Progress in "Operation Save Mom":

 The past week has been quite the eventful one for yours truly. My mom had sent a letter to Congressman Bob Ney to ask for his help and the following letter came in response on Thursday:

"Dear Ms. Moran:

 Thank you for contacting my office requesting my assistance concerning an approval letter for surgery.

 I have made an inquiry on your behalf to the Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Medicaid. I will be back in touch with you upon receipt of a response from their officials.

 If you have any questions prior to that time, please feel free to contact Joy Dillon in my St. Clairsville District Office at 866-464-4618.

  Sincerely,

  Bob Ney"

 As you can see, the number he gave us was an "866" number...hey, I'm just happy he responded. However, if too much time goes by without further notice; I will continue to apply pressure to him (as I will for everyone else at the State and Federal levels). Senators Voinovich and Dewine still have yet to respond...don't worry; I am far from done with them...

 On Monday, my mom received a phone call from a reporter at the Newark Advocate. The lady that was calling told my mom that the Advocate had received an email from a friend of mine in Indiana that was very concerned about my mom's health. They were so inspired that a person that was out of state was writing to a paper that he doesn't received on behalf of a person that lives here in Newark...that friend was Steven. Truth and Triumph, the Gopher himself inspired them to call, then come over to conduct an interview with my mom, my brother Michael and I. They then sent a photographer over and then on Friday, they published a very heartfelt story entitled "Holding Out Hope".

 The Story: "NEWARK -- Starla Moran, 42, sits in her home all day, for there is not much else she can do. Standing 5-foot-4-inches tall, but weighing 398 pounds, she has trouble walking and gets around in a wheelchair.

Her weight gain was the result of thyroid cancer, which was removed in 1998. But by then, the damage was done. A federal judge in 2001 made gastric bypass surgery a condition for her receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While she received verbal approval for the surgery, she has been waiting for the past four years on Medicaid to submit written approval.

So this mother of four waits for something to happen. All she wants to do is lose weight so she can get back into the work force and provide for her children. In October, her doctor gave her the grim prediction that she only has a year to live, because her blood pressure is high and her body is breaking down. The news motivated her oldest son, Daniel Crawford III, 20, to start a letter-writing campaign. He wrote to every government official he could think of and set up a blog Web site to get the information out on the need for his mother to have the surgery.

"I am trying to see if they can help by applying pressure to Medicaid so (Ohio State University Hospital) can operate," Crawford said. "This is a horrible emotional toll on mom. She is not able to have a regular life. We've been working so hard so she can get this surgery."

Moran's problems began on April 26, 1986, when the world's worst nuclear disaster occurred at the Chernobyl Power Plant in the Ukraine area of what was then Russia. At that time, Moran and her first husband, Daniel Crawford Jr., were in Germany where he was serving in the Army. Moran was pregnant with their second child, Melissa, at the time, and the family was included in a study of people who might be affected by Chernobyl.

Moran began to have some health problems and, by 1994, began losing hair and gaining weight. She was diagnosed with possible thyroid cancer that same year, but did not have it surgically removed until 1998. Her gall bladder was removed in 1997. Up until that time, while Moran was going through a divorce, she was working in nursing homes. But with the multiple surgeries and weight gain, Moran was no longer able to work. At one point, she was 470 pounds. The weight started to compress her backbone, and she now has difficulty and pain while walking.

"I can drink water and gain 20 pounds," Moran said. "The thyroid is now under control, but I need to get the weight off as fast as I can, because my spine in compressing."

The fallout from Chernobyl also affected her children, according to Moran. Melissa Crawford, 19, had brain surgery at the age of 6 to remove a cyst, which was non-cancerous. April Crawford, 18, has an abnormally small thyroid. Daniel showed signs of thyroid problems, but has grown out of it. The only child not physically affected is Michael, 13, who is a seventh-grader at Lincoln Middle School. Moran hopes to see Michael graduate from high school.

"It scares me at night to hear my mom sleep. I sometimes fear my mom will die in her sleep," Michael said. "I don't want to lose my mom at my age."

Moran has been on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) since 2001. While it helps, it is not enough to support the family of five. Daniel and Melissa are both working, trying to pay bills. The only family vehicle is currently in need of repair, so the children rely on friends or the taxi system for transportation to and from work. Daniel is also enrolled in an online college to become a paralegal. He eventually wants to get into politics.

"Until my mom gets better and can take care of herself, we are here at home," Daniel explained. "But by not getting the surgery, it's costing tax payers more, because it's extending SSI."

Moran realizes the gastric bypass surgery is expensive, averaging about $15,000. If she does have the surgery, she hopes to lose 100 pounds, so she can start exercising again, and then get back down to her ideal weight of 150 pounds. Her main goal is to get back to work as a nurse's aid."I've worked all my life since I was 15. I think it's my right. I've been too sick for way too long," Moran said. "I don't like the stigma of being on the (assistance) system. I don't want to be another statistic."

While the family has a Christmas tree up with a few ornaments, there won't be any presents underneath this year.

"The most depressing thing is that Michael doesn't remember when mom was healthier," Daniel Crawford said. "He's known only the worst of times.""

 The day that the story was published; we were caught by surprise (partially because we had been told that it wouldn't be published until Monday). A teacher from Michael's school called my mom and told her that she was sending something home with him. When he returned from school; my mom read the letter from his teacher. The letter detailed how this wonderful teacher had been touched in her heart by the article. She mentioned that in her honest service to Christ; she knows that it is our duty to care for the less fortunate. So, out of the pure love of her heart; she was giving us a $150 gift card that she had received as a gift from the faculty!! My mom wanted to cry...but the day wasn't over...

 Another person would call as I was doing my homework. This lady was touched in her heart and wanted to help; she asked where I lived so that she could deliver some presents for Christmas (for Michael and Jay), she offered her prayers and told me how her husband had had cancer as well, she was very pleasant. Then, a younger woman called me and asked exactly what it was that I needed. I told her about the letter writing and told her that the biggest target for letter writing was Medicaid at the Department of Job and Family Services. She said that she would send the letter to my house so that I could forward the message to the right people.

 Not done yet... Councilman At-Large Bob Diebold then called (briefly reminding me that he and I had been talking about this in the early stages of this struggle...don't worry Bob, I remembered you...lol). He expressed his condolences for what my family was going through. Then, Mr. Diebold asked if I was aware of any wishes that Michael and Jay had for Christmas. He stated that he didn't like to think of kids going without christmas, so he was wanting to know if he could get some things. I told him that I would send him a Christmas list via-email, and then thanked him for his help.

 Then, as I was taking a brief nap, another lady would call and ask for information on sizes for clothes for Jay and Michael and further inquire as to what my mom would like for Christmas (sewing material of course...lol). Again - as always - I graciously thanked the caller. Just before the day concluded, a friend from work called and talked to me about the article for a little while; apparently everyone at work will know about this by Monday, and it'll be the topic of the day...my friend is planning on bringing the article to work to show it to our employers.

 I don't recall anymore calls on Friday...and none on Saturday...but today (Sunday)...

 I attended the service at the Gilgal Bible Church just two houses away from my home. My mother's situation became one of the highlights as James Carr dedicated a lengthy prayer to my mother and requested that I keep him updated on her situation. When I got back home, I learned that I had received a phone call, but they were calling back. My sister, Melissa was told that it was vital that she show up at Christian Life Center tonight (update on that Next weekend). My mother would inform me that the mother and father of my ex (Ashley) were passing a petition around on my mother's behalf. Then...

 I got my call. Beth from the Licking County Democratic Party was calling to first of all see how I was doing. She notified me that she and several other members of the party were discussing how to help me and my family. They came up with the following:

1) They were going to try and get money together to help pay for our truck being fixed...

2) They were going to try and get money together to help pay for cab rides so Missy and I could get back and forth to work...

3) They were going to notify other members of the party to write letters on my mothers behalf to elected officials and Medicaid...

4) On Christmas Eve, they are going to deliver some presents and Christmas DINNER!!

Keep in mind that the Democratic Party is very poor, but they are doing everything they can to help my family.,..true spirit of Christ. God Bless Them !!! God Bless everyone whom is helping us!!

 Most of all...Steven, God Bless You. If it weren't for that letter that you sent to the Advocate, I'd still be begging people to help me, your assistance has been a God-send and I am forever grateful for that.

 More updates on this next weekend...

What's the world up to?

 In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, there is an attempt by the greedy to use the disaster to level a hospital that treats the uninsured in New Orleans. The people that seek to destroy this “charity hospital” want to replace it with a private owned facility that will be less dependent on government funds. Never mind the fact that this hospital is one of the oldest in the nation and takes care of the poorest citizens who can’t afford the high costs for healthcare elsewhere!

 Donald Rumsfeld has been subpoenaed in an investigation that is seeking information on the slow response to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many people died in that tragedy, and many more were left without their homes. The vast majority of all those affected by the storm were living in poverty. The acting FEMA director David Paulison has said that there are about 40,000 families still living in hotels that the government is paying for. Paulison went on to say that their coverage will continue until they are approved for housing assistance and then they will have two weeks to find a new home before they are just thrown out on the streets…nice eh?

