Since President Obama has taken the time and effort to support and even spearhead a number of progressive initiatives prior to the most recent elections--and he and the Democratic Party have spent a few dollars to make the following video, I thought it was only fair to give him a chance to speak for himself and thank his supporters here:
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sanctioned Prejudice
I'm sure I am going to see some flack for what I'm about to write, but I can't help but say what I believe. During the last presidential elections, I asked my writing students to respond to the question:Which is the greatest prejudice, that against women or people of color?
Most students of my students are under 25 years of age. I'm not sure how that figures into it, since this is not a scientific survey, by any means, but I want to be as thorough as possible. Most of my students do not think that women are subject to ANY limitations in this country. Of course, I do not limit my question to the United States and women from other countries (especially those who grew up or spent time in a middle eastern or African country) see things differently.
I usually ask this question around the time of the birthdays of Martin Luther King Jr. and Abe Lincoln, since I can also ask students to compare and contrast two famous speeches and men, who fought similar battles. Though most know who Abe Lincoln was, and have some vague understanding of what Martin Luther King Jr. fought and died for, none of these same individuals can remember a single woman's name from the Suffrage Movement or knows what the Equal Rights Amendment is.
As the political right and left become more and more polarized in this country, it appears obvious to me that white bigotry is alive and well in our country. In fact, I believe that the questions raised during the Civil War and during any movement that deals with "equal rights," have never been resolved in the U.S.
I know that some think that the Union won the Civil War, and that the question of states' rights being subject to federal control was resolved. However, if you look at our current polarization, we see that this is not the case. Rich white men, primarily from the South, never accepted that they lost the war. This, I believe is at the core of our political problems today. The only difference between the prejudices is that the prejudice against women is largely sanctioned in the U.S. by the greater ignorance of bigotry against people of color.
We continue to hear the call for states' rights and even the voicing of the possibility of "armed conflict" if the spoiled losers don't get their way. Healthcare reform? The vote is in, and does the Right accept it? No, they want to "retake control and repeal Obamacare lock, stock and barrel." The primary moving force behind non-acceptance of Barack Obama's presidency (no matter what he does) is because he is black. It is that simple. White conservative males (by a wide majority) don't like Obama. There is a pervasive, uneasy feeling about Obama being "too uppidy." He is often referred to by the GOP as "arrogant." This is not surprising, but guess who is the person they hate even more than the president. That's right, it's a woman. It is Nancy Pelosi! If you want to get the ire up of a Republican, mention her name.
White bigots, primarily from the Confederate States can't get over the fact that no matter how they try, they can't keep Blacks and Women from running the country. When we hear the call for the "Good Old Days" what are we really looking for? A return to a time when women and blacks were not in charge. That's what I think. Show me where I'm wrong. The GOP needs to stop fighting the Civil War. The Suffrage Movement has already earned women the right to vote and be Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State and Supreme Court Judges. We will never progress as a country, until we see that bigotry is alive and well in the U.S. and is poisonous regardless which group it is aimed at.
Below is a recent interview with Nancy Pelosi. She is allowed to speak for herself. See if you can watch the video without any preconceptions or pre-judgements.
Most students of my students are under 25 years of age. I'm not sure how that figures into it, since this is not a scientific survey, by any means, but I want to be as thorough as possible. Most of my students do not think that women are subject to ANY limitations in this country. Of course, I do not limit my question to the United States and women from other countries (especially those who grew up or spent time in a middle eastern or African country) see things differently.
I usually ask this question around the time of the birthdays of Martin Luther King Jr. and Abe Lincoln, since I can also ask students to compare and contrast two famous speeches and men, who fought similar battles. Though most know who Abe Lincoln was, and have some vague understanding of what Martin Luther King Jr. fought and died for, none of these same individuals can remember a single woman's name from the Suffrage Movement or knows what the Equal Rights Amendment is.
As the political right and left become more and more polarized in this country, it appears obvious to me that white bigotry is alive and well in our country. In fact, I believe that the questions raised during the Civil War and during any movement that deals with "equal rights," have never been resolved in the U.S.
I know that some think that the Union won the Civil War, and that the question of states' rights being subject to federal control was resolved. However, if you look at our current polarization, we see that this is not the case. Rich white men, primarily from the South, never accepted that they lost the war. This, I believe is at the core of our political problems today. The only difference between the prejudices is that the prejudice against women is largely sanctioned in the U.S. by the greater ignorance of bigotry against people of color.
