Louisa’s Law

by murphy on December 18, 2008

in PROWL, Woman-Lynching, profound question of the day

Days, weeks, months, years

Afterwards, when both were wives

With children of their own;

Their mother-hearts beset with fears,

Their lives bound up in tender lives;

Laura would call the little ones

And tell them of her early prime,

Those pleasant days long gone

Of not-returning time:

Would talk about the haunted glen,

The wicked, quaint fruit-merchant men,

Their fruits like honey to the throat

But poison in the blood;

(Men sell not such in any town):

Would tell them how her sister stood

In deadly peril to do her good,

And win the fiery antidote:

Then joining hands to little hands

Would bid them cling together,

“For there is no friend like a sister

In calm or stormy weather;

To cheer one on the tedious way,

To fetch one if one goes astray,

To lift one if one totters down,

To strengthen whilst one stands.”

from “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti

The Pumasphere is rallying around Free US Now founder and Puma leader Betty Jean Kling, whose daughter Louisa was shot in the face on Tuesday night by George Hartwig, a man on a rampage for drugs, violence, and pathetic revenge. The story is both horrific and common-place. As I wrote yesterday, there have been 45,000 woman-lynchings in this country since 1976. Forty-five thousand women have been killed by their husbands in that time for no reason at all. Compare that number to the 2,500 black people who were lynched in the 50 years between 1880 and 1930. 20 TIMES more woman-lynchings have occurred in only 30 years. And those are the 30 years SINCE the women’s movement of the 1960’s.

The reason the lynchings of blacks in the South persisted is because regular people considered it ineradicable. Not until women like Mary McLeod Bethune and Ida B. Wells made it their life’s work to convince Americans that lynching was a barbaric and un-American atrocity did the practice die out.

Call the murders of 45,000 women in this country since the Carter Administration testosterone poisoning. Call it misogyny. I don’t care what you call it. I call it woman-lynching.

On the night she was shot, Louisa was at Betty Jean’s house caring for her older sister Denise who is in the final stages of ovarian cancer. Just like Lizzie in Rossetti’s famous poem, Louisa may die because she protected her sister against a man who wanted to slaughter as many women as possible. George Hartwig broke into Betty Jean’s house that night planning to kill all three women — his wife Denise, Louisa, and their mother, Betty Jean.

George Hartwig will be arraigned today in Bergen County District Court, Hackensack, New Jersey. The judge hearing the case is Hon. Harry Carroll.

* * * * * * * * * * * TODAY’S PROWL * * * * * * * * * * *

1. Contact Greta van Sustern and ask her to look into this case.

CONTACT Greta: gretawire@fox.com

SAMPLE EMAIL:

Dear Greta,

I am writing to ask you to look into the case of George Hartwig in Hackensack NJ. On Tuesday night he broke into the home of prominent local woman’s rights advocate Betty Jean Kling, and shot her daughter Louisa in the face. Hartwig was planning to kill Betty Jean and her two daughters, Louisa and Denise. Denise is his wife and is in the last stages of ovarian cancer. She was being cared for by Louisa that night. In June, Hartwig was released after serving a very short sentence for attacking Denise with a hammer.

Here is a link to the news story.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/12/lodi_man_accused_of_shooting_s.html

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Puma PAC member

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2. Please contact Judge Carroll’s office by phone or fax today and politely, but firmly, let him know that Pumas are watching this case.

PHONE: 201-527-2460

FAX: (201) 371-1112 and 201-336-6212

Copy and Paste this Letter into a fax for the Court:

* * * * * * * * * * * SAMPLE LETTER * * * * * * * * * * *

December 18, 2008

TO: The Hon. Harry Carroll, Bergen County District Court

Dear Judge Carroll,

I am writing to urge you to please keep George Hartwig, who faces arraignment in your court today, in jail until his trial for the attempted murders of Louisa Rodus and Denise Richardson. Hartwig was released in June after serving a very short sentence for attacking Mrs. Richardson with a hammer while she was recovering from cancer treatments. He returned on Tuesday with the intent of killing Mrs. Richardson and as many members of her family as possible.

Thank you for you consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Puma PAC Member

www.pumapac.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

3. Contact the Court Supervisor in this case to express outrage that George Hartwig was released from prison after serving such a short sentence. The judge in that case was Hon. Lois Lipton.

CONTACT: DC Coordinator Barbara Morgan

Tel: 201-527-2405

FAX: 201-371-1108

SAMPLE EMAIL: barbara.morgan@judiciary.state.nj.us

December 18, 2008

TO: Hon. Barbara Morgan, D.C. Coordinator, Bergen County District Court

Dear Judge Morgan

I am writing to urge you to investigate the matter of George Hartwig, a Hackensack NJ man who is being arraigned today for the attempted murder of Louisa Rodus and her sister Denise Richardson. Hartwig was released in June after serving a very short sentence for attacking Mrs. Richardson with a hammer while she was recovering from cancer treatments. He returned on Tuesday with the intent of killing Mrs. Richardson and as many members of her family as possible.

The judge in the earlier case was Hon. Lois Lipton. I believe that Judge Lipton was gravely in error when she released George Hartwig in June.

Thank you for you consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Puma PAC Member

www.pumapac.org

{ 185 comments… read them below or add one }

1 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:05 am: PROWL Breakdown:

1. CONTACT Greta: gretawire@fox.com

2. CONTACT Judge Carroll: PHONE: 201-527-2460, FAX: 201-752-4109

3. CONTACT the DC Coordinator, Judge Morgan: Barbara Morgan: Tel: 201-527-2405, FAX: 201-371-1108
2 ladyhawkke 12.18.08 at 11:06 am: Will do, Murphy.

adyhawkke 12.18.08 at 11:02 am

Has anyone heard about this? My husband just called me and said they were talking about it on the Laura Ingraham show. A doll that promotes Islam. Please sign the petition.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ask-mattel-to-recall-islam-promoting-doll
3 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:08 am: In 25 YEARS there were 1500 lynchings of black people in the South.

In ONE YEAR there are 1500 woman-lynchings in this country.

(remember, that number does NOT include women who are killed by strangers, rapists, armed robbers, drug dealers etc. That is the number of women who are killed because of misogyny, for NO REASON at all — that’s why I call it woman-lynching.)
4 vwade 12.18.08 at 11:08 am: Hey, Murph, might not be a bad idea to send this to Nancy Grace also. She gets her rocks off on these kind of cases. Although, I’m not a big fan of hers, she does have the viewers and is a big name on TV. It couldn’t hurt.
5 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:08 am: sounds good to me vwade. what’s her contact info?
6 vwade 12.18.08 at 11:09 am: I’ll get it!
7 ladyhawkke 12.18.08 at 11:14 am: Murphy, Judge Carroll’s number is wrong. It says “disconnected.”
8 vwade 12.18.08 at 11:21 am: Murphy, I sent Nancy an e-mail explaining the case and telling her she could use the discussion of the 45,000 murders of women by men in the last 27 years as her main topic. She also has a Hotline # 1-888-GRACE-01
9 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 11:24 am: monster hartwig
second case down:
http://www.bcpo.net/bcpo/blog/index.php
10 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 11:25 am: Bad Fax # for Judge Carroll
11 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 11:29 am: 8vwadeYou are correct about Nancy Grace. As a former prosecutor, if she gets on a case in which she thinks an error of sentencing or handling has been made she is relentless and does not let up. I also am not a follower of her show but she is responsible in a large way I think for the attention given to the case of the little 3 year old disappearing in Florida.

Murphy and vwade, should we not add her email information to the Prowl posted above so that we can as a group also send her same info. I think she would respond to the numbers.
12 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 11:31 am: email sent, fax sent to Hon. Morgan.
13 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 11:32 am: BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
SUPPLEMENTAL

TO: ALL NEWS MEDIA
FROM: PROSECUTOR JOHN L. MOLINELLI
DATE: DECEMBER 16, 2008

Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced the arrest of George Hartwig (D.O.B 08/04/68), of 495 Westminster Place, Lodi, NJ in connection with a shooting which occurred at 540 Main Street Lodi, NJ. On December 15, 2008 at about 8:47 pm, the Bergen County Police Department received a 911 call regarding a shooting at 540 Main Street Lodi. The Lodi Police Department arrived and found Mark Richardson, (D.O.B. 06/19/88) on the floor restraining George Hartwig. Responding police also found Louisa Rodas (D.O.B. 11/12/67) of 76 Louis Street, Hackensack, NJ., on the couch with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Ms. Rodas was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center where she remains in critical condition. George Hartwig was also taken to Hackensack Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries and released to the custody of the Lodi Police Department.

