Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Phillip Atkinson of Family Security Matters calls on Bush to be "President for Life."

Digby, : Annotated


  • Cliff Schector apparently broke this into the blogsphere after hearing about it on Thom Hartmann's show.

    I heard about this on, where else, the Thom Hartmann show. He discussed Democratic Underground's look at Family Security Matters. This bunch of sickos (apologies to Michael Moore) advocates that Bush should be our permanent president and that there should be no more democracy. Democracy is bad. Kings are good.

    Who's on their advisory board? Reagan era remnants abound. Here are some names that Hartmann tossed out: Barbara Comstock, Laura Ingraham, Frank Gaffney, James Woolsey, and...drum roll...Dick Cheney. Oh, and by the way, it's the same Gaffney who goes on CNN with talk of aggression against Iran. That Frank Gaffney.


    - post by graphictruth

  • This is part of the article (thanks for preserving it, Digby) that has resulted in the Family Security Foundation scrubbing their site of nearly every trace of Phillip Atkinsion


Snapshot of article on Family Security Matters siteBy elevating popular fancy over truth, Democracy is clearly an enemy of not just truth, but duty and justice, which makes it the worst form of government. President Bush must overcome not just the situation in Iraq, but democratic government.

However, President Bush has a valuable historical example that he could choose to follow.

When the ancient Roman general Julius Caesar was struggling to conquer ancient Gaul, he not only had to defeat the Gauls, but he also had to defeat his political enemies in Rome who would destroy him the moment his tenure as consul (president) ended.

Caesar pacified Gaul by mass slaughter; he then used his successful army to crush all political opposition at home and establish himself as permanent ruler of ancient Rome. This brilliant action not only ended the personal threat to Caesar, but ended the civil chaos that was threatening anarchy in ancient Rome – thus marking the start of the ancient Roman Empire that gave peace and prosperity to the known world.

If President Bush copied Julius Caesar by ordering his army to empty Iraq of Arabs and repopulate the country with Americans, he would achieve immediate results: popularity with his military; enrichment of America by converting an Arabian Iraq into an American Iraq (therefore turning it from a liability to an asset); and boost American prestiege while terrifying American enemies.

He could then follow Caesar's example and use his newfound popularity with the military to wield military power to become the first permanent president of America, and end the civil chaos caused by the continually squabbling Congress and the out-of-control Supreme Court.

President Bush can fail in his duty to himself, his country, and his God, by becoming “ex-president” Bush or he can become “President-for-Life” Bush: the conqueror of Iraq, who brings sense to the Congress and sanity to the Supreme Court. Then who would be able to stop Bush from emulating Augustus Caesar and becoming ruler of the world? For only an America united under one ruler has the power to save humanity from the threat of a new Dark Age wrought by terrorists armed with nuclear weapons.


Much has been made of this, of course. Comments here and there accurately refer to it as "sedition" But as true as that is, it may not matter; not if the sedition is committed by those who are in charge of the nation. And "Family Security Matters" is part and parcel of all that, and as tempting as it is to dismiss this as sheer lunacy - it is the shared lunacy of some very highly placed and well-connected lunitics.

Lisa at Impeachment Project at first had difficulty taking it seriously - just as I did.

At first, I assumed this must be one of those Landover Baptist style parody sites, but if it is, it's a pretty convincing one. They're apparently a front group for the creepy DC think tank, Center for Security Policy, and they've been on Fox News.

...

UPDATE: According to this, Family Security Matters isn't only a front group for the Center for Security Policy/National Security Advisory Council. The CSP/NSAC actually picks up the phone at the FSM's contact number. And please read through the list of people affiliated. There are lots of high ranking members of the Bush administration, not the least of which is Dick Cheney.

True, as far as I'm aware, Dick Cheney did not actually write the article calling for a Bush dictatorship. But Dick Cheney and many other members of this administration are part of the organization that published an article calling for a Bush dictatorship. And that's scary, no matter how you look at it.
I took a closer look at Atkinson, who was listed at the time of the original publication as a Contributing Editor, and who could be found at ourcivilisation.com.

It's instructive to consider his views on the proper raising of children into "good citizens."

Unquestioning Obedience Of Authority An Essential Lesson

Even after the age of seven years of age, when the child can reason, instruction must be continued without explanation, as unquestioning obedience to authority is one of the requirements of a dutiful citizen.

Continuation Of Tradition

The basic values and knowledge that are the foundation of Tradition—those beliefs that are implicit in the customs, manners, language, and laws of the community—must be taught in the same unexplained way; not just to reinforce the notion of the need for unquestioning obedience, but also because these beliefs are an essential part of communal understanding and so must be adopted by all citizens. Observe, these beliefs were created by the genius of communal understanding, which is superior to each citizen's comprehension, so disqualifying any individual from being able to properly judge the reasons behind such beliefs. Hence it is not just the child's duty to adopt these beliefs without question, but it is the parent's duty to impose them without explanation.