We continue to hear the call for states' rights and even the voicing of the possibility of "armed conflict" if the spoiled losers don't get their way. Healthcare reform? The vote is in, and does the Right accept it? No, they want to "retake control and repeal Obamacare lock, stock and barrel." The primary moving force behind non-acceptance of Barack Obama's presidency (no matter what he does) is because he is black. It is that simple. White conservative males (by a wide majority) don't like Obama. There is a pervasive, uneasy feeling about Obama being "too uppidy." He is often referred to by the GOP as "arrogant." This is not surprising, but guess who is the person they hate even more than the president. That's right, it's a woman. It is Nancy Pelosi! If you want to get the ire up of a Republican, mention her name.
White bigots, primarily from the Confederate States can't get over the fact that no matter how they try, they can't keep Blacks and Women from running the country. When we hear the call for the "Good Old Days" what are we really looking for? A return to a time when women and blacks were not in charge. That's what I think. Show me where I'm wrong. The GOP needs to stop fighting the Civil War. The Suffrage Movement has already earned women the right to vote and be Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State and Supreme Court Judges. We will never progress as a country, until we see that bigotry is alive and well in the U.S. and is poisonous regardless which group it is aimed at.
Below is a recent interview with Nancy Pelosi. She is allowed to speak for herself. See if you can watch the video without any preconceptions or pre-judgements.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Two important propositions
There are many reasons that you should vote this coming election, but there seems to be two measures on the California ballot that need to be highlighted. They are props 23 and 26.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Words as Weapons
I have been working on a post entitled, Words as Weapons but before I was able to finish it the Democratic Party in California, uncharacteristically came up with a very clever ad proving how manipulation of words and phrases has become the mainstay of the Republican strategy. Meg Whitman is featured, shooting off her mouth with the same tired political epithets and wounding herself in the process. Certainly, I'm sure all of these phrases are taken out of context, but they were probably uttered out of context in the first place. I present the ad here, as the Democrats deserve to have their efforts to amuse us rewarded.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Stop Trying to Level the Playing Field
Those who know me well, are aware of my reluctance to offer advice. Generally, the advice that one really wants to give and the advice that others are looking for are two entirely different strategies. However, it's now a hard and fast rule. It's more of a tendency on my part. That is why I am going to offer the Democrats and other incumbents (there are Republicans, Independents and even Green Party members in office these days) a strategy to not only keep their jobs, but actually do the best job possible. I return to my recent call for TRUE DEMOCRACY.
I have been receiving a number of requests for money of late to support this or that bill,initiative, party or candidate. The Democrats are particularly worried that the Republicans are out spending them and therefore are going to buy the election. I think this is a danger, not because one party might suffer, but because MONEY IS AT THE ROOT OF MOST OF OUR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS in this country. That was the core of my TRUE DEMOCRACY message from my last post.
When I receive these requests for money, and some of them are headlined, "Help us Level the Playing Field" I think it shows that some politicians are falling into the same old belief pattern that money makes right. I am committed to ending this way of thinking. Instead of trying to level the playing field, we need to "change the game." The field that we currently play on is the problem. Money is NOT always the answer. In fact, I believe and I hope this election bears witness that it is NEVER the answer.
Case in point: Jerry Brown is not only holding his own against Meg Whitman in California, spending only a tiny fraction of what she does on negative advertising, but he is leading. When he wins California, it will be a testament to the fact that money cannot always win. Meg has spent $150 or so millions of dollars of her own money running on the platform that she wants to reduce regulations on oil companies, extend tax credits to the rich and basically oppose any social gains that have been made in the U.S. regarding banking. When we defeat every candidate who blatantly acknowledges that they are only interested in the rich, the oil companies, big business or the promotion of banking interests over the welfare of the common person, then we will be sending a message with our most powerful asset...our vote.
Don't just vote against the incumbent. Make sure that the alternative is not worse than what you've got. Reward those candidates who tried to regulate banking, save the planet for future generations, reduce or dependence on oil, give you an opportunity to modify your mortgages, give you an opportunity for healthcare by limiting the abuses of insurance companies and improve the lives of future generations.
