If this doesn't end the "lesser evil" argument from some Democrats...

...nothing will.

You really want me to vote for the "lesser" evil, here?

It is not publicly known how many people, overwhelmingly but not exclusively men, were caught in the CIA’s web of so-called “extraordinary renditions”, extra-judicial transfers of detainees to foreign countries, many of which practiced even more brutal forms of torture than the US came to adopt. Human rights groups over the years have identified at least 50 people the CIA rendered, going back to Bill Clinton’s presidency.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/28/cia-photographed-naked-detainees

Code Pink on the Brussels Terror Attacks

Comment on Facebook

Dr. Jill Stein on Rising Up with Sonali

KPFA's Sonali Kolhatkar interviewed Jill Stein on yesterday's episode of Rising Up. The whole show is here:

https://kpfa.org/episode/rising-sonali-march-21-2016/

I have just Dr. Stein's interview excerpted here:

[audio mp3="http://wchanley.ddns.net:7655/babble/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rising-Up-w-Sonali-Jill-Stein-Segment.mp3"][/audio]

#DebateWithJill on Twitter

CNN had a town hall event with the "final five" (read: major party) candidates that predictably shut out any third parties. So, Jill Stein livetweeted her responses to the candidates during the debate. I've collected my favorites for you here...

---

If we pursue the military imperialism we heard from @HillaryClinton's speech today at #AIPAC2016 we will never achieve peace.

Most authorities say a 2 state solution is impossible because Israel has sliced & diced Palestinian territories. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

I believe we should let Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups take the lead on that conflict. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

We need to impose sanctions against countries that fund terrorism, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar & Turkey. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Turkey, Saudia Arabia & Qatar need to stop supporting Sunni terrorist groups, US needs to lead a weapons embargo #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

We don't need to militarize the border. We just have to stop invading other countries. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

It's time for a welcoming oath to citizenship. We are a nation of immigrants. #ImmigrantsWelcome #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Immigrants are critical for the diversity & vitality of our economy, our communities and our culture. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

@CKHyppolite Getting the United States to 100% clean energy is absolutely part of a peace offensive. #GreenNewDeal #DebateWithJill

@RoisinGreenEyes @paul_kangas Yes, we may agree on many things, but use of drones is one of the policies that @SenSanders and I disagree on.

I'll say it again, we don't have to fight ISIS. We just have to stop funding and arming it. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Remember how radical Sunni terroism started? It was created by the CIA and Saudi Arabia in Afghanistan. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

The wall to tear down is the one between the United States and Mexico. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Let's not ignore the elephant in the room. The war on terror is creating more terror not defeating it. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Iran is not the leading world sponsor of terrorism. Our ally Saudi Arabia is. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Yes @tedcruz. People are fed up w/ sleazy slick fast talking Washington politicians. Looked in a mirror lately?-J #FinalFive #DebateWithJill

Wages are driven down by NAFTA & profiteering corporations. Undocumented immigrants are taking the jobs no one else will. -J #FinalFive

The politics of "giving the election" to someone else is a sad state of affairs for our democracy. Vote your conscience. #FinalFive

Two down, three more "major" party candidates to go. Just like the election, we're in this all the way. #DebateWithJill "#FinalFive"

US needs a foreign policy based on int'l law & human rights, not economic & military domination. That's what we can't afford! -J #FinalFive

Regime change is a disastrous foreign policy. In Ukraine like in Honduras. - J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

.@realDonaldTrump, yes let's stop the stabbings in Israel, but how about we stop the massacres? #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

It's time to end the occupation as a first step towards peace in Israel & Palestine. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

It's not just about "making a deal" @realDonaldTrump. It's about justice. These are people's lives, not business transactions. -J #FinalFive

While standing up to bullies like @realDonaldTrump are important, we also need to stand up to predatory corps funding predatory candidates.

