« January 2007 | Main | March 2007 »
February 27, 2007
The Lost Tomb of Jesus
Free Speech America returns to the airwaves on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 7 p.m.. Many of you may have heard about the controversial new documentary, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, produced by James Cameron. The documentary will air on March 4, 2007 on the Discovery Channel at 9 pm EST. We will be posting more information regarding this controversial new documentary and we will be discussing the program and its meaning on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 7 p.m. on WGOW 102.3 and at www.freespeechamerica.us. Here is an article from the Discovery Channel on the subject
The Jesus Family Tomb aka Talpiot Tomb
Stone Box containing the remains of Mary Magdalene?
Documentary Shows Possible Jesus Tomb
By KAREN MATTHEWS, Associated Press Writer
3 hours ago
NEW YORK - Filmmakers and researchers on Monday unveiled two ancient stone boxes they said may have once contained the remains of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, but several scholars derided the claims made in a new documentary as unfounded and contradictory to basic Christian beliefs.
"The Lost Tomb of Jesus," produced by Oscar-winning director James Cameron and scheduled to air March 4 on the Discovery Channel, argues that 10 small caskets, called ossuaries, discovered in 1980 in a Jerusalem suburb may have held the bones of Jesus and his family.
One of the caskets even bears the title, "Judah, son of Jesus," hinting that Jesus may have had a son, according to the film. The claim that Jesus even had an ossuary contradicts the Christian belief that he was resurrected and ascended to heaven.
Continue reading "The Lost Tomb of Jesus"
Posted by sjames at 08:29 AM | Comments (0)
February 25, 2007
Blake Baxter and One Soldier’s Views: The Meaning of Najaf
Recently, there was a battle outside of Najaf between a group calling itself the Army of God and Coalition Forces. The President said he was happy that the Iraqis were finally showing him that they could participate in the defense of their country. The media concentrated on trying to tie the Army of God to Iran. It seemed to me that everyone missed the point—this battle really shows us the Iraqi Army does not have the equipment to defend their country without our troop’s support.
The Iraqi armed forces have taken a lot of heat for failing to do what needs to be done. There are certainly a lot of areas in which you can criticize this new Iraqi Army. But we also need to give these guys a break—perhaps we can gain more understanding of the Iraqi Army by standing in their shoes, using this battle outside of Najaf as a point of understanding.
Continue reading "Blake Baxter and One Soldier’s Views: The Meaning of Najaf"
Posted by sjames at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)
President Bush's Healthcare Hypocrisy
President Bush in Chattanooga, Photo from the Chattanooga Times Free Press
On health care, the President is a hypocrite. Last week, the President visited Chattanooga Tennessee to tout his health-care program. He visited Erlanger Hospital. The President praised Erlanger, its technology, and it’s health care. Erlanger, as a safety net hospital, provides charity care to a needing public.
The President did not mention proposed Medicaid rules that will restrict states ability to use "charity spending by public hospitals [like Erlanger] for purposes of getting federal matching dollars for Medicaid." (Chattanooga Times Free Press Friday, February 23, 2007)
The President traveled with Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen. The President praised Governor Bredesen for his efforts in restructuring Tennessee's TennCare program, a program providing health care to the poor and uninsurable. Governor Bredesen is credited with saving the state's health care program and, additionally, expanding Tennessee's health care programs to provide health care for the poor and the uninsurable. The President praised Governor Bredesen while he knew about his rule change, a change that may cost the TennCare program up to $700 million.
Continue reading "President Bush's Healthcare Hypocrisy"
Posted by sjames at 09:28 AM | Comments (1)
February 24, 2007
SAY GOODBYE TO FREE SPEECH AMERICA
It is time to say goodbye to Free Speech America...
in its current form that is. Free Speech America is growing, undergoing planned developmental changes. These new developments are designed to increase interaction with our visitors, listeners, readers and viewers. The interactive nature of Free Speech America allows for greater expression of your views, greater participation in the Free Speech America movement
As a part of the developmental changes we are adding many features including Free Speech Video and Free Speech Podcasting. We are also adding interactive polls and other new resources designed to improve your ability to voice your opinions.
