[FairfieldLife] Obama Backs Repeal of Gay-Marriage Ban [DOMA]

[do.rflex]

Obama backs Respect For Marriage Act

by Steve Benen


I don't have high hopes for the legislation — the House 
majority is still the House majority — but the Obama White
House's support  for the Respect For Marriage Act
  is the latest in a series of 
encouraging steps on civil rights.

President Obama is throwing his support behind the  Respect For Marriage
Act - the bill to repeal the 1996 Defense Of  Marriage Act, which banned
the federal government from recognizing  same-sex marriage even for
couples married under state law.

The president has "long called for a legislative appeal for the 
so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which continues to have a real impact
on families," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters at 
Tuesday's briefing. He said the president "is proud" to
support the  Respect For Marriage Act, "which would take the Defense
of Marriage Act  off the books for once and for all."

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Dianne Feinstein 
(D-Calif.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

This comes the same year as the Obama administration's decision to 
stop trying to defend DOMA against federal court challenges.

What's more, it's a heartening piece that fits into a larger
mosaic.


After two-and-a-half years, President Obama has successfully repealed 
the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law;


expanded federal benefits for the  same-sex partners of executive-branch
employees;


signed the Hate Crimes  Prevention Act into law; cleared the way for
hospital-visitation rights  for same-sex couples;


lifted the travel/immigration ban on those with  HIV/AIDS;


ordered the Federal Housing Authority to no longer consider  the sexual
orientation of applicants on loans;


expanded the Census to  include the number of people who report being in
a same-sex  relationship;


and hired more openly gay officials than any  administration in history.

There have also been more symbolic gestures, including the White  House
hosting an event to honor the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall  riots,
announcing the first-ever transgender presidential appointee, 
nominating the first openly-gay man to serve on the federal judiciary, 
honoring same-sex couples in his Mother's Day and Father's Day 
proclamations, recording a video for the "It Gets Better"
Project, and  hosting Gay and Lesbian Pride Month events at the White
House.

And today, the president has offered his well-timed endorsement of  the
Respect For Marriage Act.

I realize there are still a sizable number of people in the LGBT 
community who are unsatisfied with the pace of change, and consider 
President Obama someone who has ignored, and even betrayed, their 
interests. Some have even vowed not to lift a finger to help with the 
president's re-election effort.

I suspect many social-conservative activists, furious with the steps 
Obama has already taken to advance civil rights for the LGBT community, 
must find this inexplicable.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_07/obama_backs_re\
spect_for_marria030970.php

[FairfieldLife] FDR Warning about Today's Republicans

[do.rflex]

FDR tells the truth about the leaders of the modern Republican
party. Somehow, in 1936, he foresaw what would be happening NOW.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUZGkNAUSvY 

[FairfieldLife] Whose government IS it?

[do.rflex]

2 cartoons 

Take a look: 
http://mariopiperni.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Bagley.jpg


Take *another* look: 
http://mariopiperni.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/carlson.jpg


Now, look up the word "plutocracy".

[FairfieldLife] Re: Economic Collapse -- why it won't be stopped (and The Last Mountain)

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "richardjwilliamstexas"  
wrote:
>
>  Denise Evans:
> > This table says how the money is being allocated
> > - way too much on war of course.
> >
> You sound like a reasonable person, Denise. Do you
> see any trends in this chart:
>


NOTE: It's a fake chart put out by fringe right wing blogs and it's not 
supported by legitimate objective facts. 


"The costs of the War on Terror are often contested, as academics and critics 
of the component wars (including the Iraq War) have unearthed many hidden costs 
not represented in official estimates. 

"The most recent major report on these costs come from Brown University in the 
form of the Costs of War  project, which said the total for wars in Iraq, 
Afghanistan, and Pakistan is at least $3.2-4 trillion.[1]  

The report disavowed previous estimates of the Iraq War's cost as being under 
$1 trillion, saying the Department of Defense's direct spending on Iraq totaled 
at least $757.8 billion, but also highlighting the complementary costs at home, 
such as interest paid on the funds borrowed to finance the wars and a potential 
nearly $1 trillion in extra spending to care for veterans returning from combat 
through 2050.[2]

"According to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report published in October 
2007, the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost taxpayers a total of 
$2.4 trillion dollars by 2017 when counting the huge interest costs because 
combat is being financed with borrowed money. 

The CBO estimated that of the $2.4 trillion long-term price tag for the war, 
about $1.9 trillion of that would be spent on Iraq, or $6,300 per U.S. 
citizen.[9][10]

Sources:

1. Costs of War. Brown University. http://costsofwar.org/

2. "Economic and Budgetary Costs of the Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan 
to the United States: A Summary". Costs of War. Brown University. 
http://costsofwar.org/sites/default/files/articles/20/attachments/Economic%20Costs%20Summary.pdf.
 Retrieved 20 July 2011.

9. Richard Sammon (July 2007). "Iraq War: The Cost in Dollars". 
http://www.kiplinger.com/businessresource/forecast/archive/The_True_Cost_0720723.html.
 Retrieved 2007-07-23. 

10. U.S. CBO estimates $2.4 trillion long-term war costs". Reuters. October 
2007. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2450753720071024. 
Retrieved 2007-10-24.

More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_cost_of_the_Iraq_War

SEE ALSO:

Cause of decline in U.S. financial position

Both economic conditions and policy decisions significantly worsened the debt 
outlook since 2001, when large surpluses were forecast for the following decade 
by the CBO. 

The Pew Center reported in April 2011 the cause of a $12.7 trillion shift in 
the debt situation, from a 2001 CBO forecast of $2.3 trillion cumulative 
surplus by 2011 versus the estimated $10.4 trillion public debt in 2011. The 
major drivers were:

* Revenue declines due to two recessions, separate from the Bush tax cuts of 
2001 and 2003: 28%

* Defense spending increases: 15%

* Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003: 13%

* Increases in net interest: 11%

* Other non-defense spending: 10%

* Other tax cuts: 8%

* Obama Stimulus: 6%

* Medicare Part D: 2%

* Other reasons: 7%[55]

Similar analyses were reported by the New York Times in June 2009,[56] the 
Washington Post in April 2011[57] and the Center on Budget and Policy 
Priorities in May 2011.[58] 

Economist Paul Krugman wrote in May 2011: "What happened to the budget surplus 
the federal government had in 2000? The answer is, three main things. 

First, there were the Bush tax cuts, which added roughly $2 trillion to the 
national debt over the last decade. 

Second, there were the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which added an additional 
$1.1 trillion or so. 

And third was the Great Recession, which led both to a collapse in revenue and 
to a sharp rise in spending on unemployment insurance and other safety-net 
programs."[59] 

A Bloomberg analysis in May 2011 attributed $2.0 trillion of the $9.3 trillion 
of public debt (20%) to additional military and intelligence spending since 
September 2001, plus another $45 billion annually in interest.[60]

All sources documented ny number, here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_budget

[FairfieldLife] Quote of the Day - on Conservatism

[do.rflex]

"The story of American history is that of conservative ideas
and prejudices falling away as our society grows more progressive
and thus more true to our nation's founding ideals.

"Conservatives supported slavery, conservatives opposed women's suffrage, 
conservatives supported Jim Crow, conservatives opposed
the 40-hour work week and the abolishment of child labor,
and conservatives supported McCarthyism.

"In short, all the major advancements of freedom and justice
in our history were pushed by liberals and opposed by conservatives,
no matter the party they inhabited at the time."

"Conservatism is Bill Bennett lecturing you about self-denial,
then rushing off to feed his slot habit at the casino.

"It's James Dobson telling you that children need regular beatings
to stay in line.

"It's a superannuated nun rapping you on the knuckles so you
won't think about your dirty parts.

"It's Jerry Falwell watching "Teletubbies" frame by frame to see
if Tinky Winky is trying to turn him gay.

"Conservatism is everyone you never wanted to grow up to be."

~~ Paul Waldman
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2006/07/12/its_the_conservatism_stupid.php 

[FairfieldLife] Re: Video: "David Wants to Fly" director interview

[do.rflex]

Amazon USA has 2 copies available:

  
   David  Wants to Fly (
David quiere volar )  [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0  Import - Germany ]


(2  customer reviews
 )
DVD
   
1  new
  from $35.99   1 
used
  from $35.99

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link_code=q\
s&field-keywords=David%20Wants%20to%20Fly&sourceid=Mozilla-search


--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer"  wrote:
>
> From: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of Bhairitu
> Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 5:40 PM
> To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FairfieldLife] Video: "David Wants to Fly" director
interview
>
>
>
>
>
> Rather recent and maybe someone linked to it but I don't recall seeing
> such a link:
>
http://blog.onesmallseed.tv/index.php/whats-your-story-david-sieveking/
>
> I'd be curious why a US edition of the DVD (or BD) hasn't been issued?
>
> April 13
>
> Hi Rick,
>
>
>
> I still hope for an American DVD deal and I will provide you a DVD
when we
> got it made - so far people from the US just order the German DVD I
guess -
> it has an English film version on it and is equipped with English
subtitles
> where necessary:
>
>
>
>
http://www.amazon.de/David-wants-fly-Sieveking/dp/B004265K7G/ref=sr_1_1?\
ie=U
> TF8
>
 U%0ATF8&s=dvd&qid=1287348585&sr=8-1-spell>
> &s=dvd&qid=1287348585&sr=8-1-spell
>
>
>
> All the best,
>
>
>
> David
>

[FairfieldLife] Re: New NASA Data Blow Gaping Hold In Global Warming Alarmism

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Joe"  wrote:
>
>
> And again I say: Why do these ignorant wingnut wackos believe
everything that happens to fall into their e-mail in boxes?
>
> I get this kind of crap all the time from my conservative friends and
relatives. The scary thing is that when I point out the inaccuracies and
outright falsehoods, they often really don't care whether the specific
story is true or not.
>


Late Night: Professional Climate Change Denialist Issues  Climate Change
Denying Study, Wingnuts Rejoice

By: Blue Texan   Thursday
July 28, 2011 8:00  pm
  [Tweet] Tweet
 4   
[digg] 
   [stumbleupon] 
  

  [300]





Wingnuts everywhere are excitedly  linking
  to this Forbes piece
which  FINALLY PROVES AL GORE IS FAT GLOBAL WARMING IS A HOAX!!


NASA satellite data from the years 2000  through 2011 show the
Earth's  atmosphere is allowing far more heat to  be released into
space than  alarmist computer models have predicted,  reports a new
study in the peer-reviewed science journal Remote  Sensing.  The study
indicates far less future global warming will  occur than  United
Nations computer models have predicted, and supports  prior  studies
indicating increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide trap  far less heat
than alarmists have claimed.

And who authored the study? Someone at Caltech? MIT? Cambridge?

Study co-author Dr. Roy Spencer,  a principal research scientist at the 
University of Alabama in  Huntsville and U.S. Science Team Leader for
the  Advanced  Microwave Scanning Radiometer flying on NASA's Aqua
satellite,  reports  that real-world data from NASA's Terra
satellite contradict  multiple  assumptions fed into alarmist computer
models.

Oh, Roy Spencer.

You know Roy Spencer  , 
don't you? He's an  unabashed creationist
  and a fellow at the  Heartland Institute
 , which is funded
by  ExxonMobil 
to promote "free market ideas." He's "The  Official
Climatologist of the Rush Limbaugh Show
 " and he says he  gets his views on science from  the
bible.
  And every few years, he issues a fatwa another paper or book
"debuking"  the myth of global warming.


Then, inevitably, three things happen: 1) there's a huge celebration
in Wingnuttia;  2)  actual scientists examine said study;
 
— and then, 3)  they promptly smack down Spencer.


Let me save you some trouble here, wingnuts. You're going to need to
do a little better than a Big Oil-funded flat-earther from the 
University of Tractor Fixin' and Bible Learnin' to override
every  major scientific society and academy on the planet.


Just trying to save you a little trouble here.
http://firedoglake.com/2011/07/28/professional-climate-change-denialist-\
issues-climate-change-denying-study-wingnuts-rejoice/




>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" rick@ wrote:
> >
> > Yes, he's an evangelical Christian who also doubts Darwin's theory
of
> > evolution. Real scientific guy.
> >
> >
> >
> > See
> >
http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2008/05/22/202659/should-you-believe-anyth\
ing-
> > john-christy-or-roy-spencer-say/
> >
> >
http://www.science20.com/chatter_box/global_warming_skeptic_clouds_issue\
s
> >
>

[FairfieldLife] Climate Change Debunked? Not So Fast

[do.rflex]

Climate Change Debunked? Not So Fast Stephanie
Pappas, LiveScience Senior Writer   Date: 28 July 2011 Time: 07:14
PM ET
  [cloud cover and climate change]
Scientists have shown that as the planet warms water  vapor, and thus
clouds, will increase, trapping even more heat. One  scientist, however,
suggests random events drive clouds, which then  drive warming.
CREDIT: Nicolle Rager  Fuller, National Science Foundation
View full size image
New research suggesting that cloud cover, not carbon dioxide, causes 
global warming is getting buzz in climate skeptic circles. But 
mainstream climate scientists dismissed the research as unrealistic and 
politically motivated.

"It is not newsworthy," Daniel Murphy, a National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cloud researcher, wrote in an email to
LiveScience.

The study, published July 26 in the open-access online journal Remote 
Sensing, got public attention when a writer for The Heartland Institute,
a libertarian think-tank that promotes climate  change skepticism
 , wrote for Forbes magazine that the study  disproved the global
warming worries of climate  change "alarmists."
  However, mainstream climate scientists say that  the
argument advanced in the paper is neither new nor correct.


The  paper's author, University of Alabama, Huntsville researcher Roy 
Spencer, is a climate change skeptic and controversial figure within the
climate research community.



"He's taken an incorrect model, he's tweaked it to match observations, 
but the conclusions you get from that are not correct," Andrew Dessler,
a  professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University, said of 
Spencer's new study.

Cloud chaos

Spencer's research hinges on the role of clouds in climate change. 
Mainstream climate researchers agree that climate change happens when 
carbon dioxide traps heat from the sun in the atmosphere, much in the 
same way that a windshield traps solar heat in a car on a sunny 
afternoon. As the planet warms, a side effect is more water vapor in the
atmosphere. This water vapor, known to most of us as clouds, traps more 
heat, creating a viscous loop. [Earth  in Balance: 7 Crucial Tipping
Points
 ]

Spencer sees it differently. He thinks that the whole cycle starts with 
the clouds. In other words, random increases in cloud cover cause 
climate warming. The cloud changes are caused by "chaos in the climate 
system," Spencer told LiveScience.

In the new paper, Spencer looked at satellite data from 2000 to 2010 to 
compare cloud cover and surface temperatures. Using a simple model, he 
linked the two, finding, he said, that clouds drive warming. His 
comparisons of his data with six Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change (IPCC) models showed, he said, that the models are too sensitive 
(meaning some variables, such as warming, increase at the slightest 
change in other factors) and that carbon dioxide is not likely to cause 
much warming at all. [Image  Gallery: Curious Clouds
 ]

Disagreements

However, no climate scientist contacted by LiveScience agreed.

The study finds a mismatch between the month-to-month variations in 
temperature and cloud cover in models versus the real world over the 
past 10 years, said Gavin Schmidt, a NASA Goddard climatologist. "What 
this mismatch is due to — data processing, errors in the data or
real  problems in the models — is completely unclear."

Other researchers pointed to flaws in Spencer's paper, including an 
"unrealistic" model placing clouds as the driver of warming and a lack 
of information about the statistical significance of the observed 
temperature changes. Statistical significance is the likelihood of 
results being real, as opposed to chance fluctuations unrelated to the 
other variables in the experiment.

"I cannot believe it got published," said Kevin Trenberth, a senior 
scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Several researchers expressed frustration that the study was attracting 
media attention.

"If you want to do a story then write one pointing to the 
ridiculousness of people jumping onto every random press release as if 
well-established science gets dismissed on a dime," Schmidt said. 
"Climate sensitivity is not constrained by the last two decades of 
imperfect satellite data, but rather the paleoclimate  record
 ."

Spencer agreed that his work could not disprove the existence of 
manmade global warming. But he dismissed research on the ancient 
climate, calling it a "gray science."

Politics and science

The science of Spencer's work proved inextricable from the political 
debate sur

[FairfieldLife] Indian women protest sexual violence with SlutWalk

[do.rflex]

Indian women protest sexual violence with SlutWalkBy Agence
France-Presse 
Sunday, July 31st, 2011 -- 10:32 am


NEW DELHI — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of New Delhi 
for India's first "Slut Walk" on Sunday, to protest at an alarming rise 
in sexual assault cases and the growing sense of insecurity among women.