Corporate media is a threat to democracy. It's time to take the public airwaves back for public use. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive @CNN

More free advertising for Trump as each candidate is asked about him. Let's talk about issues. #FinalFive #DebateWithJill

The Iranian nuclear deal addressed a threat that does not exist according to all security agencies. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Iranian deal missed the boat on real nuclear bombs in Israel, Pakistan, & India that already threaten the region. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Hillary, the best way to come to a resolution is not a "give & take among friends", it's respect for human rights & int'l law. #FinalFive

@MaxBlumenthal The Green Party has stood for BDS for over 10 years--and our campaign supports it as well. #DebateWithJill

Let's talk about the $100bn in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, which is a flamethrower applied to the Middle East. - J #FinalFive

No questions yet on the biggest crisis the human race faces - #ClimateChange. #FinalFive #DebateWithJill

Tech companies must not be forced to create a backdoor into cell phones. Private industry should not become an arm of the security state. -J

"Nations that sacrifice privacy for security wind up losing them both" -Benjamin Franklin #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Garland is a lackluster #SCOTUSnominee. Fear mongers say we should vote for the lesser evil Dems to nominate & that's all we get? #FinalFive

Another way third parties are suppressed: ballot access laws. Volunteer 2 help get Jill on the ballot in your state! http://www.jill2016.com/volunteer

People are fleeing to the US because of illegal coups like the one Hillary supported in Honduras. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive.

"Getting results is what I'm best at..." which results Hillary? Results like Libya? -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

The problem isn't just unemployment in Palestine. The problem is the pillage of Palestine by Israel. #FinalFive #DebateWithJill

Israeli settlements are a violation of international law. Period. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Bernie, we do not need to continue military aid to Israel. It's war crimes & human rights violations are off the charts. #FinalFive

@DrJillStein @Wild_Card09 jill why are you running for president serious non bullshit question
Reply: @the3star2nr @Wild_Card09 Because we urgently need a #GreenNewDeal that puts people, planet, and peace over profit. #DebateWithJill

No Bernie, the Saudis are not the solution to violence in the Middle East. They're a major cause of the violence. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

It's time to normalize relations with Cuba, shut down Guantanamo and return the land to them. -J #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Let's be honest, Cuba is a poor country because of the US embargo, we need to end it. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

US subversion of the Cuban government has encouraged an authoritarian regime. Constructive engagement will help dismantle this. #FinalFive

Trump is a creation of the corporate media. He shows why corporate media is as dangerous as corporate government. #FinalFive #DebateWithJill

The problem is not just the billionaires. It's also the political parties that the billionaires control. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Let's take it further Bernie, I support not only making college free, but abolishing student debt entirely. #DebateWithJill #FinalFive

Looks like I'm the only candidate that did not WANT to go to the #AIPAC2016 influence peddling conference. -J #FinalFive

I believe you're leaving out my presidential campaign. #CNNTownHall #FinalFive #DebateWithJill Dr. Jill Stein added,
(In reply to: The only presidential candidate who is Jewish is the one who is by far the fairest to Palestinians. This is why I love America. #CNNTownhall)

The revolution will not be televised and it won't happen in the Democratic Party. We're here to keep it alive. #ImWithJill #FinalFive

Hey @CNN, don't lock out the 50% of Americans who are not Democrats or Republicans. Let's make it a real debate next time. #FinalFive

I know I need another gadget...

...like I need another hole in my head, but come on: look at this phone. Look at its gorgeousness. 

Jill Stein on Denton Times Life

Great interview with Dr. Stein on the Denton Times Life podcast.

We need an independent party...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLLCgJnVoDg

We need an independent political party which is not controlled by Wall Street, predatory banks, by fossil fuel giants, by war profiteers, and by pharmaceutical companies, and the rest. We need a party that is of, by, and for the people.

Time for some spring cleaning

It’s time to clean up not only our environment & water, but our public agencies & the corrupt, bipartisan political process that imperils us

— Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) March 17, 2016

It can happen here...

So very worth a read (go read the whole thing):

Some years ago one could have argued that there would be restraint in the use of such powers. But no one can seriously make that case anymore. We all know they would do that sort of thing if they could, because we’ve all read of too many cases where they have.