Watch us grow and as we grow, we invite you to participate in the movement, The Free Speech America Movement.
Stuart James
Publisher, Free Speech America--Voicing America's Opinions on the Interactive Broadcasting System
Posted by sjames at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2007
Vote by Mail?
Vote by Mail: Making Your Vote Count or Creating Corruption
In 2000 the Florida vote controversy sent the election for President of the United States to the Supreme Court. The term "hanging chads" and "dimpled ballots" became commonplace.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court made the decision-a decision putting George W. Bush into the White House, a decision putting a halt to the ballot recount in Florida. Many in our country were outraged, losing confidence in whether their vote is counted in any election.
Continue reading "Vote by Mail?"
Posted by sjames at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Black History Month: Time to remember and look to the future
Black History Month: Time to remember and look to the future
Pastor Bernie Miller, D. Div.
New Covenant Fellowship Church
The late Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live." Black History Month recalls scores of African Americans — Rosa Parks, Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglas, Shirley Chisholm and Dr. Martin Luther King, among them — whose lives gave us tremendous gains because of their willingness to die to self so that others may benefit. These courageous men and women were so dissatisfied with the status quo that they were willing to put their lives and reputations on the line for values in which they believed. The Civil Rights Movement was born on December 1, 1955 when Rosa Parks, a seamstress in Montgomery, Ala., refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. This incident led to the formation of the Montgomery Improvement Association, led by Dr. King, then the young pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
Continue reading "Black History Month: Time to remember and look to the future"
Posted by sjames at 05:50 AM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2007
Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden
Have we forgotten who we need to fight in the war on terror?
Posted by sjames at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
A TIME TO ACT
A TIME TO ACT
Remember when the Republicans were in the majority in the Senate? Remember the nuclear option? Remember when Republicans threatened Democrats with the nuclear option because Democrats filibustered judicial appointments? Remember the Republicans arguing Democrats violated the constitution by using the filibuster to deny judicial appointees a yes or no vote? The Republicans are now using the filibuster to stop a vote on an Iraq resolution in the Senate. Saturday, Senators voted 56 to 34 stopping the debate on the "anti surge” resolution passed by the house on Friday. Republicans claim the filibuster is being used because Democrats will not let them debate alternative resolutions. This claim is disingenuous—the Senate needs to move on in passing meaningful legislation with binding affect. Republicans need to let the debate move forward and then join in decisive action on funding the war in Iraq.
Continue reading "A TIME TO ACT"
Posted by sjames at 11:19 AM | Comments (1)
February 14, 2007
One Soldier's View
Iraq: One Soldier’s View
By Blake Baxter on Free Speech America
http://www.freespeechamerica.us
SSG Blake Baxter in Iraq
On November 9, 2005, I returned home from a tour of duty in Iraq. I came home to my wife, my children, my friends and to a country that had no real grasp of what it was like to patrol the streets of an Iraqi city. For the first several months, I struggled to adapt to a “normal” environment that did not include route clearing patrols, counter IED (Improvised Explosive Device) patrols, presence patrols or being at the Joint Coordination Center (JCC) with Iraqi Police guarding the door to my sleeping quarters. I found that words like “win” or “victory” often made me angry for no reason.
Continue reading "One Soldier's View"
Posted by sjames at 05:22 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2007
Iraq: It is Time for Answers
STILL AT LARGE: Osama bin Laden. Has the war in Iraq brought him to Justice?
Remember when the President first announced his plans for an invasion of Iraq. The President stated intelligence led him to the conclusion that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, and that Iraq had the ability to use and sell WMDs. Iraq, according to the President, had ties to Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. Most important, the President suggested Iraq was developing nuclear weapons.
After the President made his case, Congress authorized the use of force in Iraq.
Months later, the President flew aboard an aircraft carrier and declared "Mission Accomplished.” He stated all major combat operations in Iraq were over. Since that time, Iraq has become a quagmire for our troops, our civilian forces, our country, and the world. We are stuck with no end in sight.