"Slut Walks", which have become a global phenomenon to protest  against
sexual violence, see women march dressed in skimpy clothing to 
challenge the mindset that victims of sexual assault should be blamed 
for the crimes against them.

But most of the women participating in the protest in New Delhi chose 
to wear loose T-shirts and trousers, as they felt the cause was more 
important than the clothes.

"It is time for Indian women to speak out and fight for their own 
security. Indian women are not sluts and men have no right to treat us 
like one," 22-year-old student Ashima Awal told AFP.

A 2010 survey found that 85 percent of women in Delhi feared being 
harassed, and many of those at Sunday's march said being groped or 
molested was an almost daily occurrence.

"Even if we are covered from head to toe, we get molested. Men just 
need an opportunity to harass women," said Raksha Gupta, a housewife who
took part in the protest along with her husband and her in-laws.

"Groping and staring at women in public spaces is a sport in the 
national capital, several men can win gold medals here," said Uma 
Jaysingh, a student who uses public transport to travel to college.
"I take a deep breathe when I get in the bus and always keep a pepper 
spray in my bag," said Jaysingh, who believes fighting back against 
sexual assault is the only way to control it.
"Indian women have to be street smart and they cannot choose to be 
delicate darling anymore."

New Delhi now tops the chart of the most unsafe cities in India, with 
489 reported rape cases in 2010, up from 459 in 2009, according to 
police statistics.

In the 2010 survey by the Delhi government, the United Nations and 
women's rights group Jagori (Wake Up Women), 45 percent of women said 
they avoided stepping out alone after dark and 65 percent feared taking 
public transport.

A number of men joined their wives, girlfriends, daughters and nieces 
on the protest march.

"I don't want my daughter to ever deal with sexual harassment. Men  will
have tell other men to stop this crime," said Ajay Mathur, a father  of
two teenage daughters.

"I have trained my daughters to shout if someone makes a lewd  remark,"
said Mathur, who said he felt that most Indian women were often  too shy
or embarrassed to report incidents of sexual crime.

India's rapid economic growth has thrown open new job opportunities  for
women, while attitudes to pre-marital relationships and sex have  also
transformed in middle class areas of major cities.

But women seen as modern and independent complain they are viewed by 
men as "easy".

"If a woman is standing alone waiting for a cab or a bus at night,  men
will stop next to her and check her out," said Achla Sachdev, 26,  who
works for a bank.

"I hate this feeling of being unsafe and insecure in my own city."

The Slut Walk has faced opposition in India, with many viewing the 
title as provocative and distracting attention from a serious issue -- 
prompting the organisers to soften it by adding the Hindi term for 
"shamelessness" to the name.

Its full title is Slut Walk or Besharmi Morcha (shameless front).

Umang Sabharwal, the 19-year-old journalism student who organised 
Sunday's march, said the focus should be on the issue, not the name of 
the protest.

"People should oppose crime against women. There is no need to oppose 
the name, Slut Walk," she said.

Jagori worker Prabhleen, who uses only one name, told AFP last week 
that women in India do not feel free to do what they want.

"You are constantly reminded that being a woman you need to have a 
checklist with you, be careful where you are going, when you are going 
and whether you are wearing the right dress or not," she said.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/07/31/indian-women-protest-sexual-violen\
ce-with-slutwalk/

[FairfieldLife] Reagan aide: GOP either stupid, crazy, ignorant or cowards

[do.rflex]

VIDEO: Bruce Bartlett: Chunk of GOP either stupid, crazy, ignorant or craven 
cowards

-- Historian Bruce Bartlett, a former domestic policy adviser
to President Ronald Reagan, sat down with MSNBC's Chris Matthews
on Wednesday to discuss the national debt.

Bartlett said it was a myth that tax cuts are the key to
prosperity, noting that Reagan raised the capital gains rate. He
was also skeptical that Congress would be able to solve the
current budget crisis.

"I think at this point, there's nothing that can pass the House
of Representatives," he said.

"I think a good chunk of the Republican caucus is either stupid,
crazy, ignorant or craven cowards, who are desperately afraid of
the tea party people, and rightly so."

Bruce Bartlett explains how much of the deficit is the result of Bush unpaid 
for tax cuts, prescription drug legislation and wars.

Watch full segment here: 
http://www.rawstory.com/rawreplay/2011/07/bruce-bartlett-chunk-of-gop-either-stupid-crazy-ignorant-or-craven-cowards/
 

http://snipurl.com/trrwv   [www_rawstory_com] 

[FairfieldLife] Re: Morality

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Alex Stanley"  
wrote:
>
> 
> 
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Buck"  wrote:
> >
> > The vain and the young may attend us awhile,
> > But let not their flatt'ry our prudence beguile.
> > Let's covet those charms that shall never decay;
> > Nor listen to all that deceivers can say.
> >
> 
> Burma Shave
>

Hilarious!

[FairfieldLife] Re: Morality

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Buck"  wrote:
>
> 
> 
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Alex Stanley"  
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Buck"  wrote:
> > > >
> > > > The vain and the young may attend us awhile,
> > > > But let not their flatt'ry our prudence beguile.
> > > > Let's covet those charms that shall never decay;
> > > > Nor listen to all that deceivers can say.
> > > >
> > > 
> > > Burma Shave
> > >
> > 
> > Hilarious!
> >
> 
> I sigh not for beauty, nor languish for wealth, 
> But grant me, kind Providence, virtue and health.
> Then, richer than kings, and far happier than they,
> My days shall pass swiftly and sweetly away.
>


Always Look On The Bright Side of Life

Life of Brian - by MontyPython

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ

[FairfieldLife] Re: Different experience of dying ignorant or enlightened

[do.rflex]

"...when you die the anguish
can be  greater than the stings
of thousands of scorpions."

~~ Guru Dev [MMY's teacher, Shankaracharya Swami Brahmananda Saraswati]


This  teaching [extended below] from Guru Dev is likely where Maharishi
got the idea that death [separation from the body upon its death] for
the 'unenlightened' is extremely painful.

While the idea is promulgated by a few in some of the the eastern
traditions, I have been unsuccessful in locating any specific
authenticated and/or generally accepted authoritative scripture that
specifically states it.

Further, in the currently extensively available near death experience
NDE research and its subsequently narrated contact with so-called dead
humans in the spirit worlds, there IS frequent mention of an afterlife
review of one's lifetime which can be painful in some respects - but no
descriptions of the pain of the actual separation from the body such as
described by Guru Dev or MMY.


Making the mistake of being worldly/transmigrated then you have to fall
again and again.
In taking birth there is suffering; much more suffering there is at the
time of dying. In the Shastras it is said that when you die the anguish
can be greater than the stings of thousands of scorpions. If one
scorpion stings it is torment to endure the pain. If thousands of
scorpions sting then guess what may be the torment of the period of
demise.
The pains of birth/death are additional to those of our lifetimes, which
are without end. Without Ishwar (God) it is impossible to become
released from this. Making the mistake of being worldly/transmigrated
then you have to fall again and again. You should argue against desires
that are impure and afterwards should have only one strong desire for
getting God. You will not progress until this desire has become stronger
than any other.
[Shri Shankaracharya UpadeshAmrita kaNa 10 of 108]

>From the:
108 Discourses of Guru Dev, Shankaracharya Swami Brahmananda Saraswati
Available here: http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm




--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "wgm4u"  wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, maskedzebra no_reply@ wrote:
>
> >
> > RESPONSE: Transcending in TM, does it mean the actual individual
flesh and bones human being stops existing? What possible relevance does
transcending in TM have to do with dying
>
> Transcending is 'conscious' dying, though the body still retains its
vivifying principles (pranas) allowing the soul (jiva) to re-enter it.
>
> In final death the 'silver cord' is snapped, severing the portal of
prana resulting in death. In transcending the silver cord remains in
tact.
>
> St. Paul said, "I die daily", even in sleep we actually die,
temporarily (not consciously).
>

[FairfieldLife] Re: The Post Count Follies :-)

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Mark Landau  wrote:
>
> This was during my time.  I was skin boy, I was driving, M was shotgun.  I 
> can't imagine Charlie being one of the people in the back seat.  Did Charlie 
> say it was in Germany?  
>


Your memory appears to be faulty, Mark. Charlie told us that story himself and 
it's in the book "MAHARISHI, THE GURU the Story of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi  by 
MARTIN, EDITOR EBON" (Paperback - 1968).

Here's Barry Wright refering to it on alt.meditation.transcendental in 2004:

"It was a paperback with Maharishi on a white cover standing probably circa 
late sixties (1968?).  I know it had the tale of them trying to catch the ferry 
in BC.  Even in the 70's I think I found it at a used book store.

"It is "Maharishi, the Guru" Edited by Martin Ebon.  And yes it is a collection 
of interviews and stories from various meditators.  I was thinking it was still 
not the book when I picked it up and opened a page.  That page was they very 
page I was talking about with Charlie describing the wild drive to the ferry in 
the northwest (page 112)." 

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.meditation.transcendental/msg/cad7584afba09960?dmode=source

The book is actually available at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/MAHARISHI-GURU-Story-Maharishi-Mahesh/dp/B00260M63Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312399513&sr=8-2








Then maybe he was.  He did come spend a little time with M a few times during 
my 5 years there, but I don't remember him being on that trip to Germany.  I 
don't remember who came, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't Charlie.  Gee, maybe, 
for this group, I should stop reminiscing.  Maybe I told the story to Charlie.  
He did tell me once that I should be out chasing women.
> 
> On Aug 3, 2011, at 12:36 PM, curtisdeltablues wrote:
> 
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Mark Landau  wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > > We were driving at night in Germany, late, trying to catch a ferry. I 
> > > think the world knows how punctual the Germans are about such things. As 
> > > was his wont, he would give me a little hand signal when I could speed 
> > > through a red light with impunity. (He could send his awareness out and 
> > > scope out the intersection ahead for incoming cars and/or policemen.) 
> > > When he didn't signal, I stopped for the light.
> > > 
> > > We drove on into the night as the ferry's departure time came and went, 
> > > and on we kept, I would say, for about fifteen minutes, though it may 
> > > have been less.
> > > 
> > > When we arrived at the dock, the ferry was there, with all it's lights 
> > > on. As we drove the car down the ramp I could see the captain, standing 
> > > near the ramp, with three of his crew surrounding him, looking bemused, 
> > > slightly amazed, perhaps concerned and wondering. In the next instant, 
> > > the captain came to, looked around, nodded, grunted and headed for the 
> > > pilot's cabin so the ferry could depart.
> > 
> > Charlie Lutes told this exact story almost exactly this way. Are you 
> > repeating his story, or were you in the car with him?
> > 
> > >
> > > Not on this. I saw his anger in two modes, while he was devastating 
> > > people and kicking them out, me included, so I have this experience from 
> > > the inside, and in a group when he got pissed for whatever reason. Was 
> > > anyone in the hotel in Mallorca II where he busted everyone for sharing 
> > > techniques? Mike Dixon says that bottles shattered.
> > > 
> > > All I can say is that, in the group context, it felt like he cracked the 
> > > atmosphere with the power of it. It was astonishing and exhilarating. In 
> > > the individual context, as witness, it was sickening, as recipient, it 
> > > was devastating.
> > > 
> > > But I'll give you a different kind to make up for it.
> > > 
> > > M definitely had siddhis. One thing he could do was put folks in a 
> > > trance, blank out their conscious awareness, selectively disconnect their 
> > > body from mind. He did this to me once and I came to in the middle, so I 
> > > know this from the inside as well. As below, he seemingly could do this 
> > > from a distance with nearly anyone.
> > > 
> > > We were driving at night in Germany, late, trying to catch a ferry. I 
> > > think the world knows how punctual the Germans are about such things. As 
> > > was his wont, he would give me a little hand signal when I could speed 
> > > through a red light with impunity. (He could send his awareness out and 
> > > scope out the intersection ahead for incoming cars and/or policemen.) 
> > > When he didn't signal, I stopped for the light.
> > > 
> > > We drove on into the night as the ferry's departure time came and went, 
> > > and on we kept, I would say, for about fifteen minutes, though it may 
> > > have been less.
> > > 
> > > When we arrived at the dock, the ferry was there, with all it's lights 
> > > on. As we drove the car down the ramp I could see the captain, standing 
> > > near the ramp, with three of h

[FairfieldLife] Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris Linda Ronstadt - After the Goldrush

[do.rflex]

On Letterman - A wonderful song by Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Linda 
Ronstadt, beautiful version.

After the Goldrush - written by Neil Young

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iifrf35cEv8

[FairfieldLife] Re: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris Linda Ronstadt - After the Goldrush

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, turquoiseb  wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > On Letterman - A wonderful song by Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton 
> > and Linda Ronstadt, beautiful version.
> > 
> > After the Goldrush - written by Neil Young
> > 
> > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iifrf35cEv8
> 
> I love this song, and their version of it, but only 
> knew it before from the album the three of them did
> together. I got the feeling from listening to it that
> these three women really loved each other, and felt
> as if they had discovered in each other kindred souls,
> and more important, kindred voices.
>


It's one of those songs that has stayed with me personally, long
after I heard it the first time performed by Neil Young. Yes, a magnificently 
beautiful song all around.


Here's the original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e3m_T-NMOs

>From After The Gold Rush (1970)
-
AFTER THE GOLD RUSH

Well, I dreamed I saw the knights
In armor coming,
Saying something about a queen.
There were peasants singing and
Drummers drumming
And the archer split the tree.
There was a fanfare blowing
To the sun
That was floating on the breeze.
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the nineteen seventies.
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the nineteen seventies.

I was lying in a burned out basement
With the full moon in my eyes.
I was hoping for replacement
When the sun burst thru the sky.
There was a band playing in my head
And I felt like getting high.
I was thinking about what a
Friend had said
I was hoping it was a lie.
Thinking about what a
Friend had said
I was hoping it was a lie.

Well, I dreamed I saw the silver
Space ships flying
In the yellow haze of the sun,
There were children crying
And colors flying
All around the chosen ones.
All in a dream, all in a dream
The loading had begun.
They were flying Mother Nature's
Silver seed to a new home in the sun.
Flying Mother Nature's
Silver seed to a new home.

[FairfieldLife] GOP Has Highest Disapproval Rating 20 Years

[do.rflex]

"GOP's Disapproval,Rating Hits 59 Percent
which is the highest disapproval rating
in the CNN poll in the last twenty years"


--  New data from a CNN poll shows that there's been a difference
in the minds of many Americans: the Democratic Party is getting a
split on approval/disapproval at 47 - 47, but the Republican
Party disapproval rating is all the way up to 59%, against a
33% approval.

The GOP approval rating has been going down in the CNN poll since
their 2010 victories: in the October 27-30 version, the
Republican Party had a small plurality in approval, at 44 - 43.

But since last fall's election they've seen a steady downward trend
in the survey, to the current low, which is the highest
disapproval rating in the CNN poll in the last twenty years.

The Tea Party itself actually has a lower disapproval rating at
51% than the Republican Party, and only a slightly lower
approval rating at 31%.

CNN was also quick to point out possible consequences of such
high dissatisfaction with Congress.

>From the report:

 Only 41 percent of people questioned say the lawmaker in their
 district in the U.S. House of Representatives deserves to be
 re-elected - the first time ever in CNN polling that that figure
 has dropped below 50 percent.

 Forty-nine percent say their representative doesn't deserve to be
 re-elected in 2012. And with ten percent unsure, it's the first
 time that a majority has indicated that they would boot their
 representative out of office if they had the chance today.

Links here:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/cnn-poll-grand-old-party-down\
grade.php

[FairfieldLife] Re: GOP Has Highest Disapproval Rating 20 Years

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Tom Pall  wrote:
>
> On Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 6:18 PM, do.rflex  wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "GOP's Disapproval,Rating Hits 59 Percent
> > which is the highest disapproval rating
> > in the CNN poll in the last twenty years"
> >
> >
> >
> But our wannabe president's ratings have fallen to levels he's never seen.
> And it ain't over till the fat lady sings.
>


I don't think Obama's assuming anything ...but the line-up of his potential 
opponents is pretty pathetic.

Here's a quote from TIME's Joe Klein:

"This is my 10th presidential campaign, Lord help me. I have
never before seen such a bunch of vile, desperate-to-please,
shameless, embarrassing losers coagulated under a single
party's banner.

"They are the most compelling argument I've seen against
American exceptionalism...

"There are those who say, cynically, if this is the dim-witted
freak show the Republicans want to present in 2012, so be it.
I disagree. One of them could get elected. You never know."

-- Joe Klein, TIME: 
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2011/03/29/american-embarrassment/

AND, while it's way too soon to make any solid predictions,,,

- Obama Surges To Lead Against Generic Republican -

-- Beset by debt ceiling woes, President Obama has been trailing behind a 
hypothetical "generic Republican" in recent polls. But no longer! The latest 
from Gallup has him moving into a solid lead. 

