If the symptoms are in the genitourinary system, the teen may consult with a peer before they speak with a parent.  These factors may tend to distort, and possibly undercount, STD prevalence among some subgroups. 

The impact of symptoms driving diagnosis, and an admission of sexual activity, may significantly skew the study results, even if its extent may never be known.

One CDC presentation shows that, although syphilis and chlamydia dropped between 1996 and 2000, trichomonas, hepatitis, human papilloma virus, HIV, and herpes went up. 

http://www.cdc.gov/STDConference/2004/PlenMiniPlen/Douglas.pps

This presentation may be related to the reported study, given some of the characteristics.

With the exception of herpes, and perhaps trich, most of the diseases listed as increasing in frequency are more insidious, having less overt symptoms. Teens may not be seeking treatment for an STD unless they have one that is symptomatic, or have another STD with disturbing symptoms.  Open sores and a fishy smell might get a teen's attention.  Other signs may not.
 
There are many questions that come to mind in the area of modern views on "virginity."  All of the hoopla over abstinence has created a bizarre climate in which teens believe that oral or anal contact is safe sex, or do not constitute "sex" at all.   It may not matter whether one spits or swallows, because contact itself may be enough. There's even the absurd notion of "born again" virginity!  Be real!

What the liberals in government have done, for their gain, is to bait the religious right into a moral battle over teen sexuality and teen health.  So, instead of the issues being focused on healthy sexual behavior consistent with future reproductive health and with life itself, they've turned it into a battle of right and wrong, good and bad, sin and virtue, with the teens taking the path of least resistance, and developing their own sexual sensibilities, while the adults are engaged in moralistic pissing wars.

Extrapolating study data to say that 1 in 4 female teens have an STD doesn't pass the sniff test (no pun intended), sounds alarmist, and brings the validity of the study's conclusion, if not the study itself, into question.

Even if the STD statistics are overstated, what that data show is that the intrusion of the govenment into the parent-child relationship, particularly with older teens, has created a disconnect between parents and older children, denying parents the opportunity to confront difficult issues head on, and leaving teens with the impression that they can turn to government as their authority and safe haven.  It used to be "Go ask your mother/father."  Now, it's "Go ask Uncle Sam."  He'll say "Yes" anyway. 

To those who doubt that, consider the propaganda about smoking and drugs - we are told that children *do* listen to their parents about those issues, we are told.  In those public service ads, the goverment tells us that it is not the surrogate for the parents, in educating children about the risks of smoking and drugs. However, on sexual health and education matters, the government takes the opposite approach. 

Indeed, the government has become the surrogate parent on all sexual matters.  It is the arbiter of what parent are allowed to know about their childrens' health and medical matters.  It also is the organization that shifts responsibility back to the parent for payment of complications of "confidential" health treatments, and to the kids (now adults) themselves for dealing with alterations to their reproductive potential by unsurpervised government-sanctioned treatments given during their teens.

Giving birth control pills, or providing "secret" abortions," to teen females under 18 years of age, without parental knowledge, is particularly outrageous.  The anatomy and physiology of teens is far from settled, and administering these powerful drugs before physical maturity can be exceptionally risky.  The parent may be kept out of the loop on matters that may profoundly, and adversely, impact their daughter's health and future reproductive capability.

The spike in STDs is the legacy of the Clinton "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" 90's.  I'm afraid that children and young adults will never be provided with reliable, sensible, age-appropriate information.  On one hand, progressives fight to front-load sexual education with gay and transgender issues, and hand out condoms to kids who have yet to sprout pub!c hair.  On the other, religious zealots do everything in their power to obstruct even the most even-handed, age-appropriate, health-oriented sexual education. 

In between children and young adults lack the scientific or factual knowledge to know what these diseases really are, to know how easily they can become infected, to understand how quickly they can become reproductively handicapped, or to make rational decisions about their bodies.

It's a clever but disingenuous trick to pick a fight with the religious zealots, because then the issue can be turned into a pitched battle of separation of church and state, with the state moving forward despite the objections of others.  Both sides quibbled over avoiding pregnancy and abortion rights, when neither side saw the forest for the trees.  

The focus is health care, not morals.   By preventing disease, unwanted pregnancies, and abortions, can largely be averted.  But, battling disease doesn't make the same political hay as pitting "right" vs. "wrong." 

