***************************2011***********************
JANUARY
Song of the month: “Care” (Kid Rock/Martina McBride/T.I.)
IF WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT BREAKING THE HOLD OF
CORPORATE MONEY ON ELECTED OFFICIALS, CAMPAIGN
FINANCE REFORM IS THE ANSWER. –AMELIA J. FLEMING
WE HAVE TO STOP REFERRING TO ALL NATURAL GAS AS
“CLEAN.” NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY CONVENTIONAL
METHODS MAY CAUSE LESS POLLUTION THAN COAL AND OIL.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE GAS IS PRODUCED BY
UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS SUCH AS HIGH-VOLUME
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING, ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT MAY
BE JUST AS GREAT OR GREATER. –CYNTHIA S. WESTERMAN
WE’RE NOT GOING TO CONTINUE TO LIVE IN INSTITUTIONS
BECAUSE IT’S CONVENIENT FOR UNION MEMBERS
AND JOB CREATION. –DARLENE DICKINSON
AHMADINEJAD SEES WESTERN POWER, I.E. ZIONISM, THE
UNITED KINGDOM, AND THE UNITED STATES AS THE
OPPRESSORS OF THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH. HE SEES THE
RETURN OF THE TWELFTH IMAM AS THE SAVIOR WHO WILL
COME TO SAVE THE EARTH FROM THESE OPPRESSORS BY
HELPING TO DESTROY THE INFIDEL, TO CONQUER THE
OPPRESSIVE POWERS WHO WON’T OBEY ALLAH. –RISING TENSIONS WITH IRAN AS APOCALYPTIC
FEBRUARY
Song of the month: “High in the Morning” (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)
INTIMIDATION HAS PERMEATED THE WORLD INHABITED BY
TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT IT’S AN
EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE, OFTEN WITH NO CONSEQUENCES. –VALERIE ZEHL
THE WAR ON TERRORISM IS NO MORE A “WAR” THAN THE WAR
ON DRUGS OR POVERTY. THIS “WAR” HAS BEEN USED TO GAIN
CONTROL OF OIL AND SHRED OUR CONSTITUTION. THIS “WAR”
SHOULD NOT BE WON. –GEORGE HAESELER
THE WORK OF CHARITY IS NOT ALL THAT WE ARE CALLED TO DO
AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD. THE MANDATE OF THE PROPHETS AND
THE GOSPEL IS TO DO BOTH, CHARITY AND JUSTICE. AS A
CHURCH, WE ARE TO WORK FOR AND ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE. –REV. TIM TAUGHER
MARCH
Song of the month: “Bleed Red” (Ronnie Dunn)
I THINK IT MORE LIKE A DEPRESSION THAN A RECESSION; IT
KEEPS GETTING WORSE WITHOUT GETTING BETTER. IF IT WERE
A RECESSION, IT WOULD HAVE GOTTEN BETTER BY NOW. –WENDY WILSON
TECHNOLOGY MARRIED TO MONEY AND PROFITS IS A
DOOMSDAY PATH FOR ALL ON THE EARTH. –VERA SCROGGINS
SO HOW COME OFFICIALS ARE SAYING THERE ARE NO SIGNS
OF HIGH RADIATION LEVELS FROM THIS MELTDOWN IN
PROGRESS?! THIS IS LIKE CHERNOBYL TIMES 5! I AM SENDING MY
THOUGHTS TO THOSE IN AND NEAR JAPAN; I CAN’T IMAGINE THEIR
LEVELS OF DESPAIR, DESPERATION AND CONFUSION. I ONLY
HOPE THE GOVERNMENT (ALL GOVERNMENTS) ARE TRUTHFUL
ABOUT THE RISKS INVOLVED AND HELP PREPARE PEOPLE TO
THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITIES. –MELISSA BALAZS
From her Facebook post of 3-13-11
I MEAN, IF THERE IS A FISCAL CRISIS—AND IN WISCONSIN,
THERE’S A CRISIS THAT WAS CREATED BY TAX CUTS, AND THIS
IS WHY THERE’S SO MUCH OUTRAGE, BECAUSE IT COMES
BACK TO THAT FALSE CLAIM THAT THERE’S SHARED SACRIFICE
HERE. THERE ISN’T SHARED SACRIFICE HERE. THERE ARE
GIFTS THAT ARE BEING HANDED OUT TO THE ELITES. SCOTT
WALKER IS GOVERNING BASED ON THIS RADICAL FREE
MARKET IDEOLOGY THAT IF WE JUST CREATE THE PERFECT,
MOST HOSPITABLE, MOST GENTLE, LESS DEMANDING
CONDITIONS FOR CORPORATIONS TO DO BUSINESS, THEN
WE’LL HAVE A BOOMING ECONOMY, AND IT WILL TRICKLE
DOWN, AND EVERYONE WILL BENEFIT. –ALTERNET
IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE SOLUTION TO OUR WORLD’S
DIFFICULTIES IS TO DRASTICALLY REDUCE THE MILITARY AND
POLITICAL STRENGTH OF THE RULING ELITE. WITHOUT THEIR
GREEDY NEED FOR POWER, TRILLIONS COULD BE SPENT ON
POVERTY, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE. –HEDA LIBBY
WE NEED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