 A RePOOPlican that is investigating the response to Katrina has put off a subpoena for the BOOsh Regime, noting that there will be plenty of time to inquire as to what conversations took place in the days following the Category Four storm. I’m think that this guy isn’t issuing a subpoena simply because we could discover a whole lot about the incompetence of these bastards. Don’t take my word for it though…I’m an “un-American liberal scum bucket”.

 BOOsh and company promise that they’ll update the Levee System of New Orleans and make it stronger than ever. However, they neglected to answer whether or not it’ll be re-built to withstand Category 5 Hurricanes. Why is there any hesitance? Well, considering the fact that the Repug controlled Congress has given certain tax breaks to businesses and handed over rebuilding contracts to companies like Halliburton; I think they are preparing to make New Orleans more desirable for the upper-middle class and above. In this Regime’s policies; the poor often get the good ole shaft.

 FEMA is preparing to help pay for the rebuilding of the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. They are seeking to have it up and ready by next November. This repair will cost quite a bit of money, because of all the damages that were done to the stadium by Hurricane Katrina. Football fans will be delighted to see this stadium resurrected as a symbol of New Orleans’ greatness. However, when asked if the dome will be used as a shelter for Hurricane victims; the answer was a flat out no. They said it would cost more because of all the additional work that would need to be done. My question is how come the federal government can help rebuild a dumb stadium for a boring sport, but they are reluctant to help compensate for the losses of their citizenry?

 Laura has told the victims of Hurricane Katrina to try and not be sad. She notes that sadness isn’t good for the children, especially around time for Christmas. That’s just fine; these people have to ignore the fact that they just lost their homes, many loved ones and many more memories for the holiday season – do shut up Laura, PLEASE! BOOsh is apparently breaking yet another promise. In light of the fact that a white house official has stated that New Orleans has “fallen off the radar screen”, it looks like New Orleans might be forgotten altogether.

 A new study finds that a significant number of Americans can’t even read English. It goes on to say that people with better reading skills make over twice as much as the illiterate citizens. Well, of course. The fact of the matter is that we need a better education system that not only teaches people of other languages to read and speak our dominant language, but we are in dire need of a plan that will help advance students of all learning styles. Failure to take care of this problem A.S.A.P. will result in more and more people falling into poverty as time goes on. Unfortunately, what that means is that our already frail economy will become weaker in the future. While we have people that are illiterate, many more without healthcare and millions in poverty altogether; RePOOPlicans are preparing more tax cuts for their wealthy buddies.

 Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan raises the rate by a quarter of a percentage again. There are talks that the rates could be hiked to exceed 5% by the end of next year! When January 1rst comes along, many people on Medicaid and Medicare could have difficulty filling their prescriptions due to the upcoming transitions for the new and confusing BOOsh Prescription Drug Program.

 According to groups like James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family”; taking care of the poor is not one of their top priorities despite the fact that the poor and elderly were among the most important to take care of in God’s eyes. Instead of looking at the poor, Dobson and people like him direct their energy towards battling the evil homosexuals and women whom get abortions…isn’t that twisted? “Focus on the Family” only focuses on families that are gay and get abortions. Apparently, in their mind, once you are straight and have your child – you’re on your own.

 Despite a Supreme Court ruling that banned the execution of the Mentally Retarded, a man that is mentally disabled might face the death penalty on a technicality! Reason being because his lawyer didn’t file that he was retarded before the deadline had passed for him to do so. Of course…this is in Texas.

 The thirst for blood continues as a Pennsylvania prosecutor seeks the death penalty for a man that killed his under-aged girlfriend’s parents. Yes, the crime is very unfortunate and there was an intent to kill, but do you think this guy was considering the death penalty when he pulled the trigger? No. Fact is, no one that commits murder ever does think of the consequences, because they don’t care about them. The Death Penalty is not a deterrent, just a nuisance.

 Recently executed “Tookie” was an advocate for non-violence as he awaited death. In Europe, the reaction to Arnold’s refusal to grant clemency to “Tookie” has been very negative. People are beginning to question why our industrialized nation still uses the medieval policy of the death penalty. It’s a waste of tax dollars and it should be abolished.

 The Congress passed a bill that will “tighten” immigration policies. Opponents argue that this new measure can leave an opening where legal immigrants could be arrested and deported on a technicality (such as an unintended overstay of their visas, termination from their jobs or a dropout from a university for instance). BOOsh supports a Temporary Worker Permit; as do many Democrats. Here’s the thing; I would support a Temporary Worker Permit Program if there was a requirement that guaranteed that the “guest workers” would be paid minimum wage so Americans wouldn’t lose jobs in favor of cheap labor.

 In a report that no one should ignore; it is revealed that the 2000 Election was stolen in yet another way. Hell, this report gives further proof that the 2004 election was stolen. It cites that Diebold’s electronic voting machines were open to hackers and this it is very likely that hackers played a part in both Presidential Elections!!

 A RePOOPlican Senator - whom faces re-election next year - with ties to the Jack Abramoff scandal has flip-flopped and decided to return money that he received from the lobbyist. The wave of destruction edges closer to Bob Ney as a man that he once praised pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and conspiracy. This is apparently linked to the Abramoff scandal, and it’ll be a matter of time before Ney is caught up in the mix.

 The spotlight is on Karl Rove in the Plame investigation and Repugs are growing very nervous about it…HA HA HA!! Robert Novak, whom revealed Valerie Plame’s indentity, said that BOOsh knows who the original source for the information on the Former CIA Agent was. He further noted that he would be very surprised if BOOsh didn’t know. SUBPOENA BOOSH!!! There is more proof that Rove was very involved in the leaking of Valerie Plame’s identity. A second reporter from Time has testified and noted how they were the one that tipped off the fact that Rove is connected to this case.

 The BOOsh Regime has displayed their love – or lack thereof – for Minorities. It appears that this Regime has permitted violations of the 1965 Voting Rights Act to go “unnoticed”. Of course, each violation that has been ignored has benefited their party, so why should they “red flag” it? Alberto Gonzales has stated that he sees no problem with a law in Georgia that would require a Voter ID system; that could – in turn – disenfranchise many African-American Voters. This is in direct violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

 The Supreme Court is looking to review the legislative districts that were drawn to favor Repugs in Texas a few years ago. The boundaries were drawn with the help of Tom Delay and now their constitutionality is being questioned mostly because of the dramatic change in what party benefited from it. BOOsh first states that he believes that Delay is innocent and then flip-flops to state that he was just noting that there is the assumption of innocence as required by law. Give me a break…LIAR!!

 The investigation into former Repug Congressman Cunningham could open the doors that would bring the Iran-Contra Scandal back up to surface. This scandal could bring down George H.W. BOOsh, the CIA and could further damage the image of our glorious Dictator. There are quite a few spin-points that Repugs have mastered over the years to manipulate the public.

 State Senator Jay Hottinger displays his arrogance as he brags about his “perfect attendance record”. This is a pure political move as it is rumored that Hottinger could be up for a nomination to be Lieutenant Governor of Ohio if he doesn’t take David Evans’ seat in the Ohio House. Hey Hottinger, a “perfect attendance” doesn’t necessarily equal “perfect performance”…ass. It would seem that our Democrats in Congress are giving the Repugs a run for their money in both houses after all as Democrats have been successful in blockading the Repug rush to conclude the legislative agenda for this year.

 I swear, when are people going to learn that Church and State should remain separate? Advocating the distribution of religious material on tax funded property isn’t only in violation of constitutional law, but - if you are a Christian – it is in violation of the laws of God himself. Luke 20:25 = Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be God’s.

 One problem with the War on Terror (besides the fact that it is overwhelmingly ineffective as operated by these imbeciles) is that it gives BOOsh so many reasons to abuse his power. This Regime has been running the government; justifying BOOsh’s abuses by saying that the war on terror has resulted in a need to “utilize the full authority of the executive branch”. What is this full authority? Based on the interpretation of many in the BOOsh Regime and their Repug allies in Congress; the authority of the executive branch apparently extends to his ability to overrule the constitution on civil liberties. It allows him to violate international laws. It permits him to spy on his own people. It allows him to endorse torture either by our military, the CIA or participating “allies” in the so-called war on terror. There are no limits for BOOsh in this dangerous interpretation of Executive Authority!

 BOOsh is apparently very angry that the Democrats in the Senate have filibustered the Patriot Act. It’s about damn time!!  BOOsh has called the action “irresponsible” and has demanded that the law be renewed or we risk the nation being “endangered”. Hell, even some Repugs opposed renewal this time around. If there is no renewal by the end of the year; this law will become extinct. Remember, this law violates our civil liberties and rights to privacy; we must not let BOOsh – or anyone for that matter – have the authority that is granted by the Patriot Act. Thank you Senators!!

