Free Radical°

Give Our Blessings To Obama

We are all going to pray for Obama every day. Each day we will be expressing our gratitude for having Obama as our President. My wife came up with the idea to have a special ceremony performed for Obama, so we are going to do that in the next few days. I hope all of you will pray for Obama every day. Here are some ideas about how to ensure America's well-being under President Obama. (These ideas are inspired by The Secret.)

Send your love to President Obama. Even if you didn't vote for Obama, it is in your best interest to support his efforts to revitalize America.

Visualize and imagine the wonderful future America and the world will enjoy under President Obama.

Speak, act, and think from the mindset of a citizen who knows that positive change has arrived. Eliminate thoughts and words of lack such as "I can't", "It won't work". Remember Obama's message: "I'M ASKING YOU TO BELIEVE. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours." Believe it!

Do not, for a single second, speak or think of failure to achieve our vision and President Obama's vision. We know some right wing crazies want Obama to fail, but the power of love and hope and righteousness always wins. Fortify our position with the love in your heart.

Be grateful for the country we have. Appreciate it and help make it better.

Make lists of all the things you will do as we begin to reap the benefits of the programs Obama implements, including investments in clean energy and programs to save the economy.

Do whatever it takes for you to feel happy about the country under President Obama.

Affirm to yourself every day that  there is reason to expect the best under President Obama.

Appreciate all the opportunities around you, including the programs President Obama will implement that benefit others. Look for good wherever you go, and appreciate everything President Obama is doing, even if it benefits someone other than you. Appreciate it all.

Love yourself and know that we all deserve a leader who reflects the best aspects of us, as Obama does.

Remind yourself everyday that your future is brigher than ever, and remind yourself that President Obama can lead us where we want to go.

Do whatever it takes to feel good about the future of our country. The emotions of joy and happiness are powerful. Be happy now!

Be certain that great things are coming! They are!

posted @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:51 AM | Feedback (0)

The Milk Wars

Why would the government want to [outlaw unprocessed natural milk]?

Mark McAfee, of Organic Pastures, describes it as a matter of “two paradigms in collision:” the push to eat “whole, unprocessed foods” that will fill our bodies with “a supply of good bacteria to help our immune systems” on the one side, and the idea that we have to sterilize bioactive foods on the other. And as soon as you try to get into the nitty-gritty details of the scientific debate, comparing for example FDA attorney John Sheehan’s 69-page anti-raw milk PowerPoint presentation with the über-crunchy Weston A. Price Foundation’s 71-page “point-by-point rebuttal,” you do indeed get the sense that you’re witnessing an ideological incommensurability along the lines of Aristotle-Galileo, Newton-Einstein, and Einstein-Bohr.

Read the whole story here:
http://americasfuture.org/doublethink/2008/08/some-like-it-raw/

Are industrial dairy producers interfering in the market for raw milk?

The board of Western United Dairymen, an organization that lobbies on behalf of California’s dairy industry and has a representative that sits on the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, is “in strict opposition to raw milk, not because they think it’s wrong but because they don’t want competition."

posted @ Tuesday, August 26, 2008 12:34 AM | Feedback (0)

The Trap: Clinton's "Briarpatch" Strategy For The DNC Rules Committee Meeting

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/m.s.-bellows/the-trap-clintons-briarpa_b_104198.html

This is must-read material! It is a little long, but it is worth the time to read the whole thing!

"Barack Obama and Howard Dean are about to walk into Harold Ickes' trap tomorrow, and they aren't likely to even realize their mistake until Hillary Clinton cries "foul!" next week and announces that "justice" and "voters' rights" are forcing her to carry her campaign all the way to the Democratic Convention next August."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/m.s.-bellows/the-trap-clintons-briarpa_b_104198.html

posted @ Saturday, May 31, 2008 1:12 AM | Feedback (1)

World Prayer Circle 2 For Obama

Did you hear about this event?

Check out the details. It's not too late to participate:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4rg43

Let's unite our thoughts to elect Barack Obama as our 44th President.

YES WE CAN!

posted @ Thursday, April 03, 2008 11:14 PM | Feedback (0)

Florida House Speaker is Delusional

I am reading an Associated Press article entitled Fla. Presidential Primary Re-Do Unlikely By BRENDAN FARRINGTON.

The article quotes House Speaker Marco Rubio saying, "The state did what its job is. We held a presidential preferential primary Jan. 29. It was legal, it was accurate, it was fair, it was open."

That is an incredible statement to make. The primary was held on a date which everyone knew would disqualify the delegates. We voters were told our votes would not count. How does that make for a fair election? The state of Florida is doing everything except what would be considered "doing its job."

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean is quoted as saying,"When you change the rules in the middle of the game, which is what's being proposed here, you've got to do it in a way that both campaigns agree is fair." he said. "The best option is whatever we can get the candidates to agree with, which puts a vote back in the hands of the people of Florida and Michigan. And that's going to be not so easy to do."

There is one other option: don't change the rules in the middle of the game!

posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 4:55 PM | Feedback (2)

Senator Barack Obama Receives Endorsement of Admirals and Generals from Army, Navy and Air Force

CHICAGO—Citing his judgment and ability to lead, admirals and generals from the United States Army, Navy and Air Force that together have served under the last nine Commanders-in-Chief today announced their endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for president.

In offering their endorsement, the generals and admirals recognized Obama’s judgment to oppose the war in Iraq before it began, his respect for the Constitution and rule of law, his leadership on behalf of America’s servicemen and women and his ability to conduct the diplomacy necessary to restore America’s standing in the world. 

"Those of us who have served, worn the cloth of our nation, and gone into harm's way know that to be successful we must have the strongest sense of trust in our Commander in Chief.  We must be confident that he or she has listened to the best possible advice, that he or she has garnered the best possible information from all possible sources, that he or she has analyzed and weighed all the possible consequences and outcomes, and that he or she has made the decision to exert military force as a last possible resort,” said Admiral (Ret.) Robert “William” Williamson (USN).  “Of this I am certain: Senator Obama will do all of those things and much more to ensure the safety and f reedom of our citizens, our allies, and coalition partners. He has all the great qualities and attributes required to carry out the most difficult duties of the Presidency.

“I spent a career involved in coalition warfare, and I am keenly aware of the importance of working with allies,” said Brigadier General (Ret.) James Smith (USAF).  “Senator Obama brings a powerful approach to dealing with national security challenges by truly leveraging multinational relationships.  He brings a new face of America to the rest of the world."