STATE HOSPITALS ARE FILLED WITH PEOPLE WHO DON’T NEED
TO BE THERE, WHO ARE THERE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOWHERE
ELSE TO GO. IT IS MORE ECONOMICAL TO FUND MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITY. MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS
ARE PEOPLE, TOO. SUPPORT THESE SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITY
AND HELP MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD. –THERESA BARTA
APRIL
Song of the month: “Long Road Home” (Sheryl Crow)
PLEASE DO NOT CUT VITAL PROGRAMS SUCH AS EDUCATION,
PREVENTIVE SERVICES FOR CHILD WELFARE, HOUSING
ASSISTANCE, WIC AND SO ON. THESE PROGRAMS ARE IMPORTANT
FOR OUR COMMUNITY — ESPECIALLY SINCE IN BROOME COUNTY
WE ALREADY HAVE SUCH A HIGH RATE OF PEOPLE LIVING
ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING OUR ELDERLY, WHICH
MAKE UP NEARLY 50 PERCENT OF OUR POPULATION. –JESSICA KROHN
WE SHOULD VIEW CORPORATIONS AS THE BIGGEST
ROADBLOCKS TO DEMOCRACY. –REV. JOE SELLEPACK
WE NEED TO INCREASE, NOT DECREASE, THE NUMBERS
OF TREES TO FILTER INCREASING AIR POLLUTION
FROM CREEPING INDUSTRIALIZATION. –CECILE LAWRENCE
ASKING “WHY SHOULD ALL HAVE TO PAY FOR NPR?” IS THE
MORAL EQUIVALENT OF ASKING WHY SHOULD ALL PAY FOR
PUBLIC PARKS, MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES AND OTHER PRIZED
TREASURES. MANY DON’T MAKE USE OF THEM, BUT ENOUGH
OF US AGREE THEY DESERVE PRESERVATION. –MARC Z. LIPPMAN
IT IS THE GREAT DISPERSION—THE WORKING AND MIDDLE
CLASS’S INCOMES ARE INCREASING SLOWLY, WHILE THE
INCOMES OF THE RICH ARE SOARING EVER FASTER. –PROF. DONNELLY
MAY
Song of the month: “Slash and Burn” (Razia)
ADDICTION IS NOT A CRIME; IT IS A STRUGGLE, LIKE OBESITY,
HYPERTENSION, AND ANOREXIA. –JACKIE MORGAN
THE SUPREME COURT HAS BEEN BOUGHT OFF BY CORPORATIONS;
IT IS TERRIBLE—AND DANGEROUS FOR OUR SOCIETY. –REV. FRED BROOKS
IF WE VIOLATE THE GOLDEN RULE, THEN WE’RE VIOLATING
THE SPIRIT OF FAIRNESS AND CONCERN THAT LIE AT
THE HEART OF MORALITY. –TYRONE WEBB
JUNE
Song of the month: “I Was an Oak Tree” (Jonathan Byrd)
STOP INSTITUTIONALIZING PEOPLE AND USING
THEM AS CASH COWS. –DARLENE DICKINSON
ARCHAEOLOGY IS BEING USED AS A POLITICAL TOOL-I HATE
TO USE THE WORD—INDOCTRINATION. –60 MINUTES
GRANT PEOPLE—ALL PEOPLE—THE RIGHT TO MARRY THEIR
PARTNERS: EMBRACE JUSTICE, NOT FEAR. –MARY E. DONNELLY
I AGREE THAT MARRIAGE IS BOTH A RELIGIOUS RITE AND
A RELIGIOUS RIGHT. HOWEVER, OUR GOVERNMENT, WHICH
REPRESENTS THOSE RELIGIOUS AND THOSE NOT, HAS
ENACTED LAWS THAT FAVOR THOSE WHO ARE MARRIED. –GEORGE HAESELER
IT’S TIME WE RETURNED TO GOVERNMENT OF, BY AND FOR
THE PEOPLE, NOT GOVERNMENT OF, BOUGHT AND PAID FOR
BY CORPORATIONS AND BILLIONAIRES. –AMY FLEMING
CHARACTER IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME. I CONSTANTLY
STRIVE TO BE BETTER AND WILL NOT STOP UNTIL I TAKE MY
LAST BREATH. THIS LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WASTE IT ON
THINGS THAT DON’T MATTER. –JORDAN
CONFRONTING CLIMATE CHANGE DEMANDS ADDRESSING
CLIMATE JUSTICE FOR DEVELOPING NATIONS SUFFERING FROM
THE POLLUTION OF INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS, OR MORE
SIMPLY, A REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH FROM NORTH TO SOUTH.
CLIMATE CHANGE POSES A DIRECT THREAT TO THE SPREAD OF
FREE MARKETS, THE MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL
SOVEREIGNTY, AND THE CONTINUED ABOLITION OF
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS, ALL KEY COMPONENTS
OF THE CONSERVATIVE AGENDA. –ALTERNET
PEOPLE DON’T BECOME REFUGEES BECAUSE CONDITIONS IN
THEIR COUNTRY ARE IDEAL; THEY LEAVE BECAUSE SOMETHING
IS SERIOUSLY WRONG AND THEY NEED TO GET OUT. –ALEXA HEDER
WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR AMERICAN DREAM? FIRST, THEY’VE
STOLEN OUR JOBS. NOW THEY’RE TRYING TO STEAL OUR MEDICARE.
AND NEXT, THEY’RE COMING AFTER OUR SOCIAL SECURITY.