 BOOsh has come under fire recently for allegedly authorizing the National Security Agency (a very secretive spy agency) to spy on Americans without any court issued warrants. Well, this would still be an allegation if BOOsh hadn’t confessed to using his Post-9/11 drive for Dictatorial Powers to give the nod for the illegal activities. To search through anyone’s private belongings (including emails, phone calls, letters, etc.) is illegal and UNCONSTITUTIONAL. BOOsh claimed that he was justified by his presidential authority, but in reality, that authority doesn’t supersede the law of the land. He claimed that his repeated authorization for the illegal spying operations have protected us Americans from terrorists. Fact is, this is typical of the BOOsh Regime; using the “war on terror” to piss all over the Constitution!! The worst thing is that the New York Times actually knew about BOOsh’s violation of his Constitutional Duties for over a YEAR before reporting it!!

 Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has called for an investigation into BOOsh’s use of the NSA to spy on Americans. Reid noted that he had been briefed on the project before, but was apparently unaware of how long it has been going on. Furthermore, to justify the use of the program, Condoleezza Rice stated that they were able to listen in on Osama bin-Laden’s Cell phone calls until the program was unveiled. Wait just a second!! They’ve been listening to bin-Laden?? This proves that they’ve known all along that he is alive and HAVE BEEN LYING TO US!!

 The military has been spying on anti-war and counter-recruitment groups. Groups that include very peaceful establishments like the QUAKERS are viewed as “threats”. Please…the Quakers?!!! The Quakers are the same group that made up the Abolitionists whom truly freed the slaves!! If they are a threat to anything; they are a threat to the endless lies and propaganda that has become so common since this Regime took power.

 There is talk that the BOOsh Regime has been passing “secret laws” for quite some time now. Secret Laws? I’m puzzled as to how that can be possible, but – in this day in age – who knows? The Military has approved a new manual that could actually contradict McCain’s anti-torture amendment. It seems that Donald Rumsfeld and company are trying to get around these laws one way or the other.

 BOOsh has flip-flopped once more as he has decided to support McCain’s amendment that bans torture by eliminating any and all loopholes in current laws. BOOsh cited that his decision will send a message out to the world that our nation doesn’t torture. This is of course a huge change for the BOOsh Regime; which originally threatened to veto any bill that contained this amendment because it supposedly “tied BOOsh’s hands” in the “war on terror”.

 The Repug Controlled Congress seems to be in favor of McCain’s Anti-Torture Amendment to the Military Spending Budget. One problem is that McCain – the sponsor of the amendment – has noted that BOOsh – or any acting president – could have the “authority” to order certain actions to protect Americans; citing that Abe Lincoln once suspended Habeas Corpus during the Civil War. Let’s make one thing clear here; McCain is just giving BOOsh another reason to violate international and U.S. laws. Even Lincoln was in violation of the Constitution when he made that decision to suspend a constitutionally guaranteed right. Notice how Repugs are always the first to be in violation of our Constitution?

 A group of Christian Activists have been outside of Guantanamo Bay, fasting in protest to the imprisonment and “harsh” treatment of the detainees. They are fasting until they get a chance to visit those that are imprisoned. Now there are Repugs that are justifying torture by saying that our nation has tortured for a very long time and that it has only become an issue recently. Even if that was the case, DOES IT MAKE IT RIGHT?!! NO!!!

 There is a measure in the Senate that could force the BOOsh Regime to disclose any information on the suspected Illegal CIA Terrorist Centers in Europe. The measure would also require that the Regime account for the treatment of each and every prisoner if these facilities do exist. The secret abduction and then alleged torture of the German Arab Al-Masri has led the German government to question the CIA’s practices in the ongoing “war on terror”.

 In an effort to restore its credibility to the rest of the world; the European Union is launching a formal investigation into the allegations of secret CIA hosted prisons and transportation centers for “suspected terrorists”. The EU has also threatened to sanction any and all participants in such a program. Now this is a European Inquisition that I agree with.

 A European Investigator has stated that he has proof that the United States had detainees held in secret prisons across Europe until about a month ago; when they shipped them somewhere in North Africa. He has now stated that it is up to his colleagues in the EU to confirm (with his assistance of course).

 Israel is rumored to be in preparation for possible air strikes on Iran to counter the suspected Nuclear Threat by March…this could spell out major trouble for all of us. With the war in Iraq; our Repug controlled government has now helped Iran-backed terror groups enter the war-torn nation and reign terror on the populace and gain control of the so-called government.

 The TSA is considering the deployment of Air Marshals for various modes of transportation. This will include buses, air planes (of course), ferries, and mass transit systems among others. The visible force will be known as “Viper Teams”…very appropriate eh?

 The Warfront in Afghanistan sees yet another U.S. soldier dead as the situation over there continues to get worse as time goes on. I’m already starting to see the benefits of so-called Democracy in the Middle East. Especially when a terrorist organization is able to come out the big winners in an election over there. Kudos to Hamas!! (Very sarcastic remark)

 I will update on the Iraq War this Wednesday...

Tonight's Conclusion:

 I was in the news - not just on the Advocate - in Zanesville this week as well. I participated in a petition delivery that asked for my Congressman to support a proposal for phased withdrawal of our troops from teh Iraq Conflict. I was alongside three other good people; including The Raynors and Mona Parsons. Mona is the mother of a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. Here are the reports from the Zanesville Times Recorder and WHIZ TV News (NBC's Zanesville Affiliate):

Zanesville Times Recorder: "ZANESVILLE - A small group of concerned citizens hand-delivered a petition with 408 signatures to U.S. Rep. Bob Ney's Zanesville office Wednesday asking him to support an Iraq exit strategy.

In response to the request, a spokesman for Ney (R-St. Clairsville) said pulling troops out of the country now would encourage terrorists and put troops in danger.

 The Zanesville-area residents joined hundreds of thousands of people across the country in asking their representatives to support an exit strategy in Iraq that would have troops home by 2006. MoveOn.org Political Action organized the movement. Lindsay Rayner of Chandlersville spearheaded the project in Ney's district. She said the Iraqi elections today were a sign that Iraqis are "ready for us to leave so they can take care of themselves."

She said even the small turnout of four people on Wednesday marked another crucial step in convincing Congress and Ney to bring the troops home.

"I think it just takes regular Americans like ourselves to come to his office three or four at a time," Rayner said.

Another proponent of pulling out of Iraq, Mona Parsons, read a letter from her son Jeremy, a soldier stationed in Iraq.

"I hate it here," she read. "You can't tell who is trying to kill you. I kind of think all Iraqis want us dead."

Parsons said she spoke for soldiers who could not criticize the war because of their oaths of service.

Ney's communications director Brian Walsh released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying MoveOn "represents the far, far-left of the political spectrum."

"This is not an organization that represents the views and values of the vast majority of Ohioans," Walsh wrote. "Congressman Ney supports our troops. He supports their mission and he hopes to bring them home as quickly as possible. To turn tail and run now would embolden terrorists around the globe and it would put those troops in Iraq now in even greater danger.""

and the coverage from WHIZ TV: "Local members of MoveOn.org Political Action delivered a petition o Representative Bob Ney’s office, encouraging American troop pullout in Iraq.

The group collected over 400 signatures for the “Out in ‘06” petition, urging Ney to support an exit strategy with a timeline that brings troops home by the end on 2006.