“Senator Obama has a profound, even scholarly knowledge of our Constitution and he has the deepest respect for the rule of law.  As a career naval officer, I trust his judgment, his temperament, and his ability to analyze complex international situations and relationships and to make military decisions that are in the best long term interests of the United States,” said Admiral (Ret.) Don Guter (USN).  “It will take the powerful leadership of Senator Obama to forge the consensus we need to right our ship of state, restore our honorable place in the world, and secure the safety of our nation."

“As a child of the Greatest Generation I learned that the attraction, glory and resilience of America come from the principle of “We the People.”  In my four decades in the national security arena I developed an increasing appreciation for the intent and expectations of this principle, particularly in terms of the Common Defense and Domestic Tranquility,” said Brigadier General (Ret.) David McGinnis (ARNG).  “In recent years, enticed to believe that these roles belonged to a chosen elite, each of us have paid an increasing price in loss of power, liberties, and national treasure. Today, by every measure, our current strategic situation is not good.   It is from that perspective I believe only Senator Obama offers us the opportunity to reclaim our Republic, restore our national dignity and ensure our overall security.  I salute his leadership, embrace his candidacy, and commend his courage.”

Obama is the grandson of a soldier who marched in Patton’s Army.  Throughout his career, he has exercised the judgment and leadership required of a Commander-in-Chief.  In 2002, he opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning, cautioning that it could lead to "an occupation of undetermined length, with undetermined costs and undetermined consequences” at a time when conventional Washington was lining up for war.  As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has worked across the aisle to secure the world’s most dangerous weapons and as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has compiled a record of standing up for America’s troops and veterans, leading a bipartisan effort to improve care for injured troops, passing laws to fight homelessness among veterans, and increase screening for Traumatic Brain Injury.  Over the course of the last year, Obama has unveiled a comprehensive national security agenda that includes detailed plans to secure America from the threat of terrorism, responsibly end the war in Iraq and renew American diplomacy to restore our standing in the world.  

The following admirals and generals endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president:  

Brigadier General Larry Gillespie.  Gillespie has led a distinguished 33-year career with the U.S. Army.  He served as the Assistant Deputy Commanding General, (ARNG) Army Material Command.  He is a recognized authority in many of the technical challenges and solutions associated with Homeland Security and National Defense. As a civilian, General Gillespie has held a series of increasingly important positions with the Air Transport Association, Hughes Aircraft Company, Raytheon Systems Company, NCI, Hampton University, and Eagle Force Association.  

Major General Scott Gration (USAF-Ret).  General Gration is a retired two-star general and was the Director of Strategy, Policy, and Assessments of the United States European Command in Germany. General Gration was raised in Africa and entered the Air Force in 1974 through the Air Force ROTC program at Rutgers University. He served as a White House Fellow, operations group commander and two-time wing commander. The general served as Director of Regional Affairs in the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs. General Gration served as the Commander of Task Force West during Operation Iraqi F reedom. His aerial combat experience includes almost a thousand hours of combat time with 274 combat missions over Iraq.  

Admiral Don Guter.  Admiral Guter served in the U.S. Navy for 32 years, concluding his career as the Navy’s Judge Advocate General from 2000 to 2002.  Admiral Guter currently serves as the Dean of Duquesne University Law School in Pittsburgh, PA.  He also is executive director of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation.  

Brigadier General David “Dave” McGinnis.  General McGinnis was the  Chief of Staff of the National Guard Association of the U.S.  McGinnis served as director of strategic plans and analysis for the Honorable Deborah R. Lee, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.  He served two tours in Vietnam before leaving the active Army in 1972 and joining the New York National Guard that same year. In 1990, he became branch chief of the force management division at National Guard Bureau (NGB) in Washington. Subsequent assignments included Deputy Chief from 1991-92 and Director from 1992-1993.  

General Merrill “Tony” McPeak.  General McPeak is a retired four star general and served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Storm.  McPeak entered the Air Force in 1957 and was appointed Chief of Staff in 1990, holding that office until his retirement in1994. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Gulf War, McPeak served as a top wartime advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. General McPeak is the recipient of the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.   He was a fighter pilot and flew over 300 combat missions in Vietnam.  

Admiral John B. Nathman. During his thirty-seven year career with the U.S. Navy, Admiral Nathman held a variety of positions in naval air and sea-based operations, finishing his service as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Nathman became a naval aviator, ultimately serving as an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School. In 1971, Admiral Nathman earned a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering from the University of West Florida. He attained Flag rank in 1994 and served in a number of command positions, including with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, Naval Air Forces, and U.S. Fleet Forces.  Admiral Nathman also served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.  

Major General Hugh Robinson.  A West Point graduate, Robinson was promoted to brigadier general and became the Corps of Engineers’first African American general officer.  He served as deputy director of Civil Works, and in 1980 assumed command of the Southwestern Division, a position he held until his retirement in 1983 as a major general.  In 1965, he was appointed as military aide to President Lyndon B. Johnson.  Robinson was the first African American to serve in that position and held the appointment throughout the remainder of Johnson’s presidency.  

Brigadier General James Smith.  Smith retired from the U.S. Air Force as a brigadier general and served as Commander, Joint Warfighting Center, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Training Analysis and Simulation Center.  He was responsible for managing the joint force exercise and training development program and the modeling, simulation and deploying of solutions that demonstrated high probability of operational success.  His previous assignments included Commander, 18th Wing; Vice Director for Operations, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command; Commander, 325th Operations Group; and CSAF Chair, National War College.

Admiral Robert “Willie” Williamson (USN-Ret Rear Admiral).  Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Williamson served as military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition and Director, Office of Program Appraisal. He was the senior military advisor on the Secretary of the Navy staff. Williamson commanded the aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, during Desert Storm, and his last operational assignment was Commander, Carrier Group Two, (John F. Kennedy Battle Group), Deploying to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas in support of allied operations in Bosnia. 

Major General Ralph Wooten. Wooten is a former Commanding General of the Army’s Chemical Arsenal.  His civilian corporate career includes Management of large material management and control of multi-million Department of Defense programs. He served 31 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Commanding General. During his military career he crafted strategic vision, formulated operations plans, developed investment strategies, controlled facilities and equipment, executed multi-million dollar budgets, and provided leadership, direction and advocacy to human resources numbered in the thousands, and corporate management to major military installations. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Management Systems, Inc. 

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
Endorsement by US Admirals and Generals
Chicago History Museum
March 12, 2008

It is my privilege to be joined by some of the distinguished generals and admirals supporting my campaign. They have defended the American people and stood up for American values with honor and distinction. Between them they have served nine Commanders-in-Chief, and I look forward to continuing to draw on their counsel throughout my campaign and beyond.