Investigation revealed that George Hartwig was involved in a domestic dispute earlier in the day with his wife, Denise Richardson, of 540 Main Street, Lodi. The two had a minor argument and Hartwig was forced to leave the residence by Mrs. Richardson’s mother, Betty Jean Kling, who was also present. At approximately 8:40 pm, George Hartwig returned to 540 Main Street with a loaded shotgun. When Hartwig arrived, he began arguing with Louisa Rodas s, who is identified as the sister of Denise Richardson. Ms. Rodas managed to call her son and her brother during the dispute. As a result of the argument, Hartwig shot Rodas in the head. Denise Richardson, who was the only other person in the residence at the time of the shooting, was unharmed. Ms. Richardson was able to call 911 and the Lodi Police responded. However, Mark Richardson and Tom Richardson arrived prior to the police and encountered Hartwig who was still in possession with the shotgun. Hartwig was subdued until Lodi Police arrived on the scene.

George Hartwig has been charged with the following: Attempted Murder (1ct.), Aggravated Assault (two cts.), Possession of a Weapon for unlawful purposes (1ct), and Possession of a prohibited weapon (1ct). Additional charges may be likely. Bail was set by the Honorable Harry G. Carroll, P.J.S.C. at $1,000.000.00 with no 10% option.

Prosecutor Molinelli states that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

CHARGE INFORMATION FORM
DEFENDANT: George Hartwig DOB: 8/4/1968
LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 495 Westminster Place, Lodi, New jersey
MARITAL STATUS: Married
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Self employed- Guitar repair
ARREST INFORMATION FUGITIVE: NON FUGITIVE: X
ORIGINATING AGENCY: Lodi Police Department-
DATE AND TIME OF ARREST: 12/15/2008 8:50 pm
AGENCIES AFFECTING ARREST: Lodi Police Department- Bergen County Prosecutor=s Office Major Crimes Unit
CHARGE AND STATUTE CITATIONS
Attempted Murder 2C:5-1/2C-11-3A
Purposefully or Knowingly causing serious bodily injury 2C:12-1B1
Pointing of firearm 2C:12-1B (4)
Possession of certain weapon for unlawful purposes 2C:39-4A
Unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon 2C:39-3B
Possession of a loaded Shotgun 2C:39-5C(2)

ARRAIGNMENT INFORMATION
ARRAIGNMENT DATE: 12/18/2008 – 1:30 PM
JUDGE: P.J.S.C. Harry Carroll

BAIL AMOUNT & CONDITIONS: $1,000.000.00 with no 10% option
PRESENT STATUS: Incarcerated – Bergen County Jail

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR ASSIGNED Detective James Brazofsky

second case down:
http://www.bcpo.net/bcpo/blog/index.php
14 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:34 am: ok thanks ladyhawke.

i’ll look into it.

thanks vwade. post the email address if you have it.
15 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:35 am: Here is the official press release regarding the shooting from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. (it’s the second case. the first one is also about a woman-lynching, not surprisingly)

http://www.bcpo.net/bcpo/blog/index.php
16 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 11:36 am: sorry
17 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:38 am: If there are any Pumas in the Hackensack NJ area who can go to the Bergen County District Court today, please do. Betty Jean will be there by herself for the arraignment.

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/bcresources/municipalCourt.html

the address is:
10 Main Street, Room 112
Hackensack NJ
18 Heidi Li 12.18.08 at 11:39 am: Excellent and important prowls, Murphy. Woman-lynching is just the right term. And calling it like it is important.
19 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:39 am: no. yours is better dwp — thanks.
20 ladyhawkke 12.18.08 at 11:40 am: HON HARRY CARROLL’S FAX NO:

(202) 371-1112
21 ladyhawkke 12.18.08 at 11:41 am: Sorry, it’s (201) 371-1112
22 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:41 am: Thanks Lady Hawke.

This fax number is also good

Fax: 201-336-6212
23 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 11:44 am: Two Free Faxes a day (from each of your email addresses)
http://faxzero.com/
24 ladyhawkke 12.18.08 at 11:45 am: TODAY’S PROWLS DONE!
25 michelina 12.18.08 at 11:47 am: Prowl complete.
26 Heidi Li 12.18.08 at 11:47 am: Not directly connected to the specific prowls but you bet connected to the sort of conditions that led up to the need for the prowls:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/The-51-Percent-Organization-Formed/story.aspx?guid={5421FA0D-57B2-4CAD-9408-FD3212B77F75}
27 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:50 am: yahoo!

nice work Pumas.

Got it Ladyhawke, good catch.

off topic Lady, but since you probably like birds, have you seen the amazing dancing cockatoo?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7IZmRnAo6s
28 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:50 am: bad link Heidi!
29 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 11:53 am: Favreau and hartwig fall along the same monster continuum.

I can’t recall the website name that was mnentioned last night, taggles knows it… where the favreau groping mentality is connected to women-lynching travesties.
30 murphy 12.18.08 at 11:59 am: exactly DWP, just like lawn jockeys and calling black men, “Boy,” was along the same continuum that ended in lynchings being commonplace.
31 sue66 12.18.08 at 12:08 pm: Murphy, did the first prowl yesterday, I read the request on her site and did it right away. Glad to again, I have 5 e-mail addresses. Will contact the judge as well. Glad it isn’t the one who gave this scum 3 months for beating Denise with a hammer for her pain meds. This one is close to home, so I am ready to do anything.
32 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 12:09 pm: Typical abuse cycle, but on a monumental scale…
where the level of abuse increases incrementally from its baseline.
33 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 12:10 pm: last fax done!!
34 taggles1 12.18.08 at 12:10 pm: The “New” women’s group that speaks for women with no voice and one that could help rally support for this woman remains silent.
35 Heidi Li 12.18.08 at 12:10 pm: Try this link http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/The-51-Percent-Organization-Formed/story.aspx?guid={5421FA0D-57B2-4CAD-9408-FD3212B77F75}
36 Heidi Li 12.18.08 at 12:10 pm: Also this one http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/the-51-percent-organization-formed-to-eliminate-modern-day-misogyny,660710.shtml
37 taggles1 12.18.08 at 12:11 pm: We will help Betty Jean. We are it folks! Been on our own many times up until now so this is nothing new!
38 emme 12.18.08 at 12:12 pm: This is the reply I received from Chris Porter late last night in response to yesterday’s prowl Audit For Cause of the Obama Campaign’s FEC Reports‏:
Hello,
It seems that since the electoral college argument failed, now it is the campaign he ran. When will it end. Many of you are like crack addicts in search of the next high. And like a crack addict, recovery and acceptance eludes you. So let me help. First: Know that your higher power would want you to surrender and accept. Say it with me: President Obama. Use it in a sentence: President Obama. It is easy to use in conversation. Example: There are people that do not believe that President Obama is a natural born citizen, but President Obama is working hard to make a better America. Are you not happy that President Obama is or President. I love President Obama. President Obama received 11 electors from the state of Washington. I think President Obama will do well. I would love to visit Hawaii where President Obama was born. It is no nice that we have a President Obama. Just think- in four years we get to re-elect President Obama.
Lastly, since that cold day in hell has happened and an African American has been elected as President. Bundle up bitches bundle up. President Obama will try to keep you warm.

Chris”

Hey Chris. Hate to be the one to burst your Obubble, but your incoming prez is a Kenyan-American of Euro-Arab decent, not an African-American. Sorry. But, hey, if you want to close you eyes and be an Obitch for the next 4 years, go right ahead. Get your rocks off in Hawaii or in the Lincioln Bedroom or wherever the twain of you shall meet. As for me? I’m bundling up for the next 4 cold years in Ohell, moving ahead with my eyes open, and continuing the fight to save our Democracy from the likes of you. Oh yeah, and I won’t be blindly bending over for anyone anytime soon.
39 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 12:15 pm: taggles1 12.18.08 at 12:10 pm
The “New” women’s group that speaks for women with no voice and one that could help rally support for this woman remains silent.
———————
Too much ego and self-interest there for them to put principles before personalities…
That’s okay, I have almost zero tolerance for dead weight. We’ll handle it ourselves.
40 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 12:19 pm: emme 12.18.08 at 12:12 pm OMG – I only sent his crappy email to the news media!! an Obitch!!
41 emme 12.18.08 at 12:20 pm: Completed today’s email prowls.
42 ladyhawkke 12.18.08 at 12:21 pm: #27 Murphy, loved the cockatoo! thanx
43 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 12:23 pm: Bruce Ash</b< asks us to………………..

please discontinue sending (email response)
44 vwade 12.18.08 at 12:24 pm: Got a standard reply from Nancy. As far as her e-mail, it’s just a form on her website.
45 TerryDo 12.18.08 at 12:25 pm: 8
vwade 12.18.08 at 11:21 am

Murphy, I sent Nancy an e-mail explaining the case and telling her she could use the discussion of the 45,000 murders of women by men in the last 27 years as her main topic. She also has a Hotline # 1-888-GRACE-01
******************************

Excellent Vwade, I forgot about Nancy Grace, she would be a good advocate for this case also, along with Greta.
46 TerryDo 12.18.08 at 12:26 pm: I have happily completed all of these prowls Murphy.
47 sue66 12.18.08 at 12:27 pm: I just sent one to Nancy Grace as well, this link should get you to her feedback form
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?81
48 nativegirl 12.18.08 at 12:28 pm: Murphy.. I received this reply from Chris Porter (clporter11@yahoo.com).. just like the one from Emme.