“We believe this is the right time with the elections in Iraq tomorrow, and they’re ready for us to leave,” said MoveOn.org member Lindsay Rayber. Hundreds of thousands of MoveOn members from around the country signed petitions that were delivered to other Congressman today. One soldier’s mother spoke for a troop withdrawal on behalf of her son who is currently serving in Iraq. “The only ones you hear from at this point are for it. But the ones who do not agree with it have to be silent, and I speak for all of them, and there’s many of them” said Mona Parsons. Congressman Ney responded by saying MoveOn.org is the same George Soros-funded political organization that had ads last year comparing President Bush to Hitler. This is an organization, according to Ney, that represents the far, far-left of the political spectrum and if they had their way, Saddam Hussein would still be in power and al-Qaeda would be running rampant around the globe." Of course, I didn't that last part about us not supporting the troops and supporting terrorists instead too lightly, so I felt hardpressed to write a letter to the editor of the Zanesville Times Recorder and post a lengthy message at WHIZ's Blogsite. Letter to the Editor:"Recently I participated in a petition delivery that asked Congressman Bob Ney to support a withdrawal of our forces from Iraq “at the most practicable date”. Alongside myself was a nice young lady, (I assume) her husband and the mother of a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq, Mona Parsons.    In response, Ney claimed that – if it was up to us – al-Qaeda would’ve run rampant around the world, and this was in addition to his claim of “support for the troops.” To claim we – especially Ms. Parsons – would support al-Qaeda and not our troops is ignorant, and dangerous. His claims regarding our support or lack thereof are ill-informed and extremist on the right-right wing of the political spectrum. We oppose this war for the false pretenses of our invasion, alongside the poor planning in winning the peace.    Mr. Ney owes us – especially Ms. Parsons – an apology. Mona is sacrificing her son in a war that she disagrees with. Why does she have to do such a thing; especially when there are supporters of this conflict that refuse sacrificing anyone including themselves for this cause? Bob needs to reevaluate his position and make the right decision for all of us.   Daniel Harrison Crawford the Third"   Blogsite Post:"I’m one of the four 18th District Residents that participated in MoveOn.org’s petition delivery on Wednesday December 14th, 2005. We were honest, polite and very passionate about our cause. Ms. Parsons (the mother of a U.S. soldier that is stationed in Iraq) was actually kind enough to go out of her way and pick me up from my home in Newark, Ohio, so that I could attend the event. She and I became acquainted shortly after a vigil that was held in October that marked the sad 2,000th U.S. Death in this misbegotten conflict. I was inspired by her sacrifice and honest concern for the welfare of – not only her son, but – the nation we call home.    When I returned from work today; it was brought to my attention that Congressman Bob Ney responded to our petition by stating that we were extremists that were on the “far left-left of the Political Spectrum” and that if we had had it our way, al-Qaeda would’ve been permitted to run rampant all of the globe. I consider Ney’s response not only to be offensive to me personally, but irresponsible as a public servant. I don’t care if my political allegiance was with the Revolutionary Communist Party or the Constitution Party; he REPRESENTS US ALL. Whether we are Democrat, Republican or a bunch of people that claim Lord Zorak will return from the planet K-PAX to establish Utopia; Mr. Ney answers to us and he should respect all of our views equally. With that in mind, it is my belief that he should examine treat each and every petition/letter/call/email equally, regardless of what side of the “political spectrum” that it emanates from.    Mr. Ney’s uneducated rhetoric about our beliefs is reprehensible. His assumption that our demand for a withdrawal from Iraq by the end of next year is equal to not supporting the troops while wanting terrorists to run freely is an obvious sign that he lacks “critical thought”. The Rayners, Ms. Parsons and myself do – in fact – support our troops. We support them by wanting Congress and their so-called “commander in chief” to make the right decisions regarding their deployment in conflicts both at home and abroad. We support them by wanting them to have the veterans benefits that they were promised. We support them by urging our government to supply them with the essential equipment that they need to fight and protect themselves. We support them by wanting their SAFE RETURN HOME!    Ms. Parsons is sacrificing someone that is dear to her heart in a conflict that she has never agreed with. That’s more than I can say for most of these people that support this quagmire; whom refuse to even lift their own finger – let alone sacrifice a loved one – to aid in the effort that they strongly support. Why should any of us that weren’t blinded by the propaganda that surrounded the build-up for the war, have to sacrifice our loved ones in it? What gives Ney or anyone the right to call us cowards when we oppose this war and yet still give those that we hold dear to fight in it?! It is Ney, Bush, Rove, Cheney, Delay, Schmidt, DeWine, Voinovich, Rumsfeld, Tiberi and all of these other CHICKENHAWKS that are – in fact – the cowards.    Call me a liberal all you want, it is a label that I am damn proud of, but don’t call me a radical. If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is that I know that Ms. Parsons, Cindy Sheehan, the Rayners, MoveOn, Michael Moore, Howard Dean, John Murtha, many others and I are right. The facts are on our side. If standing up for peace, human rights, women’s rights, labor rights and the poor makes you radical; THEN I AM A PROUD RADICAL. In that case, I elect to stand proudly in that spotlight along with my greatest Idol, whom stood up for the VERY SAME THINGS = Jesus Christ.    Next time that Mr. Ney wants to make ignorant comments like what he made today; I suggest that he utilize critical thought and watch what he says before he inserts his foot in his mouth. Thank You."    There you have it...the week in review (excluding the Iraq War to a large degree...there was so much information on the war that I had to plan a separate update on that subject for a special Mid-Week Entry). Happy Holidays...until Wednesday...   TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS

Update Underway:

 I am in the process of typing a long update. This has been a very eventful week, especially for yours truly. A lot of progress has been made in "Operation Save Mom", and I will be addressing that. I will also talk about the most recent discoveries on the corruption of Dictator BOOsh and his Repug Allies in Congress (as well as in the various State and Local Governments). It may take me all of tonight and all day tomorrow to complete the update, but it will be done.

TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS

Welcome Back...

 It has taken me all damn day to prepare this update so all of you better enjoy...LMAO

"Operation Save Mom":

 Still, I have received no reply from the Newark Advocate on my Letter to the Editor. This severly pisses me off, but I am not discouraged. Tomorrow is the next letter to the editor, which will be to the Columbus Dispatch.

 My mom received a reply from Congressman Bob Ney's office. His representative told mom that she only had to provide certain information and Mr. Ney would see what he could do; we'll see...but either way, I am grateful.

 I did get a reply from Marc Guthrie, the City Council President that has been helping me as of late...the following was that exchange:

Guthrie: "Daniel, I am going to be out-of-town 12/6 - 12/12. 

Marc
Marc D. Guthrie"

Me: "Mr. Guthrie,

Guthrie: "Daniel, I do not know what to tell you, because they will not talk to me because of confidentiality.

Maybe you should have your mom sign a letter to them, copied to the Doctor, stating what you've stated in your email.  You may also want to make an appointment with the Doctor and take my letter to the appointment with you.  (I mailed it to you today.)

It appears that someone is giving your mom the run-around and that the only way to get to the bottom of it is to make visits and meet one-on-one with the principles.

I wish I could be more helpful, but I just don't know what to do.

By the way, we have city council tomorrow night if you'd like to stop by.

Regards-

Marc"

 Of course, I am always grateful for the help that Mr. Guthrie provides. I do intend to follow his advice, and that will become a part of my next phase. My mother was able to find an authorization form that would - hopefully - allow Mr. Guthrie and anyone else to discuss her situation with the ODJFS and Dr. Hercl. This battle rages on...

In the News:

 The Natural Resources Defense Council notes that New Orleans poses serious risks of cancer, and that anyone who has children should wait until the city is cleaned up before returning. Environmentalists have accused the Government of misleading the people of New Orleans; by telling them that its ok to return despite certain discoveries of cancer causing toxins that – in some cases – exceeds the levels regulated by the EPA.

 Hurricane Epsilon (the 26th named tropical storm and 14^th Hurricane of the season) astonished meteorologists as it became further proof of the fact that Global Warming is having an effect on our weather. Recent released documents unveil the fact that FEMA knew their system – in response to Katrina - was broken by the end of August 2005 !! 2005’s Storm Season was a record shattering one, and scientists say that we should expect at least a decade or more of increasingly active weather such as we have seen this year!!

 There are still bodies that have not been identified by FEMA from the Katrina disaster, hell, over 200 of them haven’t even been looked at for Identification! The poor people of the Congo became the most recent victims to a vicious Earthquake…just when will this madness end?

 150 Nations recently agreed to try and cut down their emissions of greenhouse gases past 2012, but  - as is usual with the BOOsh Regime ruled America – our country opted-out of that plan; in favor of a weaker agreement that didn’t require as much cooperation as the other agreement. Former President William Jefferson Clinton says that the BOOsh Regime is “dead wrong” in their stance on the Kyoto Accord, and of course; he should know, having been a real leader that worked hard for this agreement to pass (although the Repug Senate voted down the ratification of the treaty).

 Furthermore, the Canadian Prime Minister (Paul Martin); whom said that the United States needs to listen to the “international conscience” and join the Kyoto Accord; is the newest target of “blame” by the BOOsh Regime for “why the idea of Americans joining Kyoto has been killed”…simply pathetic!! The very fact that our Government refuses to join this worldwide effort to curb pollution puts us on the same level as Third World Countries like China and India, and causes a break away from our historical pattern of “always doing the right thing” (should this surprise you with the BOOsh Regime being in charge?).

 Who will put this Regime in their place? People that live in the Arctic Region have filed a lawsuit against the United States Government for violating their human rights by turning their back on the Kyoto Accord and endangering the environment in which those people reside.

 It seems like the Constitution doesn’t matter anymore in the War on Terror; as a Judge in New York recently ruled that “randomly searching bags” in the subway and elsewhere is not Unconstitutional and is a vital “deterrent” to Terrorist attacks. This is despite the fact that the United States Constitution prohibits “searching without reasonable cause” in the Fourth Amendment!!

 BOOsh and Company are still failing to keep things together as North Korea has announced that they will not continue with the agreement to halt their Nuclear Program unless they are permitted to meet with a high-level U.S. official to engage in a negotiation process. Afghanistan continues to fall apart as it is increasingly evident that BOOsh Regime policy is/was/and always will be the wrong course of action.

 The 9/11 Discourse Project has concluded that the United States is failing in its fight against terror, and if we were to experience another terror attack anytime soon; it would be because of our government’s negligence and failure to adhere to the warnings of experts.

 Secretary of State Buckatooth Rice recently defended our Detainment, transportation and interrogation policies of suspected terrorists; stating that they have even “saved Europeans from attacks”. She then failed to state whether or not suspected European Detainment/Interrogation/or Transportation for Suspected Terrorists existed at all. One official from one of the “cooperating European Nations” noted that there is some “information” that they just don’t “discuss”…hmmm.