As as a candidate for the presidency, I know that I am running to be Commander-in-Chief – to safeguard this nation's security, and to keep our sacred trust with the men and women who serve. There is no responsibility that I take more seriously.

This is something that I’ve talked about throughout this campaign. Because I believe that any candidate for President must present the American people with a clear vision of how we will lead. There are real differences between the candidates, and important issues to debate – from ending the war in Iraq, to combating terrorism, to devising new strategies and new capabilities to confront 21st century threats.

But recently, we’ve seen a different kind of approach. Instead of a serious, substantive debate, we’ve heard vague allusions to a “Commander-in-Chief threshold” that seems to be about nothing more than the number of years you’ve spent in Washington.

This is exactly what’s wrong with the national security debate in Washington.

After years of a divisive politics that uses national security as a wedge to drive us apart, how much longer do we have to wait to bring this country together to confront our common enemies?

After years of being told that Democrats have to talk, act and vote like John McCain to pass some Commander-in-Chief test, how many times do we have to learn that tough talk is not a substitute for sound judgment?

After years of a war in Iraq that should’ve never been authorized, how many more politicians will appeal to the American peoples’ fears instead of their hopes?

This moment – in this election – is our chance to put an end to a divisive politics that has done nothing to keep America safe, or to serve our men and women in uniform as well as they are serving us. Because the real Commander-in-Chief threshold doesn’t have to do with years tallied up in Washington, it has to do with the judgment and vision that you will bring to the Oval Office.

On the most important national security question since the Cold War, I am the only candidate who opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning. This judgment was not about speeches, it was about whether or not the United States of America would go to war in Iraq. Because we did, we took our eye off al Qaeda; we have lost thousands of lives and spent hundreds of billions of dollars; our military is overstretched; and our security and standing has been set back. So don’t tell me that the decision to go to war was just a speech, because it was far more than that to the men and women who have served – and continue to serve heroically in Iraq.

When I spoke out against the war, I said that I was not opposed to all wars. In fact, one of the central reasons why I opposed going to war in Iraq is that we had yet to finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban. That remains true today. That is why I have consistently called for an increased commitment to Afghanistan, and why I called last August for at least two additional combat brigades to support our mission there. And that is why I will end the war in Iraq when I am President, and focus on finishing the job in Afghanistan.

I will never hesitate to defend this country and our critical interests. That is why I am the only candidate who has made it clear that we cannot tolerate any safe-haven for terrorists who threaten America. But we must also use all elements of national power to combat the threats of the 21st century, and that means deploying the power of American diplomacy before we deploy our troops. That is why we must be willing to talk to the leaders of all nations – friend and foe.

The threats we face are increasingly unconventional, and they call for new approaches. I have worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to combat the challenges of the 21st Century – securing loose weapons and nuclear materials from terrorists; working to stop ethnic killing and genocide in Africa; and investing in our ability to combat epidemic diseases like avian flu that can be deadly at home and sew instability abroad.

And one theme that I hear in talking to military officers – whether generals and admirals, or the mid-level officers who will lead tomorrow’s military – is that we need new capabilities to respond to this century’s new threats.

We must maintain our overwhelming conventional advantage – and I will. We also need to increase the size of our ground forces by 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 marines to relieve the strain on our troops, and to increase our capacity to put boots on the ground. We need to invest in capabilities like civil affairs, foreign languages, and training foreign militaries, so that we can confront nimble enemies. We need to give our civilian agencies the ability to operate alongside our military in post-conflict zones and on humanitarian missions. And we must inspire a new generation of Americans to serve their country, in the military and in a civilian capacity.

And let me be very clear: when I am Commander-in-Chief, I will seek out, listen to, and respect the views of military commanders. Under this Administration, too often we have seen civilian control turned into an expectation that the uniformed military will be punished if they tell the President what he needs to know, rather than what he wants to hear. When I am President, the buck will stop with me, but we will restore trust and open dialogue between the military and civilian leadership.

Finally, it is the sacred obligation of any Commander in Chief to give the men and women who have served the care and support they have earned. That is what I have tried to do on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee – working to improve care and benefits for wounded warriors and their families, and to enhance screening and treatment for PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury, the signature wounds of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As President, I will ask myself every day whether I am serving our troops and veterans as well as they have served America. That means only sending them into harm’s way when we absolutely must; providing them with a clear mission and the equipment they need to do the job; standing by them when they come home; and helping them live their dreams after they leave the service.

Like the men who have joined me on this stage today, my story is only possible in America. It is the story of my grandfather, who marched in Patton’s Army; and my father, who crossed the globe to be a part of the dream that my grandfather defended. An America that secures its people, and stands as a light of hope for the world.

That is the America that I will defend as Commander-in-Chief, drawing on the counsel of military commanders and the courage and conviction of the American people. An America where we meet the challenges of the 21st century with sound judgment, clear plans, and a common purpose.

Entire post from Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog:

posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 3:36 AM | Feedback (0)

Clinton Has It Wrong About Florida

"If you are a voter from Florida or Michigan, you know that we should count your vote," Clinton is quoted as saying by the Detroit News in her speech at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington on Wednesday.

I am a white male voter from Florida and Clinton is wrong about me. I know that first and foremost, the rules of the game should not be changed after the game has started. Clinton agreed with her party that the delegates would not be seated. Now that she needs the delegates, she is trying to change the existing agreement.

The more I see of Hillary Clinton, the more I understand why I don't trust politicians. HRC cannot be trusted to be in charge of anything that requires integrity.

The other thing I know is that officials in Florida need the immediate oversight of the Carter Center. Florida will make a mess of all things related to voting -- indeed they already have with this primary date screw up. They need outside oversight now! Without independent outside oversight, Florida is sure to face questions about the fairness of any new vote in the Democratic Primaries.

posted @ Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:26 PM | Feedback (0)

Confusion and Bias in Florida Over New Vote Plan

I live in Florida and it is a great state. However, our state government has demonstrated several times in the past that it has problems fairly administering the voting process. A new crisis is brewing now. If you have any interest in fair democratic elections (anywhere in the world), you could make a call or send an email to help make sure the Florida officials do the right thing this time.

If we have a new vote in Florida, the right thing is to have the Carter Center oversee the entire process from beginning to end. That is, if we have a new vote.