According to the monthly survey, which was conducted from August 4 -7, Obama 
would win 45-39 against "the Republican party's candidate." The previous two 
polls from Gallup had the generic GOPer running strong with a 47-39 lead in 
July and 44-39 lead in June.

Despite widespread anger at Washington over the last month's debt ceiling 
negotiations and a week of brutal financial news, several polls this week have 
suggested that Obama and the Democratic brand are hanging tough for now. 

A look at Obama's approval ratings across all 50 states released on Monday 
showed him gaining ground in a number of critical states since the Democrats' 
disastrous midterm election. 

A CNN poll on Tuesday showed the Republican party more unpopular than ever in 
the wake of the debt ceiling fight while Democrats are holding steady.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/obama-surges-to-lead-against-generic-republican.php?ref=fpb

[FairfieldLife] Re: GOP Has Highest Disapproval Rating 20 Years

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Tom Pall  wrote:
>
> On Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 8:24 PM, do.rflex  wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Tom Pall  wrote:
> > >
> > > On Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 6:18 PM, do.rflex  wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "GOP's Disapproval,Rating Hits 59 Percent
> > > > which is the highest disapproval rating
> > > > in the CNN poll in the last twenty years"
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > But our wannabe president's ratings have fallen to levels he's never
> > seen.
> > > And it ain't over till the fat lady sings.
> > >
> >
> >
> > I don't think Obama's assuming anything ...but the line-up of his potential
> > opponents is pretty pathetic.
> >
> >
> I suggest that Obama's health is not good and he will not survive to be
> re-elected.
>


Bananas.

[FairfieldLife] What Rich Republicans Don't Understand

[do.rflex]

"It's not just income
disparity that's a problem.

"Consider how this all started.

"A bunch of smart people
set up a kind of scam
using complex financial instruments
that no one can understand.
They got rich beyond all imagination,
while the rest of us lost our jobs,
lost our retirement money,
lost, in some cases, our homes.

"And then we were told that
there was no money for our cops,
no money for our firefighters,
our nurses, our teachers.

"And next we'll be told
that our Social Security check
will be smaller and we'll have to wait
another year or two
to get our Medicare.

"Meanwhile, the rich,
represented ably by the Republicans,
refuse to pay one dime in extra taxes."


-- Over in England, the elites are debating the causes of the
widespread looting and property destruction that has been
spreading throughout the country like a wildfire.

Roving packs of young people from the underclass are breaking
into high-end stores and taking whatever they want. They're
robbing people in broad daylight with no concern that most of
their actions are being captured by the ubiquitous cameras that
film nearly every square-inch of England's cities. They're
lighting cars and shops ablaze and then attacking the firefighters
and police with projectiles.

We know the spark that lit the match was the shooting death of a
black man in the Tottenham section of North London, but that
doesn't explain why people are rioting in South London and
Nottingham and Birmingham and Manchester, and even in Glouchester.
It's hard to come up with one single answer.

First of all, the same thing has been happening right here
in Philadelphia all year long. It's just on a smaller scale. For
example, this is from late June.

 UPPER DARBY — A mob of about 40 people stormed into the Sears
 department store on 69th Street Thursday, and in a flash stole
 thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, officials said.

 Police were able to round up 15 juveniles and one adult, 19, all
 from West Philadelphia.

 "They came in on the El train and hit Sears," police
Superintendent
 Michael Chitwood said. "They stole sneakers, socks, watches,
 whatever they could get their hands on, and left."

I think these girls in England [links below] have as good
an explanation as you're going to find. Having looted alcohol from
a local shop, they calmly explained to a BBC reporter that the
riots were all about showing the rich, the government, and the
police that they could do whatever they want.

When asked why they were destroying their own community, they said
they were attacking the shop owners and people with money. And
they thought the whole enterprise was a great deal of fun.

Sometimes people say that there is no real left-wing in America,
and that's kind of true in Britain, too. But we *do* have a
left-wing. It's just a left-wing designed to kill the seductive
power of communism and to build a bulwark against anarchism.


Different countries chose different ways of responding to the
economic catastrophes of the 1920's and 1930's. The Russians
became totalitarian. Europe succumbed to fascism. We chose a
New Deal.

It was a middle road. It provided a safety net and tolerable
working conditions. It created a huge middle class. It didn't
arouse the far right or far left instincts of the nation, but put
them into sleep mode.

Now we're back to 1920's level of income disparity. Conservatives
are attacking every aspect of the New Deal.

What rich people seem to be forgetting is that the opposite of the
New Deal is not some idyllic paradise of free-market bliss.
The opposite is rampaging mobs who light shit on fire just to show
you that they can do whatever they want. Eventually, that can
include burning down your business or your house, or, maybe,
even taking your life.

And it's not just income disparity that's a problem.

Consider how this all started.

A bunch of smart people set up a kind of scam using complex
financial instruments that no one can understand. They got rich
beyond all imagination, while the rest of us lost our jobs, lost
our retirement money, lost, in some cases, our homes.

And then we were told that there was no money for our cops, no
money for our firefighters, our nurses, our teachers.

And next we'll be told that our Social Security check will be
smaller and we'll have to wait another year or two to get our
Medicare.

Meanwhile, the rich, represented ably by the Republicans, refuse to
pay one dime in extra taxes.

With that kind of attitude and that lack of accountability, it's
not hard to see why some people might start losing hope and might
start losing respect for "the system."

If the rich don't wise up quick, the scenes from England will be
coming to America. Bet on it.

Links included here:
http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2011/8/10/114513/417

[FairfieldLife] Kentucky Gives 75% Tax Break To Creationist Theme Park

[do.rflex]

Kentucky Gives Creationist Theme Park 75 Percent Tax Discount For The 
Next 30 Years


"The multi-million dollar tax breaks
for the amusement park
come at a time when
Kentucky families are struggling
from *eight rounds* of state budget cuts
over the past three years.
That includes cuts to education
at all levels, a pay freeze
for all teachers and state workers,
and reduced funding for Medicaid."


-- In May, Kentucky approved a $43 million tax break for
Ark Encounter, a Bible-themed amusement park that
religious organizations are building outside Williamstown.

Now the state is giving the creationist project another kickback in
the form of a 75 percent property tax discount over the next 30 years:

 Mayor Rick Skinner said the offer is laid out in a memorandum of
 agreement that will be followed by a formal tax-increment financing
 deal with Petersburg-based Ark Encounters LLC in coming months.

 The tax deal is in addition to almost $200,000 given to the company
 by Grant County's economic development arm as an enticement to
keep
 the project located there, along with 100 acres of reduced-price
 land.

 And that's not counting the state's promise of $40 million
worth of
 sales tax rebates and a possible $11 million in improvements to the
 interstate near the project that would be financed by the Kentucky
 Transportation Cabinet.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that "the array of state and
local incentives worry some people, who aren't sure they will pay
off in the end."

That group includes local officials like City Council member and
former Mayor Glenn Caldwell who worries that residents might
"be burdened with additional costs because of this project."

Proponents of the project, including Gov. Steve Beshear (D) say it
will create up to 900 jobs and attract 1.6 million tourists in
its first year. However, as TPM notes, "those numbers were based on
a feasibility study, commissioned by Ark Encounters LLC, that
state officials reportedly never actually saw."

The multiple tax breaks for the amusement park come at a time when 
Kentucky families are struggling from eight rounds of state budget cuts 
over the past three years. That includes cuts to education at all 
levels, a pay freeze for all teachers and state workers, and reduced 
funding for Medicaid.

The state already has a Creationism Museum, and the complementary 
amusement park includes biblical exhibits like the Tower of Babel and a 
full-size replica of Noah's Ark…complete with dinosaurs inside
(which  creationists believe co-existed with early man). It's slated
to open in  the spring of 2014.

Links here:
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/08/10/292379/kentucky-gives-creat\
ionist-theme-park-75-percent-tax-discount-for-the-next-30-years/

[FairfieldLife] Re: The next president of the US has just thrown his hat into the ring

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Denise Evans 
wrote:
>
> The right-wing christian conservatives are on the move


No doubt about it:


This Week in God

By Steve Benen

  First up from the God Machine this week is a look at the  religious
associations of Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), whose burgeoning 
presidential campaign makes his extremist  allies
  that much more significant well outside the Lone
Star State.
Right Wing Watch ran  a report
  this week on the religious leaders Perry chooses to pal  around
with, as evidenced by last week's Christian prayer rally —
called  "The Response" — and its radical co-sponsors like
the American Family  Association and Family Research Council.
A major chunk of [last week's event] was given over to  Mike Bickle,
who runs the International House of Prayer (IHOP) movement,  which
recruits young people into "radical" devotion to prayer and 
fasting.


Yes, he's the guy who said  
 that Oprah is paving the way for the
Antichrist.


Bickle's associate  Lou  Engle 
 has
organized a series of stadium events  
 pushing prayer, fasting, and politics under the banner of "The 
Call," which provided the model for "The Response."


Bickle and Engle are  hard-core dominionists who believe they are
ushering in a new Christian  church which will take its rightful place
of dominion over every aspect  of government and society. […]

And lest anyone think that Perry's religious agenda is limited to 
social issues, he made clear that a rigid conservative economic agenda 
was central to his spiritual mission. […]

Perry used the event to let right-wing religious voters and churches 
nationwide know that for those who see politics as spiritual warfare, he
is the warrior they have been waiting for.

For more along these lines, the Texas Observer had a  very interesting
piece
 
last month — "Rick Perry's Army of God" —  about a
group of radical Christian leaders with some deeply strange  ideas about
government and their ties to the governor of Texas.

If you thought Jeremiah Wright made for interesting campaign fodder  in
2008, Perry's faith-based associations offer even more 
eyebrow-raising opportunities.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_08/this_week_in_g\
od_14031510.php


>
> --- On Sat, 8/13/11, Tom Pall thomas.pall@... wrote:
>
> From: Tom Pall thomas.pall@...
> Subject: [FairfieldLife] The next president of the US has just thrown
his hat into the ring
> To: "FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com" fairfieldlife@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Saturday, August 13, 2011, 11:00 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Â
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>   What a winning ticket.   A Texan and an Alaskan. 
Now we're going to get things rolling again.   Leadership and
assassination insurance all in one ticket.
>

[FairfieldLife] Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

A new CNN/Opinion Research poll finds President Obama's base is behind him with 
70% of Democrats saying they'd like to see Obama as their party's presidential 
nominee next year.

Notes pollster Keating Holland: "In 1994, only 57% of Democrats wanted the 
party to renominate Bill Clinton, and he went on to win the nomination and a 
second term two years later." 

Linked here:
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/08/14/democratic_base_solidly_behind_obama.html

[FairfieldLife] Polling Suggests Tea Party/GOP Could Lose House

[do.rflex]

Public Policy Polling: Independent voters gave the tea party control
of the U.S. House in 2010.

Now 68 percent of independents disapprove of House Republicans.


Tom Jensen, Public Policy Polling:

 I think most national pundits continue to be missing the boat on
 how possible it is that Democrats will retake control of the House
 next year.

 We find Democrats with a 7 point lead on the generic Congressional
 ballot this week at 47-40. After getting demolished with
 independent voters last year, they now hold a slight 39-36
 advantage with them. And in another contrast to 2010 Democratic
 voters are actually slightly more unified than Republicans, with 83
 percent committed to supporting the party's Congressional
 candidates compared to 80 percent in line with theirs.

 This poll is certainly not an outlier. We have looked at the
 generic ballot 11 times going back to the beginning of March and
 Democrats have been ahead every single time, by an average margin
 of about 4 points.

 This 7 point advantage is the largest Democrats have had and if
 there was an election today I'm thinking that they'd take
back the
 House…

 There's little doubt that Democrats are winning the fallout of
the
 debt debate.

 Approval for Congressional Republicans has now plunged to a 25/65
 spread. That's a 21 point decline on the margin from when they
 started the year at 33/52.

 Last year independent voters were the driving factor behind the GOP
 retaking the House majority. Now they give it a 20/68 approval
 rating.

 It's early — but it looks very plausible that we could be
back to
 Speaker Pelosi 17 months from now.


GALLUP: Gallup's first measure of the 2012 congressional elections
shows Democrats leading Republicans, 51% to 44%, in registered
voters' preferences for which party's candidate they would support
in their district "if the elections for Congress were being held today."

See GALLUP GRAPH:
http://sas-origin.onstreammedia.com/origin/gallupinc/GallupSpaces/Produc\
tion/Cms/POLL/mcaf4abaleymmsl13eq7aw.gif



Andrew Sullivan:

 My money is on a Democratic House and a chastened Republican Senate
 in 2013 …

 My reason for the shift: the staggering recklessness of
 the GOP in recent months. It goes hand in hand with Obama's
 turn-around against a generic Republican.

Except that GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell the pro-failure caucus
he leads are incapable of being "chastened," so I'm not sure
what
Sully means by that.

Links here:
http://www.pensitoreview.com/2011/08/13/polls-suggest-tea-party-could-lo\
se-house/

[FairfieldLife] Re: Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> > 

> No wonder the do.rk quoted Political Wire's blurb rather
> than the actual article.

Go fuck yourself, Judy.

[FairfieldLife] Re: Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
>
> -- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "whynotnow7"  wrote:
> >
> > A lot of that going around lately...
> 
> We can hardly blame poor do.rk ...


Like I daid, 'go fuck yourself Judy."

[FairfieldLife] Re: Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, turquoiseb  wrote:
> >
> > Can I predict things, or can I predict things?  :-)
> 
> Yup, your dittohead the do.rk ...

Like I said...

[FairfieldLife] Re: Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "RoryGoff"  wrote:
>
> 
> 
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
> > >
> > > -- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "whynotnow7"  wrote:
> > > >
> > > > A lot of that going around lately...
> > > 
> > > We can hardly blame poor do.rk ...
> > 
> > 
> > Like I daid, 'go fuck yourself Judy."
> 
> 
> * * Are you really daid like me? Then we are indeed ever fucking ourself 
> again and again. We really are an infinitely flexing dork, aren't we? "You're 
> a bore' becomes the (n)ever-boring Uroboros.
> 
> By the way, somewhat along the same lines, I heartily second Tom Traynor's 
> recommendation of "Dead Like Me" (available by instant download from Netflix) 
> for a poignant and hilarious look at a life immediately post-Awakening :-)
>


Sounds delightful, Rory.

[FairfieldLife] Re: Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "RoryGoff"  wrote:
>
> 
> 
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> >
> > Sounds delightful, Rory.
> >
> * * It really is! Some find the deadpan humor a bit depressing at first, but 
> once my "I" got accustomed to the dark, I found it unbelievably funny! Alas, 
> it ran only two seasons...
>


Is the 2009 movie the same thing? I'm not sure I want to take the time to watch 
29 episodes of the TV series.

[FairfieldLife] Re: Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> > 
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
> > >
> > > -- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "whynotnow7"  wrote:
> > > >
> > > > A lot of that going around lately...
> > > 
> > > We can hardly blame poor do.rk ...
> > 
> > Like I daid, 'go fuck yourself Judy."
> 
> You daid, do.rk? Gee, I'm sorry to hear that. Thought you
> had a few good years left.
>


Go fuck yourself, Judy.

[FairfieldLife] Re: Democratic Base Solidly Behind Obama

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
>
> 
> 
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> > > > 
> > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > -- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "whynotnow7"  wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A lot of that going around lately...
> > > > > 
> > > > > We can hardly blame poor do.rk ...
> > > > 
> > > > Like I daid, 'go fuck yourself Judy."
> > > 
> > > You daid, do.rk? Gee, I'm sorry to hear that. Thought you
> > > had a few good years left.
> > 
> > Go fuck yourself, Judy.
> 
> Ooops, sounds like you're stuck, do.rk. Try picking up
> the needle and putting it down again in a different
> groove. Or just jump up and down near the record player;
> sometimes that works.
>


You're an expert, Judy, at what you're doing. Congratulations. I hope you 
appreciate the results.

[FairfieldLife] Dave Brubeck's 'Take Five' on Sitar by Sachal Music

[do.rflex]

Brubeck's famous 'Take Five' played on a sitar with accompaniment
is awesome.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLF46JKkCNg 

[FairfieldLife] Rick Perry defends Texas' Abstinence Programs

[do.rflex]

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngiJhmoFKkw 

[FairfieldLife] Yes, But the Rich Are Different

[do.rflex]

Yes, But the Rich Are Different…

by Anne Laurie

Earlier this week, the Guardian reprinted a piece by Naomi "Shock 
Doctrine
 " Klein on
"Looting  with the Lights On
 ":


 ... Argentina, circa 2001. The economy was in freefall and
 thousands of people living in rough neighbourhoods (which had been
 thriving manufacturing zones before the neoliberal era) stormed
 foreign-owned superstores. They came out pushing shopping carts
 overflowing with the goods they could no longer afford –
clothes,
 electronics, meat.

