Save the Republican Party: Impeach the Bastard already!

Neither party is worth a shit without the other, that's for sure.  Most politicians are just kissing Corporate Ass trying to keep their jobs.  Unfortunately, the biggest Corporate Ass Kissers today are Republicans.  It wasn't always that way though.  For those of you who believe Hate Trumps Love, I'm here to tell you that the Republican Party was a great party up through Eisenhower.  Eisenhower stood up to the Greedy Bastards and after serving eight years, warned us of the Industrial Complex.  He said it could destroy America.  The way things are looking, Eisenhower was right.
 
Will the Republican Party survive Donald Trump?  I doubt it.  There are signs of hope though.  Signs such as this billboard sign placed by a conservative group:

Then, equally as impressive, there is a "Young Republican" group 
that has launched a nationwide campaign to promote a carbon tax to combat global warming, defying the Republican Party and opposing Chief Climate Denier: President Donald Trump. 

So the good news:  the "New Republican" party will probably be in step with America's values of tolerance, acceptance, and good stewardship of the earth.  More like the Republican Party was before Ronald Reagan made it the hypocritical "Christian Right" party.  

Until then... 

Save the Republican Party: Impeach the Bastard already!

~~ Radical Sam

Okay, so it is December 7th, the unlucky day for the USA back in 1941 when Japan attacked the USA island.  There have been conspiracy theories for years that the USA allowed the attack so we could get the people behind a war with Germany.  This "false flag" theory seems highly likely to me given the fact that we used a "false flag" to get into the first world war as has been documented through declassified records.  If we would do it once, why not do it again, and again, and again.  Some say we have.  I mean, the Vietnam War was based on the lie of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident which was started based on an attack on the USS Maddox which is now commonly acknowledged as being a false report.  Of course, there is also 911 where there is some evidence that the Bush administration not only allowed the hijacked airlines to be crashed into the world trade towers in Manhattan, but might have been involved in the planning.  

Only time will tell which of these "false flags" are real and which are myth, what is not a myth is the deaths and profits:

The deaths were:

WWI         
16 million

WWII
75 million
Vietnam War
3,800,000

Iraq War
461,000 thousand

Like it or not, that's a lot of killing based on lies.

But wait, as reported in Global Research by Lily Dane, there is good news:  Profits!  According to her article, these folks made a shit-load of money while we died for them: 

10. Thales Group (Paris)
Arm sales 2013: $10.4 billion, profit: $800 million

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS: $0
LOBBYING: $520,000 (2014), $460,000 (2013) (ranks 614 of 4,065 in 2014)

9. Finmeccanica S.p.A. (Italy)
Arm sales 2013: $10.6 billion, profit $100 million
Not only is this company a top war profiteer, it is a huge U.S. political campaign contributor.
From OpenSecrets.org:

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS: $446,850 (ranks 696 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $1,754,000 (2014), $1,965,500 (2013) (ranks 303 of 4,065 in 2014)

8. United Technologies (U.S.)
Arm sales 2013: $11.9 billion, profit $5.7 billion
United Technologies might be the lowest ranking of the U.S. companies in this list, but don’t let that fool you.OpenSecrets bestowed the company with the label “heavy hitter”, which means it is “one of the 140 biggest overall donors to federal elections since the 1990 election cycle, as compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.”

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS: $2,105,245 (ranks 124 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $15,738,000 (2014), $13,900,373 (2013) (ranks 13 of 4,065 in 2014)

REVOLVING DOOR: 52 out of 70 United Technologies lobbyists in 2013-2014 have previously held government jobs.

24 Congressional members own United Technologies shares.

CEO Gregory J. Hayes has a reported annual salary of $949,583 and an annual bonus of $1,600,00, for a total annual compensation of $2,549,583.

 7. Airbus Group (France/Netherlands)
Arm sales 2013: $15.7 billion, profit $2 billion

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS:  $365,752 (ranks 855 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $3,288,178 (2014), $3,749,750 (2013) (ranks 156 of 4,065 in 2014)

For a list of bills this company has lobbied, click here.
Additional information about Airbus Group:

The total of contributions to candidates from Airbus Group PACs is 4 times largerthan contributions from individuals.

REVOLVING DOOR: 42 out of 57 Airbus Group lobbyists in 2013-2014 have previously held government jobs.