It seems that since the electoral college argument failed, now it is the campaign he ran. When will it end. Many of you are like crack addicts in search of the next high. And like a crack addict, recovery and acceptance eludes you. So let me help. First: Know that your higher power would want you to surrender and accept. Say it with me: President Obama. Use it in a sentence: President Obama. It is easy to use in conversation. Example: There are people that do not believe that President Obama is a natural born citizen, but President Obama is working hard to make a better America. Are you not happy that President Obama is or President. I love President Obama. President Obama received 11 electors from the state of Washington. I think President Obama will do well. I would love to visit Hawaii where President Obama was born. It is no nice that we have a President Obama. Just think- in four years we get to re-elect President Obama. Lastly, since that cold day in hell has happened and an African American has been elected as President. Bundle up bitches bundle up. President Obama will try to keep you warm.
Chris
49 sue66 12.18.08 at 12:29 pm: DancesWithPumas Welcome back, I missed you
I also noticed the silence from the “New” group, just peeked to see what they were posting. Nothing, there silence speaks louder than words
50 sue66 12.18.08 at 12:30 pm: sorry, their silence speaks louder than words

I am so angry my mind is flying faster that my fingers are
51 Sunshinelvr 12.18.08 at 12:34 pm: This one works! Prowls done..faxes & emails sent!

*****
Your 1-page fax to Harry Carroll at 2013366212 has been sent successfully
52 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:36 pm: Murphy and Dances and all: While I thoroughly agree with Dance’s assessment of The New Agenda….I went to the site there and posted a comment under a thread from yesterday which is still receiving comments today ..entitled something like Joining with our Sisters and sharing info…I told them what had occurred with Betty Jean’s second daughter and told them to come here to join in the action to support the effort to assure that perpetrators like this are handled and prosecuted appropriately..I asked them if they wanted to just talk or act? Why did I do that? Call it the Irish in me…
I do not want the so called Sisters to say “They did not know!” Comments are in moderation. We shall see.
53 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 12:38 pm: Did prowl…

I am sending my thoughts and prayers to Betty Jean and her daughters…
54 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:38 pm: Oh..my comments were polite and I even said Thank you!
55 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 12:38 pm: sue66 12.18.08 at 12:29 pm
DancesWithPumas Welcome back, I missed you
I also noticed the silence from the “New” group, just peeked to see what they were posting. Nothing, there silence speaks louder than words
—————————
sue, thanks.

“nothing new agenda” = “just words”. Ivory tower theoreticians, not in the trenches activists.
::::::: shrug::::::
56 sue66 12.18.08 at 12:44 pm: NewOrleansPuma Went looking and saw your post – the silence is deafening
57 Sunshinelvr 12.18.08 at 12:46 pm: I sent one to Nancy Grace, too. Is there anything else we can do to help BJ? Prayers are a given, but I was wondering if she needs financial support..or anything else we could do?
58 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:46 pm: 55Dances: Exactly right… I wish those who post there to hear something to act upon…that does not come from the theoreticiians and the thread upon which I posted my comment in moderation was conveniently geared precisely to the so called sharing with “da” sisters’ theme that the theoreticians will continue to use. I am in the mood to turn a mirror on that point…as I suppose you have gathered!
59 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 12:47 pm: NOP
“I asked them if they wanted to just talk or act? Why did I do that? Call it the Irish in me…”
———————
or call it the humanity in you.

“I do not want the so called Sisters to say “They did not know!”

I can’t call anyone a “sister” unless I mean it.
60 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:47 pm: Sue66: Good…now they know…mirror mirror on the wall who is the phoniest of them all?
61 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:49 pm: 59Dances: I either can not call one a Sister unless I mean it and that is why I used the vernacular “da”..an article of “irony”…Love ya, Dances!
62 murphy 12.18.08 at 12:50 pm: objection: theoreticians are beautiful. we need them to come up with ideas, make connections, do research, and have visions.

I would classify them as BUREAUCRATS.

greedy bureaucrats at that.

not all, of course. but enough to make the organization irrelevant. eventually.
63 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:50 pm: Dances : I typed the here..sorry..it should be “da” sisters!
64 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 12:51 pm: Sunshinelvr 12.18.08 at 12:46 pm
I sent one to Nancy Grace, too. Is there anything else we can do to help BJ? Prayers are a given, but I was wondering if she needs financial support..or anything else we could do?
———————
I believe several things are in the works right now…
Murphy will let us kno was soon as plans / actions are finalized.
Why do I believe this? I consulted my crystal ball.
65 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:51 pm: Murphy: I think your correction is excellent.
66 BillieJo 12.18.08 at 12:52 pm: ((((To BJ and her daughters))))
Prowls done.

Sock-it-to-um Emme! Chris is another ObotMoron.

The Obot Universiity in Calif. that I work at is circulating their first reality check of the love affair with Obama is starting to unwind:

Obama’s Betrayal of Public Education? Arne Duncan and the Corporate Model of Schooling

Snips –
Barack Obama’s selection of Arne Duncan for secretary of education does not bode well either for the political direction of his administration nor for the future of public education. Obama’s call for change falls flat with this appointment, not only because Duncan largely defines schools within a market-based and penal model of pedagogy, but also because he does not have the slightest understanding of schools as something other than adjuncts of the corporation at best or the prison at worse.
…
Duncan, CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, presided over the implementation and expansion of an agenda that militarized and corporatized the third largest school system in the nation, one that is about 90 percent poor and nonwhite. Under Duncan, Chicago took the lead in creating public schools run as military academies, vastly expanded draconian student expulsions, instituted sweeping surveillance practices, advocated a growing police presence in the schools, arbitrarily shut down entire schools and fired entire school staffs. A recent report, “Education on Lockdown,” claimed that partly under Duncan’s leadership “Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has become infamous for its harsh zero tolerance policies. Although there is no verified positive impact on safety, these policies have resulted in tens of thousands of student suspensions and an exorbitant number of expulsions.”[4] Duncan’s neoliberal ideology is on full display in the various connections he has established with the ruling political and business elite in Chicago.
http://www.truthout.org/121708R

I hope this puts them all in a state of shock that their savior is the devil himself. They all hoped that the woman at Stanford would win the Education position.
Gonna pass this article to Drudge

Dances, I wonder if it would be a better idea to remove BJ’s address from the article posted above and her daughters address????
Just sayin’
67 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:52 pm: Murphy: Sorry…I think your objection is excellent!
68 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 12:53 pm: “I would classify them as BUREAUCRATS.”

Thanks for the correction. You’re right, “bureaucrats”, it is then.
69 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 12:54 pm: “Eventually” has arrived.
70 gumbykat 12.18.08 at 1:00 pm: Good Afternoon everyone. I haven’t posted much lately, but I have been doing the prowls. There is a new show on CNN called The Issues wirh Jane Velez Mitchell. She was a big Obama supporter, but…she has been hitting hard on womens issues lately…abuse of women, murders of women. We should contact her also.
71 BillieJo 12.18.08 at 1:01 pm: Drudge-

Kennedy Takes A Beating From Upstate Media
Reporters Jump All Over Mostly Silent Princess Of Camelot; Mayor Of Syracuse Doesn’t Offer Endorsement

http://wcbstv.com/local/caroline.kennedy.us.2.889765.html

Princess Caroline had better come up with better answers in the future than this or she is never going to take Hillay’s seat! (I want Chelsea)
72 emme 12.18.08 at 1:02 pm: #49 sue66 – New group? There’s a new group? Haven’t been around for a while…wha’d I miss?
73 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 1:05 pm: &2emme: The new group is already irrelevant..reference is to The New Agenda.
74 Zee 12.18.08 at 1:06 pm: I can’t even imagine what this family is going through.

They talk about female “hormones.” What about this type of male hormonal rage that leads to murderous rampages?

Murphy, are you familiar with Michele MacPhee? She has a Boston radio talk show and concentrates on crime. Even if her show is limited to Boston, you might try to contact her. She might agree to have you on her show to speak about this case, or she might know someone in the New York/New Jersey area (she used to work there) who would be perfect for you to contact.

And the good thing about “appearing” on radio is if the studio’s not nearby you could phone in an interview!