Brings some insight into the alleged thinking behind "No Child Left Behind," eh? But this is not the first time Atkinson has suggested a return to Monarchy:

Only The Concern Of A King

If a community is to succeed, its decisions must benefit the long-term interests of the whole group, so those involved in the process must

Always place their private interest second to that of the group.

  • Possess sufficient ability to be able to recognise what is in the best interests of the whole group.
Such a combination of qualities is rare, which makes it unlikely to ever be the majority character of any group that takes a vote. Which in turn almost guarantees that the decision made by a vote will not be in the best interests of the community as a whole. There is only one individual who is qualified for the role of group decision maker, and that is the person whose private interests coincide with public interests; the one person who feels the community is their property to be tended and guarded with utmost care. Only a monarch can adopt such an attitude.

The Worst Form Of Rule

Western Civilization has embraced rule by popular choice, unhindered by obedience to a monarch or church, since the French Revolution, which marked the beginning of its decline. The onset of our decay is inevitable because of the completely selfish nature of western, or pure, democracy, which is explained by an English contemporary of the French revolution, Edmund Burke, in his essay "Reflections On The Revolution In France".


But Atkinson - in all his writings - is guilty of the worst sort of ignorance about the nature of our political system. His criticisms of Democracy, while vile, and biased, are not without substance - and the Founders were equally, if more rationally concerned about the problems of even an indirect democracy.

This Is why, when asked what sort of Government we now had, Ben Franklin famously said "A Republic, Madame, if you can keep it."

Many are now wondering aloud what to do if martial law is declared and the Constitution is suspended, as seems to be the desire of Bush supporters. I am afraid that there is no comfortable answer to that question. What must be done - if you wish to support the Constitution and retain your rights - is to take up arms and oppose those who try to impose martial law on some pretext.

And I can assure you, it WILL be a pretext.

But ultimately, whatever faces appear in Washington are irrelevant. It's the people that put them in power and who benefit from them remaining in power that are the true culprits. Those persons must be held accountable, or any civil war will go on endlessly - as they continue to profit.

So follow the money. This is a task within the grasp of any competent investigator, Greg Palast, for instance.

When you get to the end of the line - ensure a just and appropriate outcome by Constitutionally appropriate means, as defined by the Constitution in regards to acts of treason. For that is what a war against the American people and the Constitution surely is.

For "Constitutionally Appropriate Means," refer to the Bill of Rights - the first two Amendments.

A very straightforward way to help speed the plough is to send some money to Greg Palast

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Thank You Very Much, South Carolina.

"Is our children learning?" - George W. Bush



Isn't it cute? She sounds just like him!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Funny they should ask, but..

Join the army and learn a career with Kellogg, Root and Browne.

That's not precisely what they wanted me to say:

Please blog about military careers how they can train you for jobs in civilian life while you get paid and serve your country.

We also would like you to add the following link below.

http://www.usmilitary.com/
US Military
And they want a "neutral tone." That shoots my famed black humor all to hell. And besides, tempted as I am to make more jokes such as I attempted above, it's not fair.

Frankly, while the Army - in particular - is being terribly misused, it has always been a great way to get a good start in American life.
All things being equal, a veteran is more equal than others within the employment market. It speaks of competence tested under fire. That is so because it has been proven to be true.

Hardly anyone in the Bush Administration has served in the military. And it shows. Not one of them has ever had to deal with the smoking remains of a mistake. To them, it's only money - not lives, not blood, not pain and hard work. And that is why we Americans prefer leaders who have been tempered in the forge of the military.

There is of course the training you get - and they will shove as much down your throat as they think you will hold still for, especially if they can get you to sign on the line for six years or more. We are not talking just "trades," we are speaking of serious careers that many cannot hope to afford to master any other way. And of course - as your recruiter will be happy to tell you, the Army is a fine and noble career in itself.

Or rather, it is for young men and women of solid character.

The military is NOT the place for people who lack honor and integrity, and alas, we see why that is all too often these days. But - and not just despite what happened to Pat Tillman, but because of it - if you were raised right, if your yes means yes, your no means no and lying makes your stomach clench into a knot; if you would rather die than suffer dishonor, if your integrity demands that you stand ready to protect and defend the weak and vulnerable - you are needed. Right now.

Because there are damn few of you, sad to say. The army needs you - and we need the sort of army YOU will one day command. The best way to avoid war is to study for it, so that none dare attack. That's what I believe the Founders believed in, and while I am anti-this-war, I'm 100% in favor of solid national defense.

Hey, it's your little brothers and sisters, if you need a reason. Be part of it. It is an honor - if the honorable will make it so.