The real right thing to do would probably be to stick to the original Democratic Party agreement -- which was that the national party would not seat Florida's delegates if Florida disregarded the party rules in regard to scheduling its primary vote. Florida did disregard the rules -- on purpose -- and Florida should not try to wiggle out of the mess it got itself into. However, Clinton is maneuvering to steal the Democratic nomination from Obama and changing the decision in Florida is her best hope at the moment. Clinton, with the help of her supporters in key positions in the Florida government, is pushing for any plan that will allow her to get delegates from this state. (Clinton's ugly politics remind me of the way Bush used Florida to get to the the White House in 2000. Clinton is angling to do the same thing!)

Today's New York Times has an article entitled "Democrats in Florida Are Near Plan for New Vote." I question the accuracy of the title, but it is important that if a new vote is held, it is conducted fairly. The NYT article points out why a fair vote will be such a challenge.

Here is a proposed solution that makes sense to me:
http://1stcontact.newsvine.com/_news/2008/03/08/1352290-a-real-solution-to-the-fl-and-mi-problem

If you like the idea of having the Carter Center oversee a fair election, join the Yahoo Group Michelle set up to coordinate this effort. You can find it here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CarterCenter/

You can also check out the Obama website here: http://florida.barackobama.com
 

posted @ Wednesday, March 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Feedback (1)

A Mighty Wind Blows

I just came across two good links at Marianne Williamson's website. Here they are:

http://www.mwblog.com/journal/archives/2008/02/a_mighty_wind.php#more

Every once in a while, a mighty wind blows.

The political sentiments now storming America in the form of support for Barack Obama are a mighty wind indeed. For those trying to say this is all just hot air, it's time to point out that so is a windstorm. And storms have a function, in nature and in us. They blow away everything not built on a firm foundation, and make room for a lot of new growth. Read more at the link above.

http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/12/67/
The Peace Alliance is a nonpartisan citizen action organization representing a growing constituency for peace. A 501(c)4 organization established in May 2004, our mission is to empower civic activism for a culture of peace. Our vision is a future in which the practical programs and principles of peacebuilding are the bedrock of our personal, national and global interest and investment. Our goal is to take the field of peacebuilding from the margins of the political and societal dialogue and bring it to its rightful place: Central to our policymaking, investment and understanding. We achieve this primarily through a massive public education, outreach and citizen lobbying effort. Our current focus is the campaign for a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace.

Peace is not a utopian ideal; it is an issue critical to our national and human security.  Read more at the link above.

posted @ Sunday, March 02, 2008 10:38 PM | Feedback (0)

Bill Clinton's Good Reasons for Supporting Barack Obama

I just received this email from a friend.

"Now, one of Clinton's laws of politics is this. If one candidate is trying to scare you and the other one is try get you to think, if one candidate is appealing to your fears and the other one is appealing to your hopes, you better vote for the person who wants you to think and hope."
-Bill Clinton, 2004

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZW0m2nWB_M

My friend says, "Thanks, Bill.. I will do just that and vote for Obama!"

Here's my friend's blog:
Source - http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/weneedobama08/gGgC2v

posted @ Sunday, March 02, 2008 2:29 PM | Feedback (0)

Clinton Ridicules Obama Supporters During Campaign Rally

"Hillary Clinton's campaign is on its last legs after suffering a string of defeats to her rival Barack Obama. Clinton made the decision to go negative in an effort to halt Obama's rising momentum. " -- Huffington Post   |   February 24, 2008 03:31 PM

Watch the video that is part of this post to see how ridiculous Clinton is acting now:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/24/hillary-clinton-mocks-bar_n_88194.html

posted @ Monday, February 25, 2008 9:06 PM | Feedback (0)

How Will Hillary Clinton Go Out?

"The choice before [Hillary Clinton] is to go down ugly with a serious risk of humiliation at the polls, or to go down classy, with a real chance of redemption."
Jonathan Alter, Newsweek

posted @ Monday, February 25, 2008 4:54 PM | Feedback (0)

Poll respondents: Obama will be nominee

Democratic voters hold that view by nearly 3-1.

The Illinois senator has surged to a double-digit lead nationally over Clinton, walloping her 51%-39% among Democrat voters as their preference for the presidential nomination. The poll of 2,012 adults was taken Thursday through Sunday.

His 13-point lead — his first outside the survey's margin of error — is at odds with a separate Gallup tracking poll. Taken Friday through Sunday, it gave the Illinois senator a narrow 47%-45% lead over Clinton.

Both candidates are stumping for next week's primaries in Ohio and Texas — states that even Bill Clinton has described as must-wins for his wife's candidacy to have a chance of prevailing.

Read the rest here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-02-25-poll-prez_N.htm

The Clinton campaign is increasingly operating on the basis of fear, negativity and divisiveness. In her struggle to win at all costs, Hillary Clinton is alienating more and more voters. Voters seem to be recognizing that the confidence, good judgment and competence with which Obama manages his campaign is the same way he will manage the country as President. In contrast, people seem to be picking up on the fact that Hillary's management style is much less effective and that it is not something we want to endure again.

posted @ Monday, February 25, 2008 4:31 PM | Feedback (0)

FEINGOLD: I VOTED FOR OBAMA

From The Capital Times
2/22/2008 11:59 am

Sen. Russ Feingold said today that he voted for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama in this week's Wisconsin primary and indicated that he likely will vote for Obama's nomination as one of the state's "superdelegates" to the Democratic convention this summer.

"I really do think that at the gut level, this is a chance to do something special" for the nation, Feingold said, adding that electing Obama represents "an enormous historical opportunity for America and for our relationship with the world."

posted @ Friday, February 22, 2008 2:20 PM | Feedback (0)

I Refuse to Buy into the Obama Hype (now a supporter)

Please feel free to repost the original anywhere you think it would help. -- Grassroots Mom

So I'm posting it here:

• Grassroots Mom's diary :: ::
•  

posted @ Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:06 PM | Feedback (0)

Hillary goes for her opponent's golden throat

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/kevin_o_brien/index.ssf?/base/opinion/120350005240130.xml&coll=2

Hillary Clinton has finally figured it out. If she's going to win the Democratic presidential nomination, she's going to have to shut Barack Obama up.

She hasn't been able to shout him down, even with her most grating jet-powered-nails-on-a-chalkboard delivery.

Nor has she been able to drown him out with the torrential downpours of wonkery she can produce when she struts her policy stuff. During a phone interview with our editorial board, she went into full rapid-fire, data-burst mode - 320 words per minute and 14 breaths per hour.

Runs in the family, you know. Bill always said he didn't inhale much, either.

