Patti Smith 1988 People Have The Power

The Corporation - Naomi Klein Revisited

Jesus Christ Superstar

The Corporation (MUST SEE FILM)

Midnight Confessions

The Shock Doctrine

Unchained Melody

You're Beautiful

Fair-Weather Patriotism Is Not Patriotism

I remember after 911, my sister saying that the outpouring of patriotism struck her as opportunist. But our Mom's didn't. She'd always flown the flag, through the great depression, good and bad wars WWII and Vietnam, economic booms and busts, Republican and Democratic eras alike. Our Mom, a staunch Democrat, was not a fair-weather patriot. It dawned on me then that I was.

When Reagan won re-election in 1984, I was crushed and a year later, left for Scandinavia where I lived for the next 15 years. I wasn't proud of being American. Haunts from the past are strong in Europe and I was viewed by many as a "capitalist, imperialist, baby-killing pig".

Then came the "future-is-fantastic" 90's. America was booming, the world seemed borderless. Over time, I sensed that being an American was an asset. Scandinavia was beginning to wear on me. I couldn't bear the thought of toughing out another winter and started to reconsider my views of my homeland. I remember the last national day (May 17th) I was in Norway, a friend asked me what I would wear to the celebrations. Foreigners generally wear their own national costumes. I said I was going to wear my national dress. Oh, what was that, my friend asked. T-shirt and jeans, I said. Also, by this time I started to miss family, friends, and my hometown Woodbury a great deal. I moved home just in time for the contested election of 2000. Ouch, it was like déjà vu all over again.

That's not patriotism. It's not about embracing your national identity when times are good and running off when times are bad. It's about constancy. When times are bad, it's about fighting for what's right and taking risks. And as President Thomas Jefferson said, "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism", and President Theodore Roosevelt "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President".

Deism - Not Theism

America and Presidents Past

Having escaped from the state-established religions of Europe, only 7% of the people in the 13 colonies belonged to a church when the Declaration of Independence was signed.

“The clergy converted the simple teachings of Jesus into an engine for enslaving mankind and adulterated by artificial constructions into a contrivance to filch wealth and power to themselves...these clergy, in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ.” – President Thomas Jefferson

“What influence in fact have Christian ecclesiastical establishments had on civil society? In many instances they have been upholding the thrones of political tyranny. In no instance have they been seen as the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty have found in the clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate liberty, does not need the clergy.” – President James Madison

“The doctrine of the divinity of Jesus is made a convenient cover for absurdity.” – President John Adams

“Christianity...(has become) the most perverted system that ever shone on man. ...Rogueries, absurdities and untruths were perpetrated upon the teachings of Jesus by a large band of dupes and importers led by Paul, the first great corrupter of the teaching of Jesus.” – President Thomas Jefferson

“The Government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion.” – President John Adams

“Religion and government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.” – President James Madison

The Future America Deserves

Four Stars Over Texas

"...General Clark is A REAL war hero, a REAL visionary, a REAL moral man, a REAL man of faith, and a REAL leader.

...Today, I can't help but think how different things would be in America and all over the world if General Clark had been elected president.

...If we were to go back to the future, ...we could see how different things would be. My friends, if we had PRESIDENT WESLEY CLARK, I know the war on terror would have been more successful than it's been. And the courage of our men and women in Iraq would not have been squandered. Our national guard would not be stretched so thin that it is destroying moral.

...PRESIDENT CLARK would not have driven America's reputation into the ground and PRESIDENT CLARK would not have Americans so anxious and so worried about the future... because national security is his middle name. We would not have to be worried because the defense and protection of this country is in his genes. And we would not have to be worried because his love for America and our Constitution beats in his heart.

...We must do what we can to turn this thing around. ...We should be proud, ready and able to listen to and follow a man who can can lead us into the future we know we want and that America deserves... General Wesley K. Clark"

-State Representative Richard Raymond (TX)