Send a message to ALL candidates for public office and to all those who try to confuse the referendum process with deceitful ads and ecologically and economically BAD BILLS. When in doubt, VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE OR LEGISLATION that has not been bought by narrow interests. If you are not sure, then vote for the incumbent or the candidate who has SPENT THE LEAST.
Finally, here is a special note to candidates: NOW IS THE TIME TO harness the dissatisfaction and frustration of the average person and RETURN TO THE PRINCIPLES OF TRUE DEMOCRACY. Don't continue to play the game of the ELITE RICH. Don't continue to try and level the playing field by obsessing over money. Base your candidacy on integrity and honesty. CHANGE THE GAME!
I have been receiving a number of requests for money of late to support this or that bill,initiative, party or candidate. The Democrats are particularly worried that the Republicans are out spending them and therefore are going to buy the election. I think this is a danger, not because one party might suffer, but because MONEY IS AT THE ROOT OF MOST OF OUR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS in this country. That was the core of my TRUE DEMOCRACY message from my last post.
When I receive these requests for money, and some of them are headlined, "Help us Level the Playing Field" I think it shows that some politicians are falling into the same old belief pattern that money makes right. I am committed to ending this way of thinking. Instead of trying to level the playing field, we need to "change the game." The field that we currently play on is the problem. Money is NOT always the answer. In fact, I believe and I hope this election bears witness that it is NEVER the answer.
Case in point: Jerry Brown is not only holding his own against Meg Whitman in California, spending only a tiny fraction of what she does on negative advertising, but he is leading. When he wins California, it will be a testament to the fact that money cannot always win. Meg has spent $150 or so millions of dollars of her own money running on the platform that she wants to reduce regulations on oil companies, extend tax credits to the rich and basically oppose any social gains that have been made in the U.S. regarding banking. When we defeat every candidate who blatantly acknowledges that they are only interested in the rich, the oil companies, big business or the promotion of banking interests over the welfare of the common person, then we will be sending a message with our most powerful asset...our vote.
Don't just vote against the incumbent. Make sure that the alternative is not worse than what you've got. Reward those candidates who tried to regulate banking, save the planet for future generations, reduce or dependence on oil, give you an opportunity to modify your mortgages, give you an opportunity for healthcare by limiting the abuses of insurance companies and improve the lives of future generations.
Send a message to ALL candidates for public office and to all those who try to confuse the referendum process with deceitful ads and ecologically and economically BAD BILLS. When in doubt, VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE OR LEGISLATION that has not been bought by narrow interests. If you are not sure, then vote for the incumbent or the candidate who has SPENT THE LEAST.
Finally, here is a special note to candidates: NOW IS THE TIME TO harness the dissatisfaction and frustration of the average person and RETURN TO THE PRINCIPLES OF TRUE DEMOCRACY. Don't continue to play the game of the ELITE RICH. Don't continue to try and level the playing field by obsessing over money. Base your candidacy on integrity and honesty. CHANGE THE GAME!
Monday, October 4, 2010
I am a Patriot--by Gordon Richiusa
More and more the fundamental problems with our government are that MONEY and party politics have corrupted it beyond compromise. We need to change the way we allow our Senators to operate—but we must remember that we elected these same officials to do the job that they are doing. We need to govern outside the political parties. “Government by referendum! Throw the bums out!” These are cries that we hear more and more these days which remind me of a shouts from the back of a lynch mob.
I am proposing the creation of a political MOVEMENT (not another party) of PATRIOTS who will work against any lobbyist or party. If you want to be AGAINST something, then be against the things that are counter productive to your countries interests. When I speak of “country” I’m talking about THE PEOPLE and the Government that they have established to do what is best for the whole.
From this moment onward I am not going to judge someone by their political party or allow others to judge me. I am a TRUE PATRIOT and since I’m making up the term, I am going to define what it means. The dictionary defines a patriot as, “a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against against enemies or detractors.”