But neither Hillary's lung capacity nor her volume has kindled Democratic voters' enthusiasm. They like this new guy Obama - though that's not the same as saying they'd like to hear more from him. They're satisfied with just two words: "hope" and "change."

Hillary wants to play a hand full of policy aces, but Obama's is solid trump. When she tries to beat him at the hope and change game, it just falls flat.

"Hope" sounds so much more believable, coming from him.

As for "change," even Democrats who gave the Clintons a pass on their every shenanigan for eight years can't help but pick up just a whiff of overused sheets in the Lincoln bedroom. Smells, they say, evoke the strongest memories. Who can blame them for wishing to avoid another four years of averted eyes, crossed fingers and forced indignation?

read more here:

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/kevin_o_brien/index.ssf?/base/opinion/120350005240130.xml&coll=2

posted @ Thursday, February 21, 2008 6:12 PM | Feedback (0)

Barack Obama on 60 Minutes

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BHe8N5hL0Wo

 

posted @ Wednesday, February 20, 2008 9:48 PM | Feedback (0)

Immigration Ideas

The economics of population demographics suggests that the USA needs a strong inflow of immigrants to compete with India and China in the future. India's middle class population will dwarf the entire USA's population. The size of a country's market is a source of strength for its economy. Corporations merge in order to become larger and more powerful. Size is also an advantage for India and China. Allowing people who want to live in the USA to come here and contribute is allowing them to merge with us and that makes the USA stronger in the long run.

Immigration needs to be more open. Reduce the red tape, and put free-market policies in place regarding the immigrants -- incoming immigrants can boost the economy for everyone. We should welcome more of the people who wants to come here. (Obviously, this does not apply to criminals or terrorists, but it does apply to people who want to come here with gratitude, skills, energy, work ethic and care or love.)

posted @ Wednesday, February 06, 2008 11:21 PM | Feedback (0)

There has never been anything false about hope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4

Yes we can - video

posted @ Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:43 PM | Feedback (3)

Vegetable Soup Recipe for Spring Allergy Prevention

This is a vegetable soup recipe I tried today. The spice mixture is very close to the one I described in this article about how to prevent spring allergies. I modified it just slightly. When I am cooking for my taste, I reduce the coriander and fennel and I increase the cumin and black pepper.

In today's recipe, I compromised on the spices. I basically kept the full recommended proportion of coriander and fennel, but I increased the black pepper. I also added a lot of fresh ginger, so the resulting soup is fairly spicy. If I were cooking this for friends, I would definitely reduce the coriander and fennel and I wouldn't add the dry ginger powder. However, as part of my program to prevent spring allergies, I elected to use the spice mixture described below.

Ingredients:

6 cups of water
2 potatoes
1 can organic garbanzo beans (or dried garbanzo beans that have been soaked overnight)

1-2 cups of fresh green beans
1/2 head of red cabbage

1 head of broccoli
1 carrot
2 stalks of celery

yellow onion
yellow garlic

3 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground black pepper
1 to 2 tsp ground coriander
1 to 2 tsp ground fennel
1.5 to 2 tsp natural mineral salt
1 tsp ground cumin (or more, if desired)
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
1 tbsp Ancient Organics ghee (more if it isn't Spring season or if you aren't a Kapha body type)

Directions:
bring water to a boil
add chopped potatoes
optional - add a large piece of ginger (not chopped)
after about 5-10 minutes add garbanzo beans
cook until potatoes are very soft
add green beans, cabbage, finely chopped onions and remaining finely chopped ginger; cook about 10 minutes more
add carrots, celery, broccoli, salt and spices; cook about 10 minutes more
add ghee

The final soup is very thick. The way I cook it the potatoes dissolve and become the base, making a thick, hearty soup. If you don't want that, cook the potatoes less. When I finish cooking it, the carrots are still bright orange and a little crispy, the red cabbage is still a nice purple color, and the greens are still bright green. When I add the spices, everything gets a golden tint and it looks really nice. (However, it has the best color when I cook with a spice mixture that has less coriander and fennel--but that's not the goal. The goal is to use the spices that help prevent spring allergies.)

I served the soup with rice and lentils and it was really good (and definitely spicy).

posted @ Monday, December 31, 2007 7:15 PM | Feedback (0)

My Newest Leafy Greens Recipe

This dish is similar to saag, the delicious Indian dish made with spinach. I changed the recipe slightly today and it turned out to be the best saag I have ever tasted. I served it over brown basmati rice and it was a delicious meal. I felt like I had walked in to a top notch Indian restaurant for dinner. :)

The ingredients are:
4 cups of water
3 pounds (approximately) of leafy greens such as kale, collards or red swish chard (I use any leafy greens)
5-6 leaves (or more) of red cabbage
2 large carrots
2 large pieces of celery
1 large broccoli stalk (peeled to removed tough fibrous outer layer) or broccoli florets
optional -- 1 medium Jerusalem artichoke (Sunchoke)
optional -- a couple big handfuls of broccoli sprouts
1 small piece of fresh yellow ginger
other vegetables can be added too

4 tbsp Ancient Organics ghee
1 small yellow onion
1 inch piece of fresh yellow ginger
2 cloves of garlic

3 tsp cumin seeds
3 tsp turmeric (ground)
1/4 tsp fenugreek
1/2 to 1 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground corriander
1 tsp black pepper (ground)
pinch of hing
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional) - I scrape off some shavings of whole nutmeg pods and it is usually less than 1/4 tsp
1-3 tbsp coconut flakes
6 tsp sucanat or other natural sugar (not honey!)
3-4 tsp sea salt or natural mineral salt

Directions:
wash the greens and add to the boiling water in a large pot
chop the other vegetables and add to the same pot - except the broccoli sprouts
(I add the vegetables in the order of their required cooking time)
cover with a lid and cook everything for about 20 minutes at a low boil - cooking time will vary. Today I cooked the veggies a shorter time than I usually do and the result was much better.

[while the veggies are cooking, get the ghee/spice mixture ready - see below]

add the sprouts to the cooked veggies
add the salt and sugar (sucanat) to the vegetables
use a hand blender and puree all the vegetables to the consistency of saag -- you could also use a food processor, of course. (If you want a thicker consistency, pour off some of the excess water from the vegetables before blending.)
stir in the ghee/spice mixture and serve over brown basmati rice.

