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On the business of faked intelligence, the chickens have been slowly but inexorably coming home to roost, albeit with much irksome pomposity about some supposed new corruption of such intelligence estimates from former high standards. Never forget, U.S. intelligence created or endorsed some of the most brazen lies of the twentieth century, starting with Kennedy's "missile gap" thrown in Eisenhower's face.
Now, from the U.S. Congress, indeed from a former CIA officer, have come indignant charges that U.S. intelligence estimates were willfully perverted.
I think they ought to keep Al Sharpton in just for the entertainment value. Carol Moseley Braun is obviously the weakest link. But you know, guys, she wouldn't stand out so painfully as the only one who ever brings up women's issues if some of the rest of you did so occasionally, too. I really like Bob Graham, but for some reason he doesn't come across well. He voted against the Iraq war resolution, against the tax cuts and against confirming John Ashcroft -- a much higher profile in courage than several others in office. But even with all his electoral experience, he doesn't sound sharp.
Edward Said died in a hospital in New York City Wednesday night at 6.30 p.m., felled at last by complications arising from the leukemia he fought so gamely ever since the early 1990s.
We march through life buoyed by those comrades-in-arms we know to be marching with us, under the same banners, flying the same colors, sustained by the same hopes and convictions. They can be a thousand miles away; we may not have spoken to them in months; but their companionship is burned into our souls, and we are sustained by the knowledge that they are with us in the world.
www.freepress.org/columns.php?strFunc=display&strID=761&strYear=2003&strAuthor=7
Tyranny has always been the main stay of man's cultures and governments. I find it disappointing that you think the Democrats could do much better. The party has sold out to the multinationals just like the Republicans. Ever hear of virtual parliament? Money controls. I suppose the issues are more complex than we realize. I take the easy direct route. Mythology is the key to tyrants. Early on, man's man made god was the rich guy with a sacred connection. We have only layered upon that myth with more fantastic crap. Don't get me wrong though. I am not an atheist. Just know I don't worship the little manmade God. And don't forget the beginning of secret government with that marvelous creation the National Security Council.
Sincerely, David Gommel
For Michael Moore, the reaction is gratifying. Three days later, he thanks readers “for the astounding response to the Wesley Clark letter” and “for your kind comments to me.” But some of the reactions are more apoplectic than kind.
Quite a few progressive activists are stunned, even infuriated, perhaps most of all by four words in Moore’s open letter to Gen. Clark: “And you oppose war.”
The next sentence tries to back up the assertion: “You have said that war should always be the ‘last resort’ and that it is military men such as yourself who are the most for peace because it is YOU and your soldiers who have to do the dying.”
It is with great sadness that I mourn the death of the eminent scholar Professor Edward Said (see Associated Press story below). Edward's work includes the seminal work on Orientalism which remains a classic text of comparative study of the Western works on the East. Similarly his works exposing the mythologies of the Zionist enterprise have been nothing short of monumental. He was truly a cultured man of many talents and expert knowledge in areas ranging from history, to culture, to music, to literature. His quest for truth and his published work have had significant impact on the minds and hearts of millions of people. Their impact will only increase over time as all of us, his students, colleagues and friends honor him by redoubling our efforts.
ADC President Mary Rose Oakar said, "Edward Said was a giant figure in the Arab-American community, and for Arabs in the Middle East and across the world. We relied heavily on his wisdom and guidance in our work here at ADC over the years, and counted on his invaluable counsel and support. He is an irreplaceable treasure, and we shall miss him beyond measure. " Former Congresswoman Oakar concluded, "we extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and especially to his wonderful wife Miriam who was a member of ADC's Board of Directors for many years. We want them to know that we, the community at large, and millions of people of conscience around the world join them in mourning the passing of a truly great and noble man."