Continue reading "Iraq: It is Time for Answers"
Posted by sjames at 10:41 AM | Comments (1)
February 07, 2007
I AM RUNNING FOR HAMILTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR
Tonight, on Free Speech America radio (WGOW 102.3 FM), I will announce that I am running for Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair for the next two-year term (2007-09).
I would like to bring to our local political organization leadership experience at running a highly organized, strongly funded, tough grassroots campaign as a candidate for the Hamilton County Commission last year. Although my efforts missed the target by a couple hundred votes at defeating an eighteen-year incumbent with high name brand, my goal was to win—nothing less.
To win as a Democrat means many things. Based on my experience, it means finding, supporting and electing good candidates who are willing to go into the community and solve real problems--whether with schools, jobs, or health care. It means supporting campaigns without polarizing the public--which accomplishes little. And to win as a Democrat means building and growing our local party by establishing and expanding a vibrant grassroots movement.
While the current leader of the party, Stuart James, has said that he will not pursue another two-year term as chair, I would build and grow on the successes of his term—such as opening a headquarters and winning key local races.
Tonight, I will also announce that I am stepping away from my role as commentator, blogger and radio co-host at Free Speech America. Although Free Speech America has been a private venture by Stuart James and others (myself included), I believe the decision to step away from this interactive network may avoid any confusion as I run for local Democratic party chair. I want to thank Stuart James for the opportunity to be part of the development of Free Speech America. I will continue to support his efforts in creating a local forum for open discussion of current issues. Nonetheless, he has asked that I appear as a frequent guest on Free Speech America in the near future.
As I campaign, I look forward to listening to and talking with you about the future of Hamilton County Democrats. Together we can will keep building and growing our New Hamilton County Democratic Party—whether getting state candidates ready and elected in 2008 or preparing for a new presidential election and a discussion of national issues in 2008. Either way, we will be challenged to lead by putting up our best candidates with good ideas and by growing our party with strong grassroots approaches.
Please call me if you would like to talk with me or would like to set up a “Meet & Greet” with me about the future of our local party. My number is 423-313-0869.
Posted by wjbailes at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
Abortion, Gay Marriage & The Ten Commandments
Do Americans believe that preventing abortion is a top priority of government? Do Americans believe that amending our state constitution or even the Constitution of the United States to prevent gay marriage will solve all the problems facing us? Do Americans believe that placing the Ten Commandments in our courthouses, government buildings, and public places will resolve issues facing us as a nation?
Or do Americans want elected leaders who are willing to concentrate their work on solving problems relating to:
Education—providing for an education system to train workers for our future
Crime - making our streets safer for you and me, by preventing crime on the streets and protecting us from drugs, alcohol, robberies, and gang violence.
Security - by improving security within our borders by keeping drug traffickers out, and allowing those who want to contribute to society in.
Terrorism - by ending terrorism in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Europe and the United States -destroying Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda, and the terrorist network throughout this world.
Continue reading "Abortion, Gay Marriage & The Ten Commandments"
Posted by sjames at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2007
TROOP SURGE NUMBERS COULD DOUBLE
From Blake Baxter:
Troop Surge Numbers Could Double
Defense Tech | Noah Shachtman | February 01, 2007
President Bush and his new military chiefs have been saying for nearly a month that they would "surge" an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq, in a last, grand push to quell the violence in Baghdad and in Anbar Province. But a new study by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says the real troop increase could be as high as 48,000 -- more than double the number the President initially said.
Continue reading "TROOP SURGE NUMBERS COULD DOUBLE"
Posted by sjames at 09:52 AM | Comments (0)
Ralph Nader's Seventeen Traditions
Honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Americans in the Twentieth Century, Ralph Nader took on the giants of the auto industry and fought for safety, challenged lawmakers to protect Americans from bad products and poor services in the economy, and was a major force in creating OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is 35 years old this year), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency which is 36 years old this year), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (which is 33 years old this year).
Of course, many Democrats remember Nader's part as spoiler in the presidential election of 2000. I never agreed with Nader that the Democratic and Republican parties are merely versions of one establishment. Still, whatever we might think of Nader's decision to abandon Democrats, we can agree that he has typically acted in the truest American tradition of politics: independently for the common good of America.