Here’s a link to MacPhee’s page:

http://www.wtkk.com/Hosts/MicheleMcPhee/tabid/78/Default.aspx
75 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 1:10 pm: 70gumbykat: I would not be too quick regarding her.
The Ojingo campaign Dem and General Election said and did nothing because it served their purposes regarding what occurred against women. Having done that, Ojingo and surrogates as Dean did a little while back will once again wave the banner in order to pimp women to think they really are interested in these issues. The call for a so called Presidential Commission…under the aegis of more of the same is another example of this…An independant cohart of women performing similar functions might be of use but I doubt it.
Presidential, Blue Ribbon, call them what you will “Groups”
are usually vehicles to control the substance and action of issues and rarely come up with anything that changes anything, …
76 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 1:15 pm: 70gumbykat: I should say..rarely come up with anything that offers change other than the intent of the hidden agenda of those who initiate the Commission…For example, the so called Medicare Commission headed by so called wonder boy Bobby Jindal, now the Governor of La, moved for change but not that will address many who currently fall through the cracks.
77 Sunshinelvr 12.18.08 at 1:17 pm: Every day I do a poll that asks me the following question..

Look at the following list of words and phrases. Which, if any, do you think apply to Barack Obama? [Please check all that apply.]
Likeable
Sleazy
Trustworthy
Reliable
Moderate
Fake
Strong
Weak
Caring
Normal
Indecisive
Forward looking
Ineffective
Out of ideas
In touch with normal people
Competent
Out only for himself and his party
Fair
Privileged
Intelligent
None of these

It also asks me the same about Joe Biden…so I am one of those people that consistently say “NEGATIVE” things about hewhothinksheisking…poor baby. sign up for this poll at

http://selectusa.yougov.com/survey.aspx?rescode=selus0800131&respid=28900934
78 Sunshinelvr 12.18.08 at 1:19 pm: here is the correct addy..

http://selectusa.yougov.com/my-yougov.aspx
79 Sunshinelvr 12.18.08 at 1:21 pm: bbl & thanks DancesWithPumas for your reply to my question about BJ. I am glad to see you back, you were sorely missed!
80 Anna Belle 12.18.08 at 1:23 pm: Letter to the judge sent. Thank you for taking this on, Murphy. I love your analogy with lynching, because that is exactly what it is equivalent to. I read BJ’s story on her own blog and left my comment of condolences there. I love the idea of Louisa’s Law and think it is one of the few things in the litany of crimes (both literal and figurative) against women where we may be able to gain traction. I will do whatever I can to support such a law. Is it drafted yet?

That said, that was a great Rossetti poem. She was such a firecracker. And look how long ago she was documenting this. The legal system has worked against us for a very long time. Someone should re-draft Luther’s Letter from Birmingham Jail for the women’s movement. The distinction between just and unjust laws as it pertains to women really must be fleshed out so that people can understand it.
81 Anna Belle 12.18.08 at 1:24 pm: King’s not Luther’s. Sorry. Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail….
82 Zee 12.18.08 at 1:24 pm: #72 emme

The new group is The New Agenda.

Their focus is on nonpartisan feminism and they have been keeping tabs on Obama’s sexist appointments. Making demands of them instead of working with them is a waste of time, imo, and doesn’t elevate anyone.

It would be like running over the Tennessee Guerilla Women and demanding they stop focusing on Tennessee or gay rights and think in lockstep with PUMAs. Haha, when even PUMAS themselves don’t think in lockstep.

The New Agenda is “acting” and working and it’s absurd to think they’re not. Their press releases get notice and they’re mentioned in the media.

I’m glad they’re different from PUMAs because I think we need a broad movement. They need to do things their way and PUMAs need to do things the PUMA way. We need both approaches, and the badmouthing needs to stop.

I’m hoping that Murphy can mend whatever behind the scenes rifts she had with them. Remember the two groups fighting for women’s right to vote as depicted in Iron Jawed Angels? In the end, it took both groups, both of their approaches, to prevail. Sure, who wouldn’t rather be the activists as opposed to the lobbyists? But it takes both, and the sooner we acknowledge that, the better.
83 mkp651 12.18.08 at 1:26 pm: Prowls are complete. I also sent to Nancy Grace. My thoughts and prayers are with this family. This is one of those stories that makes your heart so sad! On behalf of my daughters and granddaughters,as well as women everwhere Murphy thank-you for this prowl!
84 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 1:29 pm: gotta go..get some things done…B
BL
85 gumbykat 12.18.08 at 1:34 pm: NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 1:10 pm

70gumbykat: I would not be too quick regarding her.
—————————————
Her show is not very polticial. It is more of a crime show. She comes on before Nancy Grace. She also wrote a book about crime.
86 slyt2 12.18.08 at 1:35 pm: I can’t find Hon. Harry Carroll email address (or I am just blind) trying to catch up on the prowls I missed. HELP…
87 ladyhawkke 12.18.08 at 1:41 pm: FEC Prowl audits done.
88 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 1:45 pm: slyt2 12.18.08 at 1:35 pmnot blind – no email addy – only fax.
89 taggles1 12.18.08 at 1:48 pm: Zee 12.18.08 at 1:24 pm

I wonder Zee, if the New Agenda would afford Betty Jean two days of compassion for two daughters that are clinging to life. Since she could only find one day for BJ over a disagreement. it is an absolute disgrace.
90 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 1:49 pm: “Their focus is on nonpartisan feminism and they have been keeping tabs on Obama’s sexist appointments. Making demands of them instead of working with them is a waste of time, imo, and doesn’t elevate anyone.”
————————
Keeping tabs on obama’s sexist appointments takes all of 4 minutes per day.

“It would be like running over the Tennessee Guerilla Women and demanding they stop focusing on Tennessee or gay rights and think in lockstep with PUMAs.”
Apples and oranges.
Tennessee Guerilla Women aren’t misrepresenting themselves, so it might be absurd to ask them to support this issue.
Nothing New Agenda represents themselves as the “New NOW” blahblahblah … given that, women have every right to expect NNA to step up right now. It’s stretch to say PumaPAC is demanding that NNAH think in lockstep with PumaPAC. This is an ongoing issue of misogyny… and our shock (shock? Only some are shocked.)and disappointment in the silence of a women-centric group shouldn’t surprise anyone.

anyway…fuck’em
91 scarlet 12.18.08 at 1:49 pm: What is the name/link to Betty Jean’s blog?
92 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 1:51 pm: http://www.freeusnow.wordpress.com
(I think)
93 slyt2 12.18.08 at 1:51 pm: gypsy rebel Ok good to know thanks alot.
94 prplvette85 12.18.08 at 1:51 pm: Prowls done
95 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 1:51 pm: oops Free Me Now
http://freemenow.wordpress.com/author/freemenow/
96 gojoyknocks 12.18.08 at 1:57 pm: Bless me father for I have sinned…I signed up to be a Complainer thinking I could handle a snail mail, money prowl. I informed Dances that it was above my computer skills. Please remove my name from the list. I do all phone and snail mail prowls and contribute money when possible. Sorry I let you down on this one.
97 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 2:03 pm: gojoyknocks 12.18.08 at 1:57 pm
Bless me father for I have sinned…I signed up to be a Complainer thinking I could handle a snail mail, money prowl. I informed Dances that it was above my computer skills. Please remove my name from the list. I do all phone and snail mail prowls and contribute money when possible. Sorry I let you down on this one.
———————-
Sorry, but your name is permanently engraved in the Complainers Hall of Fame. You stepped up to the plate, you were willing, and tech problems were not your fault. You didnt let anyone down.
I’m not removing your name from the Fec Complainers Team and you can’t make me, so there!
98 Anna Belle 12.18.08 at 2:03 pm: Well said, Zee. I agree 100%. Well, at least the part I know about. I wasn’t aware that there was rift between anybody, so out of ignorance I’ve no comment on it. But I do think that we need a broad movement, and I think it will take a truly unified movement before we can make any progress. You’re absolutely right about it taking both approaches, like with the 19th amendment. We needed Alice Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt. They got ‘er done together. We need more of that dedication and single-mindedness too.

I do wish there where opportunities to participate in the kind of epic shows of challenge-to-authority style activism that Paul did. I wish I was close enough to join (Lynnette) Long’s Army.
99 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 2:15 pm: The Punchline
“The New Agenda, through its members and partner organizations, seeks to advance women’s rights. The New Agenda will bring about a systemic change in the way women are treated in the media, by the government, at the workplace, and at home. To achieve our goals, we will empower women by working towards parity in the government and in the workplace. The New Agenda will also formulate an agenda based on core women’s issues which we will promote in a non-partisan fashion. The New Agenda will speak out for the millions of women in this great country who often have no voice.”
100 taggles1 12.18.08 at 2:24 pm: I wonder why no one is asking the New Agenda? Bring it over there.