This was one way for Clintonian Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education to grow their budgets under the guise of a noble cause, when the players were totally incompetent in understanding the problem or the battle to be fought. 

By the time 2001 rolled around, this "Don't Ask, Don't tell" ignorance had become ingrained throughout the public education and health care systems. On matters of sexual health, parents are considered to be the adversary.  The children always are right.  The children may turn to the government to protect them from parental scrutiny or debate on delicate matters.  The government is your friend.  Your parents are not to be trusted.

The fruits of this public health/education fiasco cited in this study recently began to come of age to vote.  Perhaps these are the "Children of Obama," who look to government to save them from theirselves, and to run cover for them on difficult issues.  Obama's message of hope is a continuation of the theme that the government will care for them, if they only submit to what the government believe is right for them.

If nothing else, this study suggests that freedom of choice, without the benefit of knowledge, can be a dangerous if not deadly tool.

 

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Colin Powell to Run With McCain!?!

Just a thought.  A skilled warrior/war hero and a seasoned diplomat, to boot. OK, so he's not a Conservative darling, but think of how pissed off the liberals would be. 

Howard Dean would have a stroke.  I'd love it.

Kindly send all rants, right or left, to the bit bucket, to be filed in the "Don't Care" section. 
 
 
 
 
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Obama Must Explain Wright's Influence

Obama must explain Rev. Wright's influence on his views of race, religion, and unity in this country.

Who is this Rev. Wright?  Why is such an inquiry relevant?

Obama belongs to the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Its pastor, Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. is Obama's spiritual mentor (in Obama's words).
 
Wright preaches using a black separationist philosophy based on "black liberation theology." What does this mean?
 
Wasn't Wright the one who converted Obama to Christianity?  Surely, after 20 years, Wright has made some impact on Obama.  If not, was Obama really attending church to find spiritual inspiration, or did he attend just because it was fun to go?
 
In 2007, TUCC and Wright presented Farrakhan with a Lifetime Achievement Award, praising his "integrity and honesty" as as one of the giants of the African-American religious experience in the 20th and 21st centuries.
 
What does it take to be recognized for a Lifetime Achievement Award by Wright and TUCC?  Wouldn't the selection of the awardee give substantial insight into the views, values, and beliefs of the awarding spiritual organization and its spiritual leader? 

Farrakhan is the leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI). (NOI is *not* a Muslim sect or a branch of Islam, but a socio-political organization borrowing the word Islam to achieve its ends.  Some Muslims refer to the NOI teachings as "Farrakhanism."  The "soldiers" of the NOI are known as the Fruits of Islam). 

Farrakhan's occasional good deeds for the community notwithstanding, he is a raving bigot who *openly* advocates the outright destruction of America. 

Farrakhan is rabidly anti-white, anti-Asian, anti-Hispanic, anti-Jew, anti-Christian (of flavors he dislikes), and homophobic.

Farrakhan has made hate speeches and lectures for over three decades, targeting Jews ("bloodsuckers"), whites ("blue-eyed devils" and the "anti-Christ"), America, and homosexuals.

Farrakhan believes that Jews control the government, the media, and some black organizations. Women are expected to remain in the background, serving their men.
 
So, this is the kind of "man" who deserves a Lifetime Achievement Award from Wright and Obama's church. Certainly, it would be reasonable to make some logical inferences. 

Not guilt by association as much as grounds for pointed questions to be asked, of Obama, if not Wright.

What else does Rev. Wright advocate? Slavery reparations.

The following is available on the Internet via the included links:

============================================
 
Reparations for Blacks, a ‘mission of God’

The Reverend Jim Wallis has called racism America’s greatest sin before God. That sin is exacerbated by the fact that America has never repented for the sin she committed against hundreds of millions of Africans in chattel slavery.  “To admit to that sin, to confess that mistake and to apologize for a wrong for which there is no justification is not something that anyone with a racist mind would ever consider as a possibility,” says The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, of Chicago.
 
Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of presidential candidate, Barak Obama, will be the keynote speaker at the 20th Anniversary Gala of the National Conference of Blacks for Reparations in America (N ‘COBRA) on Thursday, June 21 2007,  7:00PM at 3801 Market Street.   “The biblical principle of true repentance is that the offended party is given compensation to make up for that which has been stolen from them, the losses they have been inflicted upon them and their families,” said Rev. Wright in a written statement to N’COBRA.

