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Comments Posted By Aquarius 1027

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The Right Wing and Fox News: Patriots Who Want Gun Battles With America

AdLib – The right wing media continues to be on the wrong side of history, as does the GOP/TP itself. A significant majority are far more aware of the realities and truth behind these deceptions than any ratings gain reflected only by right wing media viewers. Yet it is a significant danger if even one extremist is motivated to engage in dangerous confrontations.

Finding a way to end this irresponsible, inaccurate and inflammatory right wing media is most certainly needed. Maddow opens the door for increased awareness to expose the hypocrisy and hatred within the GOP/TP extremism.

Until enough GOP/TP are voted out and returned to obscurity, the right wing media will persist in blathering about headlines that promote the GOP/TP agendas. With this particular incident though, they did cross the line and our justice system should definitely do more to stop their reckless inciting of violence.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 19, 2014 @ 2:23 am

Five Reasons Why Democrats Could Do Well in the 2014 Elections

Hi, AdLib – Completely agreed about the gerrymandering as well. There is much to rectify from the damages inflicted by the GOP legislators!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 18, 2014 @ 12:40 am

Great article, AdLib! – All valuable points toward gaining Democratic wins. The approval ratings of the governors are useful indicators of potential voting trends as well. For almost four years, a significant number of citizens have been forced to endure living directly under extremist and GOP agendas that have been enacted into actual laws.

With 29 GOP governors and 27 GOP controlled state legislatures, there have been far too many GOP abuses in state legislation AGAINST: workers and women, the poor, the elderly, LGBT, the middle class, the ACA, education and voting rights.

Here in PA, Governor Corbett has a current approval rating of 23%. He will not be returning for a second term. Other examples include Rick Scott(FL) 34%, Bobby Jindal(LA) 35%, Pat McCrory(NC) 36% and Sam Brownback(KS) 33%.

One can certainly hope that these numbers will translate into votes against GOP Congressional candidates as well in the November elections. No matter what the party affiliation, the restrictive GOP state legislative actions and social injustices affect all voters.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 17, 2014 @ 1:37 am

The Weekend Music Thread-What You Like

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On March 28, 2015 @ 4:40 pm

I remember and did not know he could sing – had not heard this song in years, thanks!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 12, 2014 @ 4:34 pm

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 12, 2014 @ 3:01 pm

What Issues Are You Passionate About?

Great article, Nirek! While all of the industrial and corporative strategies that disregard our environment are significant, I am most passionate about fracking. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, otherwise known as the Halliburton Loophole, expanded the exemptions from the original Clean Water Act of 1972 to include ” . . oil and gas exploration, production, process or treatment operations . .” as part of the definition of construction activities.

With this loophole, corporations did not have to disclose all of the chemicals utilized in the fracking processes. The long term and adverse health effects from these undisclosed chemicals is unknown. When mixing undisclosed chemicals, there are unknown byproducts as well. It is inexcusable to withhold this information should medical care be needed for exposure. The adverse environmental effects from these undisclosed chemicals are unknown as well. Until there is full disclosure, fracking remains unsafe.

The extent of damage to both above ground and underlying geological structures is also unknown. While corporations try to justify, minimalize and deny this damage, the destruction continues. Here in western PA, there was an newspaper article just today about fracking. Some state restrictions are being imposed upon these corporations.

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/marcellusshale/2014/04/12/Ohio-s-temblors-linked-to-fracking

Potential contamination to the underlying aquifers in this country would affect numerous states. As fracking increases, more water is needed for the processes. Subsequently, there is an increase in the depletion of available water sources. Besides this, sand is being mined in large quantities to use in the fracking processes. Sand dust pollution from this mining has been reported at these operations. The health effects of silicosis from exposure to silica, a major component of sand, have been well documented in the mining industry.