This is the key reason that the Civil War was fought in this country and why it continues to re-fought today, by loudmouthed politicians and pseudo-politicians (members of parties of “no” or “hell no”) whose agenda is really nothing more than thinly veiled bigotry in the guise of anti-federal-government movements. In the war between the states, between those who believed that the states should be allowed to operate outside the control of the federal government and those that supported a STRONG UNION, the self-serving Southerners LOST! When I hear elected officials or those vying for these jobs suggest that armed conflict with the federal government is the next step in the process if the GOP doesn’t get their way in the next election, I CALL THAT TREASON. Anytime a state senator or elected official (especially a governor) suggests succession from the UNION as the answer to their individual problem or prejudice against doing what’s best for the whole, then I believe THEY are guilty of the same thing. We must be ready to defend our government—the one that a majority of us voted for in the last election! Anyone who says otherwise is not being patriotic.
So, what do TRUE PATRIOTS believe in? We believe that any action, activity or movement that is merely anti-government is suspect. We believe that the ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION had checks and balances in place for good reason. The original government had no provisions for the current form of voting. There were no political parties, no primary elections, no electoral college. WE DON’T HAVE A DEMOCRACY in this country right now. We should have. We continually boast throughout the world that we are spreading democracy everywhere we go, but we don’t have it at home!
So TRUE PATRIOTS BELIEVE that we need to establish TRUE DEMOCRACY in this country, THE WAY THE FOUNDING FATHERS INTENDED IT. The MOJORITY should rule! If you don’t like it, then spending all the money in the world to mask your self-serving intentions should also be illegal.
TRUE PATRIOTS ARE DEDICATED TO ESTABLISHING AND FORTIFYING TRUE DEMOCRACY—doing what is truly best for the greatest number of people. To this end, our only other “platform” is to rid government of the influence of vast wealth (something the majority of us don’t have). It’s o.k. for you as an individual to try and amass vast wealth, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE GOVERNMENT or of TRUE PATRIOTS. If our elected officials vote outside the interests of the majority or work against the common good (such as campaigning to reverse Health Care or any other kind of reform, which is obviously good for the majority—or campaigning to eliminate regulations on the wealthy or bankers) then we need to get rid of THEM, not those who have supported these efforts.
Let’s keep it simple. Let’s stick to these two objectives in our thinking. TRUE PATRIOTS are for TRUE DEMOCRACY and TRUE DEMOCRACY IS NOT GOVERNMENT BY BANKING.
I am proposing the creation of a political MOVEMENT (not another party) of PATRIOTS who will work against any lobbyist or party. If you want to be AGAINST something, then be against the things that are counter productive to your countries interests. When I speak of “country” I’m talking about THE PEOPLE and the Government that they have established to do what is best for the whole.
From this moment onward I am not going to judge someone by their political party or allow others to judge me. I am a TRUE PATRIOT and since I’m making up the term, I am going to define what it means. The dictionary defines a patriot as, “a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against against enemies or detractors.”
This is the key reason that the Civil War was fought in this country and why it continues to re-fought today, by loudmouthed politicians and pseudo-politicians (members of parties of “no” or “hell no”) whose agenda is really nothing more than thinly veiled bigotry in the guise of anti-federal-government movements. In the war between the states, between those who believed that the states should be allowed to operate outside the control of the federal government and those that supported a STRONG UNION, the self-serving Southerners LOST! When I hear elected officials or those vying for these jobs suggest that armed conflict with the federal government is the next step in the process if the GOP doesn’t get their way in the next election, I CALL THAT TREASON. Anytime a state senator or elected official (especially a governor) suggests succession from the UNION as the answer to their individual problem or prejudice against doing what’s best for the whole, then I believe THEY are guilty of the same thing. We must be ready to defend our government—the one that a majority of us voted for in the last election! Anyone who says otherwise is not being patriotic.
So, what do TRUE PATRIOTS believe in? We believe that any action, activity or movement that is merely anti-government is suspect. We believe that the ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION had checks and balances in place for good reason. The original government had no provisions for the current form of voting. There were no political parties, no primary elections, no electoral college. WE DON’T HAVE A DEMOCRACY in this country right now. We should have. We continually boast throughout the world that we are spreading democracy everywhere we go, but we don’t have it at home!
So TRUE PATRIOTS BELIEVE that we need to establish TRUE DEMOCRACY in this country, THE WAY THE FOUNDING FATHERS INTENDED IT. The MOJORITY should rule! If you don’t like it, then spending all the money in the world to mask your self-serving intentions should also be illegal.
