In what can only be described as severe human rights abuses and a massive rush to judgment, in the hours and days proceeding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, members of the U.S. government, such as Robert S. Mueller, under the misdirection of George W. Bush, rounded up and renditioned Muslim-Americans to foreign countries, where they were imprisoned and tortured. Some were imprisoned domestically and mistreated. Many of these men were innocent.
I read one man’s story and it was terrible. He was renditioned, tortured for months, while imprisoned in a cell so small there was no room to move. He subsequently lost 40 pounds. While that would be great for a Hollywood diet, in the real world, such conduct is a violation of all existing human rights charters.
At the end of his ordeal, realizing their mistake in torturing an innocent man, he was deported to his homeland in the Middle East, after many years as a U.S. citizen.
Sensing history has recorded him in an awful way, former President George W. Bush stated this year, his poor decisions were done, “Under the fog of war.” I disagree. It was done under the fog of stupidity.
Furthermore, did the “fog of war” cause you to routinely make up words such as “strategery” and “misunderestimate” or was that due to having bought your university degree.
U.S. settles suit with Muslims in post-9/11 abuse
Tue Nov 3, 2009 3:13pm EST - NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. government will pay $1.26 million to five Muslim men detained for months without charges after the September 11 attacks who sued for unlawful imprisonment and abuse, their lawyers said on Tuesday.
The men claimed they suffered inhumane and degrading treatment in a Brooklyn detention center, including solitary confinement, severe beatings, incessant verbal abuse and a blackout on communications with their families and attorneys...
Tameka Foster, the wife of Sony singer, Usher Raymond, allegedly left an expletive laden message for a Toronto blogger named Kemi, because she criticized her online.
In the answering machine message, picked up by the blogger's 9-year-old son, woops, Foster told her the f-word, proclaiming she heard what she said about her. Well, narrow it down, then.
The blogger is claiming complete ignorance as to what Foster is referring to, stating she gave her positive coverage in the past.
While, I've never dealt with Foster, I've had a few, not many incidents, of people emailing the sites, asking me to remove items I've written. But, in general, most people know better than that.
Kemi
However, Madonna's psycho staff miscalculated a few times and end up in the recycle bin. A Miami judge that violated my rights, prompting me to write about him, made that mistake in emailing me and angering me, which prompted another article. An FBI spokeswoman made that mistake as well, which infuriated me and ended up in a lawsuit against them.
A veteran publicist made that error, but I had some sympathy for her plight, even though I declined to remove said item. Then, there was an email from a CIA employee, which I basically glared at. He thinks the site is too one-sided where they are concerned - yea, but that was the point.
But back to my point. As a general rule, most bloggers that have been writing for years, have done thousands of articles about a variety of topics and people and will draw a blank if you refer to an unspecific item.
Running a site can be time consuming and at the end of the day, no blogger wants an email or phone call like the one Tameka just pulled off. Actually, that's the best way to provoke a blogger and draw bad publicity. And once again, not all publicity is good publicity.
Side Bar: is it just me or did Tameka get her nose done. Ah, the pressures of marrying a younger man. You start getting plastic surgery done on everything.
It's a wonder Demi Moore didn't get plastic surgery done on her eyelashes. After all, she got everything else done.
Video: CIA has links to Sunni separatist group? - RT
In an explosive video from news network, RT.com, author Webster Tarpley throws the CIA under the bus...and amazingly, he is still alive.
Dude, make sure those life insurance policies are all paid up and even though I don't know you, I'll miss you (Singing "Sweet Chariot").
Robert Gates
Tarpley alleges Al Qaeda was created by U.S. Secretary of Defense,Robert Gates. He also alleges the CIA is funding terror group Jundallah, in a bid at destabilizing Iran and Pakistan, to imperially rule over the region and disrupt wealthy China's oil supply from the Middle East.
He also alleges the British government was involved with earlier destabilization attempts, to create micro-states in the Middle East.
The Judiciary Report condemns the destabilization of nations. This misconduct should not be found anywhere in this world.
Video: Americans want troops out of Afghanistan - RT
Confirming what the Judiciary Report then polls stated, the American people want out of Afghanistan. The U.S. government needs to pull the troops and concentrate on creating a covert, but Congressionally accountable division of the government, comprised of highly trained, experienced, plain clothed operatives, to hunt terrorists. And not the C.I.A.
This mass military bombing in the Middle East is fruitless and at any point in history the U.S. Army leaves the region, it can still be destabilized by insurgents. The government is prolonging the inevitable and creating more domestic and international terrorists in the process, due to outrage at the collateral damage in civilian deaths.
The "American Drug War: The Last White Hope" was an interesting, albeit misguided documentary by Kevin Booth. The piece focused on the American war on drugs, implemented by former U.S. President Richard Nixon.
Richard Nixon
I certainly didn't agree with Nixon's Watergate scandal or the fact he misused the Secret Service to spy on rivals such as Ted Kennedy, looking for dirt on the senator, to disgrace and discredit him, such as adultery. How ironic, given the illegal wiretapping he was engaging in. Oh, times haven't changed.