I am interested in Nader's new book, Seventeen Traditions, because it offers a fuller context for public life. In the book, Nader reaches into his experiences with family and friends, food and health, work and solitude, and more, to demonstrate seventeen areas of life that help form character. Here are the seventeen:
1. The Tradition of Listening 2. The Tradition of the Family Table 3. The Tradition of Health 4. The Tradition of History 5. The Tradition of Scarcity 6. The Tradition of Sibling Equality 7. The Tradition of Education and Argument 8. The Tradition of Discipline 9. The Tradition of Simple Enjoyments 10. The Tradition of Reciprocity 11. The Tradition of Independent thinking 12. The Tradition of Charity 13. The Tradition of Work 14. The Tradition of Business 15. The Tradition of Patriotism 16. The Tradition of Solitude 17. The Tradition of Civics
Posted by wjbailes at 07:08 AM | Comments (3)
February 03, 2007
Exxon Profits & Buy-Offs
Voters made a difference in 2006, by sending Democrats to the House and Senate. Already House Democrats have targeted Exxon and other U.S. oil companies for their massive profits during the Bush years. The new Democratic majority in Congress has recently moved to roll back industry tax breaks, forcing oil companies to pay more drilling royalties.
But that's not stopping those in oil and on Bush's side from acting in cynical and irresponsible ways. For it is one thing to pay for scientific research, but it is totally another and unethical thing to pay off scientists to create research (without peer review) that has only one expected result.
That's why the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is being criticized. This conservative think tank is offering scientists $10,000 to criticize this week's global warming study by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (not to seek peer review and come to an objective conclusion about global warming).
And guess who is helping fund the AEI endeavor to buy off scientists? Exxon Mobil, which has given AEI about $1.6 million already.
After a record year for any U.S. company making money, Exxon Mobil is helping fund a campaign to criticize the major global warming study. Exxon raked in some $378 billion last year. Nothing wrong with making money~but, please, not on the backs of Americans and at the risk to our environment.
Money talks, and big money buys off. With revenue larger than the economy of Switzerland, which is the 17th largest economy in the world, Exxon Mobil will need our constant eye and voter response.
Posted by wjbailes at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2007
Free Speech America Remembers Molly Ivins
Her death by breast cancer yesterday will not rob Molly Ivins of the witty and satirically sizzling words she left us. In the spirit of Free Speech America, we remember this great Free Speecher of America.
Even the politicians she regularly and deliciously skewered for food in her political columns and books will miss the liberal columnist from Texas. A true Texan when it came to boldness, she called President Bush the "Shrub" and referred to his policies on American life as "Bushwhacked."
And so it is no surprise that President Bush released this response to her death:
I respected her convictions, her passionate belief in the power of words, and her ability to turn a phrase. She fought her illness with that same passion. Her quick wit and commitment to her beliefs will be missed.
Molly Ivins was 62 years old and still writing until the end.
Posted by wjbailes at 09:10 AM | Comments (1)
Ned Lamont to Speak at Democracy for Tennessee Convention
The man who won the Democratic primary battle against Joe Lieberman (whom many progessive Democrats call Bush's Lapdog) in Connecticut last year will speak at the Democracy for Tennessee Convention on April 7. A forward-thinking Democrat, Ned Lamont has become a political leader for progressives across the country.
Susan Mosley, who has worked hard at building the online presence for Democracy for Chattanooga, believes that the Democracy for Tennessee Convention will be an exciting time for Democrats and Progressives in the state.
She says that "DFA members and progressive activists from all over the state will be networking, organizing, and sharing strategies to take back Tennessee. Whether you're running for office, working on issue advocacy campaigns, or want to make your mark as an online 'citizen journalist,' the DFT Convention will give you the tools and skills you need to get the job done. Take a look at all the excitement and great things that happened at our last Convention to get an idea of what to expect this time."
If you would like to register for the convention, click HERE.
Posted by wjbailes at 08:47 AM | Comments (0)