===================================

Note how Wright advertises himself as "pastor of presidential candidate, Barak Obama."  Not bad self-promotion there, Reverend.

So what do we understand about Wright?

Both Wright and Farrakhan are ardent black separationists.
Both Wright and Farrakhan are ardent slavery reparations advocates.
 
This isn't guilt by association as much as "birds of a feather, fly together." With Farrakhan and Wright, it isn't guilt by association as much as association of the guilty.

At least, Wright has *not* been anti-Semitic, as far as I could see. 

It is not enough that Obama "distances" himself from Wright's Lifetime Achievement Award comments, considering that, for 20 years, Obama called Wright his spiritual mentor.  Is Obama going to renounce 20 years of Wright's separatism, too?
 
Is it not enough that Obama gives a wink-and-nod "rejection" of Farrakhan, considering that Farrakhan himself acknowledged that Obama's rejection was a necessary inconvenience.  Farrakhan and Wright go way back.  How far back does Obama go, too?
 
These are legitimate questions for a Presidential candidate.

Obama must provide clear, unambiguous explanations of his views on racial divide, particularly how 20 years of Rev. Wright's black separationist sermons have influenced his views. 

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Thanks In Advance To ALL Veterans

Thanks in advance to all of you who are becoming veterans, whether you come back to a great life and welcoming arms, or a hostile environment and a life full of challenges. 

Thanks in advance to all veterans for continuing your fight for freedom here at home, throughout your life.  Your enemies are ignorance and wishful thinking, both of those who mean well and of those who disrespect you.  However, the enemy is not the ignorant, deluded individuals themselves.  Your weapons of choice will be your intelligence, your self-discipline, your experience, your courage, and your determination.  

Thanks is advance to the patriotic veterans who commit to life-long study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights for which they fought.  You took an Oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and to "bear true faith and allegiance to the same."  By your Honor, you remain bound by that Oath.  Do not permit the nation to bend to the current whim of the majority, or to the pressures of conformity with foreign powers. Stand firmly against infringement of any one of the Amendments forming the Bill of Rights. Understand that the Constitutional Right to Free Expression permits irate protests, political rough-housing, open contention, "politically-incorrect" or hateful speech, and hostile debate. Even Flag burning is permitted, because it provides a non-violent outlet for expression of displeasure with our government.

Thanks in advance to veteran students who continue their your education - the nation needs you as leaders in every field.  As in the military, you can lead by example.  Even if you weren't the best in your unit, returning to civilian life offers you a new opportunity to excel

Thanks in advance to every veteran who will struggle, in the years ahead, to catch up, in income, education, seniority, professional development, and career advancement, to those who chose to stay safe.  Your service and dedication will be acknowledged and praised on occasion, but the cheers are short-lived and hollow.

Thanks in advance to the disabled veterans who will struggle to get needed treatment from the VA, because the "liberal" Congress finds ways to divert funds to dozens of general budget social programs not including disabled veterans.  As bewildering and confusing as the bureacracy of the Department of Veterans Affairs may appear, understand that most DVA personnel are truly concerned for your well-being.  They may appear frustrated because they do not have the resources to help you. Somehow, feeding, housing, and treating undocumented aliens and their children are more important to Congress, even if the pols insist that your demonstrated commitment puts you at the "head of the line."

Thanks in advance to the aging veterans who, as time goes on, find it increasingly difficult to remain employed, pay for their medications, and meet their daily needs, their transportation, and their housing.  As time goes on, the memory of your contribution will fade, as will its perceived value to the public.  Your fellow veterans will never forget.

Thanks in advance to the incapacitated veterans suffering from psychological scars impeding their ability to work or function in daily society - many of you are the homeless.  Although you struggle to function as the rest of our society, you are relegated to the level of an outcast in the Third World.  Many of your fellow vets see this outrage for what it is.  Understand that alcoholism and drug dependence frequently arise from untreated depression or other underlying illness.  You are not a bad person because you are homeless and in distress, "just" forgotten.  Your local aldermen, councilmen, assemblymen, sheriffs, executives, mayors, and governors, bear at least as much responsibility for your homelessness and distress as does any federal agency.  Understand that you will become a burden to local and state governments, some including veterans, who will rush to push you back into the hands of the federal government, even as they acknowledge that your efforts kept their city, township, counties, and states free and safe. 
 