Once the tool exists, it will be abused. I really wish I could say otherwise. I wish I lived in a country where law enforcement acted with the square-jawed nobility of a comic book FBI agent. I used to think I did live in such a country, but in recent years I have been forced to realize that I don’t. I think that, in your heart, you know it too.

http://home.theodoregray.com/blog/2016/3/16/qb6eqnl1sm7g4rf6fohkr1v64c2ldk

I'm With Jill

Jill Stein: EPA not only failed to protect water quality of Flint residents...

It's shocking the EPA not only failed to protect water quality of #Flint residents, it actively suppressed its own water experts warnings.

— Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) March 17, 2016

Jill Stein on C-SPAN

http://youtu.be/ErWtmuy1x1Q

The Green New Deal will make wars for oil obsolete.

End pre-emptive war.

From the Green Party's 2014 platform:

Our government does not have the right to justify pre-emptive invasion of another country on the grounds that the other country harbors, trains, equips and funds a terrorist cell.

http://www.gp.org/platform

Green Party Ten Key Values

Want a real alternative to the "lesser of two evils," on election day? Donate to your state Green Party, or the national party today: https://gpus.nationbuilder.com/donatemain

This version of the Key Values courtesy of the New Jersey Green Party.

Green Party Ten Key Values

Grassroots Democracy

Greens believe in direct participation by all citizens in the environmental, political, and economic decisions that affect their lives. Every person deserves a voice. Therefore, we work to increase public participation at all levels of government. We also work to ensure that our government officials are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We create new types of political organizations which expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making process. We believe there should be no barriers to stifle engagement in the political process, and encourage innovation to expand voter participation.

Social Justice

Greens find the worldwide growth of poverty and injustice unacceptable. All persons should have the right to benefit from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront barriers such as racism, sexism, class oppression, homophobia, ageism, and disability, which act to deny fair treatment and equal justice under the law. We work for a world in which all people have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

Non-Violence

Greens believe it is essential to develop alternatives to society’s current patterns of violence at all levels. We believe that state-sanctioned violence is morally wrong and ultimately self-defeating. For this reason, we advocate demilitarization and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, and we oppose the death penalty. We promote non-violent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we disagree, as we work toward lasting peace in our local and global communities.

Ecology

Greens recognize that humans are not separate from nature, we are part of it. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the limits of the ecology and resources of our communities and our planet. We must be good stewards or we will reap the consequences. To this end, we advocate fostering a healthier relationship between city and countryside. We support sustainable agriculture which respects animals as beings and which replenishes the soil. We urge a move toward an energy-efficient economy and lessened dependence on fossil fuels.

Sustainability

Greens believe our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term thinking. Every generation should seek to leave the planet no worse off than when it was bequeathed to them. We must balance the impulse to seek short-term profits with our responsibility to future generations who will inherit the results of our actions. We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely dispose of or recycle all waste we create, and develop a sustainable economic system not dependent on continual expansion for survival.

Economic Justice

Greens believe extreme disparities in wealth and concentrated control of assets and resources are inherently undemocratic, and that economic insecurity destabilizes all levels of society. It is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system which provides a decent standard of living for all people while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. A successful system must offer meaningful work with dignity, paying a living wage that reflects the real value of a person’s work. We support broad citizen participation in economic decision-making, while seeking to assure protection of the environment and workers’ rights.

Decentralization

Greens believe that centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. We seek to restore power to human-scale communities by restructuring social, political, and economic institutions. We believe that a more decentralized, democratic, and egalitarian system would yield a better quality of life.

Gender Equality

A social system based on rigid gender roles and status inequality is unhealthy for both sexes. Greens call for a more cooperative model, without typecasting, building respectful, positive, and responsible relationships that free all members of society to live up to their full potential.

Diversity

Greens believe that together, we can be greater than the sum of our parts. We value cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious, and spiritual diversity and promote respectful relationships across these lines. We believe this diversity should be reflected in our organizations and decision-making bodies, and so we support the leadership and voices of people who have been excluded in the past. In this way we seek to reclaim America’s finest ideals: popular democracy, the dignity of the individual, and liberty and justice for all.