 The government called a "state of siege" to restore order;
the
 people didn't like that and overthrew the government.

 Argentina's mass looting was called el saqueo – the sacking.

 That was politically significant because it was the very same word
 used to describe what that country's elites had done by selling
off
 the country's national assets in flagrantly corrupt
privatisation
 deals, hiding their money offshore, then passing on the bill to the
 people with a brutal austerity package.

 Argentines understood that the saqueo of the shopping centres would
 not have happened without the bigger saqueo of the country, and
 that the real gangsters were the ones in charge.

 But England is not Latin America, and its riots are not political,
 or so we keep hearing. They are just about lawless kids taking
 advantage of a situation to take what isn't theirs. And British
 society, Cameron tells us, abhors that kind of behaviour.

 This is said in all seriousness. As if the massive bank bailouts
 never happened, followed by the defiant record bonuses. Followed by
 the emergency G8 and G20 meetings, when the leaders decided,
 collectively, not to do anything to punish the bankers for any of
 this, nor to do anything serious to prevent a similar crisis from
 happening again.

 Instead they would all go home to their respective countries and
 force sacrifices on the most vulnerable.

 They would do this by firing public sector workers, scapegoating
 teachers, closing libraries, upping tuition fees, rolling back
 union contracts, creating rush privatisations of public assets and
 decreasing pensions – mix the cocktail for where you live.

 And who is on television lecturing about the need to give up these
 "entitlements"? The bankers and hedge-fund managers, of
course.

 This is the global saqueo, a time of great taking. Fuelled by a
 pathological sense of entitlement, this looting has all been done
 with the lights on, as if there was nothing at all to hide.

 There are some nagging fears, however. In early July, the Wall
 Street Journal, citing a new poll, reported that 94% of
 millionaires were afraid of "violence in the streets". This,
it
 turns out, was a reasonable fear…

Until I skimmed the Guardian comments, I hadn't realized  that the
Bullingdon  Club   was
still in existence… or that Prime Minister Cameron and  London Mayor
Boris Johnson had been BC members during their youth.  They were 
careless people  ...

http://www.balloon-juice.com/2011/08/20/yes-but-the-rich-are-different/

[FairfieldLife] The Tea Party’s March of Folly: Idiocracy, Here We Come

[do.rflex]

The Tea Party's March of Folly: Idiocracy, Here We Come

Jon Ponder | Aug. 19, 2011

"And it was no accident
that Republican fatcat operatives
recognized these dumbasses
as suckers whom they could
easily dupe into believing
that it was the government,
not big business,
that caused the financial collapse in 2008;
that tax cuts create jobs;
that corporations are people;
and on and on —

"or that a mild-mannered
DLC centrist Democratic president
who happens to be black
is actually a terrifying Kenyan
anti-colonialist Marxist
Muslim Nazi fascist illegal alien"

"Maybe it's naive to think that ideological opponents can be
brought together by a common fear of mass stupidity: Call
it idiocraphobia."


-- In her Los Angeles Times column on Thursday, Meghan Daum made note of
the rise references in political commentary to the movie "Idiocracy," a 
2006 burp-and-fart, sci-fi political comedy set 500 years in the future,
written and directed by Mike Judge, the creator of the animated series 
"Beavis and Butthead" and "King of the Hill":

 References to the film seem to be everywhere, and not just in
 op-eds penned by cranky columnists... The latest issue of the
 Economist has an article about the business-sabotaging effects of
 the battles in Washington, headlined "American Idiocracy."

 A recent blog post on the Psychology Today website was headlined
 "Idiocracy: Can We Reverse It?" Meanwhile, it's popping up in
 causal conversations, Internet comments and, most notably, on
 Twitter, where it often appears as a hashtagged topic…

Daum suggests that the movie has been given a second life...


Watch 'Idiocracy' Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=clYwX8Z43zg



Daum's hope is that interest in "Idiocracy" and the shock
of recognition of that society is being driven toward the future
it predicts will give pause to partisans on both sides and bring
them to their senses.

"Maybe it's naive," she writes, "to think that ideological
opponents can be brought together by a common fear of mass
stupidity: Call it idiocraphobia."

But, see, the problem here is not naivete. The problem with
this analysis is a reflexive reliance among media types on
the equivalency meme: both sides are equally guilty, equally
bad. A pox on both your houses...

It wasn't "Congress" that behaved like stubborn toddlers. It
wasn't Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and
their caucuses who seized control of the debt-ceiling debate and
drove the United States' full faith and credit toward the brink
of default.

Objectively, this stubborn behavior was only found among one
discrete faction: The radical know-nothing tea partyists.

There is no equivalency between any group on the left or in the
middle and the tea party.

No one else is so pliably dim-witted, so unmoored from reality
that they take it as faith that Jesus rode dinosaurs and the earth
is just 7,000 years old.

Based on the flimsiest tissues of obvious bogus-ness, they
convinced themselves that Pres. Obama, a mild-mannered DLC
centrist Democrat is in reality a terrifying Kenyan anti-
colonialist Marxist Muslim Nazi fascist illegal alien.

It is not surprising that Republican fatcat operatives have had
no trouble duping the tea partyists into believing that, for
example, it was the government, not big business, that caused
the financial collapse in 2008. That tax cuts create jobs,
and corporations are people.

It is these people, the tea partyists — not Democrats,
liberals, independents or even moderate Republicans — who are
the idiocrats among us...

Continue reading here:
http://www.pensitoreview.com/2011/08/19/tea-partys-march-of-folly-idiocr\
acy-here-we-come/

[FairfieldLife] Teabaggers more disliked than Muslims, atheists

[do.rflex]

Teabaggers more disliked than Muslims, atheists   by  John Aravosis (DC)
on 8/17/2011 10:45:00 AM



In America, it takes a lot to be more disliked than a Muslim, or  even,
God forbid, an atheist.  From  the NYT
 :

[I]n data we have recently collected, the Tea Party  ranks lower than
any of the 23 other groups we asked about — lower than  both
Republicans and Democrats. It is even less popular than much  maligned
groups like "atheists" and "Muslims." Interestingly, one
group  that approaches it in unpopularity is the Christian Right.And 
here's a surprise - the Tea Party is actually conservative Republicans.
Our analysis casts doubt on the Tea Party's "origin story." 
Early on, Tea Partiers were often described as nonpartisan political 
neophytes. Actually, the Tea Party's supporters today were highly 
partisan Republicans long before the Tea Party was born, and were more 
likely than others to have contacted government officials. In fact, past
Republican affiliation is the single strongest predictor of Tea Party 
support today.
And the other factor that defines Teabaggers is the desire to see 
religion (their religion) play a prominent role in the politics.
Next to being a Republican, the strongest predictor of being  a Tea
Party supporter today was a desire, back in 2006, to see religion  play
a prominent role in politics.  Interestingly, and  surprisingly I'd
argue, the public has swung against mixing religion  with politics.
While over the last five years Americans have become  slightly more
conservative economically, they have swung even further in  opposition
to mingling religion and politics. It thus makes sense  that the Tea
Party ranks alongside the Christian Right in unpopularity.This  is quite
interesting.  We'd need more details as to what's motivating  people to
be less interested in religion in the public square, but it  might
provide a nice line of attack for Democrats, if they have the  courage
to take on religion, even batty  religions like Bachmann's and Perry's
 .  More on Perry's fringe  religious beliefs here
 .

http://www.americablog.com/2011/08/teabaggers-more-disliked-than-muslims\
.html

[FairfieldLife] Huntsman 2.0 - Could Huntsman save the day for the GOP?

[do.rflex]

Huntsman 2.0   Thomas Lane | Talking Points Memo | August 21, 2011
"Poll after poll shows that
despite President Obama's sinking numbers
he still fares well against
virtually all his major GOP opponents."


-- What do you make of the new hard-hittin',  tough-tweetin' Jon
Huntsman
 ? We ran a piece
   on Friday
asking whether the former Utah governor and Obama-appointed  ambassador
to China was even trying to win the nomination any more.  Since then
numerous emails have come in from readers who think he's  making a long
play for the nomination in 2016.
That's certainly a reasonable view. However, it's possible there's 
something else at work here, too.

The Republican establishment is faced with something of a quandary 
right now. Even just a few months ago, the big money and major 
power-brokers thought 2012 was going to be unwinnable. It was widely 
believed that the economy would slowly pick up, and by November of next 
year President Obama would be able to take the credit for that and walk 
to re-election.

This likely prompted the more credible GOP candidates, such as New 
Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, to decide to sit out the coming election and
wait for 2016. By and large the GOP establishment seemed happy enough 
to send out the political equivalent of cannon-fodder that would be torn
apart in the No Man's Land of 2012.

However, the sudden threat of a double-dip recession means this 
election suddenly looks winnable for the Republicans... But only if they
have the right candidate. Poll
   after poll
   shows that despite President Obama's sinking
numbers he still fares  well against virtually all his major GOP
opponents.

Presumably this is maddening for the Republican establishment. All of  a
sudden what they need is a moderate savior who's not tarnished by 
either extreme flip-flopping or by outrageous statements against, say,
the  Federal Reserve
  and the  scientific process
 . Hence the current
conservative calls in  some quarters
  for Rep. Paul Ryan and the brief  flutter earlier this week
over rumors of a Christie run
 .

This must be infuriating for Huntsman; as far as he must be  concerned,
the party already has its moderate savior and he's already in  the race.
Indeed, it's him.

But the problem Huntsman faces is exactly that he is already in the 
race. Unlike Christie or Ryan there are now real polls for Huntsman, and
they show him failing to catch alight.

If he was entering the fray right now he'd figuratively be wearing a 
halo and would be suffused by a glowing ethereal light while angels 
flutter around him, plucking away at harps.

But the nature of the nominating process meant that in order to get a 
viable campaign on the ground, he had to enter a few months ago, before 
there was this great GOP thirst for a candidate just like him. Having 
gotten in at that stage, now the numbers are in as well, and the 
power-brokers can dismiss him while casting their eyes around for a 
candidate whose halo has not been tarnished by the grime of poor poll 
numbers.

That could well be the significance behind this new combative  Huntsman;
he's indicating to the types of people pining after Christie  or Ryan --
and lamenting that they don't have much time to set up a  campaign on
the ground -- that there is already an Independent-friendly  candidate
right under their noses. These new moves are intended to  reboot his
campaign into Huntsman 2.0. At the very least it should  guarantee he at
least gets asked some proper questions in the next GOP  debate. It's a
tough strategy as it does indeed involve alienating the  Tea
Party-leaning sections of the base. But right now it seems the only 
strategy that's left.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/08/huntsman_20.php?ref=fpblg

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'Why Obama will be Pres. again'...(Power & Temptation)

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Robert  wrote:
>
> From my understanding of 'Why' Barack Obama is and will be President again:
> Is Because:
> He is a 'moderatiing force' in the time of 'great turmoil' , that we are 
> experiencing on all levels with the coming of the year: 2012, and the end of 
> the Mayan Calender, signifying the end of an old time, and the beginning of a 
> 'New Time'...
> In the new time, time will begin to be experienced as proposed in 'Einstein's 
> Theory of Relativity'...that of being 'Flexible'...
> The inner field of the light of consciousness will be more readily available 
> to the 'World dPopulation'...
> This means as 'Time' is experienced in it's relativity, more and more people 
> will be encouraged to 'Follow their Heart' , or 'Follow their Bliss' as we 
> see more of  the younger generation, fulfilling their hearts and souls this 
> way, around the world, and further, the younger ones are establishing, in 
> their hearts: Less prejudice in general to people different from them, but 
> rather a curiousity about people from different cultures, backrounds and 
> eithnic  values...
> As more and more of the 'Old Way' is being exhibited for it's 'Egoic 
> Prejudiced Values'...only striving to preserve the 'Hoarded Wealth of the 
> Rich'...
> We begin to see the 'Temptation of Power' and how it is used to as it were,
> "Keep societies stuck, while only the most wealthy, proper"...
> This way is coming to an end soon, and because President Obama is the one 
> with the most love for his family and his nation,  and because he is the one 
> who(partly because he grew up in Hawaii), that has the 'Balanced Temperment' 
> and intelligence...will be elected again...
> He has avoided most of the temptations which come with the gaining of 
> 'Worldly Power'...
> So, in conclusion, we can see why the Republicans are having so much trouble 
> finding someone to face off with President Obama...
> J.G.D.
>  


I just sent a post on Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, who 
appears to be the only sane and really electable GOP presidential candidate. 
But I don't think anyone will beat Obama in 2012.

[FairfieldLife] Radha: The Feminine Nature of God

[do.rflex]

Radha: The Feminine Nature of God Gadadhara Pandit Dasa

  Hindu Chaplain, Columbia University  and New York University

   Millions will gather today, in India and   around the world, to
offer
prayers, worship, and devotional songs glorifying the appearance  
of the
Divine mother, Radha (Radharani)  .
Radha descended from the   spiritual realm
shortly after Krishna
 , approximately 5,000   years ago. She took
birth in the
small village known as Barsana, which is about 28 miles from  
Mathura,
the birth place of Krishna.
The word Radha comes from the Sanskrit verbal root radh, which
means
to worship, and the word rani, which means queen. Radharani can
be literally
translated to mean "the queen of worship." In some texts, she is
described as
"the supreme goddess who is worshipable by everyone.


She is the protector of all, and she is the mother of the entire
universe."

The answer to the question that has been on everyone's mind for
millennia is,
YES and NO. The question is: Is God a Man? God is not just male,
and
according to some Vedic scriptures, God has both masculine and
feminine
expansions.


In the Bhagavad Gita  , Krishna provides
a sneak preview into these feminine
traits.
"Among women I am fame, fortune, fine speech, memory,
intelligence,
steadfastness and patience."
However, in some of the more esoteric texts such as the Puranas
  and the
Chaitanya-Caritamrita
 , it explains
that the complete manifestation of God
includes his feminine counterpart, Radha. They are inconceivably
one and
different, as Krishna expanded himself into two for the purpose
of exchanging love.


There's a beautiful description in the Chaitanya-Caritamrita
which gives us
a window into the connection between Radha and Krishna.
"Radha is the full power, and Lord Kṛṣṇa is the
possessor of full power.
The two are not different, as evidenced by the revealed
scriptures.
They are indeed the same, just as musk and its scent are
inseparable,
or as fire and its heat are non-different. Thus Rādhā and
Kṛiṣhṇa are one,
yet they have taken two forms to enjoy the mellows of pastimes."
This concept is not an easy one to grasp. If God is full and
complete, why does he
need to expand himself to exchange love? The next question we
can ask is why
does God need to do anything? God has a personality which
indicates that he has
preferences. Perhaps this need to expand for the purpose of
exchanging love speaks
of the importance love plays in the lives of all individuals.

Our desire to love and be loved comes from God. For the most
part, no one wants
to be alone, at least not permanently. The thing everyone is
chasing after is love.
We all want to know that there are people out there that love
us. Simultaneously,
we hanker to be able to give our love to others.

There is another passage in the Caitanya-Caritamrita that
describes Radha's qualities and love for Krishna.
"Radharani's body, mind, and words are steeped in love for
Krishna ...
The body of Radharani is a veritable transformation of love of
Godhead.
Even Krishna can't understand the strength of Radha's love which
overwhelms Him. Her transcendental body is complete with unparalleled
spiritual qualities. Even Lord Kṛiṣhṇa Himself cannot
reach the limit of the transcendental qualities of Radharani."
These are some of Radha's prominent qualities:

1. Radha is adolescent and always freshly youthful.
2. Radharani is very sweet and most charming to look at.
3. Radha's face is smiling and ever blissful.
4. Radharani is the most exceptional singer and veena
  player.
5. Radha's words are charming and pleasing.
6. Radha is exceptionally humble.
7. Radha is the embodiment of mercy and compassion.
8. Radha possesses Mahabhava, the highest sentiment of love.
9. Radha always keeps Krishna under Her control. Krishna
submissively obeys Radha's command

These topics of divine and spiritual love between Radha and
Krishna will always
remain a mystery as long as we remain on the material platform.
Love on the
spiritual platform is devoid of selfishness. The needs and
interests on the other
take precedence over one's own needs. The kind of love that
comes closest to
spiritual love is the love exhibited by a mother towards her
child. It's full of sacrifice
and is completely selfless; it is without expectation.

The feeling of love is derived from the 

[FairfieldLife] All the Pretty Little Horses - by Odetta

[do.rflex]

According to Living Documents in American History from Earliest Colonial Times 
to the Civil War, edited by John A Scott, (Trident Press 1963), this beautiful 
song was collected by Alan Lomax, who learned it from his mother, who took it 
from North Carolina to Texas after the Civil War.