See what they have to say about it. I already know. And it aint pretty.

let’s see if they allow your posts to remain.
101 ipotter 12.18.08 at 2:26 pm: This is a response to yesterday’s prowl from one of the Federal Electors, Chris Porter (clporter11@yahoo.com):

Hello,
It seems that since the electoral college failed, now it is the campaign he ran. When will it in. Many of you are like crack addicts in search of the next high. And like a crack addict, recovery and acceptance eludes you. So let me help. First: Know that your higher power would want you to surrender and accept. Say it with me: President Obama. Use it in a sentence: President Obama. It is easy to use in conversation. Example: There are people that do not believe that President Obama is a natural born citizen, but President Obama is working hard to make a better America. Are you not happy that President Obama is or President. I love President Obama. President Obama received 11 electors from the state of Washington. I think President Obama will do well. I would love to visit Hawaii where President Obama was born. It is no nice that we have a President Obama. Just think- in four years we get to re-elect President Obama.
Lastly, since that cold day in hell has happened and an African American has been elected as President. Bundle up bitches bundle up. President Obama will try to keep you warm.

Chris
102 W. Lotus 12.18.08 at 2:29 pm: I received a response from the FEC stating there is no way for individuals to file a request that someone be audited. If that is the case, why have we wasted our time emailing, faxing, and calling the FEC?????

I don’t mind working for truth, but I want our actions to count for something. Trying to go through channels that do not exist is a waste of time and dilutes our legitimacy.
103 Cape Hatteras 12.18.08 at 2:29 pm: I have been reading comments all over the net about “Princess Caroline’s christmas pony” . People that sound a lot like obots approve . Their comments seem to follow two themes ; Legacy (Intitlement ) and Elitism ( elitists good / common folk bad ).
104 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 2:35 pm: taggles1
I just searched for the correspondence you posted a few nights ago… couldn’t find it. Thought it might be useful to re-post right now.
105 murphy 12.18.08 at 2:38 pm: Zee and Annabelle, I agree in theory. In practice, however, the reality is different.

Amy Siskind calls Pumas “fringe” and “unprofessional,” and she accused Betty Jean of insanity — passing along rumors of Betty Jean’s “insanity” as if they were true.

Lynette Long, whom I consider a true activist/scholar, is no longer working with Amy.
106 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 2:43 pm: Musta been a drive-by
107 sue66 12.18.08 at 2:44 pm: Zee
Sorry, but I checked them out and dismissed them quite a while ago. The only reason I was curious is that BJ had been a member of the group. They don’t speak for me and never would be able to. I am not fighting or in competition with this group, I just don’t care. They exist n the edges and that’s about it. So for this is really the only group I feel can speak for me such as it is, I visit others but rarely stay long.
108 Notyoursweetie 12.18.08 at 2:50 pm: W cares about B0 and wants him to succeed
http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/w-we-care-about-him-we-want-him-to-succeed/
109 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 2:56 pm: Clinton’s donations are out now – wonder if we can “see” them. FOX has a copy…..
110 murphy 12.18.08 at 2:56 pm: Ugly Christmas Sweaters photo gallery. for an afternoon chuckle:

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/specials/holidays/gallery/holidaysweaters/

the men, especially, are hilarious.
111 bqueen 12.18.08 at 2:59 pm: Murphy, the phone number for the Bergen Court is 201 527 2700, but PUMAS must be a-ringing cuz it was busy. The other number is not functioning.

Dances, I LOVE that free fax link!!
Worked like a charm. Delivery confirmed.

Thanks to Murph & Dances for making this so easy. Here’s a part of my letter and worth considering in light of Hartwig’s groteskly light initial 3 month sentence:

As way of comparison, Mr. Harwig’s is sentence was far lighter than that of Olympic sprinter,
Marion Jones, who received 6 months of prison for using steroids. Ms. Jones harmed no one other
than herself. Mr. Harwig nearly murdered two women, intended to murder 3 women and has
caused permanent physical damage to his victims and immeasurable grief to their family,
friends and others watching this case. The “progress” he is making in destroying the lives of
women is directly linked to his first ridiculously lenient sentence.
112 sue66 12.18.08 at 3:03 pm: Murphy
As a self confessed nut about all things Christmas, even I would draw the line at some of those sweaters. The scary part is, most of them were gifts and somebody actually paid money for them. Thank you for my laugh of the day. I have got to show that site to my daughter.
113 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 3:07 pm: Al Sharpton more or less endorsed Caroline Kennedy on FOX
114 bqueen 12.18.08 at 3:07 pm: Hey ipotter #101 – that email needs some publicity, don’t you think?

Have you forwarded it to anyone in the press? I’m going to try to post it to Gretawire right now.
115 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 3:08 pm: murphy 12.18.08 at 2:56 pm
Ugly Christmas Sweaters photo gallery. for an afternoon chuckle:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/specials/holidays/gallery/holidaysweaters/
——————–
Great kitsch! I was going to email the link aporund the office, but then I was reminded that the folsk here seem to love those sweaters… sporting new ones annually around this time of teh year.
116 sue66 12.18.08 at 3:12 pm: Back later, need to batten some stuff down for an expected blast of winter. They’re even putting out travel advisory’s at the airport in Toronto and not a flake in the air yet. I guess it will be an old fashioned storm, white outs, highways closed any of you in the north get the drill. I live in the snowbelt, so we usually get more than double of the snow anyone else gets.
117 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 3:14 pm: bqueen,
Dances, I LOVE that free fax link!!
Worked like a charm. Delivery confirmed.
————-
There’s lots of neat stuff in the Puma PAC Action Center!
http://pumapac.org/action_center.html
118 bqueen 12.18.08 at 3:21 pm: just posted the last portion of Chris P’s misogynist email to gretawire – with his name and email address…

Asking others to send the entire email around…I have to hang laundry and finish some other work now.

Yeah Dances, I should check out the actioncenter more than just 3 secs at a time!
119 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 3:28 pm: bqueen 12.18.08 at 3:07 pm I sent his response “back” to the other Electorates, Greta, and quite a few of the news media. I was really ticked!! I mean really, really ticked!
120 PUMAbear 12.18.08 at 3:31 pm: Bqueen #114

If Chris is an elector maybe his email could go to the state SoS and the We the People Org.
What can we find out about him?
I’m not home so can,t prowl.
121 BrianH 12.18.08 at 3:33 pm: D/S:

Headclunker 12.17.08 at 10:12 pm

Clarification post #45/46:

Most of the $2,300 and many of the $4,600 have corresponding (not are) negative transactions//
=========
Been trying to grok what those are, and I think they are “redisignated” to another donor name. I.e., it’s all part of the shell game and muddying the waters. The money goes in and then goes on a trip thru a few “cut-outs” to make it hard to track. I don’t think those are actual refunds. In fact, I doubt the Omachine issued very many of those, if any.
___________________________
teh-Dancer;
a solution for your singular dyslexic symptom?
” NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 12:50 pm

Dances : I typed the here..sorry..it should be “da” sisters!
”
122 BrianH 12.18.08 at 3:35 pm: forgot to correct my typo above in #121: ‘re-designated’, not ‘redisignated’.
123 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 3:43 pm: I’m not dyslexic… “teh” is classic sanskrit, which was eventually transcribed to middle Latin, and erroneously written as “the” by medieval scribes.
Unfortunately, the misspelling came into common usage, except for those of us in the know. Thank you anyway for your suggestion. :;):
124 PUMAbear 12.18.08 at 3:43 pm: The Daily Kos this morning featured stories on the shoe throwing incident in Iraq and the senate race in Minnesota.
Guess that’s the non-news in Osatan’s truth zone.
125 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 3:45 pm: Chris Porter

Looks like he’s from Washington State – Fauntleroy

http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=11729

Go see his pics!! Look at his campaign clothes!! I think we’ve seen him on the news before!
126 ipotter 12.18.08 at 3:54 pm: #114 bqueen
Yes, it does need exposure and I didn’t send it to anyone. Others here received the same email. Thanks for forwarding it media folks.

Can anyone confirm the email addresses used were correct and indeed for the Federal Electors? Just wondering.
127 BrianH 12.18.08 at 3:55 pm: OT – Book review, of an economics novel, by my favorite renegade economist:

George Mason economics professor Russell Roberts has written an excellent new novel called ‘The Price of Everything’. Here’s my review. Written for RealClearMarkets.

Book Review: Russell Roberts’s ‘The Price of Everything’

By John Tamny
Take a look at the computer screen your eyes are presently (hopefully) fixated on, not to mention the computer mouse you used in order to click on this posting. Did you ever consider how both were made? Could you make either yourself, and if so, how and where would you acquire the various raw materials and parts in order to create them?

If the above questions vex you, then George Mason economics professor Russell Roberts’s excellent new novel, The Price of Everything, is for you. Importantly, Roberts does not explain how things are made in this tale as much as he teaches us through a very interesting dialogue between a professor and student that the “whole system we call a market economy works as well as it does precisely because of how little we have to know.”

Thanks to the modern division of labor that is happily comprised of more and more self-interested individuals the world over, the average person can “know very little and still look like a genius.” And when we’re allowed to freely exchange the fruits of our work specialties irrespective of country border, the range of life-enhancing goods we’re able to access grows exponentially. In short, the self-sufficiency that the protectionists in our midst sell us is in the words of Roberts, “the road to poverty.” That is so because we couldn’t possibly make all that we now enjoy without myriad inputs from around the country and around the world.