To prepare the ghee/spice mixture:
finely chop the onion, garlic and ginger. Keep each item separate.
heat the ghee to about 220 degrees F
add the onion and black pepper
maintain the temperature of the ghee at about 200 -220 degrees F (as the water from the onion evaporates, the temperature wants to climb)
after a minutes or so add the fennel seeds and after another minute add the garlic to the ghee
after a couple more minutes add the ginger, coconut flakes and other spices -- add the turmeric and hing last because they can burn more easily.
keep an eye on the temperature of the ghee and sautee the spices for just a couple minutes

add the spices and ghee to the vegetables and serve

posted @ Thursday, December 27, 2007 10:03 PM | Feedback (0)

Easy Rice and Dal Recipe

This is what I cook when I don't have time to make anything that requires much effort:

1/2 cup organic brown basmati rice
1 cup organic yellow dal (split, hulled green mung beans)
6 cups water

1-2 tbsp Ancient Organics ghee
1 tsp natural mineral salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp turmeric
pinch hing
optional: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of ground cumin
optional: 1/4 tsp of ground fennel

Directions:
bring water to a boil
rinse rice and dal
add rice and dal to boiling water, bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for one hour
add the ghee and spices, stir and serve
That's it!

Optional
If I have a bit more time, I will sautee the spices in the ghee, then add that mixture to the rice and dal. Sauteeing onions, garlic and ginger in the ghee is even better. Here is the list of spices I use when I'm going all out:

1 small onion
1-2 inch piece of fresh yellow ginger
1 clove of garlic
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
pinch hing

See this post for an idea of how I sautee the spices in the ghee: http://freeradicalfederation.com/archive/2007/12/18/WorldsBestKitchariRecipe.aspx

posted @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 6:40 PM | Feedback (0)

World's Best Kitchari Recipe?

Here is my kitchari recipe, as written up by a friend who watched me cook it. As you'll see, he is a bit of a geek and he has a sense of humor. I added a few notes as indicated by "[David]"

Ingredients:

6-7 cups of water
2/3 cup brown organic Basmati rice
2/3 cup whole organic green dal (optionally soaked in water for up to an hour)
2/3 cup Garbonzo beans soaked overnight preferably

1 cup (approximately) fresh Green beans
1/2 cup (approximately) shredded carrots
1/2 cup (approximately) zuchinni
1/2 cup (approximately) squash
1 big hunka ginger (peeled if gnarly)

[David] I used ½ of a med yellow squash, ¾ of a huge zucchini, 2 carrots, about 6 oz green beans, and ¾ can of organic garbonzo beans. Usually I use dried garbonzo beans that have been soaked overnight.

1.5 to 2 tsp of natural mineral salt

Ghee and other spices:
2-3 tablespoons Ancient Organics ghee
1 clove grated garlic
1-2 inch long piece of grated ginger
1/4 cup (approximately) chopped onion
Fresh cilantro to taste

The remaining spices are divided into three containers according to cooking time. They are all sauteed in ghee.

Container "A" - spices that are sauteed in ghee the longest time:
Fennel Seed (for digestion), 1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper, 1/8 teaspoon in summer up to 1/2 teaspoon in spring


Container "B" - spices that are sauteed in ghee for a medium time:
Safron, a couple of threads; optional;
Corriander. 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seed, pinch up to 1/4 teaspoon
Cardamom: 1/8 teaspoon; may be put into Container "C" instead

 
Container C - spices that are sauteed in ghee the shortest time (they burn more easily):
Tumeric, 1 teaspoon
Ground Cumin, 1 teaspoon
Hing (for digestion): a pinch
Cinammon (for heating): a pinch
Cilantro (if dried herb is used - we didn't use it because we used fresh cilantro this time)
Ginger (if dried herb is used - we didn't use it because we used fresh ginger this time)


Note:
Black mustard seeds are also really tasty in rice & dal, and they would be good for vata types (or for winter time in general). I actually have a entirely different spice mix with black mustard seeds, no fennel seeds, a black cardamom pod, … I’ll supply the whole list later (have to go look it up).
 

Directions:

-- Bring water to boil in big pot. Do not leave stove unattended for 2 hours while doing so! :-)

-- Add rice, mung beans, big hunka ginger, mineral salt. Cook at medium simmer for one hour.

[David] Do NOT add salt until beans are cooked! Add salt only after adding veggies.

Synchronize watches. Time is now 0 minutes. In big pot with rice & dal in it:

-- @ time 0 minutes add garbonzo beans[David]  if using canned, add them at, say time 10. If using dried beans that have been soaked overnight, add them with the rice and dal in the very beginning.

-- @ time 3 minutes add green beans

-- @ time 15 minutes add shredded carrots

-- @ time 17 minutes add zuchinni and squash. Call your wife before slicing to ensure proper slicing technique.

-- @ time 18.37 minutes start preparing the seasoning in a separate saucepan. IT IS IMPERATIVE THIS SAUCEPAN STAY UNDER 325 deg F AS MEASURED BY A LASER THERMOMETER.
[David] With this recipe, there isn't much danger of heating the ghee too much, but if you sautee the spices without an onion, watch the ghee temperature closely.

Synchronize watches, reset to 0 minutes

-- In this saucepan add Ghee and heat to about 220 degrees F. Add chopped onion. The water in the onion will help keep temp way under 325. Onion is optional but what kind of knucklehead makes rice & dall without onion in the ghee? Exactly. Nobody.

-- @ +5 minutes: Add all ingredients in Container A to saucepan

-- @ +6.5 minutes: Add all ingredients in Container B to saucepan

-- @ +7 minutes: Add grated garlic

-- @ + 8 minutes: Add grated ginger. Add fresh cilantro.

-- @ + 8.5 minutes: Add all ingredients in Container C to saucepan

-- Cook in saucepan for 1 minute more.

[David] All these times are shorter if not using onions (because the temperature is generally a bit higher - it is around 300 degrees)

If not using onions, keep an eye on the temp and don’t let the ghee go much above 300 deg F. When cooking with the onions, the temp generally stays around 220.


-- Add contents of saucepan (i.e., the ghee and spices) to the pot

-- Marvel at change color from blase' to golden.... ooohhh.... ahhhh...

-- Server up delicious stew to salivating friends... THEN tell them they must wait until stew reaches 145 deg F... which seems like forever...

-- Go back for seconds... and thirds.

-- Wonder "how in the HECK am I going to remember all this?" Then thank God for a guy like TallPaul who wrote this sucker down. Geez, that guy is good! Good!!!

-- Watch Stacie go into convulsions laughing and wonder if it's an allergic reaction to the tumeric. Phewww!!!!.... seems like we're ok on that one!

-- Hang out some more, take a walk, and head on home very happy having spent the night with some wonderful people.