This simple, lovely version is by Odetta Holmes,(December 31, 1930 – December 
2, 2008). 

All the Pretty Little Horses - by Odetta
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7QXidR_Aks

[FairfieldLife] Re: Today is FFL's 10th Birthday

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer"  wrote:
>
> I had meant to invite some of the old-timers back for a visit. LB Shriver,
> Thom Krystofiak, Off World Beings (did invite him), Rudra Joe/Kirk
> Bernhardt. Can you think of others?
>


Your efforts, including your interviews, are very much appreciated, Rick.

[FairfieldLife] A Quote for Labor Day from Abraham Lincoln

[do.rflex]

"Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only
the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not
first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much
the higher consideration."

~~   Abraham Lincoln, our first Republican president, who offered
those words in his annual message to Congress in 1861 

[FairfieldLife] 30 gifts to 30 strangers in Sydney

[do.rflex]

For a smile...

Watch here: 
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/09/12/video-mid-day-distraction-30-gifts-30-strangers/

[FairfieldLife] More than twice as many blame Republicans for what's wrong in Washington

[do.rflex]

Americans are more than twice as likely to blame Republicans
for Washington's infighting, a new Bloomberg Poll finds.

45 percent blame Republicans, 20 percent blame President Obama,
and 19 percent blame congressional Democrats for "what's gone wrong
in Washington."

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/181699-poll-voters-blame-gop-more-for-washingtons-political-fighting-

[FairfieldLife] Republicanism As Religion

[do.rflex]

Republicanism As Religion

by Andrew Sullivan - The Daily Beast, 12 Sep 2011


   The Dish covered
  the remarkable web essay of Mike Lofgren
 , but I didn't comment myself because it  so closely
follows my own argument in "The Conservative Soul
 " and on
this blog, that it felt  somewhat superfluous. But I want to draw
attention to the crux of the  piece, because if we are to understand how
the right became so unmoored  from prudence, moderation and tradition
and became so infatuated with  recklessness, extremism and revolution,
we need to understand how it  happened.
It is, of course, as my shrink never fails to point out, 
multi-determined. But here is Lofgren's attempt at a Rosebud:
How did the whole toxic stew of GOP beliefs -  economic royalism, 
militarism and culture wars cum fundamentalism - come  completely to 
displace an erstwhile civilized Eisenhower Republicanism?

It is my view that the rise of politicized  religious fundamentalism 
(which is a subset of the decline of rational  problem solving in 
America) may have been the key ingredient of the  takeover of the 
Republican Party. For politicized religion provides a  substrate of 
beliefs that rationalizes - at least in the minds of  followers - all 
three of the GOP's main tenets.

That too is my view: that the GOP, deep down, is behaving as a 
religious movement, not as a political party, and a radical religious 
movement at that.


Lofgren sees the "Prosperity Gospel" as a divine  blessing for personal
enrichment and minimal taxation (yes, that kind of  Gospel is compatible
with Rand, just not compatible with the actual  Gospels); for military
power (with a major emphasis on the punitive,  interventionist God of
the Old Testament); and for radical change and  contempt for existing
institutions (as a product of End-Times thinking, intensified after 9/11
 ).

Lofgren argues that supply-side economics attaches to the 
fundamentalist worldview purely by coalition necessity.


The  fundamentalists are not that interested in debt or economics (they
sure  didn't give a damn as spending exploded under Bush) but if their 
coalition partners insist on a certain economic doctrine, they'll easily
go along with it, as long as it is never compromised.


If it's presented  as eternal dogma, they can handle it - and defend it
with gusto.


If it  also means that Obama is wrong, so much the better.


Most theo-political  movements need an anti-Christ of some sort; and
Obama - even though he  is the most demonstrably Christian president
since Carter - fills the  role.
And so this political deadlock conceals a religious war at its heart.
Why after all should one abandon or compromise sacred truths?

And for  those whose Christianity can only be sustained by denial of
modern  complexity, of scientific knowledge, and of what scholarly
studies of the Bible's origins have revealed, this fusion of political
and spiritual lives into one seamless  sensibility and culture, is
irresistible.

And public reminders of  modernity - that, say, many Americans do not
celebrate Christmas, that  gay people have human needs, that America
will soon be a  majority-minority country and China will overtake the US
in GDP by  mid-century - are terribly threatening.

But all these nuances do not therefore vanish. The gays  don't
disappear. China keeps growing. The population becomes browner and 
browner. Women's lives increasingly become individual choices not 
social fates. And this enrages and terrifies the fundamentalist even 
more. Hence the occasional physical lashing out - think Breivik or 
McVeigh - but more profoundly, the constant endless insatiable cultural 
lashing out at the "elites" who have left fundamentalism behind, and 
have, on many core issues, science on their side.

So within this  religious core, and fundamentalist mindset, you also
have the steely  solder of ressentiment, intensified even further by a
period of  white middle and working class decline and economic crisis.
That's how I explain the current GOP.


It can only think in doctrines,  because the alternative is living in a
complicated, global, modern  world they both do not understand and also
despise.


Taxes are therefore always  bad. Government is never good. Foreign
enemies must be pre-emptively  attacked. Islam is not a religion.
Climate change is an elite  conspiracy to impoverish America. Terror
suspects are terrorists. When  Americans torture, it is not torture.
When Christians murder, they are  not Christians.


And if you change your mind on any of these issues, you  are a liberal,
an apostate, and will be attacked.
If your view of conservatism is one rooted in an instinctual, but 
ag

[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev

[do.rflex]

Thanks, Rick.



--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> 30 Quotations attributed to Shankaracharya Swami Brahmanand Saraswati
> 
> 
> 'So long passion for attaining God is not firm you shall fly hither  
> and thither, without knowing, like a kite.'
> 
> 'Be a worldly man through body and wealth and contemplate Him  
> (Paramatma) in your heart. Thus you shall shine in the world and  
> attain summum bonum as well.'
> 
> 'The God is Almighty. If you attain power through worshipping the  
> Almighty, in accordance with scriptures, there would be nothing  
> impossible in the world.'
> 
> 'He alone is the Adored One who does not let any evil take place. He  
> alone can make one free from all evils, for He alone is Almighty.'
> 
> 'He is perfect in the entire creation. He saves those from every evil  
> who depend wholeheartedly upon Him.'
> 
> 'Keep in mind the instance of Prahlad. Wherever Prahlad was taken to  
> he was saved by his Adored One. Hence make yourself immune from every  
> evil by making Him your Adored One.'
> 
> 'Lord Vishnu, Shankar, Devi, Surya and Ganesh, each of these five  
> deities, are equally capable of doing good to their devotees. One  
> should make one of them one's favourite and should visualize him  
> pervading throughout the creation.'
> 
> 'He alone is the best devotee who sees his Adored One everywhere. For  
> the devotee of Vishnu the Lord is omnipresent. He should see Lord  
> Vishnu even in the images of Shankar, Devi, Ganesh and Surya etc.  
> Likewise a devotee of Shankar, Devi etc. should visualize his Adored  
> One omnipresent.'
> 
> 'If a worshipper of Devi does not see her in the images of Vishnu and  
> Shankar etc. this would imply that he is doubting the omnipresence of  
> his Adored One. Such a devotee who sees his Adored One partially  
> remains imperfect.'
> 
> 'He who causes strife and envy among different schools and  
> philosophies is but an outcome of not seeing his Adored One  
> omnipresent.'
> 
> 'Only through karma worship and enlightenment, as put in the Vedas --  
> His Canons -- can one have welfare in this and other world.'
> 
> 'Deeds done with right, propriety, and God-given wisdom are powerful.  
> Laws of karma are to be learned from the Vedas and religious preachers.'
> 
> 'The world has to undergo disquietitude, maladministration, and  
> natural calamities when deeds forbidden in scriptures take place and  
> the subjects are afflicted.'
> 
> 'By not observing duty toward one's self one is afflicted by the  
> advent of such internal enemies as lust, anger, greed, arrogance and  
> ignorance etc.'
> 
> 'Pure satwik diet develops mind and controls the senses. He who has  
> won his senses there is nothing impossible in the world.'
> 
> 'Progress of a nation is possible only by righteous persons  
> possessing God-given endowments.'
> 
> 'The divine strength is to be accomplished to make a nation powerful.  
> Subtle divine authority is the regulator of the concrete universe.  
> Without its help neither can a nation become powerful nor peace and  
> prosperity can be felt.'
> 
> 'One should always keep one's glory shining and should elevate one's  
> thought and make it generous in accordance with the scriptures. One  
> should see one's Adored One omnipresent and perfect.
> The devotee remains incomplete if he sees his Adored One in  
> unentirety with sectarian view.'
> 
> 'One should be happy when seeing reverence evoking feeling in gurus,  
> compassion toward afflicted and rise of others and having mutual  
> goodwill one should devote oneself whole-heartedly toward universal  
> welfare by being sincere to one's self.'
> 
> 'If you devote yourself contemplating, worshipping and singing in  
> praise of your Adored One you ought to feel something or other and  
> your desire ought to be more steady. If it is not so, be sure your  
> devotion is not of right kind.'
> 
> 'There are classes of devotion, too. As the syllabi of pupils in  
> schools become subtle gradually, likewise the path of devotion unto  
> the ultimate end becomes continuously subtler.'
> 
> 'As the devotee makes progress in devotion [the] need of subtler  
> devices increases and a veteran guru alone can show the real path.
> If fortunately one gets a noble guru well versed in the Vedas and  
> having deep knowledge of Brahmanand receives his cooperation till  
> [the] end, [then] only one guru makes one's life meaningful.  
> Otherwise so long [as] the devotee does not attain God he should  
> gradually go in the protection of great gurus. One must revere  
> previous gurus, but if they are not helping in spiritual attainment  
> [then] wasting life by depending upon them out of hesitation is a  
> grave error.'
> 
> 'Perceiving omnipresence of the Adored One alone can eliminate the  
> discord of all opposing feelings. This very thing is the firm basis  
> of permanent formation. And this also is the means of per

[FairfieldLife] Ghandi's Grandson Quits Peace Institute in Flap Over Blog Posting

[do.rflex]

Arun Gandhi Quits Peace Institute in Flap Over Blog Posting

By Michelle Boorstein
Washington Post, January 26, 2008
http://tinyurl.com/ysj2xy


The grandson of Indian spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi resigned
yesterday as president of the board of a conflict resolution institute
after writing an online essay on a Washington Post blog calling Jews
and Israel "the biggest players" in a global culture of violence.

In his resignation letter to the board of the M.K. Gandhi Institute
for Nonviolence, founder Arun Gandhi wrote that his Jan. 7 essay "was
couched in language that was hurtful and contrary to the principles of
nonviolence. My intention was to generate a healthy discussion on the
proliferation of violence. Clearly I did not achieve my goal. Instead,
unintentionally, my words have resulted in pain, anger, confusion and
embarrassment."

The institute is housed at the University of Rochester and has a
university-paid director. Gandhi submitted his resignation to the
board Thursday and it was accepted yesterday.

Board members could not be reached immediately yesterday, but a brief
unsigned statement on the university's Web site said: "The essence of
Arun Gandhi's work has been to educate and promote the principles of
nonviolence. In that spirit, the Institute plans to work with the
University of Rochester and other community groups to use the recent
events as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding through
dialogue employing the principles of nonviolence and peace."

Gandhi's comments were part of a discussion about the future of Jewish
identity on the religion blog On Faith at washingtonpost.com. He wrote
that Jewish identity is "locked into the holocaust experience," which
Jews "overplay . . . to the point that it begins to repulse friends."
The Jewish nation -- Israel, he wrote -- is too reliant upon weapons
and bombs and should instead befriend its enemies.

"Apparently, in the modern world, so determined to live by the bomb,
this is an alien concept. You don't befriend anyone, you dominate
them. We have created a culture of violence (Israel and the Jews are
the biggest players) and that Culture of Violence is eventually going
to destroy humanity," he wrote.

The posting drew 438 comments -- an exceptionally high response for an
On Faith essay -- and prompted such a backlash that Gandhi later
posted an apology. The Web site also apologized.

On Jan. 11, university President Joel Seligman labeled Gandhi's
initial comments stereotyping and said they were "fundamentally
inconsistent with the core values" of the school. Yesterday, he called
the resignation "appropriate."

The institute will remain at the university, which will host a forum
later this year "to provide Arun Gandhi, a leader of the Jewish
community and other speakers the opportunity to address the issues
raised by Mr. Gandhi's statements and related issues. A University can
and should promote dialogue in which we can learn from each other even
when the most painful or difficult issues will be discussed," Seligman
said in his statement yesterday. 

[FairfieldLife] Re: Ghandi's Grandson Quits Peace Institute in Flap Over Blog Posting

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "shempmcgurk" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "mainstream20016" 
>  wrote:
> >
> > The default application of extreme punishment on those who have the 
> courage to express 
> > moderate voices is amazing to behold. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> H.
> 
> Quite an interesting response, mainstream, but I am befuddled as to 
> whom you are referring.
> 
> At first blush, I thought that the "those" you refer to in your 
> comment "application of extreme punishment on those who have the 
> courage to express moderate voices" was to Arun Gandhi.  But then 
> thinking about it, I realized that it couldn't be Gandhi because 
> the "punishment" he experienced was self-inflicted: he resigned (and 
> there was no indication anywhere in the piece that he was asked to; 
> it appears to be totally unilateral).  Therefore, he couldn't have 
> meant Gandhi.
> 
> Then I thought: perhaps mainstream is referring to Israel as the 
> party that has the courage to express a moderate voice.  After all, 
> through the ages the right to self-defense has NEVER, EVER been 
> considered anything BUT moderate.  Defending oneself is not an 
> extreme position; it is moderate and the norm.
> 
> Indeed,  Israel has, since its inception, been the party in the 
> conflict that has ALWAYS been the only moderate voice and has ALWAYS 
> been on the receiving end of extreme punishment by its neighbors (the 
> surrounding Arab neighbors just haven't been very successful in 
> actually meting out the extreme punishment they have intended to 
> apply to Israel, which is to annihilate them).
> 
> So I have concluded that mainstream is referring to Israel, not Arun 
> Ghandi.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Arun Gandhi Quits Peace Institute in Flap Over Blog Posting
> > >   
> > > By Michelle Boorstein
> > > Washington Post, January 26, 2008
> > > http://tinyurl.com/ysj2xy
> > > 
> > > 
> > > The grandson of Indian spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi resigned
> > > yesterday as president of the board of a conflict resolution 
> institute
> > > after writing an online essay on a Washington Post blog calling 
> Jews
> > > and Israel "the biggest players" in a global culture of violence.
> > > 
> > > In his resignation letter to the board of the M.K. Gandhi 
> Institute
> > > for Nonviolence, founder Arun Gandhi wrote that his Jan. 7 
> essay "was
> > > couched in language that was hurtful and contrary to the 
> principles of
> > > nonviolence. My intention was to generate a healthy discussion on 
> the
> > > proliferation of violence. Clearly I did not achieve my goal. 
> Instead,
> > > unintentionally, my words have resulted in pain, anger, confusion 
> and
> > > embarrassment."
> > > 
> > > The institute is housed at the University of Rochester and has a
> > > university-paid director. Gandhi submitted his resignation to the
> > > board Thursday and it was accepted yesterday.
> > > 
> > > Board members could not be reached immediately yesterday, but a 
> brief
> > > unsigned statement on the university's Web site said: "The 
> essence of
> > > Arun Gandhi's work has been to educate and promote the principles 
> of
> > > nonviolence. In that spirit, the Institute plans to work with the
> > > University of Rochester and other community groups to use the 
> recent
> > > events as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding through
> > > dialogue employing the principles of nonviolence and peace."
> > > 
> > > Gandhi's comments were part of a discussion about the future of 
> Jewish
> > > identity on the religion blog On Faith at washingtonpost.com. He 
> wrote
> > > that Jewish identity is "locked into the holocaust experience," 
> which
> > > Jews "overplay . . . to the point that it begins to repulse 
> friends."
> > > The Jewish nation -- Israel, he wrote -- is too reliant upon 
> weapons
> > > and bombs and should instead befriend its enemies.
> > > 
> > > "Apparently, in the modern world, so determined to live by the 
> bomb,
> > > this is an alien concept. You don't befriend anyone, you dominate
>

[FairfieldLife] Re: Rick. I think Turq needs a time out

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "sandiego108" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB  
> wrote:


[snip]

 
> > These are but a few of the questions I and other seekers
> > have for you, O guru, now that you're back. Start with
> > these, and we'll try to work up some others that are
> > worthy of you.
> >
> spew on Turdquoise- you're as easy to bait as that limp fish you 
> call your dick. Oh, and feel free to wave your "wee-pain" around in 
> my absence- we're impressed! PS How's Fido? :-)


Is that really Jim Flanegin?