John Lennon
I also did not agree with Nixon spying on and seeking to deport singer/songwriter John Lennon. It was one of the worst political moves he made. Lennon was no saint, but to turn that level of federal attention, into prying in his life, was unconstitutional.
However, Nixon was right to initiate the war on drugs. I didn't agree with this documentary, as it glorifies drug use and condemns the authorities for trying to stamp it out.
Another irony of this documentary is, so many of the interviewees were stoned out of their minds and it is proof positive drugs are not good for you.
What kind of an endorsement for the drug trade is a group of men and women slurring their speech, speaking incoherently and looking dead in the eyes, clearly suffering from an ongoing loss of brain cells.
They were incapable of proper thought and speech. Sobriety, intelligence and responsibility are the better choice.
However, I do not wish to condemn them for their addictions, as many people struggle with horrible emotional pain and choose drugs as the outlet to forget the bad things that have happened to them, but it is not the right choice. Keep trying to get sober and drug free. God bless you.
John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Another misconception stated in the film is, "Music and drugs go hand in hand." I beg to differ. Stoned musicians turn up for work late, costing everyone including themselves income, cannot get their act together, make many mistakes while recording and performing at shows and destroy their vocal chords with drug abuse. Cocaine, crack and smoking are not good for the human voice.
It is referred to as, "Opening up your mind" but what are you opening it up to? Paranoia, schizophrenia, brain cell depletion, scary imagery and hallucinations.
Interestingly enough, Robert Steele, a former CIA agent featured in "American Drug War" stated, prior to the September 11th attacks, there were, "No drugs under the Taliban" but now the region, "Is responsible for 80% of the heroin coming to the United States and Western countries."
A former DEA Agent, Celerino Castillo III, also stated the Taliban was against "opium crop development" but after September 11th, "with the U.S. government controlling Afghanistan" poppy flowers grew in abundance and shipments to America increased.
A poppy field in Afghanistan (photo credit: the Telegraph UK)
It also explored the Taliban's role in the drug trade. Another allegation included, Osama's alleged anger towards George W. Bush for attempting to reduce opium and heroin shipments.
It was stated, Nixon gave Nepal $50,000,000 to outlaw drugs and hashish. However, later, the CIA allegedly, "Allowed drug production for political reasons."
Another item of note, is a segment featuring incarcerated drug dealer, Freeway Ricky Ross, who rapper "Rick Ross" took his name and persona from, for his hip hop career, which has been called into question for the past year.
Soldier in Afghanistan surveying poppy fields
The documentary points out that drug dealer, Freeway Ricky Ross, "Is at the bottom of the food chain, so he went to prison." While, according to CIA Officer, Robert Steele, "All the guys that violated the law, that ignored Congressional sanctions on Iran Contra, they're all in power. And George W. Bush, a guy that never succeeded at anything and is certainly not succeeding at this presidency, a guy who stole two elections, who has committed at least 10 impeachable offenses, he's President of the United States."
It goes on to list the men "still in power" as Otto Reich, Elliot Abrams, John Pointdexter, Michael Hayden, Robert Gates, John Walters and John Negroponte.
Then it closes with the hard-hitting line, "Ricky Ross is doing George Bush's time."
When most of us return from a vacation, we think about the work awaiting us. Heads of state are no different. As U.S. President Barack Obama's weeklong Martha's Vineyard vacation in Massachusetts wraps up, it is time to do an overview of the things that await him, upon his return to the White House in Washington, DC.
Health Care
The healthcare debate has intensified, dividing Congress and the American people. It would be great if every person in the world had proper coverage and medical care, but due to financial restraints, this is not a reality at the present time.
Obama seeks to tackle this issue in America, similar to what has been done in Britain, Canada and Israel to name a few, with the latter having a type of insurance tax that covers its citizens.
Since America is one of the largest nations in the world, with over 305,000,000 people (er, that you know about, anyway) this creates a monumental task.
Wars In The Middle East
The sheer number of soldier fatalities of allied troops in the Middle East, has vaulted the subject back onto the front page on newspapers. The public in America and Britain are growing increasingly despondent and disheartened, regarding combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Many believe their sons and daughters fighting abroad are dying in vain, as stories have leaked regarding dozens of soldiers dying over 150 votes, in a territory not their own.
Former Vice President, Dick Cheney
I, for one, am not in favor of said combat, as Bush proved too much is hidden from the public and often lies are told to the general public.
Specialized squads that hunt terrorists, preferably bringing them back alive to face justice in official courts of law, would be a better option.
Vast combat in the form of war, has created a very high civilian and soldier death count, with financial costs that are unsustainable. In short, the wars are significantly contributing to bankrupting America.
Reforming The CIA
President Obama announced through Attorney General, Eric Holder, there will be investigations into CIA employee misconduct, regarding human rights abuses that transpired in former President George W. Bush's war on terror. Fixing that which has gone wrong at the CIA is another hurdle facing Obama.
A number of other stories broke in his absence that I'm sure he is aware of, regarding the Pentagon and the FBI.
Ted Kennedy
Robert, Ted and John Kennedy
President Obama's late friend and supporter, Ted Kennedy, passed away this week. Obama is scheduled to deliver the eulogy at his funeral.