Roberts’s story takes place at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. On the night of an earthquake, Stanford senior and Wimbledon Men’s finalist Ramon Fernandez goes with girlfriend Amy to a local Home Depot to buy flashlights due to a power outage in the area. But with flashlights sold out, Ramon and Amy have to travel to the nearest Big Box.

Flashlights and all manner of goods are plentiful at Big Box, but in response to the post-earthquake surge in demand, Big Box has chosen to double the prices of its most desirable products. Ramon and Amy buy the marked up flashlights, along with batteries and milk, but Ramon is none too happy, and he flies into a rage when he witnesses an immigrant mother being gouged for baby food and diapers.

Soon enough Ramon is leading a protest outside Big Box, and thanks to his notoriety as one of the best tennis players in the world, a variety of local activists, including the grizzled Heavy Weather, attach themselves to his cause. A demonstration is planned at Stanford, and the problem for the school is that Big Box and its CEO are major financial supporters.

At this point, retiring Stanford provost and economics professor Ruth Lieber enters the picture. Amy is a student of hers, and Ruth’s lectures about the remarkable organization that occurs free of bureaucratic oversight is beginning to interest her. One of Lieber’s examples involves the creation of a simple pencil, and in noting the wide array of individual human action that results in one, she shows the class that spontaneous specialization is in fact highly organized.

And what organizes all this remarkable symmetry? It’s not a government appointed director, or a pencil “Czar” if we’re to use present Washington lingo; instead it is prices. Ruth explains that “prices steer resources around the economy” and they “send signals to suppliers in the economy to expand or reduce what they’re making.”

But with a protest against one of Stanford’s biggest benefactors looming, and an even larger donation possibly hanging in the balance, Ruth has a problem. She figures she can’t stop the demonstration against Big Box, but perhaps she can get to know Ramon and in talking to him she can lightly show him the wonders of the profit motive.

Luckily Amy had already told Ramon about this interesting professor, and due to a meeting meant to discuss graduation ceremonies at which Ramon is to speak, Ruth has her opening to get to know him. And from there a series of “chance” encounters between Ruth and Ramon occur.

What’s fun is that since this is a novel, Roberts is able to explain economics within an intriguing storyline. Ruth in no way demands that Ramon cancel the anti-Big Box demonstration, and her failure to do so serves as a positive lesson for him; one in which he develops a greater trust in her wisdom.

And in the series of meetings that follow, both Ramon and reader become the recipients of an engrossing economics lecture told in story form. Ramon lauds Home Depot for not gouging consumers during a time of need, but rather than argue, Ruth acknowledges that “They didn’t profit from you. But then again, they didn’t save a flashlight for you either.” Big Box perhaps “gouged” him, but they also had what he was looking for.

Ramon decries a profit-based society in which the “poor get the dregs”, but instead of running from what is a very real (and positive to this writer) wealth gap in this country, Ruth shows him that what’s important is the lifestyle gap between the rich and poor. Indeed, 100 years ago the vast majority of Americans lacked central heating, or refrigerators or cellphones, whereas today, rich and poor alike generally enjoy all three.

Ramon is the son of a deceased baseball great from Fidel Castro’s Cuba, and a Miami-based mother who cared enough to get him out of the country as a child after his father died. But when he defends Cuba for being a “fairer society”, Ruth reminds him that “Traffic only flows in one direction. To America. Nobody’s swimming south trying to get into the worker’s paradise.”

When Ramon suggests that his generation perhaps values happiness over money, Ruth doesn’t so much chastise him as she reminds him of the undeniable good that results from the profit motive. From her standpoint, “Without money and the motivation it provides, we’d have no idea how to serve our fellows.”

And to show him how the drive for profits is highly compassionate, she tells the story of an Israeli entrepreneur who spent twenty years developing an artery-clearing device that did not require open-heart surgery. The entrepreneur did this for profit, but the compassionate result was that many lucky recipients of his innovation got to live longer.

Ruth’s various encounters with Ramon naturally lead to graduation, and the question of whether he’ll use the forum to bash Big Box, and in doing so, possibly create a fundraising problem for Stanford. But rather than ruining a good story, readers would do best to buy a novel that combines an interesting storyline with essential economic lessons.

Indeed, central to Roberts’s book is that market prices bring order to our actions. “Play with prices and you will bring disorder.” A more important statement could not be made, and not just to the casual reader, but to a Washington political class eager to play with all manner of prices in order to “fix” our economy. That being the case, is it any surprise all the disorder presently in our midst?
John Tamny is editor of RealClearMarkets, a senior economist with H.C. Wainwright Economics, and a senior economic advisor to Toreador Research and Trading. He can be reached at jtamny@realclearmarkets.com.

Send him an email comment if you want to receive his frequently interesting essay/commentaries. Recommended. He’s VERY anti-bailout, BTW.
128 bqueen 12.18.08 at 3:56 pm: Gypsy – great work! That link n those pics definitely belong to his email.

The email & pics are begging to be SPREAD AROUND – he WANTS PUBLICITY! just look at him!…but I gotta get some work done now! just sent fax #2 to judge #2…

would Hillbuzz post something like that??
129 ipotter 12.18.08 at 3:56 pm: #125 gypsy rebel
A picture is worth a thousand words. Now I understand. Thank you!
130 freddiebrown 12.18.08 at 4:07 pm: Caroline Kennedy can go back to her tower high up in Camelot and continue being the silent Princess – in my opinion. We need to support DESERVING WOMEN , not just any woman that rides on mens tail coats. Why should she be given an open ticket to the senate seat because many “owe” the Kennedy’s.. or whatever their payback might be. There are many women who have worked tirelessly and not just come out of the woodwork
to show their pale faces when they want a power position.

We need to keep at this… there are plenty of deserving women that deserve Hillary Clinton’s senate seat. Caroline Kennedy is NOT one of them. Keep her out now or she will be the monkey wrench we don’t want to deal with in future.
131 TerryDo 12.18.08 at 4:10 pm: “The Newpapers have only published his smiling face.”

Betty Jean has posted a picture of her two lovely daughters from last Christmas, plus a picture of the monster.

http://freemenow.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/denise-and-louisa/
132 BrianH 12.18.08 at 4:11 pm: gypsy rebel, #125;
gypsy, on that site I posted the following comment:

Yore heero has issued some vile and vicious letters to those opposing Obama’s inauguration recently. It seems he suffers from the same symptoms that many of those in NLP-induced trances do when challenged: irrational rage and desperate defense of his implanted hero-worship.

Maybe let some air out of his publicity balloon. Whatta doofus.
133 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 4:12 pm: Washington State

Sam Reed – Washington Secretary of State
mail@secstate.wa.gov

Attorney General Rob McKenna
1125 Washington St. SE
PO Box 40100
Olympia, WA. 98504-0100
Telephone: 360-753-6200 (elmail form only)

Fax: 360-586-7671

Gov Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor | PO Box 40002 | Olympia, WA 98504-0002
Phone: 360-902-4111 | FAX: 360-753-4110 | Email the Governor (form only)
134 freddiebrown 12.18.08 at 4:13 pm: **Caroline Kennedy can go back to her tower high up in Camelot and continue being the silent Princess – in my opinion. We need to support DESERVING WOMEN , not just any woman that rides on mens tail coats. Why should she be given an open ticket to the senate seat because many “owe” the Kennedy’s.. or whatever their payback might be. There are many women who have worked tirelessly and not just come out of the woodwork
to show their pale faces when they want a power position.

We need to keep at this… there are plenty of deserving women that deserve Hillary Clinton’s senate seat. Caroline Kennedy is NOT one of them. Keep her out now or she will be the monkey wrench we don’t want to deal with in future.
135 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 4:14 pm: >b>BrianH 12.18.08 at 4:11 pm OMG – you’re out of character! You’re always so reserved and serious! ROFLMAO
136 ProudAmericana2008 12.18.08 at 4:14 pm: I only drop in to read this blog now and again, and I’ve noticed its readership seems to dwindle each time I do. At any rate, there were two things I wanted to address. The first is this comment from emma:

Hate to be the one to burst your Obubble, but your incoming prez is a Kenyan-American of Euro-Arab decent, not an African-American.