[FairfieldLife] Re: Rick. I think Turq needs a time out

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> On Jan 26, 2008, at 1:18 PM, do.rflex wrote:
> 
> >
> >>> These are but a few of the questions I and other seekers
> >>> have for you, O guru, now that you're back. Start with
> >>> these, and we'll try to work up some others that are
> >>> worthy of you.
> >>>
> >> spew on Turdquoise- you're as easy to bait as that limp fish you
> >> call your dick. Oh, and feel free to wave your "wee-pain" around in
> >> my absence- we're impressed! PS How's Fido? :-)
> >
> >
> > Is that really Jim Flanegin?
> 
> The Enlightened One himself, flex, stepping down from Mt. Olympus to  
> give us paltry mortals the benefit of his sensitive and kind  
> observations, as per the lovely  piece of drivel above.
> 
> Sal


How utterly repellent. Any shred of 'benefit of the doubt' I had for
him just went flying out the window. What a dirtbag.

[FairfieldLife] Re: The Guru Dev spits out the truth.....

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "BillyG." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> "You must get to know the Mantra of your 'ISHTA' and the method of
> 'Dhyana' (meditation) thereof, through an experienced 'SATGURU' (True
> realized GURU) and somehow or other devote some time every day for
> Japa (repetition) of the 'Ishta Mantra' ..."
> 
> Credits to Paul Mason for post on TMfreeblog.


BillyG, there's a whole lot of beautiful stuff from Guru Dev at Paul's
website here: http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/gurudev.htm

[FairfieldLife] Re: The Guru Dev spits out the truth.....

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "BillyG." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "BillyG."  wrote:
> > >
> > > "You must get to know the Mantra of your 'ISHTA' and the method of
> > > 'Dhyana' (meditation) thereof, through an experienced 'SATGURU'
(True
> > > realized GURU) and somehow or other devote some time every day for
> > > Japa (repetition) of the 'Ishta Mantra' ..."
> > > 
> > > Credits to Paul Mason for post on TMfreeblog.
> > 
> > 
> > BillyG, there's a whole lot of beautiful stuff from Guru Dev at Paul's
> > website here: http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/gurudev.htm
> 
> Amazing how 'thirsty' we all are, still, for knowledge, even after 50
> years of MMY!!  It's refreshing to hear the unvarnished truth as
> expounded by Guru Dev; this science crap has got to go, yuck, gag me
> with a spoon! But sadly, it may be necessary in this age of kali-yuga
> ignorance!!


Luckily there is a lot of wonderful, powerful and deeply meaningful
stuff from Guru Dev to fill the empty places. 

[FairfieldLife] Re: What must they think?

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> FFL gets about 4-8 new members a week. I see the comments they're
required
> to make when they sign up. Many are intrigued by the description on
> HYPERLINK
>
"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
> FairfieldLife/ and figure they've stumbled upon a pretty cool,
open-minded
> group of spiritual seekers. For the most part, they have, but I also see
> many of them unsubscribe after a few days. They don't have to leave
comments
> when they unsubscribe, but I suspect that many of them are turned
off by the
> bickering and trash talk that sometimes prevails. This is an unfortunate
> loss IMO. Don't the spiritual traditions which we all respect
advocate love,
> forgiveness, acceptance, etc? I don't understand how people can tolerate
> indulging in negative feelings and behavior for weeks, months,
years. It's
> self-polluting. I should think spiritual seekers would be inclined
to look
> within and locate the source of such impulses, and try to eradicate it.


What's the criteria for being accepted to post, Rick?

[FairfieldLife] Re: What must they think?

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>  
> 
> From: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Behalf Of do.rflex
> Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 4:03 PM
> To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: What must they think?
> 
>  
> 
> What's the criteria for being accepted to post, Rick?
> 
> Just that their desire to join is sincere. That they're not a spammer.


Seems fair enough, Rick. Thanks.

[FairfieldLife] Chinese Cafe by Joni Mitchell

[do.rflex]

 . . ..Nothing lasts for long.. . .  ..  . .


Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ggVj2ZNEl0


CHINESE CAFE/UNCHAINED MELODY Lyrics - Joni Mitchell

Caught in the middle
Carol, we're middle class
We're middle aged
We were wild in the old days
Birth of rock 'n roll days
Now your kids are coming up straight
And my child's a stranger
I bore her
But, I could not raise her
Nothing lasts for long--
Nothing lasts for long--
Nothing lasts for long--
Down at the Chinese Cafe
We'd be dreaming on our dimes
We'd be playing--
"Oh my love, my darling"
One more time

Uranium money
Is booming in the old home town now
It's putting up sleek concrete
Tearing the old landmarks down now
Paving over brave little parks
Ripping off Indian land again
How long--how long
Short sighted business men
Ah, nothing lasts for long--
Nothing lasts for long--
Nothing lasts for long--
Down at the Chinese Cafe
We'd be dreaming on our dimes
We'd be playing--
"You give your love, so sweetly"
One more time

Christmas is sparkling
Out on Carol's lawn
This girl of my childhood games
With kids nearly grown and gone
Grown so fast
Like the turn of a page
We look like our mothers did now
When we were those kids' age
Nothing lasts for long--
Nothing lasts for long--
Nothing lasts for long--
Down at the Chinese Cafe
We'd be dreaming on our dimes
We'd be playing--
"Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me."
(Time goes--where does the time go--
I wonder where the time goes. . .)

[FairfieldLife] Re: Chinese Cafe by Joni Mitchell

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "curtisdeltablues"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > 
> >  . . ..Nothing lasts for long.. . .  ..  . .
> 
> Thanks for posting this.  She was the soundtrack of my youth and now
> she nails another stage.  Great artist! So many great lines.


Yeah, I found this particular piece to be a ripper. It's like I know
totally where she's at personally inside from this song, though I
wasn't ever a fan like you were. The video art was great too.

There are two other songs that come to mind in the same vein as this one:

Hurt by Johnny Cash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go

and this one by Mary Hopkin probably long before she really knew what
she was singing,

Those were the days by Mary Hopkin - 1968:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go




> > Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ggVj2ZNEl0
> > 
> > 
> > CHINESE CAFE/UNCHAINED MELODY Lyrics - Joni Mitchell

[FairfieldLife] Re: RIP Scott Girard

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusoss1008 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "curtisdeltablues" 
>  wrote:
> > Fortunately they can fall back on their Purusha health care insurance,
> > right?  Right?   
> 
> For them the most fortunate thing is not to have to be exposed to utter 
> fools like you.


"Whoever imagines himself a favorite with God holds others in contempt."

~~ Robert Green Ingersoll, lawyer and orator (1833-1899)


"When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious
faiths or any other kind of dogmas or goals, it's always because these
dogmas or goals are in doubt."

~~ Robert T. Pirsig, author and philosopher (1928- ) 

[FairfieldLife] Re: RIP Scott Girard

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> From: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Behalf Of nablusoss1008
> Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 9:27 AM
> To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: RIP Scott Girard
> 
>  
> 
> --- In HYPERLINK
> "mailto:FairfieldLife%40yahoogroups.com"FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com,
> "curtisdeltablues" 
>  wrote:
> > Fortunately they can fall back on their Purusha health care insurance,
> > right? Right? 
> 
> For them the most fortunate thing is not to have to be exposed to utter 
> fools like you.
> 
> As always, when someone makes an intelligent post, Nabby insults him
rather
> than responding in kind. In fact, I can't think of a single instance
where
> Nabby has actually responded otherwise. He is consistently
condescending.


"Whoever imagines himself a favorite with God holds others in contempt."

~~ Robert Green Ingersoll, lawyer and orator (1833-1899)


"When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious
faiths or any other kind of dogmas or goals, it's always because these
dogmas or goals are in doubt."

~~ Robert T. Pirsig, author and philosopher (1928- ) 

[FairfieldLife] Re: Rodrigo Y Gabriela

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> I think you music lovers will like these folks: HYPERLINK
> "http://www.rodgab.com/watch.htm"http://www.rodgab.com/watch.htm 


Delicioso! Muchas gracias, Rick!

[FairfieldLife] Re: Maybe it's me...

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "curtisdeltablues"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "shempmcgurk" 
> wrote:
> >
> > ...and maybe it's because I spent time in the TMO and all seems 
> > quite "normal" to me, but I really don't see much harm in the Tom 
> > Cruise Scientology video making the rounds:
> > 
> > http://tinyurl.com/yre7c6
> > 
> > 
> > Everyone seems to think it is some sort of terrible propagandist, 
> > brainwashing type of thing but I just don't see it.
> > 
> > What do you think?
> 
> I think that anyone who claims to be the ONLY one who can really help
> at an accident scene, and who isn't an EMT, has been drinking the
> coolaid a bit too much.
> 
> I find his claim that Scientologists are the experts on the human mind
> to be delusional. 
> 
> His claim about how SP's can't come around him was specifically
> refuted by Matt Lauer's interview which exposed his wacky perspective
> on psychiatry. Contrary to his claim in movement terms, he didn't
> avert the danger before it arose by his magical state of mind.
> 
> He drips with the unpleasant quality of taking himself waay too
> seriously.  His delight in everything he says, and his inappropriate
> projectile laughter, make him one of the most entertaining weirdos to
> come along in a long time.  I could watch that tape every day and not
> tire of it. 


Then you'll probably also really enjoy this one: 

Tom Cruise Scientology-Constipation Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9jqD_8IQpM&feature=related

[FairfieldLife] Re: Point of Consciousness

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "sandiego108" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "suziezuzie"  
> wrote:
> >
> > What do you think of the idea of the Bindu, what MMY refers to as 
> a 
> > point of consciousness originating from Fullness, a seed 
> containing in 
> > a potential state all the forces, dimensions, time, suns, solar 
> > systems, galaxies, galaxy clusters and universe required for the 
> > creation of a single universe. This point of consciousness could 
> be the 
> > origin of the big bang and in this case refers to the origin of a 
> > single soul, creating its' universe and then incarnating into it, 
> each 
> > soul creating its' own universe from this seed of consciousness. 
> At the 
> > end of a souls lifetime, its' created universe then reverts back 
> into 
> > the Bindu and then back into Fullness.
> >
> I think what Maharishi says about the Bindu is that it contains all 
> that there is, within all that there is. So there is not a Bindu of 
> singularity inside of that which is not of the same essential nature 
> as the Bindu. Rather, from any point in all that there is, that 
> chosen point can be isolated, the Bindu point, which then is found 
> to also contain all that there is; a point of Infinity, within 
> Infinity. There is nothing which is not Bindu.


...or banana.

[FairfieldLife] Re: RIP Scott Girard

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "sandiego108" 
> wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB  
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "sandiego108" 
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB  
> > wrote:
> > > > > Something in me just snapped, but very quietly. I
> > > > > walked over to the red-faced, near-apoplectic ass-
> > > > > hole and took him by the perfectly-pressed collar
> > > > > of his perfectly-pressed shirt (mussing his perfect
> > > > > tie), and dragged him over to the edge of the trail
> > > > > that we were walking along and leaned him out over
> > > > > the edge. He looked down...WAY down, several hundred
> > > > > meters, to where he might easily wind up if he didn't
> > > > > pay attention. He paid attention.
> > > >  
> > > > I don't believe you-- this sounds like a made up 
> > > > fantasy of yours, child.
> > > 
> > > You mean like your enlightenment?  :-)
> > 
> > To you, precisely like enlightenment, simply because you don't know 
> > how to tell the difference...twit. (hook, line, and sinker...). :-)
> 
> Jim,
> 
> Do you actually believe that you are impressing
> people by pursuing this grudge against me?
> 
> And by "acting out" with the intelligence level
> of a twelve-year-old?
> 
> I mean, you could stand to learn a little some-
> thing from the events of the last couple of days.
> People here on this forum like Nablus, ferchissakes,
> preferred believing that "sandiego108" wasn't you 
> to believing that you -- Jim Flanegin -- had sunk
> so low in both your language and your thinking.
> 
> Ask for a show of hands, Jim. 
> 
> After this latest meltdown, ask whether there is 
> even ONE person on this forum who believes your
> claims of being enlightened.


At this point I think Jim's a troll, Barry.

[FairfieldLife] Re: Live - Lightning Crashes [death, rebirth and an angel too]

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> 
> 
> Nice song. I like the guy's voice.
> 
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsOculxtdX8


This version is even better by the guy. His voice penetrates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--QBj4OyAaM&NR=1

[FairfieldLife] Live - Lightning Crashes [death, rebirth and an angel too]

[do.rflex]

Nice song. I like the guy's voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsOculxtdX8

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'What Kind of People are the Clintons?'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
>  
> In a message dated 1/28/08 6:20:20 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> 
> And  nothing gives me more pleasure than to see an extreme liberal 
> like Judy  continually endorse the Clintons and defend Bill Clinton, a 
> man who headed  the most conservative administration of the past 50 
> years 
> 
> Yes,  Clinton's eight years saw even MORE conservative legislation 
> passed into  law than under Ronald Reagan:
> 
> - Defense of Marriage Act
> 
> -  NAFTA
> 
> - Balanced the budget
> 
> - Welfare Reform
> 
> - Support  for the death penalty (indeed, Clinton went out of his way 
> to return to  Arkansas during his presidential campaign to make sure a 
> retarded Black  Man was put to death).
> 
> So, I laugh and snicker with glee to see Judy  defend Bill Clinton! 
> Go for it, Judy!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Thank God Clinton had to deal with a conservative congress that
wouldn't  
> send him the kind of legislation he really would like to have  signed.


Too bad G.W. Bush's Congress wasn't anything like that for the first
six years.

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'What Kind of People are the Clintons?'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "shempmcgurk"  
> wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
> 
> > > If you're not willing to go to the trouble to find
> > > out what each of them really said, why should
> > > anybody take your opinion seriously?
> > 
> > This is why Judy has never, ever been wrong in a debate.
> 
> Actually, it's why you've never, ever been right
> in a debate with me--because you simply refuse to
> do your homework, and then you crap out. It's just
> sheer intellectual sloth. Why should I--why should
> anybody--waste time debating somebody who doesn't
> know what the hell they're talking about?
> 
> And I'm hardly the first person to point this out
> to you, Shemp.


Amen!

[FairfieldLife] Keeping track of the *national* primary delegate count

[do.rflex]

Republican Candidates:

These delegate counts represent CNN's most recent total for each
candidate and break down pledged delegates and unpledged RNC member
delegates, according to CNN's most recent survey of unpledged RNC members.
http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#R

Democratic Candidates:

These delegate counts represent CNN's most recent total for each
candidate and break down pledged delegates and superdelegates,
according to CNN's most recent survey of superdelegates.
http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#D

[FairfieldLife] AT&T plans to filter the Internet - [video included]

[do.rflex]

AT&T is planning to open "all packets" on the Internet, and examine
them for intellectual property violations. Email, IM, everything. So,
when Boing-Boing writer Joel Johnson was invited onto AT&T's Hugh
Johnson Show to talk about gadgets, he decided to talk about that instead.

Naturally, the show's crew calls a halt to the show almost as soon as
Joel lets the cat out of the bag, but not before the audience has
called out "No!" to Joel's question: "Do you want AT&T reading your mail?"


VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY6cCGENlj8


Here's what happened afterwards:


As you can see from the video, the crew ended up scrubbing the
interview about half-way through. Figuring that might happen, I asked
my steely-nerved friend Richard Blakeley to tape the first take. I
wanted to make sure that we had a record of the event, primarily to
ensure that AT&T would have no reason to try to bury the interview
entirely—the same reason I am running this clip now, while discussion
about what to do with my segment in post-production is surely underway.

After the crew got their wits about them—they were not very happy
with me, understandably—we went on to shoot a second take, which to
Hugh's credit also included not only talk of gadgets, but of network
neutrality and AT&T's collusion with the NSA. I look forward to seeing
that segment air on the The Hugh Thompson Show.

The crew was upset with me not only because I was making their job
more difficult, but because they feared that my stunt would cost them
their jobs. Everyone looked at the staff member who booked me on the
show with sad eyes, assuring me that he would certainly be fired.
After their initial panic at an interview gone off the rails the crew
acted professionally and efficiently to continue shooting the show. If
AT&T ends up letting a single person go from that crew, shame on them.
What I chose to do has nothing to do with the crew or Mr. Thompson
himself, who despite being visibly perturbed handled the whole mess
like troupers.  =


There's some discussion over at 'Slate' about whether it's even
technically possible for AT&T to do this. Wouldn't it be interesting
if AT&T was simply leveraging and privatizing technology it had
already been paid to develop under Bush's warrantless surveillance
program?