Time to end putting the profits of corporations first before the safety of people and the preservation of the environment. – Completely agreed, STOP fracking now!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 12, 2014 @ 2:48 pm

Thanks for the link, Kesmarn. Interesting! – I had just visited in Toronto, Canada and noticed that some of their city buses were hybrid engines. Good to know that more are converting to hybrid. – Nice to see you again!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 12, 2014 @ 10:52 am

Hi, Kalima! – Nice to meet you! I share your all of your concerns, especially about the fracking. I have heard about the fracking problems in the UK as well. – Your list is impressive!! There is much yet to do to end the social injustices that have persisted and at times, even become worse in the 21st century. And I agree that we must vote, vote, vote out the politicians who abuse their legislative power to fulfill their own political agendas rather than to serve the country.- Hope your day goes well.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 12, 2014 @ 10:09 am

True Story Of A Vietnam Veteran

Your Dad was indeed a wise man to give you the support you needed when you returned, Nirek. Quite simply a wonderful gift of love and compassion. – I was one of those who could not look at your videos but I appreciate that you posted them for others to have a better understanding. – All the best to you and your family.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 18, 2014 @ 12:20 am

Agree, AdLib – quite daunting indeed . . if only there were no more wars. See my post under Nirek’s Life of a Draftee if you’d like, I shared a few more thoughts about veterans. – Good to see you again!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 13, 2014 @ 2:18 am

As I read your article, I thought of the movie “The Deer Hunter” which exemplified the traumatic results of experiencing the realities of war. Sadly, far too many veterans have difficulty when coping with what they have experienced. Yet we as a nation do not provide enough care for them. – Thank you for sharing Tom’s story.

I agree that those who have served in war are changed forever. And like Tom’s wife in the story, those who are directly with veterans will have their lives changed in some manner as well. – I remember one time with my Dad, a WWII veteran, that demonstrated the lasting impact of war. My Dad was taking a nap one afternoon. I had removed a small door for access to an attic and propped it against the wall. Somehow it suddenly and quite loudly fell flat on the wooden floor with a tremendous bang. My Dad told me that he woke up trying to dig a foxhole next to his bed . . . over twenty years after he had returned home from the war.

My hope is for better care for the veterans who have survived to come home yet who remain wounded far beyond any physical scars. It is our duty in return to provide this care after sending them in harm’s way.

Peace to all.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 13, 2014 @ 2:05 am

Life of a Draftee

You’re welcome! And thank you, Nirek, for your very kind words as well. I had only a small indirect part in the war. You are the one who had to be put directly in harm’s way. Luck was most definitely there for both you and my Dad and others. – Yet the effects of war can indeed go far beyond the actual battles. Although he never sought help, my Dad probably had some PTSD. It was not as well understood back then.

And yes, Nixon was very wrong to take away the benefits for nurses. They did not care as much then about the education of women except when needed during time of war. And of course, back then nursing was a traditionally acceptable career for women. Now – many in the right wing do not care about education except to spout extremist views and increase corporative profits.

There is much I could share of my experiences as a young woman in the early 70s as compared to the experiences of young women today! As well as sharing about the current political issues that are tossed around this nation like scattered leaves in the wind.

As to the pay differences, when this became a political agenda – I was totally disgusted by the right wing’s so-called excuses for denying pay equality. For me, I started working when the pay difference was .74 on the dollar for men. After 31 years in my career, that difference had improved by three pennies!! We are l-o-n-g overdue for the enactment of pay equality.

Completely agree with you . . equality and peace for all.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 10, 2014 @ 3:13 pm

Hi, Kesmarn! – Nice to meet you! And thank you, it is good to share our experiences. There are not that many WWII veterans left, my Dad passed back in 2004. He talked more in his later years.
It is criminal for the right wing to deny help to veterans. As you said, they do not walk the walk. I remember at one time during the Iraq War, there was a report on a TV station and at that time . . there was only ONE member of Congress with a son or daughter serving in the military.
Interesting that you are also a retired nurse – more to share! Looking forward to talking with you again. 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 10, 2014 @ 12:30 pm

Thank you, Nirek, for telling about your experiences. I was out of town when this posted, after I returned the first thing I wanted to do was to read your article. – I was sixteen when you went to Viet Nam. I still remember the body counts on the evening news, every day after day – and thinking of the sheer stupidity of war that so many had to die. In high school, I wrote letters to the soldiers who did not have any mail. The letters I received back touched my heart in so many ways – as does your article. My cousin was drafted in 1967 as well and served in Viet Nam; he made it out of there to return home. We have talked a few times over the years. My Dad had served in the 96th infantry division, 383rd regiment in Okinawa during WWII, a few times he told of some experiences. He had just started a few college courses when he was drafted. He was a PFC and then became a sergeant when many in his squad were killed. One experience I especially remember is that he was in the farthest right position of the first row of men off of the LST (landing ship tank)onto the beaches. There were 14,009 US soldiers killed in Okinawa. Incredible that he survived to return – or I would not be here writing to you. Later, my Dad was able to finish college with the help of the GI bill.
I was in the Air Force ROTC for two years in college. I planned to join to pay for college but in my junior year when I would have enlisted to become a flight nurse – Nixon rescinded the benefits for nurses but kept them for pilots. As a retired critical care nurse, I have seen far too much of the results of mankind’s ability to inflict harm. – I am so grateful that you came back. Many do not realize or refuse to accept the realities of war. – In particular, I dislike those politicians who bask in their so-called victories yet deny assistance to veterans in the name of political agendas.
Nirek, your article is excellent! – It should be published for all to read, perhaps even expanded into a book. A tremendous thank you for all that you have given in your military service. From the lyrics of my number one favorite oldie, Aquarius, may there be a time when . .
“peace will guide the planets and love will steer the stars”

