Elyn applied for a drivers license extension today. She expected to get her new license on the spot, as we have in the past. The clerk informed her that the new license would take up to forty-five days, since now the applications have to be sent to "Washington."
Being the snoop dog I am I've uncovered the latest move by the Department of Homeland Security toward requiring all of us to carry ID cards (will tattoos be next??) The program is called Real ID and you can read all about it at the following address CLICK HERE. The Department goes to great lengths to explain how all this is making us safer, but I am wondering "Safer from whom??" From the government being able to track us around like so many caged animals? Not likely. Notice that the HSD website doesn't mention that they are processing all the drivers license applications in the country, which is what they are doing.
Wait! I just received a signal on my embedded transponder. Now I know that everything is OK and they are just trying to protect us! (Watch Video.)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Hacking Democracy
I am seriously concerned about the possibility of the 2008 elections being rigged. This can happen in various ways. If you want to become part of the solution I can suggest a number of things to do immediately. Go to Black Box Voting http://www.blackboxvoting.org/ and download their free Tool Kit 2008: A Pocket Guide to Election Protection. This booklet outlines five things you can do to protect the election in 2008. Please be a good citizen and arm yourself with this free booklet.
You can also inform yourself about the problems by viewing the Emmy-nominated HBO documentary called Hacking Democracy. Go online at: http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/hackingdemocracy/ to view the preview and find out how to view the entire film. Since there are not current viewings scheduled you can go to http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hacking+democracy&search_type=&aq=0&oq=hacking+dem and view the program in nine segments. I have personally viewed all nine segments and can report that Diebold voting machines can, and have, been hacked to fraudulently report election results. I STRONGLY urge you to take the time to view this program.
My own personal work involves getting as many voters registered as possible. Many people have been turned away from the polls in the past because they were not informed of voting requirements such as ID cards, the need to renew voter registration. If you don’t want to sit at tables and register voters yourself, PLEASE do check to see if your voter registration is still valid. Call your county clerk’s office to check this out and to find out what you will need to bring to the polls. Now, since you have taken all that trouble, GO AND VOTE. (Sorry for the shout, but I think it is really that important.
You can also inform yourself about the problems by viewing the Emmy-nominated HBO documentary called Hacking Democracy. Go online at: http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/hackingdemocracy/ to view the preview and find out how to view the entire film. Since there are not current viewings scheduled you can go to http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hacking+democracy&search_type=&aq=0&oq=hacking+dem and view the program in nine segments. I have personally viewed all nine segments and can report that Diebold voting machines can, and have, been hacked to fraudulently report election results. I STRONGLY urge you to take the time to view this program.
My own personal work involves getting as many voters registered as possible. Many people have been turned away from the polls in the past because they were not informed of voting requirements such as ID cards, the need to renew voter registration. If you don’t want to sit at tables and register voters yourself, PLEASE do check to see if your voter registration is still valid. Call your county clerk’s office to check this out and to find out what you will need to bring to the polls. Now, since you have taken all that trouble, GO AND VOTE. (Sorry for the shout, but I think it is really that important.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A Weekend Retreat
I’ve been away at a weekend retreat and haven’t had time for blog updates for the most part. I’ve been getting home in late evening and I check up on the blogs and do what is necessary for routine upkeep.
This retreat was called Breathing Alive and centered on the work of Reshad Feild, a British mystic, teacher, and musician. The retreat was to introduce a new edition of Feild’s book by the same title. Much of this work is somewhat familiar because Feild traveled in many of the same spiritual circles I have been involved with, including the Sufi Order International, and the Mevlevi order, which is known for the turning of the so-called “whirling dervishes.” We engaged in very deep meditation and breathing practices, learned the fundamentals of the turn, and held several Dkirs (Sufi chanting practices involving chanting sacred names). Our weekend was enriched by the presence of a cook from the Feild group who served us wonderful, nutritious meals that he prepares as a spiritual practice. I really enjoy being with persons of the Sufi persuasion because they are so open and loving. While it was clear to me that I have moved beyond Sufism as my primary spiritual practice, it was good to revisit those territories.
This retreat was called Breathing Alive and centered on the work of Reshad Feild, a British mystic, teacher, and musician. The retreat was to introduce a new edition of Feild’s book by the same title. Much of this work is somewhat familiar because Feild traveled in many of the same spiritual circles I have been involved with, including the Sufi Order International, and the Mevlevi order, which is known for the turning of the so-called “whirling dervishes.” We engaged in very deep meditation and breathing practices, learned the fundamentals of the turn, and held several Dkirs (Sufi chanting practices involving chanting sacred names). Our weekend was enriched by the presence of a cook from the Feild group who served us wonderful, nutritious meals that he prepares as a spiritual practice. I really enjoy being with persons of the Sufi persuasion because they are so open and loving. While it was clear to me that I have moved beyond Sufism as my primary spiritual practice, it was good to revisit those territories.
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