AFTER THAT, THEY’LL BE COMING FOR OUR MEDICAID. –DORIS REED
JULY
Song of the month: “Looking for a Place” (Eliza Gilkyson)
FOR TOO LONG, TRANSPORTATION PLANNING HAS FOCUSED ON
THE MOVEMENT OF CARS AND TRUCKS. THE COMPLETE
STREETS LEGISLATION ENCOURAGES WALKABLE AND BIKEABLE
COMMUNITIES THAT ARE SAFER FOR ALL. –DONNA LUPARDO
THE NEWS OF THE WORLD PHONE-HACKING SCANDAL AND ERIC
BOLLING’S RIDICULOUS UTTERANCES CONCERNING PRESIDENT
OBAMA INVITING “HOODLUMS TO THE HIZZHOUSE” AND
“CHUGGING FORTIES” ARE ONLY FRAGMENTS OF FOX NEWS’
FLAGRANT DISREGARD FOR MEDIA ETHICS. CALLING FOR MEDIA
ACCOUNTABILITY, ORGANIZERS AND ATTENDEES DEMANDED THAT
FOX NEWS END ITS SHAMEFUL TENDENCY TO PUT PROFITS OVER
THE INTERESTS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, USING HARMFUL
TACTICS LIKE RACE BAITING INSTEAD OF OFFERING
TRUTHFUL, ETHICAL NEWS. –ALTERNET
THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT HAS A DUTY TO PROTECT ALL
NIGERIANS FROM THE IMPACT OF POLLUTION. THEY MUST HOLD
THE OIL COMPANIES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE UGLY ECOLOGICAL
AND HUMAN RIGHTS MESS THEIR INDUSTRY HAS CAUSED. –AMNESTY MESSAGES from a July 15, 2011 e-mail
FOR THOSE WHO’D RATHER BE FIRST THAN RIGHT AND ARE
WILLING TO COMPROMISE LONG-ESTABLISHED ETHICAL VALUES,
THERE’S JUST ONE MORE QUESTION TO ANSWER: “WHY SHOULD
THE PUBLIC TRUST US?” –USA TODAY
SOCIAL SECURITY IS A PROMISE TO ALL WORKERS WHO PAID
INTO IT. THAT PROMISE MUST NOT BE RENEGED ON FOR THE
SAKE OF POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY. –PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT
THE GOAL OF MONEY CREATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO LOOT
THE ECONOMY AND TRANSFER WEALTH FROM THE HANDS OF
THE WORKERS TO THE POCKETS OF THE RICH BANKERS. –NATURALNEWS.COM
UNDER THE PLAN PROPOSED BY SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER, THE
TAX RATES FOR THE VERY WEALTHY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE
LOWER THAN THEY WERE UNDER PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN,
BILLIONAIRES WOULD CONTINUE TO PAY LOWER TAX RATES
THAN THEIR SECRETARIES, WALL STREET’S HEDGE-FUND
MANAGERS WOULD BE ABLE TO STILL USE TAX TRICKS TO
AVOID PAYING INCOME TAXES ON THEIR EARNINGS, AND TOO
MANY BIG CORPORATIONS WOULD CONTINUE USING TAX
LOOPHOLES TO PAY NO TAXES AND SHIP JOBS OVERSEAS. –AMERICAN POLITICIANS
AUGUST
Song of the month: “The Living Proof” (Mary J. Blige)
OUR FREE SPEECH HERE IS FREE ONLY IF THERE IS NO HARM
DONE TO A CORPORATION’S BOTTOM LINE THE PEOPLE’S PRESS
THE AVERAGE VOTER IS FAR MORE WORRIED ABOUT JOBS THAN
ABOUT THE DEFICIT, WHICH FEW WERE TALKING ABOUT WHILE
BUSH AND THE REPUBLICAN CONGRESS WERE RUNNING IT UP.
THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM IS THAT AMERICANS HATE
GOVERNMENT, AND IF YOU ASK THE QUESTION IN THE ABSTRACT,
PEOPLE WILL CERTAINLY GIVE YOU AN EARFUL ABOUT WHAT
GOVERNMENT DOES WRONG. BUT IF YOU GIVE THEM THE CHOICE
BETWEEN CUTTING THE DEFICIT AND PUTTING AMERICANS
BACK TO WORK, IT ISN’T EVEN CLOSE. –NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIALS
THE UPRISING IN THE WORLD IS BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE
FRUSTRATED AND ARE TAKING THEM TO THE STREET. –LEA WEBB
THIS IS AN ERA OF ECONOMIC EMPIRE—RAPING AND
PILLAGING OF THE EARTH““. –DAVID COBB
From Move to Amend; from his speech in Endicott, Aug. 12, 2011.
SEPTEMBER
Song of the month: “New Orleans” (Emmylou Harris)
IN THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF REALIGNMENT IN COLLEGE
ATHLETICS, MONEY TALKS AND TRADITION WALKS. –SPORTS COLUMNISTS
BRING THE TROOPS HOME, DEFEND OUR BORDERS AND
INTERESTS, AND FORCEFULLY PARTICIPATE IN THE
INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ABOUT HOW BEST TO CREATE A
PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS WORLD FOR ALL. –PHIL SWEENEY
NO LONGER MERELY TRACKED INTO LOW-ACHIEVING CLASSES,
POOR WHITE, BROWN AND BLACK YOUTH ARE NOW TRACKED
OUT OF SCHOOL INTO WHAT IS OFTEN CALLED THE SCHOOL-
TO-PRISON PIPELINE. –TRUTHOUT
OCTOBER
Song of the month: “The Last Crusade” (Sam Roberts Band)
THE BANKS ARE DOING IT TO US AGAIN! BANK OF AMERICA
JUST ANNOUNCED IT WILL CHARGE CUSTOMERS $5 a MONTH
FOR DEBIT CARD PURCHASES BEGINNING IN JANUARY.
THAT’S RIGHT, $5 A MONTH TO SPEND YOUR OWN MONEY.