Thanks in advance to every living veteran, whether you served in a named conflict or not.  Feel free to remind your detractors that your sacrifice allows them to continue to malign this Nation, making this the greatest of Nations.
 
Thanks in advance to the veterans who are no longer with us.  Freedom and progress are ongoing processes.  Your legacy prevented our enemies from disrupting this great Constitutional Republic, and allows the living to have the opportunity to increase freedoms and advance progress for all American citizens.
 

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Latinos Demand Speedy Citizenship For Voting ...

"A lawsuit filed Thursday in a New York federal court by Latino immigrants seeks to force immigration authorities to complete hundreds of thousands of stalled naturalization petitions in time for the new citizens to vote in November."
 
 
So, the reason that only Latinos get expedited naturalization is because ...?
 
Why can't Asians, Africans, or Europeans get expedited naturalization, too?  Perhaps this group cannot comprehend that they are coming to a melting pot where all must abide by the same rules and all get equal access.
 
Get back in line, buck-o.

How predictable!
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Regarding Specious Claims of "Guilt by Association"

(Note: this is long and may be tough to read. Sorry. No energy to edit.)

This post was inspired by responses that I've received to my questions, concerns, and findings regarding the substantial links between Barack Obama, Jeremiah Wright, and Louis Farrakhan, as well as Obama's ties to proponents of slavery reparations and black separatism.

Invariably, the respondents reflexively hurled the insult "racist" in a feeble attempt to stifle free expression.  To some, the term racist is a flag that allows the reader to disengage rational metal processes.  If the post is racist, it must be unworthy of reading and the poster is a horrible, uneducated person.  It is not racist to raise issues pertaining to issues of race, no matter how troubling they are, and particularly when the issues may pertain to important policy positions, and possible future actions, of a U.S. Presidential candidate.  My instinct is to reply to "Racist!" with "What are you trying to hide?"

Another specious defense by these respondents is the slightly more sophisticated charge of "guilt-by-association!"  This shield is being used widely, particularly by those who do not know, or who choose to ignore, facts and circumstances, and the reasonable inferences suggested by those facts and circumstances. 

Guilt-by-association implies a statement is a baseless ad hominem attack arising solely from one's association with another.  What if the statement isn't baseless?  What if the questions are directed to understanding one's intentions and future actions, given the nature of the persons or organizations with which s/he associates?  What if the alleged ad hominem attack actually is a series of questions arising out of the behavior of one's associates or advocates? 

A specious allegation of "guilt by association," in this context, actually is a shield used to abort public debate, to conceal a person's character, or to indirectly rehabilitate the reputation of the attacked.

From time immemorial, one's reputation has been determined in part by the company he keeps, hence the old maxims, "You can judge a man by the company he keeps" and "Birds of a feather fly together." 

While one's associations may suggest that one's beliefs are in alignment with the norms, values, or behaviors of an organization, the association itself does not automatically proclaim allegiance to, or complicity in, the organization's norms, values, or behaviors.  It is possbile for an individual to be a passive or inactive member of a particular organization, to be unaware of the organization's unlawful aims, or to disagree with those unlawful aims.

The Supreme Court has held that the First Amendment restricts the ability of the State to impose liability on an individual, solely because of his association with an organization, recognizing that a blanket prohibition of association with a group, having both legal and illegal aims, would pose a real danger that legitimate political expression or association would be impaired. 

Although one's beliefs and expressions are Constitutionally protected, one's behavior may not be.  The Supreme Court also stated that the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment' requires one's guilt to be "personal," that is, proof of one's wrongdoing cannot be attributed to another.  Thus, one cannot be held liable for the actions of an organization or another merely as a result of membership in that organization or by association with another. 

Together, these Constitutional rights prohibit "guilt by association" - that one's association with another, in and of itself, is made criminal, resulting in punishment or penalty. 

Even so, Congress has the power, under the Due Process Clause, to regulate some associational relationships, and some types of vicarious liability may apply to individuals under particular circumstances, as may be defined by laws pertaining to conspiracy and complicity.  Therefore, the prohibition against "guilt by association" is not absolute.