TRUE PATRIOTS ARE DEDICATED TO ESTABLISHING AND FORTIFYING TRUE DEMOCRACY—doing what is truly best for the greatest number of people. To this end, our only other “platform” is to rid government of the influence of vast wealth (something the majority of us don’t have). It’s o.k. for you as an individual to try and amass vast wealth, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE GOVERNMENT or of TRUE PATRIOTS. If our elected officials vote outside the interests of the majority or work against the common good (such as campaigning to reverse Health Care or any other kind of reform, which is obviously good for the majority—or campaigning to eliminate regulations on the wealthy or bankers) then we need to get rid of THEM, not those who have supported these efforts.
Let’s keep it simple. Let’s stick to these two objectives in our thinking. TRUE PATRIOTS are for TRUE DEMOCRACY and TRUE DEMOCRACY IS NOT GOVERNMENT BY BANKING.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Hawaiian Sovereignty
This is a subject of conversation in one of the classes I teach, so I thought I share a short video I found with the rest of you.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
American Suckers
I know I've been going on about pesky problems such as medical insurance companies and big banks trying to subvert the political process in the U.S. but the fact of the matter is that I'm continually amazed that those who are in the greatest need and who would benefit most are the most vocal against change and progress. I won't belabor the points, or say anything more about the need to stop Lobbyists from inserting themselves directly into the Constitution as the driving force of our government, or somehow convincing the Supreme Court that buying votes is a Constitutionally protected right. I just want to say, THANK YOU to President Obama for accomplishing ANOTHER GOAL that he achieved. When we overwhelmingly elected him to office he made many promises. Some people did not like the goals he set to achieve, but the common person realized that things needed to change. Some people, once his supporters, now complain that the policies he pushed through were "not enough." We can't argue, however that he has not tried. He has brought the war in Iraq to an end. True, some are now saying that he should not leave ANY troops in Iraq, but I believe we can remove our troops from dozens of other countries first (Japan, Germany etc.etc.etc.)before we can call his success AS THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the armed forces, a shallow gesture. He has done, what he's promised to do against loud-mouthed and highly financed political opposition. Don't become a pawn in the political game. Make your choices based upon what is actually good for the common person...for YOU, not what is good for big business. Big Business is O.K. Profits for the richest corporations are UP, not down. If you are unemployed, it is probably because a corporate giant has decided to fatten his or her own bank account, at your expense. Don't make it easy for the very rich to take advantage of you. So, before you complain that you don't like the job that the government is doing, remember THE MAJORITY OF YOU VOTED FOR EVERYONE CURRENTLY IN OFFICE. There were reasons why you did. If you've changed your mind now, take a look at the possible motivations. Perhaps you are only responding to the constant barrage of lobbying and true special interest shenanigans that one political party is foisting against another. Politics directed solely AGAINST an idea or individual is seldom valid.
So, here, by permission we are presenting Russ Buchanan's AMERICAN SUCKERS video.
So, here, by permission we are presenting Russ Buchanan's AMERICAN SUCKERS video.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Support Independent Journalism--by Gordon Richiusa
It's no secret that money talks and the opinions of those without it often must often go unheard. That's why I support Independent Journalism and have signed the petition below. Naturally, I don't believe that this petition is the end all and will result in immediate results in this area of concern. However, I do believe strongly in the power of the written word and am turning my abstract belief into action by signing this petition and by blogging here. So, if you'd like to support this simple, Constitutionally understood concept then click on the link below and add your two cents worth.
Vote for Brown in California
Jerry Brown was an excellent Governor and lived his ethical principles. I was always impressed that he would not live in the "mansion" that had been set aside for him and truly seemed to care about his decisions and how they affected the average person.
There are several reasons why we need to defeat Meg Whitman's campaign to buy the California Governorship. This video only presents ONE--although an important one--of them.
There are several reasons why we need to defeat Meg Whitman's campaign to buy the California Governorship. This video only presents ONE--although an important one--of them.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Support Journalistic Integrity
Last night the phone rang and an "independent political survey" person asked me my opinion on several issues. The questioner alleged to be funded through a source in Texas. The questions were awkwardly worded and appeared to be pointedly trying to gauge the political temperament of Californians, which I apparently was randomly selected to represent. Two questions stuck in my craw. One asked which political party I most closely associated with. My choices included the Republican, the Democratic and the Tea Party. I told the questioner that the Tea Party wasn't really a political party, but she made me choose anyway. She also wanted to know if I was a conservative who favored giving jobs to people and cutting taxes, or a "liberal." I said I couldn't really classify myself in exactly the way that she was allowing because her question was skewed in four different directions at the same time. So, in the end, after clarifying that I didn't like the question much, I chose liberal between the two options. I'm guessing that my answers will not appear in any real polling results and were meant to determine how much money someone like Meg Whitman needs to spend--and in which dishonest way her meager qualifications must be framed--to have a chance of stealing the California election.