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On April 9, 2014 @ 4:30 pm

The Weekend Music Thread – Life, The Universe and Everything

Definitely a great song to include and of course, one of my all time favs! 🙂 Nice to meet you, KillgoreTrout – would put in a song but still catching up on some technology in cyberspace. Enjoy the many and varied songs found here, thank you! – Will at least offer my choice of a song for you: Instant Karma by John Lennon.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On January 12, 2014 @ 12:03 am

Republicans Reject Evolution in Favor of Devolution

Hi there, Nirek! – Nice to meet you! – Too many legislative actions at the state levels have directly affected too many people for far too long. And federal legislative actions that could have helped many people have been obstructed by the GOP/TP.

The GOP/TP has enacted legislation against: workers and women, the poor, the elderly, LGBT, students, the middle class, veterans and voters.

Will be keeping my fingers crossed at midterm election time that the backlash gets the GOP/TP out of office. – Nice to connect and Happy New Year! 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On January 1, 2014 @ 3:47 am

Great article, AdLib! Especially liked that last sentence! – Religious extremism is a true enigma that has no place in politics. As so aptly demonstrated by the Senate election campaigns of Akin and Mourdock, We the People ultimately will not tolerate or vote for those who try to promote antiquated agendas.

Agendas that contradict the realities of science will also not be tolerated. It has been astounding to listen to the GOP/TP as they try to defend their anti-science proclamations in the media. Their absurd statements that a so-called majority of Americans agree with them is indeed, pure fantasy.

There will be a significant backlash against the GOP/TP at the voting polls in both 2014 and 2016. We the People have lived with not only their scientific and social devolution but with the results of their legislative devolution as well for over three years. – Nice to connect and wishing you a Happy New Year!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 30, 2013 @ 11:48 pm

Ladies and Gentlemen, Our Corporate Anthem

Great article, RF Dude! The early 70’s were my college years as well. Your eloquent description of that time reflects the intensity of change that has occurred. While busy raising kids and working, I had not observed as much of the corporate activity. Yet the 300% increase in college tuition for my kids was a huge wake-up call to the financial structures in our country. The more recent legislative assaults on education, as well as other right wing agendas, have only served to increase my political participation in whatever way I could to counter these destructive corporative forces. – Yes, my friend, an individual can indeed make a difference. 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 18, 2013 @ 10:18 am

Huffington Post Goes NSA on Its Members

🙂 Understood – and thank you! Each one has talents and gifts to use, how one chooses to use them is what is significant. – Feel free to use my words, I have always enjoyed writing and poetry. And I love oldies songs! Your name was also the title of a old song as well. ( besides being from a famous quote) The sentiment of those lyrics reaches across all boundaries imposed by those who choose to use their talents and gifts to benefit only themselves or their personal agendas.

My boat is somewhat adrift tonight – not able to find a port of interest. But the oceans are vast and there is more to explore. – Keep warm on your journeys! 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On January 10, 2014 @ 10:55 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂 And yes, I did get that last HP post of yours to me but I think it was just when I chose not to comment anymore on HP. Refused to follow their rules and regulations – reminds me of similar times in the late 60’s and early 70’s when even then I disliked corporative and political manipulations! At a coming-of-age time for me, will never forget that turmoil and rebellion experienced by so many. In part, that is why I chose my name – the lyrics of that song reflect my continued hope for peace. – Indeed, I consider you a true friend as well. You are a rare find among the many stars out there in cyberspace and you shine far brighter than most! 🙂

I also never thought I was blogging, rather just commenting. Then I had to learn about wordpress, etc. and it appears that almost everyone and anyone has started these blog sites over time. It is hard at times to connect with others who are much more familiar with getting around! – I found the admin at the Planet to be very patient, helpful and quick to respond to my neophyte questions!