6. General Dynamics (U.S.)
Arm sales 2013: $18.7 billion, profit $2.4 billion
OpenSecrets labeled this company a “heavy hitter”, which means it is “one of the 140 biggest overall donors to federal elections since the 1990 election cycle, as compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.”

General Dynamics is one of the nation’s top defense contractors, assembling virtually every type of military machinery engaged in modern combat. The company builds warships, nuclear submarines, tanks and combat jets, not to mention the command and control systems that link all of these technologies together. The company has lobbied hard to encourage lawmakers to step up appropriations for the Navy, one of the company’s biggest clients.

It has fought attempts to shrink the nation’s fleet of submarines and warships, thereby helping block Defense Department attempts to shift that money to other facets of the nation’s land and air defenses.

Details:

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS: $1,974,599 (ranks 140 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $10,720,923 (2014), $11,066,974 (2013)

For a list of bills this company has lobbied, click here.
More information about General Dynamics:

The total of contributions to candidates from General Dynamics PACs is 6 times larger than contributions from individuals.

6 Congressional members own shares in this company (click here for the list).

REVOLVING DOOR: 96 out of 133 General Dynamics lobbyists in 2013-2014 have previously held government jobs.

CEO Phebe Novakovic earned nearly $19 million in total compensation in fiscal 2014.

5. Northrop Grumman (U.S.)
Arm sales 2013: $20.2 billion, profit $2 billion
We’ve got another heavy hitter here:

Northrop Grumman is the fourth largest defense contractor and the world’s largest builder of naval vessels as of 2010. As a member of the miscellaneous defense industry, Northrop Grumman specializes in aerospace systems, electronic systems, information systems, ship building and technical services.

Northrop Grumman focuses much of its efforts securing government defense contracts and earmarks. During the 2008 election cycle, people and political action committees associated with Northrop Grumman contributed more than $2 million to federal candidates and committees, favoring Democrats slightly.

Details:

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS $4,050,624 (ranks 45 of 16,793)
LOBBYING $10,216,960 (2014), $20,590,000 (2013) (ranks 28 of 4,065 in 2014)

For a list of bills this company has lobbied, click here.
More information about Northrop Grumman:

The total of contributions to candidates from Northrop Grumman PACs is 9 times larger than contributions from individuals.

REVOLVING DOOR: 32 out of 49 Northrop Grumman lobbyists in 2013-2014 have previously held government jobs.

6 Congressional members own shares in this company (for the list, click here).

CEO Wesley G. Bush’s total pay package, including the change in the value of his pension, was $18.6 million in 2013, reports The Washington Post. His salary and stock awards remained steady at about $1.5 million and $8 million, respectively.

4. Raytheon (U.S.)
Arm sales 2013: $29.9 billion, profit $2 billion
OpenSecrets has identified Raytheon as a heavy hitter:

Raytheon is a major American defense contractor that specializes in defense and homeland security technology. As the world’s largest producer of guided missiles, Raytheon specializes in manufacturing defense systems and defense electronics.

A member of the defense electronic industry, Raytheon is most active lobbying on defense, homeland security and federal budget appropriation issues. Until 2008, individuals and political action committees associated with Raytheon had favored Republicans in campaign contribution giving, but after Democrats won both chambers of Congress and the White House, the defense firm favors Democrats, giving 55 percent of campaign contributions to Democrats and 45 percent to Republicans in 2008

Considering that access is needed when securing large government defense contract, it’s of little surprise that Raytheon spends millions of dollars each year lobbying the federal government. Raytheon is the primary manufacturer of Tomahawk cruise missiles, dozens of which have been used by U.S. and British military forces in strikes against targets in Libya during 2011.

Details:

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle:
CONTRIBUTIONS: $3,588,668 (ranks 58 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $6,250,000 (2014), $7,650,000 (2013) (ranks 65 of 4,065 in 2014)

For a list of bills Raytheon has lobbied, click here.
More information about this company:

The total of contributions to candidates from Raytheon PACs is 11 times larger than contributions from individuals.

REVOLVING DOOR: 51 out of 67 Raytheon lobbyists in 2013-2014 have previously held government jobs.

8 Congressional members own shares in this company (click here for a list).

CEO Thomas A. Kennedy made $5,324,743 in total compensation for fiscal 2013.

3. BAE Systems (U.S./United Kingdom)
Arm sales 2013: $26.8 billion, profit $275 million

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS: $1,360,369 (ranks 210 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $3,920,000 (2014), $4,635,000 (2013) (ranks 124 of 4,065 in 2014)

For a list of bills BAE Systems has lobbied, click here.
More details:

The total of contributions to candidates from BAE Systems PACs is 9 times largerthan contributions from individuals.