Frankly, Obama, who is both American and African, is actually as close to the purest definition of being truly African American as you can get (further, most “African Americans” have a significant portion of European branches in their family trees). What’s more, most biracial African-Americans (and I would know personally) identify as AA or black because society treats you the how you look, not how your DNA is broken down (it being invisible, and all). All of this taken into account, I think, makes your entire point moot.
I also just want to comment on Murphy’s assertion a few posts back about…
the astonishing absence of women in obama’s cabinet.

which I found particularly curious because you’d either have willingly and wontonly ignorant of the truth to make such a statement, or simply obfuscating the truth. As of today, here’s the list:
Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary
Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security
Susan Rice as UN Ambassador
Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State
Valerie Jarrett as Senior Adviser
Christina Romer as Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers
Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary
Mary Schapiro as Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission
Lisa Jackson as EPA Administrator
Carol Browner as Energy Czar
Nancy Sutley to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality
AND ON OBAMA’S TRANSITION TEAM, THERE’S:
Stephanie Cutter – Chief Spokesperson
Cassandra Butts – General Counsel
Jim Messina – Personnel Director
137 BrianH 12.18.08 at 4:16 pm: freddie, there you are. Check your gmail.
138 gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 4:18 pm: TerryDo 12.18.08 at 4:10 pm My God! Thanks for posting the pictures. I hope something comes of our prowls…We can do it again tomorrow too!
139 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 4:20 pm: ProudAmerican2008

Huh… proud of what???
140 murphy 12.18.08 at 4:28 pm: Update on Louisa posted.

Take it upstairs!
141 BrianH 12.18.08 at 4:28 pm: gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 4:14 pm

>b>BrianH 12.18.08 at 4:11 pm OMG – you’re out of character! You’re always so reserved and serious! ROFLMAO //
=========
Say what? My posts are suffused with simultaneously subtle and crude humor. You malign me, ma’am!
142 emme 12.18.08 at 4:43 pm: Proudamerican2008

(I agree with goofsmom – proud of what?)

Sorry. You just validated my point. If you want to join Chris and close your eyes and be an Obitch for the next 4 years, go right ahead. As for me? I’m bundling up for the next 4 cold years in Ohell, moving ahead with my eyes open, and continuing the fight to save our Democracy from the likes of you. Oh yeah, and I won’t be blindly bending over for anyone anytime soon.
143 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 4:46 pm: PRROWLS COMPLETE!

Emails; Fax; and Phone Calls.

For Judge Carroll, I used top number 201-527-2460, but that number is no good–I got pushed to # 201-527-2700 main directory…then I got to Judge Carroll’s chambers: 201-527-2360.

I gave the background information on the case, and explained that I was a part of a women’s activist group; a political pac called PUMA PAC, and we are concerned and vigiliantly watching this case, etc.

Guess what? She asked me if I was one of the ones who was sending all the emails today? (LOL) I said, yes–I am one of many. So, then she said: Ok, we are definitely aware of your group, and we have the information, and we will be sure to follow this case, ok?

I said: Thank you. Have a good day.

SO, THEY KNOW, Pumas. ok.
144 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 5:04 pm: ProudAmericana2008 #136

Barack Obama is NOT African-American in the sense that he is of Black American ancestry.

He does not come from American Slavery. He is not from or of a background that dealt with Jim Crow laws.

Obama’s black American experience is NOT like other black Americans who have been linked to this country by decades and centuries of racism and triumph over it.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.

Obama may have experienced racism and negotiated in the world as black (sometimes) because people may have viewed him that way, but he was raised by middle class white people from Kansas in Hawaii, and there IS a difference.

There is a difference. Being the son of an American black mother and an American black father–ones whose blood is linked to THIS COUNTRY. Is different.

You saying Obama is more “African-American” than black Americans who have been here for hundreds of years defeats the whole POINT of “African-American”…it wasn’t a label designed to designate turfs as much as it was about telling the story of American Slavery and honoring the origin of black Americans.
145 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 5:04 pm: “I’ve noticed its readership seems to dwindle each time I do.”
There’s no way you can personally estimate readership of this blog.

Traditionally, the term “African American” is assigned to Black Americans who are descended from slaves. Michelle Obama, for example, is an African American. Barack is not, regardless of his treatment as a dark complected male.

“What’s more, most biracial African-Americans (and I would know personally) identify as AA or black because society treats you the how you look,”

Funny, most bi-racial Americans (and I would know personally) identify as bi-racial and, if they “play it” at all, they identify more as one than the other depending on the situation.

Since when is Jim Messina – Personnel Director, is a woman?
146 NewOrleansPuma 12.18.08 at 5:06 pm: #136ProudAmericana: Since you only drop in now and again how do you or would you know what the readership is…You do not.
Moreover, since your criteria has been met it appears , i.e. a black male for President then if I am lucky you will drop in even less than previously.
147 ProudAmericana2008 12.18.08 at 5:12 pm: Proud of what?

I’m proud of a lot of things about this country, although I have no illusions about it being perfect (In fact, you must must be proud of some aspect of it, or why would you be dedicating yourself to the PUMA cause instead of just settling elsewhwere?). But if, like me, you’ve both lived and traveled outside this country, it’s clear that the U.S. is a wonderful place — with a lot problems that people (an awful lot of them my age) are working to solve.

If you want to join Chris and close your eyes and be an Obitch for the next 4 years, go right ahead. As for me? I’m bundling up for the next 4 cold years in Ohell, moving ahead with my eyes open, and continuing the fight to save our Democracy from the likes of you.

With all due respect, how anyone who has lived in this country for the last eight years can imply that Obama’s presidency will be the worst we’ve seen has either been out to lunch for much of it, and must even now — in the midst of some of the worst crises we’ve faced in roughly 70 years — be blissfully enjoying desert.

And I’m not sure how *I* (per your statement) stand in the way of democracy for *you*. Just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean their eyes are “closed” (again, your words). I look at the mis (or, I sometimes have to wonder, dis)information I sometimes see on this blog and it seems like many (but not all) of you are actually the ones who are blind to reality. That said, I do wish you the best in your (ill-fated) efforts. This blog seems to be mostly a place for people to squabble about differing missions and goals, without even a semblance of unity — and there seem to be fewer and fewer of you each day (Hillary, for the record, abandoned you LONG ago). So again, best of luck.
148 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 5:17 pm: Proud American 2008

Don’t let the door hit you in the butt when you leave….
149 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 5:21 pm: ProudAmericana2008 #147

Ya need to identify the username of the one with whom you speak. I am not searching for your prior conversation to figure it out. Don’t care.

Now, for you to think that Bush is the pinnacle of the worst President possible for America…well, maybe you are limited. That sounds almost child-like.

In any event, did you notice today’s prowl? It looks very organized to me. Did you participate?
150 freddiebrown 12.18.08 at 5:29 pm: Thank you Brainy Brian H.. I appreciate your help.
I nominate you the go to Puma internet techie
151 bqueen 12.18.08 at 5:42 pm: gypsy rebel 12.18.08 at 3:45 pm

“Chris Porter

Looks like he’s from Washington State – Fauntleroy

http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=11729

Go see his pics!! Look at his campaign clothes!! I think we’ve seen him on the news before!”
_________________________________________

there’s a place to comment on that page, ladies & gents!
152 ProudAmericana2008 12.18.08 at 5:42 pm: Being the son of an American black mother and an American black father–ones whose blood is linked to THIS COUNTRY. Is different.

I have a friend whose mother is Nigerian and her dad white; another whose father is Ethiopian and her mom white. They both identify as African American, and I don’t think that anyone can (or has the right to) TELL THEM that they’re mistaken about who they are (nor do I think they’d appreciate the suggestion, but that’s another issue).

Funny, most bi-racial Americans (and I would know personally) identify as bi-racial

Well, I’m biracial and so are the vast majority of my non-white friends. My whole life — including in campus groups for biracial people in college and high school, about 99% of us identified as black. So your highly unique experience has been wholly separate from mine and those of every other biracial person I’ve met and know (and even those in the public eye, like Halle Berry, Alicia Keyes, Faith Evans, etc. — who identify the same way I do.)

Moreover, since your criteria has been met it appears , i.e. a black male for President

You’re clearly very ignorant, knee jerk in your assumptions, and quick to stereotype certain kinds of voters. Nowhere did I state that my sole criteria for our next President was that he be “black” and “male” (If I did, please refresh my memory with a direct quote). As the Chris Rock joke goes, “Sure, I’m proud Obama was elected president. Would I be proud if it was Flava Flav? No….” This sort of assumption — that voting for me was about race and gender –says far more about the person making it (that would be you) and their own assumptions than it says about me. I personally would think it absolutely absurd to assume that every white person who voted for McCain did so b/c he was white, but your (anti-)logic seems to rely on this reductive form of thinking. And that’s too bad for you. Especially since my original post simply said that Obama is indeed African-American and that he has not omitted women from his cabinet (quite the opposite, in fact). I can’t find the sentence where I say, “Whoopee! And I’m finally satisfied because a black man is President.” But again — I’m sure you’ll be forwarding that quote from one of my earlier posts as proof that I did. My memory isn’t what it used to be, mind you.

Since you only drop in now and again how do you or would you know what the readership is

I drop in enough to see the number of your comments dwindle, to see your fundraising stall, to see the cohesiveness fall apart in the absence of a central issue to rally around. With Obama winning the greatest majority of voters since Reagan, it’s not surprising you’d lose members. I doubt Murphy would argue the declining traffic numbers. Because frankly, they’re apparent to any even vaguely observant reader.
153 bqueen 12.18.08 at 5:43 pm: btw murphy – or whoever found it – LOVELY image today!
154 ProudAmericana2008 12.18.08 at 5:47 pm: That sounds almost child-like.