Anyway, this morning I receive another request to sign a petition. I get a lot of these, on a daily basis. This one was from Care2 and purported merely to support integrity in the media. I personally believe that the precepts of journalistic integrity (such as merely telling the truth, instead of trying to sway opinion) have "almost" been completely lost in today's world. I would like to see a return to the time when a "news program" actually only reported the news. I signed this petition happily and if you want to sign it--or merely see what the petition says--click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser.
http://www.care2.com/go/z/19871635
Anyway, this morning I receive another request to sign a petition. I get a lot of these, on a daily basis. This one was from Care2 and purported merely to support integrity in the media. I personally believe that the precepts of journalistic integrity (such as merely telling the truth, instead of trying to sway opinion) have "almost" been completely lost in today's world. I would like to see a return to the time when a "news program" actually only reported the news. I signed this petition happily and if you want to sign it--or merely see what the petition says--click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser.
http://www.care2.com/go/z/19871635
Saturday, May 15, 2010
BIFOCALS visits New Orleans
In light of the recent BP Oil disaster, we thought it was important to remember that "government" equals "real people." We can complain and argue about the causes of problems and who holds ultimate responsibility in disasters. However, when it comes right down to it "small business" or big "business" is all of our individual business. Everyone can do the best they can to help in any situation. If you have had plans to visit any shores in the Gulf Coast and are considering postponing those plans, please reconsider.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Until an honest and insightful documentary is made about the corruption on Wall Street and how our politicians are in bed with the banks and lobbyists--Hey, wait a minute. Wasn't that the theme of CAPITALISM, A Love Story last year?--we Progressive Patriots will have to be satisfied with a film that honestly depicts horrific corruption on a national level which focuses on another county, such as China, not the U.S.A. Last year the documentary film sensation was THE COVE. That was a great film and I did pick it to win the Oscar (which it did). However, Michael Moore's best documentary ever did not even get a nomination. We just can't seem to face our own shortcomings as a nation.
What we tend to do is look elsewhere when looking for crimes against humanity. This year we look again within the bullied borders of China. Granted, if we get a chance to pierce the bamboo veil anywhere in Asia it seems, one does not have to look far to find abuses. I guess that's the nature of totalitarian governments (oh, there I go talking about the U.S.A. again, some of you are probably saying...sorry).
We have great documentary evidence that these crimes are and have been taking place in China for many decades. Something that many of us already know. That's why a movie playing now at the Newport Film Festival entitled, SONG OF TIBET was such a refreshing approach to these abuses. I can't say that I was pleased (it's hard to say you liked a movie about genocide), but I did wholeheartedly appreciate the film as it depicts, through stunning photography and tightly edited images the true story of writer/director Ngawang Choephel. In this 87 minute opus, Choephel documents his initial quest to record the folk songs of Tibet, which comes at a bad time for the Chinese government. They, unfortunately are trying to erase the language, culture and history of Tibet to be more Chinese. After all, the Dalai Lama has been in exhile in China for over fifty years. They call him a terrorist, in the popular vernacular of the day and absolutely do not want the Tibetans to be singing those old anti-communist songs such as "the milking song" or "the roofing song." What would happen if Tibetans were allowed to be cheerful while they performed their daily duties? In the case of a milking song udder chaos! Choephel was arrested and imprisoned for 6 years for his crimes. In 2008 he was released due to the efforts of his mother to bring to bear the scrutiny of world opinion (with the help of heavyweights like Paul McCartney or the U.S. Congress). He returned to finish this film and let us know that the battle for freedom is not over in Tibet.
So, I appreciated this movie not because it brought up any new information about the plight of the Tibetans, but because it magnified the absurdity of one culture trying to completely absorb another. No matter how big the walls we built are, people want to enjoy their lives in their own way. No wall is so big, no government policy so restrictive that it can destroy a culture (like, say the Mexicans).