EVEN IF YOU SWIPE YOUR CARD ONLY ONCE – SAY FOR A $2
CUP OF COFFEE – YOU’LL STILL GET HIT WITH THE FEE, MAKING
THAT CUP A WHOPPING $7! –CONSUMERS UNION
2010-2015 IS PEAK OIL, SO WATCH OUT—HUMANITY IS
LIVING OFF ITS ECOLOGICAL CREDIT CARD. –AWAKENING THE DREAM SYMPOSIUM
WHEN PEOPLE GET SCARED, PARTICULARLY WHEN THEY’RE
NOT EDUCATED, THEY TEND TO BECOME SUPERSTITIOUS. –NUCLEAR LECTURE
THERE IS A MONETARY INCENTIVE FOR POLITICIANS;
TAKE AWAY THE MONEY, AND THE PEOPLE IN IT FOR
THE MONEY WILL LEAVE. –J. BARRETT WOLF
PEOPLE IN HOLLYWOOD ACTUALLY MAKE MORE MONEY, SO
THEY SHOULD OCCUPY HOLLYWOOD AS WELL. –KEN T.
A conservative response to Occupy Wall Street
NOVEMBER
Song of the month: “Wood and Stone” (Tara Nevins)
TWO MASTERS CANNOT BE SERVED WELL BY THE DEC; THE
MASTER BETTER SERVED IS THE GAS INDUSTRY. –REMA LOEB
ART EDUCATION NEEDS EVERYONE’S LOVE AND SUPPORT. THEIR
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS IN A COUNTRY WHERE, SADLY, SUPPORT
FOR THE ARTS IS DWINDLING DESERVES A STANDING OVATION. –ARIANA ZBRZEZNY
ONCE IT’S ON THE FRONT PAGE, IT’S ‘TRUE’; LIVES ARE RUINED ALL THE TIME. –SHELLEY SOUSOURIS about the recent college sports scandals
COMPETITIVE GRANTS; INEQUITABLE CO-PAYS; DEMEANING
FIRST AMENDMENT SPEAKERS; IGNORING THE UNEMPLOYED;
SQUEEZING THOSE ON FIXED INCOMES; CHAOTIC, MARKET-
DRIVEN HEALTH CARE; DISPROPORTIONATE SACRIFICES; THE
UNACCOUNTABLE WEALTHY; IRRESPONSIBLE LEGISLATORS;
OPPRESSIVE AND SELFISH CANDIDATES; AND DENIAL OF THE
DISPARITY BETWEEN THE 1 AND 99 PERCENT ARE NOT FOR THE COMMON GOOD. –JUDY ARNOLD
DECEMBER
Song of the Month: “We the People” (Mike Powers)
CLIMATE CHANGE IS ARGUABLY THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM
FACING HUMANITY. EVEN THOUGH WE ARE STILL IN THE EARLY
STAGES, CLIMATE CHANGE ALREADY IS HAVING SERIOUS
DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS WORLDWIDE. THESE EFFECTS VARY
GREATLY BY GEOGRAPHY. IN OUR AREA, CLIMATE CHANGE
IS INCREASING THE AMOUNT AND INTENSITY OF RAINFALL,
MAKING SEVERE FLOODING MORE LIKELY. –WES ERNSBERGER
THE ONE LESSON WE HAVE LEARNED IS THAT OUR POLITICIANS,
THE DECISION-MAKERS, WILL REMAIN LOYAL TO THE MONEYED
INTERESTS THEY DEPEND ON TO GET ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED,
NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE LOBBY THEM. THEY MAY THROW US
A BONE FROM TIME TO TIME TO MAKE US BELIEVE THEY CAN BE
REFORMED, BUT ONLY THEIR REPLACEMENTS CAN PRODUCE
ANTI-CORPORATE, PRO-PUBLIC POLICIES. –GEORGE HAESELER
IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS NOT ONLY A CLIMATE
ISSUE BUT A SOCIAL JUSTICE ONE AS WELL. –AMELIA LADOLCE
She was a guest at the Sierra Club on Dec. 20, 2011.
*******************************2010*******************************
JANUARY
Song of the month: “Surface” (Mindy Smith)
SHARP PARTISAN DIVISIONS AND NARROW SPECIAL INTEREST
POLITICS HAVE OFTEN PARALYZED AND CORRUPTED THE
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. TO GET OURSELVES OUT OF THIS MESS,
WE NEED TO CHANGE THE CULTURE IN ALBANY. WE NEED TO
BUILD A NEW AND BETTER STATE GOVERNMENT, ONE THAT
IS COMMITTED TO AND CAPABLE OF MEETING THE CHALLENGES
AND OPPORTUNITIES OF OUR TIME. –DONNA LUPARDO
About counteracting the quagmire in Albany
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EFFECTS OF THE EARTHQUAKE
IN HAITI? THE GOVERNMENT IS—IT ALLOWED PEOPLE TO LIVE
IN SUCH POVERTY. –STEVE
Said by a friend of mine two days after the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti
PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS WILL ALLOW CANDIDATES
FOR OFFICE TO RUN ON ISSUES THAT MATTER TO NEW YORKERS
AND NO LONGER BE SUBJECT TO CORPORATE DONORS
WHO CURRENTLY HAVE A STRANGLEHOLD ON OUR
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. OUR COUNTRY’S FINANCIAL MESS WAS
CAUSED IN LARGE PART BY THE PATTERN OF DEREGULATION
PROMOTED BY BIG CORPORATE LOBBYISTS. IF PUBLIC
FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS WERE IN PLACE, OUR ELECTED
OFFICIALS WOULD HAVE TO ANSWER TO US. –WANDA MEAD CAMPBELL
Unfortunately, corporate financing of elections may be aggravated by the recent Supreme Court decision ruling in favor of corporate personhood.