 Bucky Rice also recently had talks with the newly elected Right-Wing former East German; Chancellor Merkel. Merkel parroted the BOOsh Regime in assuring her public that the great American Imperialists aren’t misleading them about illegal detainment centers in Europe. Bucky then noted that the U.S. government was sorry for the accidental detainment of a German citizen whom was suspected of being a terrorist and was interrogated (and reportedly tortured) by our forces in Afghanistan. Rice then stated that if she commented with a “yes or no” on whether or not there are any illegal operations in Europe; she could “compromise intelligent sources”. WTF?!!

 Rice omits certain details on what exactly constitutes torture in the BOOsh Regime’s definition, and also on who is prohibited from these practices. Rice has even stated that U.S. interrogation policies save European lives and that they should think about that before questioning our government’s methods. NATO has stated that they believe in what Rice and company are saying about not torturing anyone....You fools!!

 John McCain has vowed to not compromise on his Anti-Torture Provision of the Defense Spending bill. Meanwhile, the BOOsh Regime is attempting to make the case that this legislation is causing a conflict with BOOsh dictatorial (I mean Executive) powers to “defend the nation”. Congressman John Murtha has also sought to underline the fact that only 7 percent of the Insurgency in Iraq are apart of a terrorist organization, in contrast to the overwhelming terrorist presence in Afghanistan.

 Senate Democrats have been fighting hard for the past couple years to strengthen our fight against terrorism; including proper funding to first responders, oversight on the treatment of suspected terrorists, “random searches”, etc. Want to know the most tragic detail? Repugs have killed each proposal…silly bastards!!

 The C.I.A. likes to blame the post-9/11 pressure to thwart terrorist attacks on the fact that they’ve arrested, detained and interrogated innocent people based on faulty intelligence. They have even asked other countries to be quiet about any disclosures of mistakes made in the arrest, rendition and interrogation of suspects. Masri, and Arab German, was unlawfully arrested and all because of his outside appearance and name – he was sent off to a detainment center all the way in Afghanistan!! In our custody, this man was treated like dirt, and tortured. He even quoted one interrogator as saying (after kicking him while he was down) “You are here in a country where no one knows about you, in a country where there is no law. If you die, we will bury you, and no one will know”…is this what we want to display to the rest of the world?

 There are some people that are willing to even march to Guantanamo Bay and demand the ethical/moral treatment of the detainees! Masri has filed a lawsuit for $75,000 against the United States government for his illegal detainment and interrogations. The Main defendant of this case is Former CIA Chief George Tenet.

 Some elements of the media are still trying to turn our attention away from the fact that our government is torturing people and holding some prisoner without trial; they are doing so be “reminding” us of the fact that Europe is not innocent of this violation of human rights and that such violations are “natural” in response to terrorist-like attacks.

 BOOsh’s plan of deceiving the masses has at least worked with some, because in Australia, the Chancellor has agreed that the Dictator and his group of pig-f**king lackeys are respecters of American and International laws that prohibit torture. Once this guy removes his mouth from BOOsh’s “down under”, then he can wake up and smell the coffee…no…wait…they ain’t coffee; it’s the smell of fried BULL**IT!!

 The Patriot Act looks to be headed for a renewal on some “vital” provisions. Although some are vowing to oppose it, we all know the Repugs will do everything they can to extend this evil and un-American law. There is more proof that the BOOsh Regime used faulty intelligence to link Al-Qaeda to Iraq…of course. When BOOsh was recently told that his Patriot Act meets opposition because of its contradictions with the U.S. Constitution, BOOsh said and I quote: “It’s just a goddamned piece of paper”…OH MY!!

 In a tragic turn of events, a man that was in dire needs of medication was shot and killed by air marshals when he was perceived as a threat…damn. As a result of his twisted foreign policies; BOOsh has caused so many around the world to hate him that his name is even being censored in some countries.

 Repugs are trying to divert attention from their own scandals in an effort to launch an investigation into whether or not Democrats are linked to Jack Abramoff…puuuhleeeease!! Of course, the Repug controlled media continues to ignore the overwhelming support for the Impeachment of BOOsh…should we expect anything differently?

 According to some, DeLay’s chances of winning re-election in 2006 looks more and more grim each and every day; especially now that his charges have been upheld in court…(in the words of Simpson’s “Nelson”) HA !! HA !! Some of us have to question why some of you still support these fools.

 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (yeah, the guy that Pat Robertson said we should assassinate) recently gave cheaper heating oil to more poor Americans in a move that is actually likely to reduce the rent prices for the recipients.

 Zell-Millerite Joe Lieberman is taking the path of that other Republicrat from Georgia by insisting that we Democrats stop our bickering and finally stand behind BOOsh with an acknowledgement that he’ll be “commander-in-chief” for the next three years…Joe…I have one two worded phrase to say to you: “F**K YOU!” There is now an effort to kick Lieberman out of office via-the primary election next year in Connecticut…Please God, let us get rid of him!!

 Hillary Clinton’s appalling record of supporting Repug policies in Congress could/should/ and probably will lead to her overthrow this coming spring. This woman is even co-sponsoring a Repug bill that will ban flag burning. I don’t care what you think of burning the flag itself; it is just a symbol of our government, and to ban the burning of that flag in protest to government actions is UNCONSTITUTIONAL…it would a be a violation of the First Amendment (i.e. The Freedom of Speech and Right to Peaceably Assemble clauses). STOP HILLARY, just because she shares Bill’s last name doesn’t mean that she will share his progressive vision for AMERICA!!

 Despite endless nationwide layoffs and a forecast of declines in pay raises next year; Repug Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (of Ohio) says that: “Our economic policies have done the trick”…of course…if you are a RePOOPlican and hate the American worker. Repugs are seen as being in deep trouble when the Congressional Elections come next November. However, the Abramoff scandal could bring politicians down from coast to coast.

 The Plame Investigation continues as Patrick Fitzgerald brings the case back in front of the Grand Jury, and it looks like it could be any day before Karl Rove is indicted…YAY!!! One man tells how Samuel Alito ruined his life long before he was nominated to replace O’Connor. Beware of “Sam the Sham”.

 Although we progressives came up with a plan to amend the Constitution to improve the elections here in Ohio last month; Repugs in the state legislature now have a similar plan…however, will their “reform” package be beneficial or damaging to the system? Hypocrites. Ever since those Repugs took over PBS, it has lost its credibility and all sense of direction…we need to get new people to run things over there!! Repugs always seem to walk all over each other when the opportunity is right, and when it benefits their own image.

 Repug scandal investigations could incriminate even the C.I.A.; for a certain Repug ex-Congressman - who admitted to abusing his office – has ties that could involve the Central Intelligence Agency in this nationwide scandal. Those dumb-ass Repugs are even trying to twist the facts to make Rove look innocent when the same case that they are presenting actually does more to incriminate Rove than exonerate him. Morons.

 Some of those on the “right” are just out of their damned mind. Calling heroes like John Murtha “cowards” just because they call for an end to the occupation of Iraq. Murtha was a 37 Year Marine Veteran that fought in both the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. HOW IN THE BLUE HELL IS THAT COWARDICE?!! I believe that that man knows quite a bit about war and what it takes to win one than any of you imbeciles on the right do!!!

 There was a protest that greeted Tom Delay and Darth Cheney as they appeared together recently….I hate those guys. Repugs are still working hard to give the needy the shaft as they steal from them to give to the rich…I HATE YOU BASTARDS…ARGH!!! Here’s an example of how cheap ALL Repugs are…Ahhnold Schwarznegger is weighing the POLITICAL RISKS of granting a man clemency…WTF?!! How can you people on the “right” call yourselves Christian and still support these sh**heads?! It looks like 2006 is going to be a great year of political competition.

  There are risks to standing up for what is right, just ask the protesters that were punished for opposing BOOsh at Hampton University. A recent study finds that BOOsh’s involvement with Gubernatorial Campaigns cost GOP Candidates their respective races…so that’s why they are trying to run for the mountains when BOOsh comes to town. I don’t care what they do, they can hide all the want to, but nothing will ever change the fact that Repug policies have always and will always contribute to the destruction of our home country.

 There was an FBI Investigation launched on John Lennon shortly after he joined a group in an effort to halt the RePOOPlican National Convention in 1972. Now why would they need to do that?? 25 Years after Lennon was brutally murdered (probably by our Government); 10 pages of the FBI investigation against him still remain secret…what’s on those last 10 pages?

 World Bank President (and Former Undersecretary of Defense 2001-2005) Paul Wolfowitz basically confirmed that BOOsh and Company considered the Iraqi Invasion Inevitable!! Donald Rumsfeld says that we could see as many as 20,000 U.S. troops leave Iraq after the upcoming elections; this is of course in contrast to their policies of “staying the course”. These evil warmongers will use “troop draw-downs” for political gain, and not for the benefit of peace. Well, if one of us wants to know anything else about Rumsfeld’s plans for our military, just ask Joe Lieberman, afterall; he had breakfast with the prick not too long ago!

 One reason that BOOsh hasn’t fired Rumsfeld yet (despite the fact/possibility that he loves the chaos that results from Rummy’s “leadership”) is that he is “too incompetent” to fire…what?!! There is word out that unless we see better times for Rummy; we shan’t expect his resignation nor his termination anytime soon. John Kerry and Harry Reid call for Rumsfeld’s termination. It’s long overdue in my damned opinion.