You know what sounds childlike? Attempting to throw an election to someone who essentially represents everything you purport to stand against — out of sheer spite…and then (it gets better) losing in the 2ND GREATEST LANDSLIDE IN AMERICAN HISTORY. Let me amend that: It’s childlike and pathetic. So congrats: two birds, one stone for you all.
155 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 5:51 pm: Proud American 2008

Why are you still here? It seems to be that you are trying to make yourself feel better by denigrating our group… you’ve had your say… we’ve dealt with worse that you… you go ahead and keep believing what you want… As americans we will keep doing and saying what we want!

“There is nothing to see here (ProudAmerican2008) move along…
156 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 5:56 pm: ProudAmericana2008 # 154

If you think that I am against Obama out of “sheer spite,” then not only do you not understand who *I* am–it’s pretty clear you are clueless about the entire puma movement from all these months.

So, if you don’t *get* it, why are you even here to beef?

You are OVER YOUR HEAD.

You do not understand.

You think it’s just “spite”…which is so boring and simple.

And again: CHILD-LIKE.
157 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 5:57 pm: Ya’ll didn’t vote for Obama ’cause you are all a bunch of meanie faces…waahh.

C’mon now.
158 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 5:58 pm: “2ND GREATEST LANDSLIDE IN AMERICAN HISTORY…”
say what??
159 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 5:58 pm: kat in your hat..

LOLOLOL… good one…
160 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 6:00 pm: Dances…

No kidding… how that ever became a landslide… probably uses the same math, to figure out how many of us there are… hehehe
161 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:05 pm: ProudAmericana2008:

Attributing efforts and actions solely to emotionality and feelings of spite, instead of principle is so shortsighted and narrow-minded.

That thinking is appallingly superficial.

Oh whatever. Go enjoy your holidays and beat it.
162 DeadGirl 12.18.08 at 6:05 pm: DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 3:08 pm
murphy 12.18.08 at 2:56 pm
Ugly Christmas Sweaters photo gallery. for an afternoon chuckle:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/specials/holidays/gallery/holidaysweaters/
——————–
Great kitsch! I was going to email the link aporund the office, but then I was reminded that the folsk here seem to love those sweaters… sporting new ones annually around this time of teh year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Those were funny! That guy’s sweater with Hanky on it killed me! (you have to enjoy the irony of South Park to enjoy that one)
163 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 6:06 pm: goofsmom,
especially since ofraud, couldn’t even win the primary… carried over the finish line by guilty white boys. Talk about affirmative action at it’s worst!

Oh well, fuck african american males, hispanic males, white males, asian males…
164 airforcehusker 12.18.08 at 6:07 pm: ITs not landslide but with everything oboma, these fools just live in a dream world. Look one thing got oboma the white house and that was the economy collapse. Previous to this most polls should mccain holding the bush states and in term winning the election. Even your loser nate silver from fivethirtyeight.com was elluding to this back in august early september. Oboma won votes because of peoples fears. You will not be so lucky in 2012. We already are seeing corruption, financing fraud and learning more about him everyday. Now you take a principaled politician like sarah who is turning down a pay raise and looking to cut spending by 7%. Whats obomas answer to our financial crisis. Oh just spend another trillion dollars of money americans dont have. Big change their obot.
165 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:08 pm: Dances, I know! Historical landslide. (omg)

I.will.not.start.posting.links. of *actual* historical landslides to embarrass this “proud” person. Ego might get a lil bruised.

oy.
166 airforcehusker 12.18.08 at 6:12 pm: I think you should post away. Maybe he is saying this was the modern day Reagan election victory with all 49 states in his came.
167 DeadGirl 12.18.08 at 6:13 pm: well well well, what do we have here… who is Chris Porter, besides another Obot Dweeb???
168 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 6:15 pm: Exceeded my “waste time listening to yammering obots who haven’t anything worthwhile to say”.
169 DancesWithPumas 12.18.08 at 6:15 pm: Exceeded my “waste time listening to yammering obots who haven’t anything worthwhile to say” quota for the week.
170 murphy 12.18.08 at 6:18 pm: oh wow! proudamerican lived outside the country! oooh, doesnt that impress you, Girls?!

how so-PHIST-icated!

Two women were added to the cabinet today — AFTER I lamented obama’s “astonishing lack of women” in his cabinet last week.

Facts may not be important to proudamerican, but for readers who do care about them:

There are 22 Cabinet and Cabinet-level appointments the president makes. When I wrote that obama had appointed an “astonishingly” low number of women, he had at that time named 14 men and 3 women — Clinton, Napolitano, and Rice.

Since then, he’s added 2 more — Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary and Lisa Jackson as EPA administrator. Good news.

Congratulations to Mary Schapiro for being named Securities and Exchange Commissioner. That’s great, BUT, it’s NOT a cabinet or cabinet-level position.

Neither are the jobs for which Valerie Jarrett, Christina Romer, Nancy Sutley, or Carol Browner were named. AND (this is getting boring) being a member of the transition team does not make anyone a member of the cabinet, or a cabinet-level position.

14 men
5 women

Better than it was yesterday, but still worse than George Bush. Still the worst record since Nixon.

There are now 3 openings (transportation, trade rep, and drug czar) left. what’s bambi gonna do? If he names all women, he’ll still be worse than W.

Women make up 46% of the workforce in this country and 52% of the population.

If you’re just going to pull jobs out of your ass and claim that obama is naming a proportional number of women, then a full 46% of his hires should be women.

What on EARTH are you talking about?
171 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:19 pm: airforcehusker:

I know! lol. Reagan RED came to my mind as well.

Mondale really kicked some ass here. Got one whole state! pfft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1984

But LOOK OUT! Can’t forget McGovern! He really showed Nixon!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1972

Huh? Oh Reagan Red again….

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1980
172 DeadGirl 12.18.08 at 6:19 pm: fuggetaboutem. hopeless case… not worth the time it took to look at the blogging about him.

(Mr. Porter, that is)
173 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:20 pm: @ #171

Is this a dream? The country looks so…blue. LBJ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1964
174 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:24 pm: # 173

Remember President Adlai Stevenson? ya, didn’t think so.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1956

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1952
175 airforcehusker 12.18.08 at 6:25 pm: Look as a American that has lived overseas i can tell this assclown a simple thing. There is nothing like america. YOu have freedoms they only dream about here in Europe. Also obot dont kid yourself majority of people i have talked to here in UK, Germany, Italy, Autria etc, wanted to see obot win becuase they knew it would make america weak. Thats right weak. Had nothing to do with your “Messiah” or the bull world citizen crap. Europeans are envious of what we americans have. Our property right, freedoms of speach, lower taxes, great healthcare, colleges and education. Needless to say they want to see us with problems and see us pull back from the rest of the world influence we have had. Alot of them dont hate bush like obot made it sound they simply hated the fact that we are so strong. But keep living in obots world. I find it amazing that you are here trying to destroy these peoples opinions even after you won. Why? Are you concerned about people finally seeing the “ONE” for what he is. Nothing more than a chicago thug politician. Should be great but what will be even greater is seeing Sarah in the white house in 2012.
176 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:25 pm: @ # 174

WHAT’S THIS?

Alf Landon wins TWO whole states!!! FDR didn’t know WHAT hit him. Don’t mess with ALF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1936
177 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:33 pm: @ #176

What happened here?? Herbert Hoover got HOOVED. Looks like ANOTHER HISTORIC LANDSLIDE to me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1932
178 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:36 pm: Ok, I am done playing.

(lol)
179 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 6:37 pm: kat in you hat…

Absolutely thorough… love it…
180 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:38 pm: goofsmom
181 airforcehusker 12.18.08 at 6:40 pm: ProudAmericana2008
When you get a new screen name and are back on this board come find me and lets talk about the overseas experience you had and what i have had. i would love to talk about the stark differences that i experienced and who supperior america and americans are across the board.
182 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 6:51 pm: murphy #170

YEAH!
183 goofsmom 12.18.08 at 6:52 pm: Kat in your hat…

See new thread…
184 DeadGirl 12.18.08 at 6:55 pm: I am coming to some early conclusions…

Barack Obama is a puppet, chosen to be a figurehead. When I watch him speak, I do not see brilliance in any form. I think I know Intelligent from Brilliant. I am not even sure he is entirely all that intelligent when I really give it some thought. Cunning yes. But he does not appear cunning enough to pull this off on his own, to organize this “movement” etc.

No… this one is a mere puppet… and figurehead.

So who, then, are the PUPPETMASTERS???
185 kat in your hat 12.18.08 at 7:05 pm: DeadGirl:

Go repost # 184 upstairs.