REVOLVING DOOR: 27 out of 36 BAE Systems lobbyists in 2013-2014 have previously held government jobs.

CEO Ian King’s total annual compensation is $3,826,308.

2. Boeing (U.S.)
Arm sales 2013: $30.7 billion, profit $4.6 billion
Boeing has been labeled a heavy hitter by OpenSecrets:

Boeing is the world’s top manufacturer of commercial airplanes, including well-known aircraft such as the 787 and the 747. The company is also a leading military supplier, making fighter-bombers, transport planes and the Apache helicopter.

Along with rival Lockheed Martin, the company regularly lobbies Congress to win military contracts and increase defense spending. Boeing is a major supporter of free trade, especially in Asia, where it has focused on selling more planes. The company also lobbies on environmental rules and transportation regulations, among other issues.

Boeing is also a large recipient of government loan-guarantees, primarily coming from the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

Details:

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS: $3,227,934 (ranks 67 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $16,800,000 (2014), $15,230,000 (2013) (ranks 10 of 4,065 in 2014)

For a list of bills Boeing has lobbied, click here.
More information on this company:

The total of contributions to candidates from Boeing PACs is 6 times larger than contributions from individuals.

REVOLVING DOOR: 83 out of 115 Boeing Co lobbyists in 2013-2014 have previously held government jobs.

17 Congressional members own Boeing shares (click here for the list).

CEO W. James McNerney Jr. made $23,263,562 in total compensation in 2013. Of this total $1,930,000 was received as a salary, $12,920,972 was received as a bonus, $3,763,503 was received in stock options, $3,763,534 was awarded as stock, and $885,553 came from other types of compensation. He earned $23.5 million total in 2014.

1. Lockheed Martin (U.S.)
Arm sales 2013: $35.5 billion, profit $3 billion
As the top war profiteer on this list, it should be no surprise that Lockheed Martin is ranked as a heavy hitter by OpenSecrets:

Lockheed Martin is the nation’s top defense contractor, the brains behind such high-tech military hardware as the F-16 jet fighter and a variety of land and sea missiles. In 2001, the company landed the biggest defense contract in history when it was named the main contractor for the Joint Strike Fighter.

Considering that access is the name of the game when securing such lucrative contracts, it’s no surprise that Lockheed splits its campaign money equally between Democrats and Republicans. All told, NASA and the Defense Department account for roughly 80 percent of the company’s annual sales.

Details:

Profile for 2014 Election Cycle
CONTRIBUTIONS: $4,132,497 (ranks 44 of 16,793)
LOBBYING: $14,581,800 (2014), $14,516,226 (2013) (ranks 16 of 4,065 in 2014) 

St Nicholas Gave You Food Stamps, Millionaire Perdue Takes Them Away!

Ah yes, it is December 5th, more precisely: the Reason for the Season.  That is because it's the Eve of St. Nicholas.  On this day in former times children put out carrots, hay, and straw for St. Nicholas' horse in hopes that the jolly ole' fella' would leave them some food stamps.

 So who was St. Nicholas?   I'm so glad you asked.  According to the St. Nicholas Center -- yes, there really is such a place -- the true story of Santa Claus begins with this guy who was a "good Christian" and obeyed Jesus' words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor" -- tell that to a Christian in the USA today and them be fighting words.  The more popular phrase you hear from Christians today -- as with all the other faiths too I might ad -- is, "I ain't selling shit for the poor...."  Okay, they don't put it that way, here's how they put it: "We’re taking action to reform our SNAP program in order to restore the dignity of work to a sizable segment of our population and be respectful of the taxpayers who fund the program.”  

The Secretary of Agriculture by the name of Sonny Perdue said that!  And to him I say:  Really!  "Dignity of Work."  After days with your Billionaire Think Tank friends that's the best you can do?  It's bullshit and you know it. Nothing more than  George Orwell's Doublespeak to confuse the issue and tell your rich pals what they need to hear to help them sleep at night.  The reality of your statement is that you are blaming the poor for being poor.   It's like challenging a one-legged man to an ass-kicking contest:  "I'm going to take away your government handout so you can be proud of yourself again."  Gosh, you guys must really think we're stupid!  You just added another thousand people to your homeless payroll and you know it.  

Sonny Perdue and the only Halo he'll ever receive.