KING WOULD HAVE STRIVED TO MAKE THE LIVES OF
ORDINARY CITIZENS BETTER, WHETHER IN HAITI OR AT HOME
IN AMERICA. IF HE WERE STILL ALIVE TODAY, HE’D BE
DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS. WE REMEMBER THE TRAGIC
DAY WHEN WE LOST HIM. –U.S. REP. MAURICE HINCHEY
Said at the event commemorating King Day 2010
ARE YOU…WORKING FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE? CLEAN
ELECTIONS? CLEAN AIR AND WATER? FIGHTING A FRACK
ATTACK? ANIMAL RIGHTS? MEDIA REFORM? NO MATTER WHAT
YOUR ISSUE IS, THE BIGGEST THREAT TO LIFE ON EARTH AS
WE KNOW IT IS CORPORATE PERSONHOOD. –BILL HUSTON
With the court ruling, corporations have the rights but not responsibilities.
AS RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTHERN TIER, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT
WE SPEAK OUT NOW ABOUT RESTORING PASSENGER RAIL
SERVICE TO OUR REGION. IT’S A CRUCIAL PART OF OUR
ECONOMIC RECOVERY, AND WILL SPUR JOB GROWTH ACROSS
THE SOUTHERN TIER. –TYRONE WEBB
Our area is located at a potentially strategic crossroads.
THE NATION THAT LEADS THE CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY WILL
LEAD THE WORLD ECONOMY AMERICAN POLITICIANS
We must take the step to move toward a post-petroleum economy.
THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP OF HAITI IS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE FLRN, AND LINKED TO THE INFAMOUS DEATH SQUADS,
SUPPORTED BY THE US THROUGH PRIVATE TERRORIST
ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR
DEMOCRACY, WITH THE COORDINATION OF THE CIA. IN THIS
WAY, CONDITIONS IN HAITI HAVE REMAINED APPALLING,
WITH NO MODERN ROADS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND
PUBLIC SERVICES, UNEMPLOYMENT EXCEEDING 70%, OVER
50% ILLITERACY, WHILE THE RICHEST 1% OF THE
POPULATION CONTROL NEARLY HALF OF ALL OF THE
WEALTH, WHICH IS TIED TO THE CIA-
SUPPORTED NARCOTICS TRADE. –VICFAR
Seen on Epinions.com; from his post of 1/28/10
FEBRUARY
Song of the month: “Hallelujah” (Justin Timberlake/Charlie Sexton)
REPUBLICANS ARE LIGHT ON SPECIFICS, BUT THE PRINCIPLES
OF THEIR MARKET-BASED PLAN DO NOT COME CLOSE TO
THE PRESIDENT’S REASONABLE GOALS. MARKETPLACE
COMPETITION IN PRIVATE INSURANCE IS ESSENTIALLY THE
CURRENT MODEL, AND IT IS UNAFFORDABLE AND UNSUSTAINABLE –ST. PETERSBURG TIMES
Seen in a newspaper while I was vacationing in Florida
HUMANITARIAN AID WITHIN HAITI WAS MOSTLY PROVIDED BY
THE CHURCH, BUT THEN THE CHURCH SPENT ITS ENERGIES
TRYING TO STAMP OUT VOODOO, AND DISCOURAGING
“ARTIFICIAL” BIRTH CONTROL. OVERPOPULATION INTENSIFIED
HAITI’S POVERTY; SLUMS AND SHANTYTOWNS PROLIFERATED.
DESPERATE PEOPLE STRIPPED THE LAND OF TREES FOR COOK
STOVE FIREWOOD AND MOST OF THE TOPSOIL WAS LOST TO
EROSION. THIS LEFT EVEN LESS ARABLE LAND TO GROW
FOOD FOR MORE AND MORE HUNGRY PEOPLE. –MARIA MARTINEZ
Giving some reasons for the difficulties faced by residents of Haiti over the years
WITH SOME MODIFICATION IN THE WORDING, ALL RELIGIONS
PROMOTE THE GOLDEN RULE: THAT WE SHOULDN’T
DEMAND OF OTHERS WHAT WE’RE UNWILLING TO DO
OURSELVES. THIS HOLDS TRUE FOR COUNTRIES AS WELL
AS PEOPLE, SINCE THAT’S WHAT COUNTRIES ARE. –GEORGE HAESELER
One can’t be genuinely religious and support a bellicose foreign policy at the same time.
WHAT DOES THE RECENT CITIZENS UNITED V. FEDERAL
ELECTION COMMISSION SUPREME COURT DECISION
ALLOWING UNLIMITED CORPORATE INFLUENCE MEAN FOR
INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES? IT MEANS HUGE COMPANIES LIKE
WAL-MART COULD RUN EVEN MORE RETAILERS OUT OF
BUSINESS. IT MEANS THAT TAX LAWS AND OTHER
REGULATIONS COULD BE REWRITTEN BY CORPORATE
LOBBYISTS, MAKING IT EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT FOR
ENTREPRENEURS TO START NEW VENTURES OR ESTABLISHED
LOCAL BUSINESSES TO CONTINUE OPERATING. –PATRICIA DONOHUE
About the controversial Supreme Court ruling allowing corporations free rein to raise an unlimited amount of money in political campaigns—the ruling may squeeze more and more small businesses out.
MARCH
Song of the month: “Someday” (Rob Thomas)
I WANT THE LOCAL PUBLIC TO WAKE UP AND REALIZE HOW
THIS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY WILL POISON THE WOODS,
HILLS AND VALLEYS WE TAKE SUCH PRIDE IN. RIGHT
NOW THERE IS NO LOCAL CONTROL ALLOWED FOR WHERE
DRILLING ACTIVITY CAN BE DONE. –CYNTHIA S. WESTERMAN
About fracking
FOX NEWS IS SPELLED WRONG—IT IS ACTUALLY FAUX NEWS
BECAUSE IT IS ACTUALLY A CHANNEL OF PROPAGANDA
AND SHAMELESS CORPORATE ADVOCACY. –BOBBY RUANE
Yeah, that is one of my own quotes.