Why does AT&T want to know what you're downloading?
SEE Slate article: http://www.slate.com/id/2182152/fr/rss/


Via: http://www.correntewire.com/at_ts_plans_to_filter_the_internet

[FairfieldLife] Richest Man In India Builds $1 Billion House [video included]

[do.rflex]

What would you do if your net worth were $22 billion? If you were
Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, you might build yourself the world's
most expensive home. As designed by Chicago architecture firm Perkins
+ Will, the in-progress glass-tower is estimated at $1 billion and is
known to feature, at the least, a health club, multiple "safe" rooms,
3 helipads, 168 parking spaces and require 600 servants to maintain,
and physically, the structure stands at 27 stories, or 570 feet tall.

According to the Mumbai Mirror, the tower will also contain:

Floor for car maintenance Sources said the Ambanis would prefer to
have all their cars serviced and maintained at an in-house service
centre. This centre will be set up on the seventh floor.


Entertainment floor

The eighth floor will have an entertainment centre comprising a
mini-theatre with a seating capacity of 50.


Balconies with gardens

The rooftop of the mini-theatre will serve as a garden, and
immediately above that, three more balconies with terrace gardens will
be independent floors.


The 'health' floors

While the ninth floor will a 'refuge' floor -- meant to be used for
rescue in emergencies -- two floors above that will be set aside for
'health.' One of these will have facilities for athletics and a
swimming pool, while the other will have a health club complete with
the latest gym equipment.


Family

The four floors at the top, that will provide a view of the Arabian
Sea and a superb view of the city's skyline, will be for Mukesh, his
wife Neeta, their three children and Mukesh's mother Kokilaben.


Air space floor

According to the plan, two floors above the family's residence will be
set aside as maintenance areas, and on top of that will be an "air
space floor," which will act as a control room for helicopters landing
on the helipad above.


Video of construction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP-ASxlu1eE

Source of article: http://tinyurl.com/25a35z

Note: Maybe King Tony can hit him up for a $billion or two donation...  


 

[FairfieldLife] Re: Carnaval

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Hey John (do.rflex),
> 
> How long does Carnaval last in Brazil? 


It starts tomorrow and lasts 'till next Wed. The Brazilians love it,
they love their holidays and party hearty. [Interestingly, the
government widely distributes condoms during the events.] 

It's actually best to watch Carnaval on TV, you see whole lot more. I
went with my wife to the official one in Rio in 2002 and we had 2
attempted muggings within 5 minutes of each other in a huge crowd.
Luckily we escaped unharmed each time. I'm a pink 'gringo' and I kind
of stand out in a crowd of Brazilians. Seems the bad guys think
'gringos' are good targets.

Check this out for info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Carnival




Here in 
> Sitges it's about to start tonight and continue
> through February 6th. I'm probably not going to
> get a lot of sleep for the next week, because
> this is what my town's going to look like 24/7:
> 
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1Jstos5rO0
> 
> http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=video&video_id=18
> 
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44PaD0Makrc
>

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'Bubba Screams: It Was bin Laden Stupid!'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Peter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> 9/11 happened on Bush's watch. Period.
> Maybe if Bush spent more time assuming responsibility
> instead of blaming Clinton we wouldn't be in the
> incredible mess that we find ourselves in right now.



Indeed. The right wing freak machine spent more time on Bill Clinton's
penis than Bill Clinton ever did. They spent tens of millions of
dollars investigating it's every characteristic.



> 
> --- Robert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 
> > Perhaps there would have been no 9/11...  And the
> > disastrous Bush administration.
> >   If when Bubba was President-
> >   He had paid more attention to Mr.bin Laden,
> >   And less attention to his penis.
> >   Perhaps this is why:
> >   The Clintons are so obsessed with returning,
> >   To the place, 
> >   Witch was left in such disarray...
> >
> > 
> > -
> >   Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. 
> > 
> >
> > -
> > Never miss a thing.   Make Yahoo your homepage.
> 
> 
> 
>  

> Be a better friend, newshound, and 
> know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now. 
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
>

[FairfieldLife] Re: Before TM

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusoss1008 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB  wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Peter  wrote:
> > >
> > > --- matrixmonitor  wrote:
> > > >
> > > > ---MMY was into Scientology before establishing TM,
> > > > and had numerous 
> > > > secret meetings with L. Ron Hubbard in various
> > > > places such as Tibet, 
> > > > Calcutta, and even China:
> > > 
> > > Right! And your source for this tidbit besides the
> > > akashic records? And anyone who believes anything L
> > > Ron Stupid says is, is, is, a scientologist!
> > 
> > In Squaw Valley 1968, Maharishi said very
> > explicitly that he had never met L. Ron
> > Hubbard. What little he knew about him, and
> > any positive impressions he might have had
> > about Hubbard, came from a woman who was an 
> > early student of Maharishi's who had been
> > Hubbard's personal secretary for many years.
> >
> 
> Rubbish, they met personally on Hubbards yacht.
> 
> The techniques of Ron Hubbard will have a greater effect on history 
> than psychoterapy. - Maharishi
> This is not a direct quote but is recorded several places.


Please show those places.

[FairfieldLife] Ann Coulter: I'll campaign for Hillary if McCain is the nominee

[do.rflex]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuTqgqhxVMc

[FairfieldLife] Talking Old Soldiers by Bettye LaVette

[do.rflex]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmvmqQTJ-P8

[FairfieldLife] Re: Ann Coulter: I'll campaign for Hillary if McCain is the nominee

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Peter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Anything Ann says I take with huge dose of
> antipsychotics. I think it is sad how these
> ultra-conservatives can not tolerate a moderate
> republican like McCain because he is more interested
> in solving problems than spouting some Neo-Reagan
> boilerplate agenda. Also, having spent 7 years in a
> POW camp and not leaving when he could have because
> his men could not go with him gets several extra
> points in my book. Hannity, Colmes, Coulter, what a
> bunch of effete  cupcakes!


I personally don't like the guy at all and I sure don't believe he can
win the election.

John McCain is Dr. Strangelove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nqtL-P8kzo

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'Bubba Screams: It Was bin Laden Stupid!'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
>  
> In a message dated 2/1/08 7:10:40 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> 
> 9/11  happened on Bush's watch. Period.
> > Maybe if Bush spent more time  assuming responsibility
> > instead of blaming Clinton 


Get your attributions right, Dixon. 

[FairfieldLife] Re: Obama's running mate?

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> On Feb 2, 2008, at 9:11 AM, lurkernomore20002000 wrote:
> 
> > > Okay, it's put up or shut up time. An accusation, a denial, a  
> > request
> > > for proof. Angela, back up you accusation!
> >
> > Christ, I hope Angela's proof is something other than some secret,  
> > unverifiable  sources she has.
> >
> 
> I'd be willing to bet the farm (almost) that there won't be any  
> proof, or even an attempt.
> 
> Sal


It appears that Angela is spreading her made-up bullshit again. 

The list of Council on Foreign Relations members by Wikipedia does not
include Michelle Obama:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_on_Foreign_Relations#Membership

[FairfieldLife] Maharishi and Fairfield in article on Dailykos

[do.rflex]

This article isn't a very favorable piece:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/2/132238/0494/147/448344

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Robert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> What everyone is really concerned about;
>   Under the surface, is the moral decay, apathy;
>   From the 90's,  to date...
>   We need a change alright!
>   All the divisiveness needs to end, soon.
>   If not, and we get another Republican President-
>   Well, that, my friends, could be the end of this Democracy...
>   Apathy, lies, division, war-mongering;
>   Quite simply, we don't need any-more-of- the- same.


Are you gonna run for office?

[FairfieldLife] GOP Congressman Wants To Rid Congress Of Gang Members

[do.rflex]

http://tinyurl.com/yq4euw

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, MDixon6569@ wrote:
> >
> >  
> > In a message dated 2/3/08 8:46:19 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
> > jstein@ writes:
> > 
> > > And  you think the Republicans are going to lay down and let the
> > > Democrats  just do as they please if Obama is elected? The
> > > socialist agenda of  higher taxes and redistribution of wealth,
> > > with higher energy  costs,
> > 
> > Don't forget universal health care.
> > 
> > along with an erosion  of the Bill of 
> > > Rights will be resisted strongly by Obama's  opposition.
> > 
> > Any Democrat who is elected will be fighting
> > tooth and  nail to put the Bill of Rights and
> > the rest of the Constitution back  together
> > again after its merciless shredding by the  Bush
> > administration.
> > 
> > Universal healthcare was included in *higher taxes and
> > redistribution of wealth*. Democrats have fought tooth
> > and nail to erode the first and second amendments thru
> > attacks on religious freedom, free political speech, and
> > the attempts to restrict gun ownership.
> 
> This is too ridiculous to even deserve a comment.


I've referred to Dixon's similar comments as: 'The continuing empty
rhetoric of a hopeless willfully blind passenger on the freaky leaky
right wing GOP sinking ship.' 

[FairfieldLife] ' Ugly Man ' by Rickie Lee Jones

[do.rflex]

Excellent tune. Ugly men.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUFWNg8OBII

[FairfieldLife] Re: David Lynch- please lead secular organization to teach TM

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Duveyoung <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Guess you're going to have to actually read it to find the concepts
> of angels and gods therein -- I promise you it's in there.  I had it
> in my hands when I confronted Stan Crowe -- had it yellow highlighted.

The Science of Being and Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation -
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

FROM the Paperback edition  (1994) 

1.  on Page 208:

"... Had it been only good, one would have been in the world of angels
where there is no suffering and where dwells only happiness and joy.
In man's life, however, one finds happiness and ..."


2.  on Page 233:

"... In the radiance of his relative life, the Absolute finds in him
an expression of its Being. Angels and gods enjoy his being on earth,
and the earth and heavens enjoy the existence of the ..."


3.  on Page 254:

"... the egg-born, the water-born, the animal kingdom, and rises to
the world of angels. Ultimately, on the top level of evolution, is He
whose power is unlimited, whose joyfulness is unlimited, whose
intelligence and ..."


[at Amazon.com]

Do a search for "angels" here: http://tinyurl.com/2tewbj

Do a search for "God" and you'll get *dozens* of references.

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "ruthsimplicity"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> 
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, MDixon6569@ wrote:
> > >
> 
> > >
> > > Universal healthcare was included in *higher taxes and
> > > redistribution of wealth*. Democrats have fought tooth
> > > and nail to erode the first and second amendments thru
> > > attacks on religious freedom, free political speech, and
> > > the attempts to restrict gun ownership.
> >
> 
> 
> Generally, when I hear words like "socialist" and "agenda" I tune out. 
> But . . .
> 
> Higher taxes:  This doesn't have anything to do with your party
> affiliation.  If you spend a lot, generally taxes have to go up.  The
> republicans have been spending a lot of late, but have not touched the
> taxes.  If they go up under the dems, it could be because we have to pay
> for the prior republican spending.
> 
> Redistribution of wealth.  This occurs all the time.  We have a social
> contract.  We are in this country together.  The constitution gives
> power to the government to tax in order to provide for the general
> welfare.  We tax for roads and other infrastructure.  We tax for
> defense.  We tax for education.  We tax for social security. What makes
> universal health care any different?  We provide it through Medicare to
> the elderly.  Why not everyone?  It isn't like people are going to lose
> their will to work if they get health care paid for by tax dollars.
> 
> Democrats attack religious freedom or political speech?  Ha!  Show me. 
> Don't forget that the federal government  is not allowed to support a
> particular religion or any religion.
> 
> Gun ownership regulation is not supported by all democrats, that is
> probably why we haven't got very far on gun control.  However, you
> reading of the second amendment is contrary to its historic
> interpretation and at a minimum it is clear that it is perfectly legal
> to put some restrictions on gun ownership.  Though I would agree with
> people who say that the second amendment is very awkwardly worded, which
> has led to many needless arguments.


Honest, sober, insightful and in my view, accurate commentary.
Refreshing! Thanks for that, 'ruthsimplicity'. 

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Marek Reavis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> Ruth, excellent response and post.  I disagree only with your 2d 
> Amend. analysis.  Gun ownership by the individual is fundamental to 
> this country; in the last few years many constitutional experts have 
> examined the 2d Amend. and construed it to guarantee rights to the 
> individual, rather than the government militia.  In my read that's 
> exactly what it states.  
> 
> "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free 
> State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be 
> infringed."
> 
> 'Government' in the Constitution (and particularly in the 
> Declaration of Independence) is to be feared for its inevitable 
> inclination to Tyranny, and necessarily then, harnessed and fettered 
> by the laws of the new republic.  It was assumed that eventually any 
> government will go bad and the ability to resist your own government 
> (gone bad) by force of arms was understood to be one of the last 
> resorts to Tyranny.


There's absolutely *ZERO* possibility of any 'militia' being capable
of successfully resisting the weaponry and manpower of the US military.



> 
> The fact that it sits uneasily with many modern sensibilities 
> doesn't mean it doesn't say what it says.  Though that's just the 
> way I see, and there is a lot of disagreement continuing.  I think 
> the Supremes have a  2d Amend. case in this term; I haven't been 
> following it.
> 
> Marek

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Marek Reavis" 
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Ruth, excellent response and post.  I disagree only with your 2d 
> > > Amend. analysis.  Gun ownership by the individual is fundamental to 
> > > this country; in the last few years many constitutional experts
have 
> > > examined the 2d Amend. and construed it to guarantee rights to the 
> > > individual, rather than the government militia.  In my read that's 
> > > exactly what it states.  
> > > 
> > > "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a
free 
> > > State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be 
> > > infringed."
> > > 
> > > 'Government' in the Constitution (and particularly in the 
> > > Declaration of Independence) is to be feared for its inevitable 
> > > inclination to Tyranny, and necessarily then, harnessed and
fettered 
> > > by the laws of the new republic.  It was assumed that eventually
any 
> > > government will go bad and the ability to resist your own
government 
> > > (gone bad) by force of arms was understood to be one of the last 
> > > resorts to Tyranny.
> > 
> > 
> > There's absolutely *ZERO* possibility of any 'militia' being capable
> > of successfully resisting the weaponry and manpower of the US
military.
> >++ the military is sworn to uphold the constitution and, obviously,
> the government hasn't been.


Then why do you need a 'militia' if you trust the US Military to
"uphold the constitution?" And how do you expect a 'militia' to stand
up the the US Military if it doesn't?



> Also, think Blackhawk down or Afgans knocking off choppers with
> small arms.
> In the forties, Japan observed that it would a disaster to attack
> the US mainland where most of the citizens were armed- that being one
> of the reasons for being armed in the first place.



Get realistic. Without the US Military, the US would have been no
match for the Japanese military.




> > > The fact that it sits uneasily with many modern sensibilities 
> > > doesn't mean it doesn't say what it says.  Though that's just the 
> > > way I see, and there is a lot of disagreement continuing.  I think 
> > > the Supremes have a  2d Amend. case in this term; I haven't been 
> > > following it.
> > > 
> > > Marek


> >++ the DC gun ban was struck down by a local court and is now on
> appeal however, seeing the serious implications of a ruling either
> way, they might just make a ruling only to apply in DC.

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> snip
> > > > > 
> > > > > "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a
> > free 
> > > > > State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall
> not be 
> > > > > infringed."
> > > > > 
> > > > > 'Government' in the Constitution (and particularly in the 
> > > > > Declaration of Independence) is to be feared for its inevitable 
> > > > > inclination to Tyranny, and necessarily then, harnessed and
> > fettered 
> > > > > by the laws of the new republic.  It was assumed that eventually
> > any 
> > > > > government will go bad and the ability to resist your own
> > government 
> > > > > (gone bad) by force of arms was understood to be one of the
last 
> > > > > resorts to Tyranny.
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > There's absolutely *ZERO* possibility of any 'militia' being
capable
> > > > of successfully resisting the weaponry and manpower of the US
> > military.
> > > >++ the military is sworn to uphold the constitution and, obviously,
> > > the government hasn't been.
> > 
> > 
> > Then why do you need a 'militia' if you trust the US Military to
> > "uphold the constitution?" And how do you expect a 'militia' to stand
> > up the the US Military if it doesn't?
> snip
> > 
> 
> > Get realistic. Without the US Military, the US would have been no
> > match for the Japanese military.
> > 
>I don't know if the Japaneese or German war machine was larger but
> the German takeover in Europe bypassed Switzerland which is a
> relatively small country where I believe, at the time, it was
> mandatory that all citizens be armed.
> It seems to be a positive factor as they haven't had any sign of a
> war in their country since before America was discovered.


Unlike the USA, Switzerland has tended to stay the hell out of other
countries politically and militarily.

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson" 
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "do.rflex"  wrote:
> > > snip
> 
> 
> > 
> > Unlike the USA, Switzerland has tended to stay the hell out of other
> > countries politically and militarily.
> >
>   That is a good point and, America would do well to see the connection.
>However, I doubt that was the deciding factor in  Hitler's plan to
> take over everything.