Glad that you continue to do well. 🙂 In the middle of the deep freeze as well here in PA, went to -9 the other night. Only had about 4 inches of snow last week. – All the best and always wonderful to connect, my friend! 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On January 8, 2014 @ 10:57 am

Happy 2014! – Same here, my friend! 🙂 Lost so many friends at HP – had no idea if I would ever find you. That is what has been the hardest, the connections that were just cut apart one morning. I am grateful for those who gave me a few suggestions before the axe fell.

And for me, with HP as my first venture into blogging as well as needing to catch up on technology, it was like being stranded on an island. And having to find not only a boat but the directions on how to operate the boat before I could escape. And then – finding a way to navigate into ports that appeared to have their instructions for entering in a foreign language!

Will improve in time, yet I still dislike computer systems! – Did you have a white Christmas? We had just an inch of snow that arrived for Christmas eve. – Hope you continue to do well and all the best for you in the new year! 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On January 1, 2014 @ 3:13 am

Yes, received all of your replies! 🙂 Like getting even to that truck stop level – take out every single last GOP/TP!

I am still getting used to different formats as well. And HP was my first blogging experience about a year and a half ago. Then it disintegrated and I had to venture further out into cyberspace. It has been like finding a new world that I never knew existed!

Happy New Year to you as well – so glad to still connect with you, my friend! 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 31, 2013 @ 12:03 am

Hi there, NoManIsAnIsland! – Nice to find you! HP is disintegrating, will not stay where privacy and freedom of speech are not respected. – Ready to get rid of the old and bring in the new for 2014? Looking forward to new explorations in cyberspace. And getting rid of the GOP/TP in both state and federal levels! – Happy Holidays, my friend! 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 30, 2013 @ 8:58 am

Hi, Fergie1! – Yes, I also respect each person’s individual choice. It was good to hear your experience. – And glad you liked my screen name, selected in part for the very reason you mentioned! 🙂 I have always especially liked the lyrics: Then peace will guide the planets and love will steer the stars. – Thanks for the welcome, my friend.

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 18, 2013 @ 9:38 pm

Thank you again, AdLib!:)

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 18, 2013 @ 9:18 pm

Thank you for the welcome, KillgoreTrout! – Nice to meet you! – HP was my first venture into blogging about a year and a half ago and now it is disintegrating. Have to catch up on technology and terminology but finally managed to navigate here. Glad to have found this planet of both respect and freedom in cyberspace! 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 18, 2013 @ 9:13 pm

Thank you for the information, AdLib!- Not only is it my first day at The Planet, it is my first hour! Nice to meet you. – Looking forward to exploring all of the sections. And definitely enjoying this site where the right to privacy as well as the freedom of speech is respected. – Hope your day goes well!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 18, 2013 @ 10:48 am

As a fellow old protestor from the early 70’s, agree completely. I have not yet pushed that delete button at HP, but your comment encourages me to finally get out of there. – I think we were friends there. Good to find you here on my first day at The Planet!

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On December 18, 2013 @ 10:36 am

Morning Blog

Hi, Kalima – Happy first day of June, I hope the summer months do not get too hot. So great to read your MB with the news of events and people around the world. And about all of the political grandstanding that is not just in the US. While speeches are made, untold numbers suffer from military clashes, poverty and injustice.

I especially liked the articles on climate change. The preservation of our environment and the safety of people is more important that corporative profits. It is despicable that millions are spent by the Koch brothers to block needed regulations.

Yet these Koch funded organizations go beyond despicable. Their $$$$ influence to manipulate legislative processes could be viewed as crimes against this nation and contributing to the environmental destruction of this planet. – It is ludicrous to have a state General Attorney sue the EPA. They abuse our court systems, the only so-called justice they seek is for more profits in their pockets.

Boehner is still squawking nonsense. How quickly the word spreads throughout the GOP when ALEC attempts to dictate policy changes. The sheer stupidity of their arguments is astounding. I look forward to the day when there is no longer a majority of GOP or extremists in any level of government.

And the picture of the white peacock was gorgeous! Keep cool with these hot days and hope your day goes well. 🙂

» Posted By Aquarius 1027 On June 1, 2014 @ 2:24 pm