APRIL
Song of the month: “Million Dollar Bill” (Whitney Houston)
THERE ARE TWO CLASSES—THERE IS THE ROBBER CLASS, AND
THERE IS THE ROBBED CLASS. –CINDY SHEEHAN
Said during her talk at First United Methodist Church, April 9, 2010.
THE LOSS OF LIFE IS TRAGIC, BUT THE UBB EXPLOSION IS
MORE THAN TRAGIC; IT IS CRIMINAL. WHEN CORPORATIONS
ARE GUILTY OF CRIMES, HOWEVER, THEY DON’T GO TO
PRISON, THEY DON’T FORFEIT THEIR FREEDOM—THEY JUST
GET FINED, WHICH OFTEN AMOUNTS TO A SLAP ON THE
WRIST, THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS. COLUMNISTS
About the coal mine explosion in West Virginia
OF COURSE, THE MILITARY BUDGET IS THE PROVERBIAL THIRD
RAIL OF AMERICAN POLITICS. IF YOU QUESTION THE
OBSCENE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ON ARMS, OVERSEAS
DEPLOYMENTS AND OBSOLETE COLD WAR EQUIPMENT, YOU
ARE LABELED UNPATRIOTIC. –GEORGE MCANANAMA
WE HAVE SEEN MONEY FOR SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE,
INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE JOBS THAT COULD BENEFIT US
ALL SIPHONED OFF FOR PERPETUAL CONFLICTS. WHO BENEFITS?
NOT MOST OF US. MONEY IS POWER, AND WE ALL NEED THE
POWER TO MEET EACH OTHER’S NEEDS. –JIM CLUNE
MAY
Song of the month: “Wild Rebel Rose” (Martina McBride)
OUR WATER, AIR, LAND AND HEALTH IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN
GAS. WE CAN’T DRINK OUR GAS. ONCE NATURE IS DAMAGED,
IT CAN TAKE A LIFETIME TO HEAL. –VERA SCROGGINS
Commenting on environmental degradation in northeastern Pennsylvania
PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES
OF MANY YOUNG LIVES — AND THEY SELDOM GET THE
CREDIT THEY DESERVE. –ASK AMY
WE HAVEN’T HEARD A THING FROM QUITTER GOV PALIN SINCE
THE OIL RIG EXPLOSION. DRILL BABY DRILL? HOW ABOUT SPILL
BABY SPILL. LIL’ SARA’S MANTRA HAS REMINDED US THAT
OFFSHORE DRILLING CARRIES WITH IT A TERRIBLE COST IN
LIVES AND ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE THAT CANNOT BE UNDONE. –TRH386
WITH OVER $1 TRILLION SPENT SO FAR FOR MIDDLE EAST WARS
AND YEARLY BELT-BUSTING, WAR-SPENDING INCREASES, IT
WOULD SEEM IT’S TIME FOR REAL CHANGE. NON-MILITARY
JOBS, NOT WEAPONS BUILDING, IS THE ANSWER. –JACK GILROY
JUNE
Song of the month: “Sugarcoating” (Martin Sexton)
AS THE WORLD MOVES FORWARD WITH SUSTAINABLE AND
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AND MANAGEMENT, OUR
COUNTY IS BEING RAPED AND PLUNDERED BY BIG GAS. AS
AMERICANS BUY MORE AND MORE LOCAL, OUR
FARMLAND IS BECOMING AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE. WE LET A
MINORITY OF FELLOW CITIZENS POLLUTE RESOURCES THAT
100 PERCENT OF US USE. –VERA SCROGGINS
THE GREEN PARTY OF NEW YORK IS NOT ONLY AGAINST
HYDROFRACKING IN ALL OF NEW YORK STATE, BUT ALSO
NATIONWIDE. AND WE HAVE SEEN WITH THE GULF DISASTER,
THAT THERE’S A LOT OF REASON, INCREASING REASON FOR US
TO BAN THIS INSANE METHOD DIGGING INTO THE GROUND. –CECILE LAWRENCE
THE INDEPENDENT LIVING MOVEMENT IS A STARK REMINDER
TO HUMANITY OF NOT ONLY WHAT HUMANITY CAN ACHIEVE
WHEN THEY PUT THEIR MINDS TO SOMETHING, BUT ALSO A
REMINDER OF WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES—
FREEDOM. IT ALSO REMINDS US THE THINGS WE TEND TO
FOCUS ON THE MOST—RACE, SEX, RELIGION, POLITICS—
AREN’T EVERYTHING WE ARE AS HUMAN BEINGS.
WE ARE MUCH MORE. –BOB DEEMIE
GAS WELL EXPLOSION IN WEST VIRGINIA BURNS SEVEN. GAS
PIPELINE EXPLOSION IN TEXAS KILLS ONE, INJURES 13.
DEEPWATER HORIZON KILLS 11. TWENTY-FIVE DIE IN UPPER
BIG BRANCH COAL MINE. NINETY DEAD OR MISSING IN COAL
MINE IN SIBERIA. AT LEAST 200 DEAD IN CHINA’S COAL MINES.
