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Hamlet

2018-11-10T15:20:45Z

Void:

'''''Hamlet''''' is a revenge [[tragedy]] by [[William Shakespeare]]. Written between 1599-1601, it is Shakespeare's longest and most famous play, and possibly one of the most famous works written in the English language, being the subject of more essays than any other work. The tale heavily features the themes procrastination, deterioration, incest, revenge, [[madness]], [[homicide]], and [[suicide]]. Despite the grim topic, Hamlet contains much humor and numerous lines that are widely repeated to this day.

Hamlet has particular significance today with respect to the [[abortion]], though virtually never acknowledged by [[liberals]]: Ophelia chased after Hamlet and became pregnant from their affair, but Hamlet refused to be a father to their child. The despair and tragedy of Ophelia and Hamlet then ensued.

==Characters==
The Ghost - A spirit of the dead King Hamlet

Claudius - Recently crowned King of Denmark, brother of King Hamlet

Gertrude - Widow of King Hamlet

Hamlet - Prince, son of King Hamlet and Gertrude

Horatio - Hamlet's lifelong friend.

Polonius - Elderly, pompous advisor to the king

Laertes - Polonius' son

Ophelia - Polonius' daughter and lover of Hamlet

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern - Two buffoonish school friends of Hamlet

Fortinbras - Prince of Norway

The grave diggers

Watchmen

also: Actors, Courtiers, Guards, Norwegian Soldiers etc.

==Synopsis==
The play begins with the palace watchmen being terrified by the appearance of a ghost of the old King Hamlet. Meanwhile, in the court, King Claudius (King Hamlet's brother) proclaims his wedding to Gertrude, the widow of King Hamlet. Prince Hamlet, son of king Hamlet and Gertrude is melancholy at both his father's death, and at his mother's "incest" with Claudius. Laertes, son of the king's adviser Polonius, is leaving on a trip. Laertes tells his sister Ophelia to not get too involved with Prince Hamlet; so does her father, so she promises to break off the relationship.

Horatio tells Hamlet of the ghost sightings, and Hamlet heads out to investigate the appearances. Hamlet chases the ghost into the woods. Now alone, the ghost tells of how he is the spirit of old King Hamlet, tortured in purgatory and awaiting vengeance. He claims he was murdered by Claudius as he lay asleep in the gardens, the brother pouring poison into the King's ear. The ghost commands Hamlet to kill Claudius (but not harm Gertrude) to free him from his suffering. Hamlet is eventually found, alone, by his friends. Hamlet does not tell the others what he has heard.

Whilst Polonius dispatches a servant to spy on Laertes, Ophelia tells Polonius that Hamlet burst into her room and scared her.
The King and Queen send two school friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to spy on Hamlet. They disagree on why Hamlet is acting strangely. The Queen says it is because of their over-hasty marriage, but the king prefers the story that Hamlet is lovesick over Ophelia, which is what Polonius thinks. They hide while Hamlet, now apparently insane, enters and begins insulting Polonius. The Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come in and question him, but Hamlet is suspicious and reveals nothing.

A troupe of actors enter, and Hamlet has Polonius hire them. Hamlet commissions the group to enact a specific routine, his reasons for which are presented in the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy. Hamlet talks of about his internal struggles: he hates his uncle, he's angry at his mother but he's worried that the ghost might be a demon sent to trick him. Hamlet has the idea of using a play to provoke the King, with the troupe acting out a play who's plot strongly resembles King Hamlet's alleged murder. The plan works brilliantly, as the king is forced to end the play out of his overwhelming grief. Hamlet loudly celebrates his triumph in front of the King and Queen. After his celebration, Hamlet goes to kill the King in one of his personal chambers.

Hamlet finds the King praying, and decides not to kill him then, lest his sins be forgiven and he be sent to heaven. Hamlet instead goes to his mother's quarters. The Queen reprimands him for celebrating at the time of the King's grief. Hamlet counters by unleashing his pent up anger at his mother's incest and lack of sadness for the death of Hamlet's father. When a noise comes from behind a tapestry, Hamlet sticks his sword through, thinking he has stabbed Claudius. Instead, he discovers that he has killed Polonius, who was eavesdropping. Hamlet drags the corpse from the scene.

Claudius is infuriated by the murder of Polonius and demands Hamlet should show them where he hid the body, but the (seemingly) demented Hamlet refuses. Hamlet is exiled to England, along with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Claudius provides the two with a letter to the English King, stating that Hamlet must be executed on arrival. Meanwhile, Ophelia has descended into total madness over the death of her father. Laertes returns to discover the shocking state of his sister, and demands revenge.