Now THAT'S a recipe!

posted @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 6:27 PM | Feedback (0)

A New Kale Recipe

This dish is similar to saag, the delicious Indian dish made with spinach.

The ingredients are:
4 cups of water
4 pounds of leafy greens such as kale, collards or even red swish chard (I use any leafy greens)
2 large carrots
2 large pieces of celery
other vegetables on hand and in season. I have used yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli and even Jerusalem artichokes and a radish

4 tbsp Ancient Organics ghee
1 small yellow onion
1 inch piece of fresh yellow ginger
1 clove of garlic

3 tsp cumin seeds
3 tsp turmeric (ground)
1/4 tsp fenugreek
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp black pepper (ground)
pinch of hing
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1-3 tbsp coconut flakes
6 tsp sucanat or other natural sugar (not honey!)
3-4 tsp sea salt or natural mineral salt

Directions:
wash the greens and add to the boiling water in a large pot
chop the other vegetables and add to the same pot; cover with a lid
cook everything for about 20 minutes at a low boil - cooking time will vary

use a hand blender and puree all the vegetables to the consistency of saag -- you could also use a food processor, of course.
add the salt and sugar to the vegetables

finely chop the onion, garlic and ginger. Keep each item separate.
heat the ghee to about 220 degrees F
add the onion and black pepper
maintain the temperature of the ghee at about 200 -220 degrees F (as the water from the onion evaporates, the temperature wants to climb)
after a couple minutes add the fennel seeds and garlic to the ghee
after a couple more minutes add the ginger, coconut flakes and other spices -- add the turmeric and hing last because they can burn more easily.
keep an eye on the temperature of the ghee and sautee the spices for just a couple minutes

add the spices and ghee to the vegetables and serve

posted @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 5:52 PM | Feedback (0)

Al Gore Should Endorse Barack Obama If He's Not Going To Run For President

This comes from Zennie Abraham. I am not sure who he is, but I liked this post.

You can probably find more from Zennie at http://youtube.com/user/zennie62

As you know unless you've crawled under a rock, Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize , and the media's immediately speculating on what his plans will be -- in other words, will he run for President?

Gore has stated several times that he will not run and that at some point in the future, he will endorse a candidate running for President.

Gore should endorse Barack Obama, and not just because Barack's the best candidate, but because Senator Obama -- of all the candidates -- is the only one who signed the Live Earth pledge, encourages his supporters to do so , and takes Gore's efforts so seriously he consistently refers to them and to the Global Climate problem on the campaign trail.

Moreover, Senator Obama's energy plan is specifically designed “to combat global warming and achieve energy security." In fact, the campaign website states...

"Global warming is real, is happening now and is the result of human activities. The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years. Glaciers are melting faster; the polar ice caps are shrinking; trees are blooming earlier; oceans are becoming more acidic, threatening marine life; people are dying in heat waves; species are migrating, and eventually many will become extinct. Scientists predict that absent major emission reductions, climate change will worsen famine and drought in some of the poorest places in the world and wreak havoc across the globe. In the U.S., sea-level rise threatens to cause massive economic and ecological damage to our populated coastal areas.:

By contrast, Senator Hillary Clinton did not have her supporters back the Live Earth pledge or give it attention on her website. And while she mentions her admiration for Gore, she does so with a caveat that she does not agree with all of his ideas -- like what?

She said ....

"You know, I have a great deal of respect for Vice President Gore. He has been beating the drums and sounding the alarm of global warming for many, many years. He has never given up on his mission to try and raise awareness and to get the country to take action. I may not agree with everything he proposes -- I don't agree 100 percent with anything that any one person proposes -- but I am certainly grateful to him for being such a public spokesman."

Well, now that spokesman is a Nobel Prize-winner. Gore should back Barack Obama.

posted @ Saturday, October 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Feedback (0)

Obama-Gore?

See this link: http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2007/10/obama-gore.html for the original post from Andrew Sullivan.

Let the speculation begin. I think Gore realizes that Obama is the only candidate who can break out of the brutal, polarizing, calculating, post-Vietnam syndrome and actually talk to all the country in clear ways about what practically we need to do at home and in the world. Gore would instantly erase the inexperience question over Obama; Obama would instantly erase the stylistic drawbacks of the Gore persona. The three big issues for me in this election are the war, the Constitution, and the environment. A Gore-Obama combo would be extremely hard to beat if those are your concerns.

Gore, moreover, knows what the Clintons would take us back to perhaps better than anyone else. He knows the paranoia of their operation, the Cheney-like secrecy they crave, the pathologies within our political culture they would instantly reignite, the danger that they will breathe new life into a hopefully dying Christianist movement. But the Clinton machine is in full throttle. If Gore wants to help provide an alternative, he needs to intervene before Iowa. He needs to endorse Obama. For the sake of his country.

posted @ Saturday, October 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Feedback (0)

Drumstick Leaves Saag Recipe

Drumstick Leaves Saag
      
Source: http://ayurvedic.org/ayurveda/recipes33.asp

I found this recipe interesting because I have been looking for foods to help with low blood pressure at night. drumstick leaves are one of the foods that can help with low blood pressure. Here's the info (from ayurvedic.org):

Indian name: Sahijan pati saag(Moringa oleifera)    

Ayurvedic Properties
Taste: Katu (pungent), kashaya (astringent) tikta (bitter)
Quality: Laghu (light), ruksha (dry), tikshna (sharp)
Potency: Ushna (warm)
Post-digestive effect: Katu (pungent)

Medicinal Properties
Drumstick saag is beneficial in asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, diabetes, and low blood pressure. It shows positive effects in amenorrhea and reduction of weight. Being warm in potency, it is very effective against digestive disorders such as anorexia and flatulence. The rejuvenating effect of drumstick on the nervous system makes this a useful recipe in nervous debility and paralysis. This drumstick saag increases lactation.

The leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and potassium.

Dosha Analysis:
The recipe pacifies kapha dosha and vata dosha, but increases pitta dosha. Hence, persons having pitta constitution should use it sparingly.