THAT’S ALL JUST THIS YEAR. –MICHAEL VERCOLEN
WHEN PEOPLE CAN NO LONGER BELIEVE IN THE SHARED
HUMANITY AND DECENCY OF OTHERS, THEY DEVELOP A
VULNERABILITY TO THE FUNDAMENTALIST REACTIONARIES
AND THEIR CAMPAIGN TO INSTILL “FEAR OF THE OTHER.” –AMY FLEMING
Commenting on the religious right and hatemongers such as Glenn Beck
JULY
Song of the month: “Jenny” (The Harters)
NO MATTER WHAT DISABILITY YOU HAVE, IF YOU HAVE
DETERMINATION YOU CAN BE ANYTHING. –KIM TARO
AUGUST
Song of the month: “Summer Day” (Sheryl Crow)
I WON’T SUPPORT ANY CANDIDATE WHO WILL OUTSOURCE JOBS. –MICHELLE
THE RADIO STATIONS HERE ARE MOSTLY CORPORATE OWNED.
THERE’S NO REAL DJs ANYMORE; THESE LOCAL ON THE AIR
PERSONALITIES COULDN’T PROGRAM MUSIC IF THEIR LIVES
DEPENDED ON IT. RADIO DIED AT THE END OF THE SEVENTIES. –MKFAN
PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE; NO ONE IS ABOVE ANOTHER, NO ONE
PERSON BETTER OR WORSE. WE ARE ALL CREATED TO LIVE ON
THIS EARTH IN PEACE AND HARMONY. –PATRICIA DONOHUE
DON’T WE NEED TO PROMOTE OTHER FORMS OF ENERGY, SUCH
AS WIND AND SOLAR? –DR. ERIC LOEB
IT TAKES A LOT OF STAMINA, COURAGE AND HEART TO BE A
NURSE. WE HAVE BENEFITED AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER FROM
THE CARE OF ONE SO MY MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE
WHO IS A NURSE! FACEBOOK POSTS
One of my sisters is a nurse.
SEPTEMBER
Song of the month: “Beg, Steal and Borrow” (Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs)
IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT GLENN BECK IS A MASTER PROPAGANDIST
WITH A CHILLING AND SVENGALI-LIKE POWER OVER THE
LEMMINGS OF THE NEW RIGHT. BECK-WATCHING IS
COMPELLING (TO ME AT LEAST) BECAUSE HIS POPULARITY
IS A BAROMETER OF THE TOXINS IN OUR POLITICAL
ATMOSPHERE. MOREOVER, I WONDER IF BECK’S FOLLOWERS
WOULD BE SO SLAVISH AS TO FOLLOW HIM OFF A CLIFF, AND
TO WHAT EXTREMES WOULD THE TEA PARTY BRIGANDS GO IN
THEIR DEVOTION TO HIS CULT OF PERSONALITY. –ALTERNET
Poor basher/hatemonger Beck was very popular in 2009-10.
THE NOTION OF PROPERTY HAS COME TO MEAN:
OWNERSHIP WITHOUT STEWARDSHIP. –BILL HUSTON
Early in 2010, corporations became endowed with rights as “persons”—but no responsibilities.
WE ALL NEED A FAIR CHANCE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR HEALTH.
OUR HEALTH IS OUR WEALTH. EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE
HEALTHCARE. HOWEVER, DISPARITIES HAVE LONG EXISTED
WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS. –MONINA MEDY
PRODUCTIVE CHANGE WILL BE FAR MORE DIFFICULT IF OUR
INACTION HELPS HAND THE SENATE OVER TO THOSE WHO
DENY CLIMATE CHANGE, SCAPEGOAT IMMIGRANTS, BLAME
THE UNEMPLOYED FOR THEIR FATE, AND STRIVE TO PRIVATIZE
SOCIAL SECURITY, MAKE PERMANENT BUSH’S REGRESSIVE
TAX CUTS, AND BLOCK EVERY CONCEIVABLE ENVIRONMENTAL
AND CONSUMER PROTECTION REGULATION. –SOUL OF A CITIZEN
IF YOU’RE PART OF THE MACHINE—AND IT IS A
MACHINE—YOU’RE PART OF THE KILLING. –ALEXA HEDER
SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF OUR HEALTH CARE DOLLAR IS
SPENT ON CHRONIC DISEASE. –MARY MCFADDEN
FOOD DESERTS—WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE, THERE IS
NO ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD. –JENNIFER TUTTLE
Above two quotes were said at a food giveaway that I volunteered at on the north side of Binghamton.