Go see Song of Tibet, if you get a chance. So far, we have not made any laws in this county to prevent that, yet.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Ibogaine : Rite of Passage/ Independent Film
My good friend, John Harrison has been conducting some very important and valuable work research into a substance called Ibogaine, that has shown great promise in treating those with an addiction to opiates. Below is his invitation for you all to attend a free screening of the documentary IBOGAINE: Rite Of Passage and find out more. I hope to see you there.
--Gordon Richiusa
“Ibogaine: Rite of Passage” is a documentary about the use of the controversial substance ibogaine for the treatment of opiate addiction. Ibogaine is a psychoactive substance derived from the African plant iboga. It is used during ritual initiations of the Bwiti people in Gabon. In the 1960s, American researcher and heroin addict Howard Lotsof discovered the anti-addictive properties of ibogaine. Not long after his discovery, the use of ibogaine became illegal in the United States and remains illegal there today.
“Ibogaine: Rite of Passage” follows an American heroin addict through an ibogaine session at a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. Through a series of critical interviews with former addicts, ibogaine facilitators, and other experts, the documentary asks if the controversial status of ibogaine is due to economics or to its hallucinogenic effects? The DVD includes the official trailer, information about ibogaine treatment centers and other resources related to ibogaine and opiate addiction, and a filmography of the director. Subtitled in English, French, German, Spanish, and Dutch.
You may also visit Ibogaine: Rite of Passage http://www.lunartproductions.com on the Lunart Productions website for more information about the film.
Movie Starts at 7pm
1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310.450.8699
“Ibogaine: Rite of Passage” follows an American heroin addict through an ibogaine session at a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. Through a series of critical interviews with former addicts, ibogaine facilitators, and other experts, the documentary asks if the controversial status of ibogaine is due to economics or to its hallucinogenic effects? The DVD includes the official trailer, information about ibogaine treatment centers and other resources related to ibogaine and opiate addiction, and a filmography of the director. Subtitled in English, French, German, Spanish, and Dutch.
You may also visit Ibogaine: Rite of Passage http://www.lunartproductions.
Movie Starts at 7pm
1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310.450.8699
Hello Friends ..This Tuesday evening ( March 30th) i will be introducing the film Ibogaine : Rite of Passage at
99 High Art Collective
1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice , CA. 310 450-8699
7PM - 10pm
Prior to the film i will discuss the research i have been conducting the past two years in Mexico on the efficacy of ibogaine in the treatment of opiate addiction. Ibogaine is changing the world of addiction treatment and the lives of many formerly addicted individuals ! Following the film there will be an opportunity for Q & A . There is no charge for this event. I look forward to seeing you . Basse ( Bah-say) Bwiti for Blessings,
99 High Art Collective
1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice , CA. 310 450-8699
7PM - 10pm
Prior to the film i will discuss the research i have been conducting the past two years in Mexico on the efficacy of ibogaine in the treatment of opiate addiction. Ibogaine is changing the world of addiction treatment and the lives of many formerly addicted individuals ! Following the film there will be an opportunity for Q & A . There is no charge for this event. I look forward to seeing you . Basse ( Bah-say) Bwiti for Blessings,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPUEF6a2PPA
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Historic Healthcare Reform Passage
Let's not make any mistakes. This bill is not TOTALLY progressive, but it is historic. Let's not confuse "liberal" or "conservative" with doing the most good for the greatest number. Also, and most importantly, let's not allow anyone who opposed this bill MERELY because they were opposed to progress, prosper. If anyone, in any party voted NO because they were trying to impede progress, because they were trying NOT to do the greatest good for the greatest number, then we need to get rid of those politicians at our next opportunity. Next election, vote for anyone who supported health reform in a constructive manner and vote against anyone who seeks public office, for special, narrow interests.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Bifocals Before the Oscars
Intrepid "married" reporters, Gordon and Barbara Richiusa make their picks before the recent Oscar announcements. Their co-hosted cable news segment, BIFOCALS is presented in the senior community of Laguna Woods, where they are residents.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Progressive Hollywood Launches Blog/Video Links
Stay tuned! Ed Rampell and Gordon Richiusa are joining forces to expand Progressive Hollywood into the world of total media.
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