And I doubt it was because a lot of the population had guns. Even if
they did, they couldn't prevent the German military from occupying the
country.

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>  
> 
> From: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Behalf Of Nelson
> Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:12 PM
> To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of
USA'
> 
>  
> 
> > > "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a 
> > > free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall 
> > > not be infringed."
> > 
> > And where are the militias who bear arms to protect
> > the security of their states?
> >
> They are on the southern border war zone- should be hearing
> something from there soon.
> 
> The Mexican border is a war zone? The folks wading the Rio Grande or
> climbing the fence are armed and need to be engaged in a gun battle?


Mexico is a deadly threat to the region. They're hiding their weapons
of mass destruction related programs thought crimes. But we know where
they are. They're in the area around Mexico City and east, west,
south, and north somewhat. We don't want to wait for the smoking gun
to show up in the form of all KFCs being turned into Taco Times.

See this excellent animation by Mark Fiore:
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0615,fiore,72857,9.html

[FairfieldLife] Re: "Gotta Get Barry" Judy Stein Insanity Alert !

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend"  wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB  wrote:
> > 
> > > My opinion is to wonder why you -- and most Americans -- 
> > > believe that you NEED a storage tank to have hot water.
> > 
> > Well, actually, they don't believe this.
> > 
> > Doesn't Barry know how to look up *anything*?
> > 
> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demand_water_heater
> > 
> > http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/appliances/waterheaters.html
> > http://tinyurl.com/2y2yar
> > 
> > 
> > > EVERYWHERE in Europe they use these "on demand" hot water 
> > > heaters, and they work just great, and they save a shitload 
> > > of energy.
> > > 
> > > So WHY have Americans not figured this out?
> > 
> > As with practically everything Barry chooses to
> > preach to us about, things are not quite so simple
> > as he would like us to believe.
> > 
> > In some cases, tankless heaters save energy. In
> > others, they don't. See the two URLs above for
> > advantages and disadvantages of tankless heaters,
> > including energy use.
> 
> 
> Look, Judy...here's the thing. 
> 
> You are what you are -- old, obsessed, unhappy, and insane. 
> 
> ( In my opinion, of course. )
> 
> I do not expect you to change. In fact, I expect *nothing*
> about your life to change, ever. I expect you to die JUST as 
> obsessed and JUST as insane and JUST as unhappy as you are 
> now...just a little older, that's all.
> 
> No matter *what* I do, you will continue to obsess on me, 
> as you are clearly doing here.
> 
> You have been doing it for over fourteen years, and as far
> as I can tell nothing is going to stop that obsessing now. 
> 
> You like to pretend that it's *not* obsessing, and that you 
> are somehow "protecting" the fully-grown adults of FFL from 
> my misstatements and lies and evil intent. That's how you've 
> excused what you do for many, many years now.
> 
> Ignoring the issue of whether the fully-grown adults of FFL
> NEED "protecting" from me :-), I'm just gonna point out a 
> *different* way of looking at your actions -- as obsession, 
> and as not a particularly healthy one.
> 
> I mean, think about it. EVERYONE here has heard you rave 
> about how you've "gotten Barry" with some nitpick or repost of
> something I've said. They've 'heard' the maniacal glee in your
> screen 'voice' as you claim to have "gotten Barry." And they've 
> watched you do this several times a week for a couple of years 
> now here on FFL, and in some cases for much longer back on a.m.t. 
> There have been weeks in which easily half of your output to
> this forum has consisted of attempts to "get Barry."
> 
> Does this strike you as a SANE thing for a supposedly intelli-
> gent 67-year-old-woman to be doing, as seemingly her greatest 
> source of pleasure? ( It is certainly your most *consistent* 
> source of pleasure on this group. ) 
> 
> You obviously believe that thinking and acting this way is 
> somehow excusable, even laudable. Me, I think it's insane. I'm 
> willing to bet that more people on this forum agree with me 
> than agree with you.
> 
> So my approach is to go back to allowing you to try to "get 
> Barry" all you want. You'll continue to try to goad me into 
> one-on-one confrontations with you over nitpicks and issues 
> that mean nothing to anyone except yourself.
> 
> And me, I'll just ignore them and continue to point out that 
> the fact THAT you keep trying to "get Barry" is evidence of a 
> Class-A obsession, one that at this point has probably 
> crossed the border from mere dislike to insanity.
> 
> And then we'll just let the bystanders decide. 
> 
> Have a nice day, Judy. 
> 
> Me, in a couple of hours I'll be having dinner with some friends 
> here in Sitges, and then we're all going to don costumes and go 
> out dancing and partying until the wee hours of the morning.
> 
> Meanwhile, you'll be sitting in front of your computer monitor,
> trying to figure out the ultimate way to respond to this post
> so that you can "get Barry" again. And when you find it and post 
> that ultimate scathing reply, you'll *still* be sitting there 
> in front of that same monitor, waiting to see how I respond, 
> and how well you "got Barry" this time. 
> 
> And I won't respond. I'll be off dancing.
> 
> I *know* that in your mind you've found a way to believe that
> you have "won" EVERY interaction between us, for over 14 years 
> now. And you'll find a way to believe that you've "won" this 
> one, too.
> 
> But I'll be off dancing with pretty girls, and you'll be sitting
> there alone, staring at a computer monitor, waiting for me to 
> reply so that you can start "getting Barry" again.
> 
> If you think that's "winning," I feel very sorry for you.


If Judy bothers you so much why do you keep up with your responses?
Seems you're going bonkers. Why? What's your problem?

[FairfieldLife] Re: TM has never been secular (secular organization to teach TM)

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusoss1008 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "curtisdeltablues" 
>  wrote:
> >
> > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Richard J. Williams"
> >  wrote:
> > >
> > > > > So, where, exactly, in SBAL does Maharishi talk about 
> > > > > "demons"?
> > > > >
> > > Curtis wrote: 
> > > > What kind of line are you trying to draw here Richard?
> > > >
> > > That almost all of the Maharishi trained TM teachers are 
> > > idiots and stoopid schmucks who all failed to understand
> > > the process of effortless transcending? That many of them 
> > > wanted TM to be a religion and Maharishi to be the Pope? 
> > > 
> > > That many of them left the TMO when they realized that TM 
> > > was not a new reeligion? And that they mis-understood the 
> > > most basic teaching of Adwaita?
> > > 
> > > So, where, exactly, anywhere, does Maharishi talk about 
> > > the "demons"?
> > 
> > Your lack of familiarity with MMY's full teaching is not my problem
> > Richard.  I couldn't care less what you know about it.  
> > 
> > It is  not uncommon to come across people who never took TTC who 
> claim
> > to understand MMY's teaching better than the teachers.  And 
> sometimes
> > they love to argue about what it contains with from the perspective 
> of
> > their own limited exposure.  I'm gunna guess that this isn't the 
> only
> > area of your life where you run this routine.
> 
> Arrogance towards people who are not teachers is nothing new, but it 
> certainly does not stem from Maharishi. At one point he even wanted 
> to replace all the National Leaders with dedicated and professional 
> Sidhas. Unfortunately he was convinced otherwise.
> 
> You see what you are able to see with green glasses all over your 
> brain Curtis.
> 
> Richard Williams, along with a great number of TM-teachers , 
> meditators and Sidhas see Maharishis knowledge in a different and 
> objective light.
> Fortunately.


LOL!

[FairfieldLife] Re: Gas vs. Electric

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>  
> 
> From: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Behalf Of ruthsimplicity
> Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 10:38 AM
> To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: Gas vs. Electric
> 
>  
> 
> I lived in a place with an on demand water heater. It was much more
> expensive to buy that a regular water heater. I will say that if you
> live in a very cold climate it might have some difficulty in getting
> the temp high enough. I don't know if Iowa falls in that category or
> not. 
> 
> That's a key point. My wife is better informed on this than I am,
because
> she's been researching the living daylights out of it, but when the
ground
> water is very cold, as it is here in the winter, the tankless heater
has a
> hard time heating it quickly enough to give you the volume you need.
Ground
> water in most parts of France and Spain is probably not that cold.
But we
> may still go with the tankless. It's expensive, as Ruth points out.
About
> $3000 for the whole job. But it's small and we have limited space in
which
> to put it. And again, I wonder what's going to happen to the
availability
> and cost of natural gas over the next 20 years.


We use an indoor tankless gas water heater here in Brazil. It's great.
[The hot water never runs out.] If I were back in the US I'd get one
for my home there which now has a tank heater. Here's a US consumer
guide to tankless water heaters:
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/waterheating.htm#demand

Go to their main page for comparisons to different types, including
electric here: http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/waterheating.htm

[FairfieldLife] Genetically Created Blue Roses

[do.rflex]

My love is like a blue, blue rose

By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
The Telegraph [UK] 04/02/2008
http://tinyurl.com/ywm776

Love-struck Japanese will be able to celebrate St Valentine's Day with
blue roses next year after a whisky company perfected the unique blooms.

Suntory Ltd. is presently growing test batches of the
genetically-modified blue roses in the United States and Australia,
according to company spokesman Atsuhito Osaka, but plans to start
marketing them in Japan in 2009.

It took Suntory scientists 14 years to develop the blue rose, which is
likely to fetch a premium price.

"We expect the people who will buy the rose to be in the higher income
bracket and we would be very happy if the flower became known as
something that people would give on special occasions," said Mr. Osaka.

"Experts said it was impossible to make a blue rose, which is why we
went ahead and did it," he said. "We wanted to rise to that challenge."

More famous as the distiller of the Yamazaki brand of whisky, Suntory
was able to create the flower's distinctive colour by identifying the
gene that leads to the synthesis of the blue pigment Delphinidin in
pansies and transplanting that into a rose. No blue pigments occur
naturally in roses.

Suntory has not yet set a price for the new rose, which has also not
yet been given a commercial name, but it intends to sell several
hundred thousand of the blooms every year.

[FairfieldLife] Re: 'The Clinton/Bush Years= Moral Decay of USA'

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Nelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Archer"  wrote:
> >
> >  
> > 
> > From: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > On Behalf Of Nelson
> > Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:12 PM
> snip
> > 
> > The Mexican border is a war zone? The folks wading the Rio Grande or
> > climbing the fence are armed and need to be engaged in a gun battle?
> snip
>While The people walking in are a problem, there is more concern
> about armed military incursions



I think that assertion, "armed military incursions", is pure bullshit.
Please provide verifiable corroborated evidence that the Mexican
military has made armed incursions across the US border.

You sound like a nutso xenophobe.



 and heavily armed drug shipment
> guards- as in a hum vee with a 50 cal. on it.
>People are being killed there while the government is looking the
> other way.
>The border patrol is no match where they are out manned and out
> gunned by invaders.
> There is quite a bit of information on the subject but, most
> people are busy with other concerns.
> >
>

[FairfieldLife] Fifth Anniversary of the “Day of Shame”

[do.rflex]

Colin Powell Saying He Was Misled Before UN Speech on WMDs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZTLmOoPzjs


On February 5, 2003, Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the
United Nations to rally support for an invasion of Iraq.

His presentation contained little substance and numerous obvious
flaws, and the international community was unimpressed.

America's mainstream media, however, declared it "compelling."

For a nation living in the ghostly shadow of the twin towers, the
media's Good Warmaking seal of approval was enough to keep that
treasonous question — "why?" — relatively unheard.

The costs — in lives, money, reputation, and more — of this war of
whim are nearly incalculable.

This year's fifth anniversary coincides with a Super Tuesday primary
like no other. As Americans across the country go to the polls, a
couple of hundred thousand American troops, contractors, and
mercenaries are still stewing in America's longest and most
ill-conceived war.

From: http://tinyurl.com/yv62gj 

[FairfieldLife] No wonder Republicans are feeling pessimistic

[do.rflex]

>From the latest WaPo/ABC poll - http://tinyurl.com/39rdwn

Poll respondents were asked which political party they trusted to do a
better job on various issues:


* The economy: Dems led Republicans, 52% to 33%

* Immigration: Dems led Republicans, 40% to 37%

* Iraq: Dems led Republicans, 48% to 34%

* The budget deficit: Dems led Republicans, 52% to 31%

* Taxes: Dems led Republicans, 48% to 40%

* The U.S. campaign against terrorism: Dems led Republicans, 44% to 37%

* Health care: Dems led Republicans, 56% to 29%


First, these aren't cherry-picked to make Dems look good; these were
all of the issues polled. Republicans trailed in every category.

Second, in almost every instance, matters are getting worse for the
GOP, not better. Especially on the question regarding terrorism, this
was the worst Republicans have done on the issue since the WaPo began
polling on the question after 9/11. Given that this is supposed to be
the party's signature issue, it's not at all a good sign.

From: http://tinyurl.com/25dtga

[FairfieldLife] Mystery cat takes regular bus to the shops

[do.rflex]

Mystery cat takes regular bus to the shops

Daily Mail [UK], 12th April 2007
http://tinyurl.com/2p8a9u


Bus drivers have nicknamed a white cat Macavity after it has started
using the No 331 several mornings a week.

The feline, which has a purple collar, gets onto the busy Walsall to
Wolverhampton bus at the same stop most mornings - he then jumps off
at the next stop 400m down the road, near a fish and chip shop.

The cat has one blue eye and one green eye. 

PHOTOS: http://tinyurl.com/2c252t

The cat was nicknamed Macavity after the mystery cat in T.S Elliot's
poem. He gets on the bus in front of a row of 1950s semi-detached
houses and jumps off at a row of shops down the road which include a
fish and chip shop.

Driver Bill Khunkhun, 49, who first saw the cat jumping from the bus
in January, said: "It is really odd, the first time I saw the cat
jumping off the bus with a group of passengers. I hadn't seen it get
on which was a bit confusing.

"The next day I pulled up on Churchill Road to let a couple of
passengers on. As soon as I opened the doors the cat ran towards the
bus, jumped on and ran under one of the seats, I don't think any of
the passengers noticed.

"Because I had seen it jump off the day before I carried on driving
and sure enough when I stopped just down the road he jumped off - I
don't know why he would catch the bus but he seems to like it. I told
some of the other drivers on this route and they have seen him too."

Since January, when the cat first caught the bus he has done it two or
three times a week and always gets on and off at the same stops.

Passenger, Paul Brennan, 19, who catches the 331 to work, said: "I
first noticed the cat a few weeks ago. At first I thought it had been
accompanied by its owner but after the first stop it became quite
clear he was on his own.

"He sat at the front of the bus, waited patiently for the next stop
and then got off. It was was quite strange at first but now it just
seems normal. I suppose he is the perfect passenger really - he sits
quietly, minds his own business and then gets off." 

[FairfieldLife] Re: No wonder Republicans are feeling pessimistic

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> On Feb 5, 2008, at 7:23 AM, do.rflex wrote:
> 
> > From the latest WaPo/ABC poll - http://tinyurl.com/39rdwn
> >
> > Poll respondents were asked which political party they trusted to do a
> > better job on various issues:
> >
> >
> > * The economy: Dems led Republicans, 52% to 33%
> >
> > * Immigration: Dems led Republicans, 40% to 37%
> >
> > * Iraq: Dems led Republicans, 48% to 34%
> >
> > * The budget deficit: Dems led Republicans, 52% to 31%
> >
> > * Taxes: Dems led Republicans, 48% to 40%
> >
> > * The U.S. campaign against terrorism: Dems led Republicans, 44% to  
> > 37%
> >
> > * Health care: Dems led Republicans, 56% to 29%
> 
>*  Gay Marriage:  Repugs led Dems, 65% to 27%
> 
>*  Flag-burning: Repugs led Dems: 57% to 23%
> 
> You obviously gotta get your priorities straight, flex.
> 
> Sal


Of course you're right, Sal. Mea maxima culpa. Here's a warm gesture
of affectionate humility from me to all the right wingers out there:
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/sher9204/45950xpog1qh72c.gif

[FairfieldLife] Does anyone have official confirmation? [Maharishi drops the body]

[do.rflex]

--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Marek Reavis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> Ditto.  Jai Guru Dev.
> 
> **
> 
> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine  
> wrote:
> >
> > On Feb 5, 2008, at 2:52 PM, Duveyoung wrote:
> > 
> > > God bless Maharishi Mahesh Yogi!
> > 
> > Amen, Edg.  No matter what our feelings towards the TMO over the  
> > years, I think most of us have felt a great wellspring of affection   
> > and love for the man who made it all a reality.  It's truly the end  
> > of an era.
> > 
> > Sal


Does anyone have official confirmation?

[FairfieldLife] ~~ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ~~

[do.rflex]

To me, this is the end of a man who was outer symbol of a special
chunk of time that represents the lives of millions of people who
participated in and with Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi and
his activities, and those who didn't but were affected by him one way
or another all over the planet.

I don't like what his organization turned into at all and I didn't
expect it but my heart hurts. Yes... it does.