OCTOBER
Song of the month: “Better Days” (Eddie Vedder)
I AM TIRED OF BOTH PARTIES; THE DEMOCRATS LIE AS MUCH AS
THE REPUBLICANS. BOTH ARE OWNED BY CORPORATIONS. –TIM WOLCOTT
IF YOU’RE A REPUBLICAN WHO THINKS SARAH PALIN IS TOO FAR
RIGHT OR A DEMOCRAT WHO THINKS PRESIDENT BARACK
OBAMA IS NOT FAR ENOUGH LEFT, YOU NEED A THIRD
PARTY. IF YOU’RE AN INDEPENDENT WHO’S TIRED OF
MEANINGLESS CAMPAIGN SLOGANS, YOU NEED A PARTY
THAT’S NOT AFRAID TO ADDRESS ISSUES. –GEORGE HAESELER
I FEEL THAT ATTACKING SOMEONE PERSONALLY TO GET VOTES
IS SIMPLY AN INDICATION OF THE TYPE OF MACHIAVELLIAN
BEHAVIOR THAT AMERICANS ARE FED UP WITH. I WILL NOT
VOTE TO PUT SOMEONE IN OFFICE WHO HAS SUCH AN ATTITUDE. –LOU LIGOURI
A VOTE FOR CARL PALADINO IS A VOTE FOR FRACKING,
IMMEDIATE AND UNCONTROLLED. A VOTE FOR ANDREW
CUOMO IS ALSO A VOTE FOR FRACKING, PRETTY SOON
AND INADEQUATELY CONTROLLED, SINCE FOOLISH
SHORT-TERM ECONOMICS WILL TRUMP THE ENVIRONMENT,
AND MONEY TALKS. –MICHAEL VERCOLEN
WITH NATURAL GAS DRILLING IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE
THREATENING OUR AREA AND ALL THE OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL
PROBLEMS BROOME COUNTY FACES, IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE TO
ELIMINATE ENVIRONMENTAL POSITIONS NOW. INCREDIBLY,
WHILE CONSIDERING THESE CUTS, THE COUNTY IS ALSO
PROPOSING TO ESTABLISH ITSELF AS THE LEAD AGENCY FOR
ANY GAS LEASES IT NEGOTIATES ON COUNTY PROPERTY. WE
DON’T NEED POLITICAL MANEUVERING, WE
NEED RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT. SCOTT LAUFFER
NOVEMBER
Song of the month: “Slice” (Five for Fighting)
THE PRICE FOR THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT’S WHOLESALE
IDOLATRY OF PRIVATE EVERYTHING WAS THAT CHRIST’S
REPUTATION WAS TIED TO A CYNICAL POLITICAL PARTY
OWNED BY BILLIONAIRES FROM THE FAST-FOOD INDUSTRY,
RAPING THE EARTH (NOT TO MENTION OUR HEALTH), TO
THE OIL COMPANIES DESTROYING OUR CLIMATE. –ALTERNET
About the religious right’s marriage to the Republican Party
VERY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY, HALLIBURTON HAS DESTROYED A
HUGE PORTION OF OUR CLEAN WATER. AND THEY ARE
BEGINNING TO DO THIS IN EUROPE NOW. NOT ONLY DO
THEY NOT HAVE TO TELL ANYONE WHAT CHEMICALS THEY
USE TO DO THE HYDROFRACKING (596 TO DATE-WE KNOW
THANKS TO RESEARCHERS) BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE TO TELL
ANYONE WHAT WASTE COMES OUT OF IT ALL. WATER UNFIT
TO DRINK, TO BATHE IN, TO GIVE TO LIVESTOCK. AIR UNFIT
TO BREATHE WITHOUT RESPIRATORS. AIR TO
HAVE KNOWN CARCINOGENS. –VICKIE SMITH
WE HAVE ENOUGH MONUMENTS TO WAR; WE WANT
TO HONOR PEACEMAKERS. –MATT RYAN
Said at the dedication of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Nov. 17, 2010
THE LAST ELECTION MADE ONE THING VERY CLEAR:
AMERICANS ARE TIRED OF ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO’VE REPLACED
SPIRITED, INCLUSIVE, RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE ABOUT OUR
COMMON FUTURE WITH SHADY BACKROOM DEALS BETWEEN
A FEW POWER BROKERS AND CAREER POLITICIANS. –TARIK ABDELAZIM
TERRORISM IS A RESPONSE TO THE OCCUPATION; THE OCCUPATION IS SYSTEMIC. –JIM CLUNE
Referring to the Palestinians in Israel
THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT IS MAKING A PALESTINIAN STATE
ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE BY ALLOWING NO VIABLE ECONOMY.
THE SEPARATION WALL MUST COME DOWN. –JIM CLUNE
Jim had visited Israel a few weeks before.
GAS DRILLING DESTROYS INDUSTRIES WE HAVE NOW, SUCH AS TOURISM, HUNTING, FARMING AND VINEYARDS, WHICH BRING MORE INCOME THAN IS EXPECTED FROM GAS. ALREADY BANKS ARE REFUSING TO MORTGAGE LAND THAT IS LEASED OR IS ADJACENT TO LEASED LAND. IT IS A BOOM-AND-BUST INDUSTRY. –ERIC LOEB
RECESSIONS ARE FOR THE LITTLE PEOPLE, NOT FOR THE
CORPORATE CHIEFS AND THE TITANS OF WALL STREET WHO ARE
AT THE HEART OF THE AMERICAN ARISTOCRACY. THEY
HAVE WAGED ECONOMIC WARFARE AGAINST EVERYBODY
ELSE AND ARE WINNING BIG TIME. –NEW YORK TIMES OPINION
DECEMBER
Song of the month: “No Fracking Way” (Janet Burgan)
WE THE PEOPLE MUST NOT BE HOODWINKED INTO
BELIEVING THAT FRACKING WILL SOLVE ANY PROBLEMS;
IN FACT, IT MAY CREATE MUCH BIGGER PROBLEMS IN
THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. –GEORGE DAMASEVITZ
JESUS DIDN’T MIND SACRIFICING BOTH HIS PROPERTY AND HIS
OWN LIFE IF THOSE SACRIFICES WOULD PROMOTE THE POWER
OF LOVE, THE MESSAGE OF CARING FOR OTHERS. –MARTIN BIDNEY
TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES, IT IS URGENTLY IMPORTANT
THAT OUR ECONOMY MAKE A RAPID TRANSITION AWAY FROM
THE USE OF FOSSIL FUELS. ECONOMISTS TELL US THAT THE
BEST WAY TO DO THAT IS TO PUT A TAX ON THE PRODUCTION
OF FOSSIL FUELS SO THAT THEIR PRICE REFLECTS THEIR
TRUE COST, INCLUDING CLIMATE CHANGE AND
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE. –WES ERNSBERGER
http://www.carbonoffsetsdaily.com/news-channels/global/opinion-carbon-tax-needed-to-reduce-pollution-44687.htm