Official Confirmation of the Blindingly Obvious


Almost all war and strife is about access to resources - when it's not just a foolish game of pride.
Global warming? War? | hell's handmaiden:
"“We will pay for this one way or another,” retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, former commander of American forces in the Middle East and one of the report’s authors, told the Los Angeles Times. “We will pay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today … or we’ll pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives.”
Could global warming cause war? | csmonitor.com"


So that would be one of them "rhetorical questions."

I want this Custom-Printable Stein for the Holidays!

Attention, Cafepress and or Zazzle:

I WANT to have this beer stein! I found it on the crobike.de promotional items site - which is like a wish-list for print-on-demand folks such as I.

If this is what I think it is, it's not cheap-ass slipware, it's a stein you can clink while belting out a drinking song and sloshing homebrew suds. And I would love to start a store dedicated to the home brewer... Hm.

I'll get right on that, actually. It fits with my general libertarian bias toward the important role the so-called vices play in matters of personal liberty. But while I can make customizable labels and even slipware steins - there are none such as these heavy ceramic beauties to be had.

And that's a shame. Because my art would kick butt on this product. Besides, I want one just for me. It's just the right size for my morning coffee.

Oh, if you are of more conservative tastes, there are many more reasonable choices from ceramic to glass to insulated stainless steel travel mugs.

But I want this bad boy for my morning beans.

Here are a couple more examples they would like me to feature, from a selection of literally thousands of items.

In the process of researching this post, I went so far as to connect directly with one major vendor, and they could not have been more helpful and accommodating, with all sorts of tools on their site to save you both time and money. And yes, they do offer rapid turn-around in many cases; in many cases you can have your item within five business days.

Meanwhile, getting to my patron's intent in commissioning this post; if you have a business and need promotional items, these folks can connect you with imprintable products from all over the globe. For some reason, this whole industry has fascinated me for decades, possibly because by dad wanted me to collect stamps and coins. I always wanted to MAKE the stamps and coins - or at least, collectable items.

So, if you happen to be on a political campaign staff - there are literally hundreds of items that can be engraved, embossed, stamped and printed that will make those major donors light up - and open their wallets!



Sunday, August 26, 2007

In your heart, you know he's pissed! Poster from Zazzle.com


Not that I'm braggin', or nothin', but I think it's a damned important Graphictruth.

I was listening to Ring of Fire on Air America yesterday, and someone mentioned that conservative figures like Barry Goldwater - who used to be considered a right-wing nutcase and of course Richard Nixon are starting to seem downright cuddly and Liberal in comparison with the current adminsisration.

It's not that they were so good - it's that George Bush and his fellow travelers - the Neocons and Theocons - are so ... are so...

Oh, I'll just say it out loud.

Evil.

Barry was a nutcase, but neither evil nor stupid.

Tricky Dick - in the end, well, he had some integrety - and he was actually smart.

It's a shame when arch conservatives who can only be praised with faint damns are now looked upon as exemplars of what Conservatism once was and should be.

JR Dunn's True Top Ten Engagement Ring Downers


"Fruit Salad" Diamond Ring
Originally uploaded by diamond_girl_77.


I dropped by Payperpost this morning and to my delight found something that promised some comic relief.

I don't care WHERE I find things like this, the insights into human nature they represent are useful - and tragicomic. Of all the things in the universe you would think people would be careful not to screw up, it would have to be buying a diamond engagement ring. Three months salary is a severe chunk of change for most of us - even if we card it.

But there's some amazingly stupid people out there! Every business person has a list just like this...

Via J.R.Dunn's Jewelry Blog

Is your engagement headed for the rocks?

If you are guilty of one of the following there is a chance your engagement might be doomed. We have compiled this top ten list from real life examples that we hear quite often in our line of work at the jewelry store.

Top ten hints your engagement might be doomed:

10. You proposed after she moved out.

9. You maxed out your credit cards to buy her engagement ring while saying “she’s not into material things.”

8. You bought her a CZ (Cubic Zirconia) thinking she’ll never know.

7. You’re 60 and she’s 20.

6. You proposed while drunk and promised to buy the ring later.

5. You asked out the sales lady who was helping you with your engagement ring purchase.

4. She wanted a round diamond and you bought a marquise because you like it better.

3. You offered to pay for breast augmentation instead of a ring.

2. You got to know her while dating her mom.

1. She finds out you are already married.

And you thought hairdressers knew it all!


Now, some day I've gotta go down to one of the Reno wedding chapels and seek out some more stories, but I bet you that they will sound pretty much like these. I mean, Nevada is the CAPITAL of Doin' it for the Wrong Reasons. We are the nexus of heterosexual sin. Hell, son, we can get Elvis to marry you and your pregnant bride!

So I'm sure There Are Stories. But when diamonds, the symbol of permanence and eternal commitment are involved, it's just that much more significant.

The picture is courtesy of J.R.Dunn's flickr stream - and would you believe, they have not ONE engagement ring featured?

I guess they think it might just be bad luck or something.

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