Truth is, by taking away this benefit you're throwing more hungry roosters into the ring so we can poke out each other's eyes while your millionaire ass gets fatter and fatter and fatter and fatter. 

It's time for a revolution folks.  No more talk.  This is the greatest insult to the human race ever.  

Oh, wait, we're talking about St. Nicholas aren't we.  

Here's all you need to know:  St Nicholas helped the poor, Millionaire Perdue helps the rich.  Period!

~~ Radical Sam

My last visit to Fry's. Fry's is like the USA today: empty.

Dr TV Boogie likens the empty isles at Fry’s Electronic store to the empty presidency of Donald Trump and how Fry’s going out of business is a good place to start an affordable housing conversation. 

~~ Peace Out.

Sand Castles by Buddha

Some children were playing beside a river.  They made castles of sand, and each child defended his castle and said, "This one is mine."  They kept their castles separate and would not allow any mistakes about which was whose.  When the castles were all finished, one child kicked over someone else's castle and completely destroyed it.  The owner of the castle flew into a rage, pulled the other child's hair, struck him with his fist and bawled out, "He has spoiled my castle!  Come along all of you and help me to punish him as he deserves."  The others all came to his help.  They beat the child with a stick and then stamped on him as he lay on the ground.... Then they went on playing in their sand castles, each saying, "This is mine; no one else may have it.  Keep away! Don't touch my castle!" But evening came; it was getting dark and they all thought they ought to be going home.  No one now cared what became of his castle.  One child stamped on his, another pushed his over with both hands.  Then they turned away and went back, each to his home. 

from the Yogacara Bhumi Sutra, translated by Arthur Waley

Fry's Going Out of Business Good For Afforable Housing? If you want it.

I went to Fry's here in Plano, the suburb of Dallas, and besides getting a nose bleed -- something that happens wherever I leave the city, I found the Fry's store disturbingly quiet.  There were empty isle and only a handful of shoppers.  And this is Black Friday weekend(?). 

In a memo from the CEO I found on Venturebeat.com, he states:

We are in the process of re-ordering product and restocking shelves. More product in all stores in next few weeks. Fry’s is not liquidating. And products ordered online are now shipped to customers directly from their local stores.

Fry’s is not going out of business or closing any stores (except Palo Alto, California in January 2020, due to lease expired). No plans to close any other stores.

How scary is that?   The guy's obviously lying.  He has to see the writing on the wall.  Malls and most shopping stores will be gone in the future.  Hopefully the cities will do something smart with the empty spaces like, oh I don't know... maybe AFFORDABLE HOUSING!!!

Just a thought.  

The Archon Conspiracy and the True Satan Followers

So I found what I thought was a great escapism book to read over Thanksgiving break.  I found it in the metaphysical section of my book store and its blurb read as follows:


     In a race against time, CIA agents and Soviet leaders scramble for the ultimate weapon -- psychic power.  Locked into the international intrigue is a computer genius Ken Inman whose goal to contact mysterious entities turns into a nightmare when the Archons attempt to take over his mind....

The name of the book is The Archon Conspiracy and I really thought I was in for a treat until around the 9th chapter when the protagonist is converted to Christianity.  

Got me!  

I knew something was up when on page 69 I read: "See to him!  Now!" Viktor yelled into the mike...."

It was an obvious misspelling of the word "mic" for "microphone."  I mean, you can yell at a mike, but you can't yell into a mike.  Now can you?

What really spoke to me about this book; however, is the way a lot of the bible quotes seemed to be point to a New World government where a "Trump" like character would fool everyone into joining the 666 club.  

   "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the last days some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils."  

   "Take heed that no man deceive you...For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders: insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

   "And then shall the Wicked be veiled...whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders."

Well, I don't know about you, but to me these passages clearly point to Donald Trump and his Republican leaders.  For instance, a few weeks ago when the former governor of Texas stated:  "Trump was chosen by God."  That sure sounds like a "false prophet" to me.  And who can deny that Trump fits the "lying wonders" quote.  Of course, this book was written in 1989 and the author couldn't have seen the Republicans being the evil ones to follow Satan.  No, back in 1989 the evil ones were the Buddhist Monks promising world peace.  I shit you not, that is The Archon Conspiracy.  

Now, if there is a Satan, it is obvious who his followers are, and they aren't those of us chanting into mikes (sic) for world peace, is it!

~~ Dr Boogie