 Rummy has pointed toward the media as the one to blame for all the negative news on Iraq, stating that they tend to focus on the bad news over the enlightening stuff. This was in light of the fact that the Pentagon recently confessed to having recently planted “positive news” in Iraq’s media. However, the planting of news in the Iraqi Media could have serious consequences for the BOOsh Regime.

 John Murtha has basically spelled out the situation was/is/and will be the quagmire in Iraq. He notes the poor handling of this war, and the fact that we can not and WILL not win this war militarily. The Democratic Leadership Council (the rightwing, wannabe RePOOPlicrats) are trying to divide our party, and are doing a great job at it. These idiots are attempting to make an anti-war/anti-iraq war position look weak, and unpatriotic. Its not working here, because I know my rights to speak out as an American, and I recognize the facts that this war is unjustified and that no war – AND I MEAN NO WAR – ever results in PEACE.

 Saddam has told the Judge in his War Crimes trial to go to hell; citing that the court is “unjust”. In addition to this statement, Saddam has also boycotted the actual proceeds of the trial itself. In this twisted trial, there have been two assassinations, and one kidnapping; which was of the son of a bodyguard of Saddam’s Judge. I have never heard of this much craziness in one trial in my lifetime.

 Poland seems to be experiencing troubles weighing their Military Budget with the cost of Iraq’s Reconstruction. Apparently, the war in Iraq has caused Poland to halt plans on expanding their out-dated military. Bulgaria has decided to withdrawal its small battalion from Iraq by the end of this year. On December 14th, 2005; a petition to withdrawal our troops from Iraq will presented to the office of Bob Ney…will he listen? According to a letter he sent to me earlier this year; no.

 Our Soldiers continue to die in this war as the kidnappings of innocent civilians has started up once more…this madness will only end once we depart from their territory. A report finds that roughly 11-17% of Soldiers returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts are likely to contract Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is also a significant rise in the cases of alcoholism, divorce and overall anger problems in soldiers that are returning from the battlefields. Maybe it wouldn’t be this bad if some of those people out there hadn’t; voted for BOOsh and company and secondly, supported these two ignorant conflicts!!

 BOOsh states that although we’ve made “significant progress”, we have to win the “battle after the battle”, to help the Iraqis secure their gains. He assures all that we will not “abandon” the Iraqis until “complete victory”. Hmmm…define “Complete Victory”. Is that a nice, sugar-coated term for what Hitler used to call his “Final Solution”? Just a question. High Level Iraqi Government officials continue to contradict the BOOsh Regime’s “optimistic” picture of the progress in Iraq, but the great Divine One said we were doing ok…what do you mean he’s lying?

 Cheney parrots BOOsh in stating that a withdrawal from Iraq at this point in time would be a terrible mistake and would leave both our nation and Iraq in grave danger. He says that a withdrawal would hand victory to the terrorists and would result in our military’s progress being immediately erased…BULLS**T!!

 According to the Horse’s Ass-Hat Stephen Hadley; we can expect our troops to begin the process of withdrawal by the end of next year if the Iraqis continue to “progress” in the way that they have “as of late”. A group of angry demonstrators threw stones at Ayad Allawi (former Iraqi Prime Minister), as he attempted to enter a Mosque. Mr. Allawi claims that it was an assassination attempt but there is no clear indication of whether or not it was.

 Another official with our government has confessed that we have used White Phosphorus in Iraq…makes me sick. The FBI is going to investigate the “fixed” Pre-War Intelligence that brought us to Iraq in the first place. I don’t expect them to find anything short of abuse of power in their search. It’s just eerie how close this war in Iraq relates to the one in Vietnam over thirty years ago. Who’s laughing now?

Tonight's Conclusion (Some Thoughts on Life):

 I've been dying to share this story with you all since my last update...but before I do; I just wanted to plug Korn's Seventh LP "See You On The Other Side"...It's awesome, "Throw Me Away", "Coming Undone", and "Hypocrites" are among my favorite songs on the album, be sure to check it out...LOL.

 Anyways...on with the story/explanation of life:

 I recently had a back and forth exchange of offline messages with my Brother Michael about his girlfriend and life in general and this is how it all occured (keep in mind that I am "donuts"):

"mike crawford (12/4/2005 8:53:05 AM): whats up daniel im good in certain places so how r u doin hommy just got one of the best ims ive ever had in my entire yahoo life whitney told me that she wants to fu** my brains out im am the man for the job u know what sayin hommy yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

donuts_from_the_valley (12/4/2005 11:18:34 AM): If you don't want to lose your manhood, I suggest you hide your wood...I don't want you to talk about sex anymore Michael; you're too damn young...lol

mike crawford (12/4/2005 2:25:33 PM): im playing

donuts_from_the_valley (12/4/2005 4:41:47 PM): balls

mike crawford (12/4/2005 6:33:11 PM): u r the gayest person ive ever seen seen in life and u have the smallset balls and penis

donuts_from_the_valley (12/5/2005 4:38:56 AM): How would you know about my ball size? Have you ever held them? I think not; so, your claim of me having the "smallest balls" is without proof. Never mention my balls agains; I don't like "my balls" coming out of your mouth.

mike crawford (12/5/2005 5:17:56 AM): u r sick

donuts_from_the_valley (12/5/2005 11:42:26 AM): No, sick would be if your balls were cut off and fed to baby chickens, whom you would later by from Kentucky Friend Chicken

donuts_from_the_valley (12/5/2005 11:42:36 AM): buy*

mike crawford (12/5/2005 8:20:25 PM): that is sick

mike crawford (12/5/2005 8:21:12 PM): do u want to know something...................................................................................................................................................................balls

mike crawford (12/5/2005 8:21:22 PM): balls"

 Why was this subject about "balls" you ask? How could I make "balls" my official comeback when Michael felt the need to insult me? It's simple really...

 Thing is; no matter how you look at it, "balls" have power. The statement itself is beyond comprehension to the human mind. How in the world can any other word be more powerful than "balls"?

 Let me lay this out for you:

1) The Earth, The Moon, The Sun, all the planets, stars, most asteroids, and comets are in the shape of a sphere/ball.

2) All Mainstream Sports (excluding Boxing, Wrestling, Hockey and Nascar which are all realistically for Retards that either do the diddly with their siblings or annoyingly mispronounce "about" and say "eh" at the end of every question) use balls in play (no, I don't consider hunting to be a sport, nor do I consider running and swimming to be much of sports neither, anyone can do those things at any time of the day...LOL)

3) In the Big Bang Theory, it is believed that the entire Universe began from one small molecule (in the shape of a ball/sphere) that would explode from the building up energy within.

4) When you motion to kick someone's ass, you "ball up" your fists...

5) Many of the most deadly weapons have come from balls; Cannon Balls, those old medieval spiked balls on a chain, even the creation of the Atomic Bomb came from a ball-shaped weapon!!

6) Balls can either float on water or sink below.

7) Balls are used to tear houses down...

8) You see with your Eye"balls"...

9) Most Christmas Ornaments are in the shape of "balls"...

10) Yarn and rubberbands are usually kept together in balls...

11) Oranges and many other fruits are balls shaped...

12) God is eternal, and circles represent eternity...a sphere/ball is the 3-D cousin of an eternal circle...therefore, there is reason to believe that God could be represented in the shape of a Ball (no Blasphemy intended, we all know that God is Awesome and that he sees all...plus, he has a sense of humor)

13) When sexual intercourse occurs, The Ball-Shaped Egg and the Oval/Ball Shaped Sperm (with tails) connected to create life that starts out with many little ball-like cells, which have ball shaped atoms and other particles within.

14) The women's ovaries (that release the eggs, btw) are shaped kind of like "balls"...

15) Men are considered (Biblically and quite literally) to be the dominant of the two genders in the Human race, and thus of the entire planet. Is it a coincidence that the testosterone that makes a man what he is, resides within his Testicles...or as we all know them in slang terms: "Balls"?

 So, there you have it....I could go on and on, but I'd be here all night...LOL. Until Next Weekend...

TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS

It's the weekend...time for another update:

 Well, life is peachy...eh? My right "ring" finger is probably infected from the demented hell house that I work at, and I am in recovery from a severe sinus infection (that caused me quite a bit of grief this past week). My brother Michael is sick, as is my Nephew (whom I caught this evil cold from), and at this rate; the God-Forsaken illness will continue to circulate around my household over and over again until the Spring (Lord, help us).

Anyways, let's get on with the show:

Operation Save Mom:

Hmm, I was hoping for a positive report today...but that is not the case. On the day that I last updated my site, there was a letter I received in the mail from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services:

"Dear Mr. Crawford:

 Thank you for contacting Governor Bob Taft concerning Medicaid services for Starla Moran. Governor Taft's office has asked the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, which administers the Medicaid program, to respond to your inquiry.