Ingredients:
    * 2 cups of drumstick leaves
    * 1 medium sized onion
    * 4 cloves Garlic - approximately 2 tbsp
    * Grated fresh coconut
    * 1/2 spoon haldi
    * 1 tbsp refined soybean oil
    * Salt to taste

Preparation:

   1. Do not cut the drumstick leaves with a knife. Just leave as it is. Wash and drain the water.
   2. In a pan, heat oil. Then crush the garlic and add to hot oil. Cook until it gets a little brown. Take care not to burn it.
   3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the drumstick leaves, turmeric and salt.
   4. Do not pour any water. Cook this on slow heat until it gets a little dry.
   5. In the end, add grated coconut to the saag to taste. The coconut is added to remove the bitter taste in the leaves and can be left out if one does not care for the taste of it.

posted @ Saturday, September 08, 2007 3:21 PM | Feedback (1)

FDA Outlawing Holistic Options

In April I posted an early warning about new FDA regulations that could
affect food supplements and other alternative medical therapies. You
can find that post here: http://blog.freeradicalfederation.com/archive/2007/04/16/843.aspx.

Many people are saying that the FDA is getting ready to issue rules
that would prevent us from buying all types of nutritional supplements.
The new rules would make supplements only available through medical
doctors. Some legal experts feel the new rule might also outlaw the
practice of all holistic medicine that the supplement ban does not
cover. Either way, to save our right to treat ourselves any way we
choose, Congress needs to hear from millions of Americans quickly.

Here is some additional information that friends have emailed to me:

In the last 2 weeks, Congressman Ron Paul, the only member who defends
the constitution, has said that his bill, the Health Freedom
Protection Act, H.R. 2117, is the best way to defend our rights
against this proposed unconstitutional administrative rule. A
description and link to the text can be seen here:
http://www.lifespirit.org/vit-healthfreedom.htm#HealthFreedom

Also: our access to the supplement DHEA is under attack again:
http://www.lifespirit.org/vit-healthfreedom.htm#DHEA

Finally, new information on international law unconstitutionally being
adopted by the U. S. Government as domestic law, which will ruin our
food supply:
http://vitaminlawyerhealthfreedom.blogspot.com/

It's also important, when calling or writing, to say that you do not
want any type of controls or ban on nutritional supplements under any
circumstances and you do not want Codex Alimentarius (explained in the
last link) or any other international law adopted here in the U.S.
I have included a handy copy-and-paste letter below to save time for you.

Additionally, if you happen to feel as strongly about it as I do, you
could also let your member of Congress know that his action --or lack
of it--in preserving these essential freedoms will decide how you vote
in the next election.

The phone numbers and addresses for the Senate and the House of
representatives are all available at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.
It's important to call, fax, and send a postal letter because this
lets your member of Congress know that you are serious about this and
will take the time to do these things.

To Stay on top of this issue, I reccomend:
http://vitaminlawyerhealthfreedom.blogspot.com/

and

http://www.lifespirit.org/vit-healthfreedom.htm

If anybody knows of any other good sources, please  let me
know.

Letter text:

Dear Representative/

Senator______________:

My right to access holistic medicine and to treat myself in any way I
choose is of primary importance to me. Please preserve my rights by
co-sponsoring and voting for H.R. 2117, the Health Freedom Protection
Act, by Rep. Ron Paul.

Please also introduce legislation to stop U. S. implementation of the
international law known as Codex Alimentarius or any other
international law concerning food, nutritional supplements, medicine,
or any other subject.

I consider this issue extremely important and your actions on this
matter will determine how I vote in the next election.

Sincerely, _______________________

posted @ Wednesday, July 11, 2007 1:22 PM | Feedback (0)

New Research on Acupuncture and Eye Pressure Presented at ARVO

New research presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting last week revealed that acupuncture can dramatically reduce eye pressure (intraocular pressure). I published the full report on my eye pressure blog. The results were quite dramatic. A single treatment of acupuncture reduced eye pressure more than 50%!

posted @ Sunday, May 13, 2007 11:22 PM | Feedback (0)

Out of town

I will be out of town until May 11th, so new comments may not get moderated until I return. Thanks.

posted @ Thursday, May 03, 2007 2:03 PM | Feedback (0)

FDA Attacks Complementary and Alternative Health Care

A friend of mine sent me the following email today. I'm posting it here:

I am forwarding this to everyone.  This is an extremely important issue that everyone should act on.  If this new regulation is passed, it means you will not be able to even purchase vitamins for yourself.  You will need to get them from your physician.  Please ACT NOW.   Our rights to manage our own health could be taken away without us even realizing it. 
 
FDA Attacks Complementary and Alternative Health Care

Posted by: "John Gilbert" drjohngilbert-at-charter-dot-net

I just spent three days reading, re-reading, researching and discussing the proposed FDA guidelines for "Complementary and Alternative Medicine" with two FDA attorneys. You can download a copy of this proposal for yourself at: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/06d0480/06d0480.htm.

When I first heard about this FDA attack on complementary and alternative health  care, I considered it another "Chicken Little" rumor. On further study, I'm  appalled at the speed with which the pharmaceutical companies are implementing Codex Alimentarius in the USA. If you don't suspect the pharmaceutical companies control the FDA, you may want to research that further by visiting http://www.healthfreedomusa.org.

This insidious proposal is designed to redefine every complementary and alternative health care modality and product as "medicine."  This has direct implications on the services and products provided by every alternative health care professional. There is no facet of complementary and alternative health care that is not affected. If the FDA adopts this proposal, all natural health care would be illegal even for medical doctors.

Essential oils, herbs, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, minerals, nutritional supplements, plant enzymes and vitamins are redefined in this proposal as "medicine." Very simply, medicine is under  the jurisdiction of the FDA and, by law, only licensed medical doctors may  prescribe "medicines." Anybody else who advises, advocates, counsels,  distributes, markets, recommends or suggests anybody use "medicine" is  practicing medicine without a license.  This is a felony in the USA  punishable by fines and incarceration.

Aromatherapy, auricular therapy,  biofeedback, color therapy, homeopathy, hypnotism, naturopathy,  neurotherapy, nutritional consulting, reflexology, sound therapy and  wellness consulting are among the alternative health modalities being  redefined as "Alternative Medicine." This subtle change of vocabulary from "alternative health care" to "alternative medicine" makes all of  these industries subject to control by the FDA as medicine. Only medical  doctors would be allowed to provide, prescribe and supervise the delivery of  these services. Anybody else who provided any of these services would be practicing medicine without a license and subject to incarceration and fines.

That's the bad news. The good news is we have until April 30, 2007 to voice our opinion against this proposal to eliminate complementary and alternative health care in America. Almost 100,000 people have already  filed their objection. According to Dr. Rima Laibow, medical director of the  Natural Therapies Foundation, we need 50 times that many people to respond  by the end of the month.

Please stand up and be counted. Go to http://tinyurl.com/2u7ghc file your petition in support of natural health care, in support of complementary and alternative health care as we know it today. If you require more  information, please visit http://w