Responsibility

Greens believe we must be the change we want to see in the world. We encourage individuals to take responsibility for the well-being of their households and their communities. But we also believe in global responsibility. We seek to join with people and organizations around the world in cooperation to foster peace, economic justice, and ecological balance.

Stein: We need a foreign policy that's based on human rights...

We need a foreign policy across the board that's based on international law, human rights, and diplomacy, not on total economic and military domination.

Stein: We Need a Weapons Embargo to End Mideast Crisis

https://youtu.be/vDonDNYIKDE

We've been applying a flamethrower to a conflict that represents a conflict over fossil fuels, and who gets to build their pipeline through Syria.

Stein: We Are In A State of Emergency

We are in a state of emergency and it requires a new way of thinking and political independence to stand upnot jut for what we can get but what must have if we are to survive as a human species 

– Jill Stein, February 3, 2016
http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/12/when-plan-a-meets-plan-b-talking-politics-and-revolution-with-the-green-partys-jill-stein/

Grist: "Meet the Presidential Candidate Who Makes Bernie Sanders Look Conservative"

The Grist did a profile on Jill Stein that's reproduced on her campaign website. The whole thing is worth a read, but this jumped out at me:

Stein, a Massachusetts doctor, is seeking the Green Party’s nomination for president, which will be decided at the party’s convention in August. She won that nomination in 2012, and then went on to get arrested three times during that campaign: at a bank sit-in in Philadelphia, when she tried to get into a presidential debate on Long Island, and when she tried to deliver supplies to activists fighting the Keystone XL pipeline in Texas. Despite her arrest record -- and not being invited to a single general election debate -- Stein won nearly half a million votes, making her the most successful female presidential candidate in American history.

It’s a record that may not hold for long.

Stein believes it’s clear who will win the Democratic primary -- and it’s not the socialist. “The Democratic Party has a very clear track record of sabotaging rebels,” Stein says. “Go back to Jesse Jackson, who had won 11 major primaries in 1988, and was basically taken out by a fear campaign started by the Democratic Party.”

I was a brand-new Democratic voter when Jackson ran in 1988. I remember well the feeling that a real revolution in the party was at hand - and the current crop of twentysomething Sandernistas probably ought to pay attention to the trajectory of that '88 Jackson campaign.

Having the alien ripped out

 



I'm having The Alien (my gallbladder) ripped out of my insides! It's six in the morning, I haven't had any coffee and I'm bitter.

Ward and Rocky, Wedding Sept 2015

Yeah, I know. I've posted a ton about it all over social media. I don't care. I won't ever get sick of wedding pictures. hehe. See the rest on Flickr.

Rocky and Me, Hoover Dam, Oct 2013

Digging through my old photo backup and I ran across this set from our trip to Hoover Dam, during one of Rocky's Las Vegas visits. (And look at that grin. He uses it like a weapon, you guys. Hehe.) More on Flickr.

Ladies Who Lunch, Las Vegas 2013

I was digging through some photos from a couple of years ago, and ran across these from our lunch at the Paris. I miss you guys! ? More on Flickr.

Apple and the FBI vs. Privacy: Score one for Apple

Glenn Greenwald & Jenna McLaughlin, writing for The Intercept:

Apple scored a major legal victory in its ongoing battle against the FBI on Monday when a federal magistrate judge in New York rejected the U.S. government’s request as part of a drug case to force the company to help it extract data from a locked iPhone. The ruling from U.S. Magistrate Judge James Orenstein was issued as part of the criminal case against Jun Feng, who pleaded guilty in October to drug charges. It is a significant boost to Apple’s well-publicized campaign to resist the FBI’s similar efforts in the case of the San Bernardino killers.

 

I'll just leave this here...

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/03/19/former-kkk-grand-dragon-explains-why-racists-like-trump.html

Crap I'm listening to: Feelin' U (Deep Mix) - Sonny Fodera feat. Yasmin

I've posted this before, but it's totally worth a repost. Such a perfect groove.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6JekYcRaP8

We Luffs Turkeys!

pssst...hey turkeys! COME INSIDE. WE LOVE YOU. (With gravy.)