 Due to confidentiality reasons, I am unable to disclose to you the full details of this case. However, I can inform you that both Ms. Moran and her physician have been notified of their request. It is now the responsibility of the physician to take the next required steps to complete the process. ODJFS cannot move forward without the cooperation of the physician. Ms. Moran will need to speak with the physician to identify what steps need to be taken.

Again, thank you for contacting Governor Bob Taft.

Sincerely,

Jamecia Little, Management Analyst

Office of Ohio Health Plans

#29041"

 First off, these bastards are lying when they say "I can inform you that both Ms. Moran and her physician have been notified of the status of their request". I know for a FACT that my mother never received any such notice. Unless they want to consider that brief phone call back in August as the notice. THERE HAS BEEN NO WRITTEN NOTICE!! My blood is beginning to boil...

 Second of all, they are blaming the stalled surgery on Doctor Hercl, whom has - in fact - been to the Department of Job and Family Services to get the approval. So these stupid f**kers are incuring MY WRATH!!

 To top it all off, I have yet to hear back from the Advocate. This will NOT deter me from spreading the truth. I guess I will just have to print/copy a letter several hundred/thousand times and pass it out all over the city...I WILL NOT GIVE UP...NEVER!!!!!!!!!

What's going on in the world?

 BOOsh's Nominated man to replace Justice O'Connor is attempting to deceive us all in his bid for the Associate Justice position in the Supreme Court forgetting how he advocated chipping away at abortion rights instead of overruling it completely as an official in the Reagan Administration: "What can be made of this opportunity to advance the goals of bringing about the eventual overruling ... and in the meantime, of mitigating its effects." If he is confirmed, he could swing the Supreme Court in the direction of the Extremist Right Wing as he is nominated to replace the Moderate O’Connor.

 Alito is also deceiving the Senate on his past memberships with right-wing groups in the 80’s: "A document I recently reviewed reflects that I was a member of the group in the 1980s. Apart from that document, I have no recollection of being a member, of attending meetings or otherwise participating in the activities of the group," he wrote the Senate - Alito's current recollections differ from his memory at the time he was seeking appointment to the Reagan administration. In a 1985 job application letter in which he said the Constitution does not protect a right to abortion, he wrote that he was currently a member of "the Concerned Alumni of Princeton University, a conservative alumni group." - He noted that the court had earlier rejected administration arguments in another case, reaffirming the 1973 abortion rights ruling in the process. "It is almost incredible that the court struck down an ordinance requiring the `humane and sanitary' disposal of aborted fetuses, he wrote, "a provision designed `to preclude the mindless dumping of aborted fetuses into garbage piles.'"

 Republican officials are in denial that Alito’s statements about Abortion indicate how he’d rule on the issue: “At the Justice Department, Assistant Attorney General Rachel Brand saw it differently. "Nothing in that memo indicates how he'd rule as a judge on abortion cases," she told reporters”. It's reported that when he was nominated for the 3^rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1990, he told the Senate that he would avoid any and all cases involving the Vanguard Group (or any other cases where he would’ve had a financial stake in), but in 2002, he broke that promise and ruled in favor of Vanguard (the decision would later be reaffirmed when he withdrew his opinion).

 The man’s 90 year old mother and an old colleague confirm his stance: "of course, he's against abortion." - "If you asked me to guess what Sam thought about abortion, it's probably the same thing his mother said," said Joshua I. Schwartz, a professor at George Washington Law School who worked with Alito in the solicitor general's office during the Reagan administration."  In 1991, he issued a ruling that required women to notify their spouses before getting an abortion. This is despite the possibility that a woman may want to get out of an abusive (or otherwise damaging) marriage, and the pregnancy could possibly hinder them from ending such a relationship (worst case scenario; if the man didn't think he'd have to leave because of the coming baby).

 Alito recently told Arlen Specter that he will not let his personal views effect his job as a Justice (should he be confirmed), but that is in contrary to what the AP tells us: "Alito applied for a job as deputy assistant attorney general, and his application touched on his views on abortion. He wrote that it had been an honor to "help advance legal positions in which I personally believe very strongly." Among them, he added, was "that the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion."

 A New Hampshire Law that requires minors to get parental consent before getting an abortion is being challenged in the Supreme Court; it will be the first case on Abortion Rights since Roberts was confirmed, and Alito could possibly be confirmed to the High Court in time to decide on this issue!! In addition to all of this, Alito has supported police policies of shooting unarmed suspects (even considering all of the incidents where those suspects have been killed in the process)!! Is this the supreme court that you want?

 In the ongoing struggle to repeal the policy of using the never-proven-as-a-deterent Capital Punishment standards; Virginia Governor Mark Warner grants clemency to a man that was on death row; he had been convicted shortly after the evidence in his case was destroyed. Support for the Death Penalty is slipping, but our Nation remained in fourth place (behind China, Iran and Vietnam) in the number of executions that took place in 2004.

 As one report cites; among the leading reasons for clemency are “Doubts of guilt”(as in the case of Ruben Cantu), “Executive Official’s philosophical differences with capital punishment”, ”mental disability of accused”, and “change of character”(which is the case in the effort to save the life of "Tookie" in California). Of course, none of this changes the fact that we have surpassed our 1,000^th Execution (which was of a Vietnam Veteran) since 1977. Despite all of the evidence to the contrary, BOOsh recently noted that he STRONGLY SUPPORTS the Death Penalty. That doesn't surprise me at all...

 How well is BOOsh's "war on terror" progressing? I'll give you a few examples and let you judge for yourself: The Transportation Security Administration is planning to allow “weapons” back on airplanes, including scissors and screwdrivers, and are considering allowing Chinese stars and other crazy weapons back on board!!

 The 9/11 Commission states that the Government is failing in it’s reforms to fight terror: “More than four years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the government has not done enough to stop nuclear proliferation, give emergency first responders adequate communications systems and ensure that homeland security grants are going to the most high-risk communities, former commissioners said Friday. -"We're taking small steps when we need a giant leap," said former Democratic commissioner Timothy Roemer, who is now president of the Center for National Policy at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. "We're watching al-Qaida change and spread out like mercury on a mirror while our bureaucracies are still sometimes stuck in Cold War mentality and cultures."”

 The European Union is demanding that the U.S. reveal the truth about the rumors of the illegal detention and transportation of prisoners/suspected terrorists in Eastern Europe, and they are threatening sanctions against any nations that may be hosting these detention centers: “The European Union has demanded that Washington address the allegations to allay fears of illegal U.S. practices. The concerns are rampant in among the European public and parliaments, already critical of U.S. prisoner-abuse scandals in Iraq and Guantanamo, Cuba.”  All the while, Secretary of State Condi Rice is planning on telling the EU to “Back Off”.

 Now the White House is again claiming that our nation is the “leader in human rights”: “"The president had made it very clear that we do not torture, he would never condone torture or authorize the use of torture," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said. "If someone doesn't abide by our laws, they're held accountable. That's the difference between us and others." – “When it comes to human rights, there is no greater leader than the United States of America, and we show that by holding people accountable when they break the law or violate human rights, and we show that by supporting the advance of freedom and democracy and supporting those in countries that are having their human rights denied or violated, like North Korea…We show that by liberating people in Afghanistan and Iraq — some 50 million people. No one has done more when it comes to human rights than the United States of America. I think the American people understand."”

 The War in Iraq actually helped Osama get away, seeing how Saddam was considering the establishment of an infiltration unit to spy on Al Qaeda, because he viewed them as a “threat” to his reign over Iraq, and a former BOOsh Regime Official is saying that Darth Cheney should be tried for war crimes: “Col Lawrence Wilkerson accused Mr Cheney of ignoring a decision by President Bush on the treatment of prisoners in the war on terror. Asked by the BBC's Today if Mr Cheney could be accused of war crimes, he said: "It's an interesting question."  - "Certainly it is a domestic crime to advocate terror," he added. - "And I would suspect, for whatever it's worth, it's an international crime as well."”

 Iraq was the imminent threat of the "Axis of Evil"? Iran is planning on starting the enrichment of uranium, and they strongly oppose any plans to stop/bully them. Meanwhile, Iran’s President is calling for BOOsh to be charged with war crimes.

 Pakistani officials claim that they have killed the suspected Al-Qaeda Operational Commander; Hamza Rabia. According to the NYT; Four men (considered the most dangerous out of over 500 detainees) escaped from an American Detention Center in Afghanistan: “One of the four escaped suspects was identified as Al Qaeda's highest-ranking operative in Southeast Asia when he was captured in 2002, a fact that emerged only during an unrelated military trial last month. Another, a Saudi, was also described by intelligence officials as an important Qaeda operative in Afghanistan - The two prisoners believed to have led the escape, Omar al-Faruq, a Kuwaiti who was the former Qaeda operative in Southeast Asia, and Muhammad Jafar Jamal al-Kahtani, the Saudi, had for months been awaiting transfer to Guantánamo Bay, officials said. For reasons they have not explained, the military authorities gave different names for both men in announcing the escape last summer – (The American forces have released more than 250 Taliban and other prisoners from Bagram this year as part of an Afghan national reconciliation program) [In a recent interview, a former Bagram prisoner, Moazzam Begg, said he had heard during his detention there that American intelligence officers had once proposed staging an escape to release a detainee whom they wanted to act a double agent against Al Qaeda. He said he had no knowledge that any such scheme had been carried out, and several American officials strongly dismissed the idea that that had happened with Mr. Faruq and the others] In a videotape delivered to the Pakistan bureau of the Arab-language satellite television station Al Arabiya, Mr. Kahtani boasted about the men's preparations for the escape, suggesting that they had been painstaking. "We decided to escape on Sunday because that is the day off for the nonbelievers," he said on the tape, which was broadcast on Oct. 18. "To escape we studied the plan very carefully.”