A former CIA employee, Robert Baer, stated the intelligence agency needs to clean up its act and gain credibility, as in its current state, it will not have any true effectiveness in the world, committing human rights abuses, it is telling other nations to desist.
This premise holds true of any government. In order to be effective, one must lead by example, or one will be disregarded and disbelieved.
President Obama closing Gitmo and CIA prisons was a good step in the right direction, regarding these matters. Releasing CIA torture documents and investigating abuses is also another plus.
The CIA now needs to do its part to discontinue abuses, act with integrity, in accordance with domestic and international law, to complete the revamp.
Because as it stands, the CIA is a byword in the world and the agency is looked upon with great suspicion in America as well.
Let's face it, the CIA is not liked in the world. Other governments hear the letters "CIA" and they close off, thinking the worst, assuming something or someone is about to be toppled.
This cannot be necessary in maintaining an empire that was severely damaged by former President George W. Bush and seeks to rise from the economic and diplomatic ashes.
Video: Scottish Government Defends Bomber's Release - The Associated Press
FBI Director Robert S. Mueller is being slammed by the Scottish government for a caustic letter he wrote, condemning them for releasing, Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, who is dying of terminal cancer.
I certainly do not believe he should have been freed, but rather forced to live out his years in prison for crimes against humanity. However, Robert Mueller is in no position to criticize anyone with his track record.
Mueller, as head of the FBI, inexplicablyhas murderers running loose and for several years looked the other way to the criminal misconduct of men like Bernard Madoff and R. Allen Stanford.
It was revealed, he knew for years they were breaking the law and did absolutely nothing to stop them, which would have saved investors billions.
Not to mention, he was at the helm of the FBI when 9/11 happened, which the Bureau could have prevented had HQ not stonewalled its own agents for corrupt purposes. Thousands died, which is way more than the fatalities in the Lockerbie bombing. How do you explain terrorists having a lower body count than you, Mr. Mueller.
Robert Mueller
Your negligence is downright bloodcurdling, as terrorists are boldly proclaiming they shall launch new attacks and I don't doubt they will try.
However, knowing you are in charge of national security should alarm anyone, after what you let happen the first time, on September 11th.
Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Los Angeles, California, among other cities, are prime targets for terrorists with no mercy, yet the FBI is still in a terrible state of disarray thanks to you.
I am of the belief, you could care less about criminals being freed, as you've illustrated with your negligent conduct in numerous cases, including the aforementioned. What you dislike is the fact a case you worked on as prosecutor, has been undone, via freeing a terrorist after 8-years of what should have been a life sentence.
Side Bar: Mr. Mueller, what about the Bush family's special relationship with the Bin Ladens, prior to Osama flipping his lid. Why was his family allowed safe passage out of America during Bush's term, right after 9/11 happened. Why was the CIA in bed with Bin Laden prior to the bombings. Why was the Iraq war, that was concocted by Bush and Cheney on deliberately flawed intelligence, fought for oil and not for freedom. If you are going to throw stones, Mr. Mueller, make sure you don't live in a glass house.
FBI chief's attack 'out of order'
Mr Mueller suggested that Megrahi's release showed support for terrorists. Former Scottish First Minister Henry McLeish has described comments by the FBI chief on the Lockerbie bomber's release as "totally out of order".
Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill freed terminally ill Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds on Thursday.
FBI director Robert Mueller said the decision gave "comfort to terrorists". Mr McLeish said it was an unfair slur on the Scots justice system. A former lord advocate said it was "appalling".
Megrahi, who has always claimed his innocence, served seven years, five months and four days of his life sentence for the bombing of the Pan Am jet over Lockerbie in 1988, in which 270 people died.
Since the 57-year-old's release, Mr MacAskill has been criticised for his decision, particularly from relatives of Americans killed in the bombing.
Mr Mueller, who was the US Assistant Attorney General responsible for the Lockerbie investigation, said he was outraged by the release, which he said made a mockery of the grief of the victims' families and undermined the rule of law.
In a letter to the justice secretary, he wrote: "Your action in releasing Megrahi is as inexplicable as it is detrimental to the cause of justice. Indeed your action makes a mockery of the rule of law. Col Gaddafi with Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi...
"Your action gives comfort to terrorists around the world who now believe that regardless of the quality of the investigation, the conviction by jury after the defendant is given all due process, and sentence appropriate to the crime, the terrorist will be freed by one man's exercise of 'compassion'.
"Your action rewards a terrorist even though he never admitted to his role in this act of mass murder and even though neither he nor the government of Libya ever disclosed the names and roles of others who were responsible."
However, Henry McLeish said Mr Mueller's intervention was "totally out of order".
"Let's as Scots, despite the adversity, be conscious that it is Scotland and our criminal justice system which holds its head high throughout the world," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"It doesn't help if some ill-informed remarks are made by the director of the FBI towards that when it's, quite frankly, none of his business.
"It would be the equivalent of the Metropolitan Police chief writing to Barack Obama to complain about a decision that has been made.
"He has a view - fine - but that was a slur on the Scottish justice system that we didn't deserve as part of the wider debate."...