Although the Constitution protects against invasions of individual rights, and prohibits unlawful guilt by association, it also provides the Government with the power to safeguard its vital interests.  In addition, the Supreme Court has held that the right of privacy does not extend to organized groups or associations which solicit funds or memberships, or to corporations dependent upon the state for their charters.  Also, the right of individuals to assemble is one thing; the claim that an organization of secret undisclosed character may conduct public drives for funds or memberships is another.  Associations and their members may be free to solicit, propagandize, and hold meetings, but they are not free from public criticism or exposure. 

Moreover, although all political efforts by argument or persuasion to change the basis of our social, economic or political life are tolerated, the line is drawn sharply and clearly at any act or incitement to act in violation of our constitutional processes.  Thus, the Government, that is, We The People, have the right and duty to protect its existence against any force that seeks its overthrow or changes in its structure by other than constitutional means.

Where the question is one of the fitness or qualifications of an individual for a particular public position, it is legitimate to inquire as to matters that may prove relevant to their fitness and suitability for the public service.  Past conduct may well relate to present fitness; past loyalty may have a reasonable relationship to present and future trust.  Both are commonly inquired into in determining fitness for both high and low positions in private industry and are not less relevant in public employment.  It is legally permissible to bar persons from certain positions merely because of their associations.

To that end, both federal investigative agencies, and the people of this Nation, have the obligation to conduct investigations, queries, or other vetting, which may be necessary to ensure that a Presidential candidate deserves the highest level of public loyalty and trust that would be granted, if elected to the Presidency.  Thus, while a potential our Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief enjoys the common rights bestowed to all citizens under the First and Fifth Amendments, it is absolutely necessary that the candidate completely and fully disclose and explain, if asked, affiliations with, support of, or endorsement by any organization.

There is no Constitutional right to a government job, including the Presidency.  A candidate does not lose an important property or personal right, guaranteed by the Constitution, if found unfit to be President of the United States.  Their Right to Free Speech is not impaired.  They are free to associate with the organizations, as before, unless the candidate knows, or should know, that members of the organization are engaging in criminal behavior. 

Understand a candidate's associations provides insight into the character of the candidate.  In general, certain reasonable inferences may be made about an individual, by virtue of his membership in that organization.  For example, it would be reasonable to infer that a member of a State Dairy Board has an interest in dairy products.  The degree to which such inferences remain reasonable may vary, for example, by the extent of the individual's activities in the organization, by public membership, support, and statements of affirmation or endorsement, and by concerted activities with other organization members.  For the most part, association with, support of, or endorsement by, an organization would be only one piece of evidence for consideration.  Again, guilt by association applies to punishment or sanction, and not to inquiry, investigation, or vetting.

Association with, support of, or endorsement by, an organization espousing unpopular norms, values, or beliefs is not proof of guilt.  However, it would be legitimate to question or challenge association with, or support or endorsement of, any organization, if such association raises suspicions of character or fitness that would make one unsuited for the job, or if such an investigation furthers an important or substantial governmental interest.

If discovered, information that a candidate associates with or belongs to certain organizations may be deemed a sound reason for making inquiries into the desirability of the election of that candidate.  That is not "guilt by association."  It is a warning to investigate the conduct of the candidate and his/her opportunity for harm.

In addition, there is a certain disingenuity and logical asymmetry to any debate, in which one is able to freely embrace virtue by association and, at the same time, righteously condemn guilt by association, particularly when the condemned act is little more than part of a necessary inquiry on a matter of supreme public importance.  If specious claims of guilt-by-association are used to chill free speech and obstruct a necessary public inquiry, then the candidate making the charges is guilty of misrepresentation and worthy of every measure of opprobrium that the public can muster.  No Presidential candidate, or supporter, has a valid basis for claiming guilt-by-association, or defamation, in questions raised during the Constitutional election process.
 
Obama's endorsement by separatist groups need to be explained.  For decades, Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam have espoused the overthrow and destruction of the United States - in a decidedly non-constitutional manner.  Farrakhan's endorsement of Obama is not incidental or inconsequential; there are other links, deeper links.  Obama needs to answer a number of questions that have yet to breach the surface of the public consciousness, questions that will not be silenced by feigned cries of "Guilt by association" or "Racism."
 
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