 The unqualified CIA Director (those are his own words), former Repug Congressman Porter Goss; defends the U.S. torture and detention policies, as well as the intelligence surrounding the wars on terror and in Iraq.

 What about the corruption in the party of RePOOPlicans? The Government Accountability Office confirms that the 2004 Election was stolen, citing a number of problems with the “Electronic Voting Machines”. A Judge in North Carolina ruled against protecting Diebold from prosecution; in case they fail to disclose information regarding the software code as required by law.  A California Repug Congressman resigns after he confesses to accepting illegal bribes in exchange for “steering government work to defense contractors”. In response to that confession, a large number of incumbent Repugs have begun the process of getting rid of the money that the “admitted corrupted official: donated to them…by giving it mostly away to charity. There were a few that stated that they were holding on to the money.

 New reports indicate that Karl Rove was misleading when he claimed that he only spoke to one reporter about Plame’s identity as a CIA Operative – in fact – a second reporter has said that they will testify about their discussions with Rove about Plame.

 Halliburton was awarded a $7 Billion 5-Year contract in Iraq by the Pentagon – before the invasion. In addition to that; despite the misleading claims of the Oil Companies and Lord Cheney, unveiled government documents actually prove that Cheney had - in fact – met with several Oil Executives in 2001. In January of this year, a U.S. Government agency reported that $9 Billion – in Iraq War Funds - remains unaccounted for. A U.S. Senator’s investigation recently unveiled that Cheney’s Halliburton Stock Options increased by 3,281% in 2004!!!

 The Federal Aviation Administration is getting complaints about restricted airspace over Cheney’s Maryland home; even when he isn’t home…seeing how the area has a lot of air traffic. A video shows a white house aide reviewing a staged event for BOOsh to talk to the U.S. troops this past summer.

 Repugs in New Mexico are doing all they can to prevent the increase of the minimum wage in Santa Fe. Again, this kind of greed doesn't surprise me; considering the history of the Repugs on issues concerning the poor. In addition to the Minimum Wage rip-off scheme; Repugs in Congress are trying to pass a bill that will lift state laws on Predatory Loan Sharks.

 How can anyone trust BOOsh? Well someone out there does, because BOOsh has been called for jury duty, but has already (as Governor) lied about his criminal record and used his power to get out of it before (J. Duty that is). Why would any of us expect anything else from "dubya"?

 Does this country have any respect for the Constitution anymore? Guess not; In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a school newspaper article talking about birth control and tattoos has been censored. I'm reading all of this and thinking of Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia, not the good ol' U-S-of A!

 When it comes to international agreements, we are really the nation to model after; considering that in violation of an international treaty, the U.S. government permits farmers to use a poisonous pesticide on strawberries, tomatoes, Xmas trees, etc., and a former aide of Colin Powell says that BOOsh acts “all-powerful” as if the Geneva Conventions don’t apply to him. Plus, Repugs are ignoring the warnings of Global Warming - again, by refusing to keep the pledge to fight it past 2012!!! Doesn't it feel great to be American?!!

 Scott McClellan might have been fired by the Regime, because  - according to some – he’s been missing in action for quite some time. There is a record being kept of the fact that there are Repug scandals in all 50 states and the U.S. Capitol!!

 New York Times reports that Ohio is looking better for Democrats in 2006, but only 3/8 Vulnerable Repugs in the U.S. House (Ms. Pryce, Mr. Ney and Mr. Turner/Ney, Pryce, Chabot, LaTourette, Schmidt, Michael R. Turner, Pat Tiberi and Ralph Regula) have opponents next year. At this point right now, I am encouraging anyone with Pat Tiberi's district here in Newark to challenge him. Russell Hughlock, whom runs LICOPAC is my number one pick to stand up to the challenge.

 RePOOPlicans – not Democrats – are the party of “no”. Just consider the following Democratic proposals that Repugs have said "no" to within the past two month:

 1) Twice Voting to defeat a bill that would've provided money to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

2) They defeated a measure to increase the Maximum Federal Pell Grant award by $200!!

3) They chose not to provide additional funding to Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

4) Finally, (although there are many more) they decided not to support a plan to provide a six month transition period for prescription drug coverage under Medicaid for the elderly whose coverage is to be moved under Medicare's plan.

 Bastards...that's all I have to say about that...

 Could a horror movie encourage the people to support the Impeachment of BOOsh? Maybe not, but that imbecile Bill O’Reilly is now claiming that Democrats – in addition to all secularists – have a secret plot to diminish Christianity in the U.S. Hmm, which do you think is more possible? Ha!!

 What's China doing these days? They are planning on putting men on the moon by 2020. This is of course apart of their overall goal to surpass the United States in everyway. I mean, they are catching up pretty fast. To further prove this plan, the Communist country is also attempting to form an alliance with Russia, India, Iran and others in the region to counter the power of the United States and NATO.

 Let’s not ever forget the crisis in April 2001 where the Chinese held 24 U.S. Servicemen and Women hostage because one of our spy planes crashed into a Chinese fighter plane (in mid-air), which forced them to land on the Chinese Hainan Island. For the next several weeks; the Chinese government insisted that the U.S. was spying on them over Chinese waters and demanded an apology as a requirement for the 24 Servicemen and women to come home, the BOOsh Regime insisted that the plane was in “international waters”, and alongside many ignorant conservatives, refused to ever apologize. Several Repugs in office even advocated that we cut off all trade with China in response to the detainment of our people. The tragedy also made worse the situation with regards to our arms sales to Taiwan (alongside China’s opposition to those sales), as one Repug proclaimed that we should indeed increase our sales to countries like Taiwan in the face of China’s actions. The arrogance of BOOsh’s Regime and his Repug allies in Congress put our soldiers at risk and maybe even increased the possibility of a war with China!!

 BOOsh sucks!! I believe that many around the world would agree. Hell; In 2004, Commondreams.com reported that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (whom recently brokered a deal to sell heating oil to Massachusetts at 40% lower than it’s regular price; to help the poor in the state over the winter) called BOOsh an “asshole” for supporting the opposition movement against him.

 In an attempt to distract the people from his obvious problems elsewhere, BOOsh is now planning on addressing the illegal immigration problem, pushing for his temporary-worker’s-permit as fellow Repugs call for the building of a wall along the Mexican/American Border Now, we all know that this temporary worker's permit does - in fact - reward illegal behavior, and it also causes Americans to lose their jobs. Why? Cause these Temporary Workers won't have to be paid minimum wage, and - by law - Americans have to be. BOOsh is also boasting about so-called improvements in the economy, despite all of the facts that many of us live with everyday. The government will now be wasting tax dollars on the creation/distribution/promotion of a brand new $10 bill.

 There's no other policy that is more devastating to this Country and the World than the War in Iraq. The Iraqi Prime Minister says that – despite improvement in the economy, and BOOsh’s claims – Iraq needs more time to defend itself against the insurgents: “The report concludes that Iraq's army — praised just this week by President Bush — needs more men, better leaders, new equipment and improved training to confront the insurgents without U.S. support - A senior al-Jaafari aide acknowledged some detainees in the Interior Ministry lockup had been abused, arguing that the need to increase quickly the number of security forces meant applicants were not sufficiently screened. - Iraqi army and police commanders often complain that their weapons are inferior to those used by insurgents. They say that with sufficient firepower, they could take on the insurgents without help from the Americans, although they would still need armor and air support - "We can defend our nation on our own," said Col. Ali Kazim, a senior officer in a police commando unit, the Wolf Brigade. "The Americans should only support us. Weapons are all that we need and the Americans can just support us.”

 In a Propaganda Scheme, the Pentagon is planning on “planting stories” in the Iraqi Media to “get the truth out”: ”The program came to light just as President Bush released his strategy for victory in Iraq. It includes the need to support a "free, independent and responsible Iraqi media”. Judith Miller notes that she is sorry for spreading BOOsh’s lies about Iraq, and then goes to criticize the “War on Terror”: “I think it's a terrible failure, it's a shocking failure, it's a deeply troubling failure, because if we didn't know about Iraq, what do we really know about the programs of Iran or North Korea or Syria or what al-Qaeda is up to?”

 In the “biggest flip-flop in history”, BOOsh presents the “eight pillars of U.S. Strategy in Iraq”(in response to a Repug Senator’s demand that he explain his plan for the war in a series of “fireside chats” like FDR used to do in the Second World War):

“1. Defeat the terrorists and neutralize the insurgency

2. Transition Iraq to security self-reliance