Time has moved on, and Hamlet is back in Denmark. Times are unstable, and an invasion, lead by Fortinbras is imminent. He greets Horatio, and explains how his voyage was interrupted by pirates. Whilst fighting them off, he discovered Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s letter. He replaced it with an alternative letter which stated the two should be executed on arrival instead. He then made his way back to Denmark in secret. As they chat, they oversee two drunken grave diggers in a freshly dug plot. Hamlet exchanges jokes with the two, whilst they exhume the remains of the old court Jester, Yorick. Hamlet grows nostalgic on seeing the bones of the old entertainer ("Alas, poor Yorick / I knew him, Horatio"). Meanwhile, a funeral procession arrives, with Claudius, Gertude and Laertes present. Hamlet discovers the body is that of Ophelia. She drowned, possibly in an act of suicide. Distraught, Hamlet surprises the funeral procession with his presence, and leaps into the grave to embrace her. Laertes, infuriated that Hamlet is disrupting his sister's burial, brawls with him. The two men are forced apart, and Claudius proclaims that the two should settle their dispute properly; by duel.

On the day of the duel, Claudius plots with Laertes to rig the fight. He provides Laertes with a poisoned foil, and places more poison in Hamlet's drink. The two men begin to duel. Hamlet proves to be the superior swordsman, but is eventually slashed by Laertes in between boughts. Hamlet loses his temper and scuffles with Laertes. The two swords are swapped in the confusion, and Hamlet pierces Laertes with the poison blade. Gertrude, to Claudius's horror, drinks from Hamlet's goblet, and is poisoned. Laertes, now dying, reveals Claudius' scheme. Gertrude dies. Hamlet flies into a rage, stabs claudius, and forces him to drink the last of the poison. Claudius dies. Hamlet dies from his wound. Horatio is the only one left. Fortinbras and his invasion force enter the court and see a pile of bodies before them. A messenger proclaims that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. Fortinbras proclaims himself ruler, offering a possible glimmer of future stability.

==Movie Adaptations==
Major film versions of the play have starred [[Laurence Olivier]], [[Mel Gibson]], and [[Kenneth Branagh]]. (While both Olivier and Branagh directed and starred in their versions, [[Franco Zeffirelli]] directed the one with Gibson.)

Laurence Olivier's black-and-white 1948 film won four Oscars; best actor in a leading role, best art-set direction, best costume design and best picture. Olivier's performance was considered an unapproachable ideal and remains so. It co-starred Basil Sydney as Claudius, Eileen Herlie as Gertrude, Terence Morgan as Laertes and Jean Simmons as Ophelia.

Mel Gibson's 1990 version uses modernized English and attempts to portray a grittier, tougher Hamlet. The film was nominated for two Oscars. It co-starred Alan Bates as Claudius, Glenn Close as Gerturde, Nathaniel Parker as Laertes and Helena Bonham Carter as Ophelia.

Kenneth Branagh's 1996 version is 4 hours long as it includes the complete, unabridged text of the whole play. The film was nominated for four Oscars. It co-starred Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Julie Christie as Gertrude, Michael Maloney as Laertes and Kate Winslet as Ophelia. It also included well-known actors in cameo roles such as [[Charlton Heston]], John Gielgud, [[Billy Crystal]] and Robin Williams.

The 2000 version with [[Ethan Hawke]] as a believably young Hamlet is set entirely in New York City, with Denmark a corporation. Julia Stiles is brilliant as Ophelia, and [[Bill Murray]] is pitch perfect<ref>"This ''Hamlet's'' effectiveness rests on an astonishing number of pitch-perfect choices, founded in Almereyda's instincts and those of the performers, many of which have the feel of being completely spontaneous. [http://archive.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2000/05/12/hamlet/index1.html Salon review]</ref>
as the king's tragically inept advisor Polonious.

The [[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]] also filmed a version for television with Derek Jacobi in the title role.

While [[opera]]s based on Shakespeare are quite common, there is only one operatic adaptation of ''Hamlet'', by French composer Ambroise Thomas in 1868.

==History==
Shakespeare's ''Hamlet'' was based on a long narrative tradition, beginning with Saxo Grammaticus' ''Historica Danica'' (1180-1208). His legendary story of Amlethus was adapted by French writer François Belleforest in 1576; this new version of the story included more dialogue and psychological commentary than the original. By 1589, an English-language Hamlet play was being performed. The author of this Ur-Hamlet is not known, although some evidence points towards Thomas Kyd, author of the prototypical English revenge play, ''[[The Spanish Tragedie]]''. Shakespeare received most of his Hamlet material from this narrative tradition and transformed it into the enduring work known today.<ref>David Bevington, ed., ''The Complete Works of Shakespeare,'' Update 4th ed. (New York: Longman, 1997), A43-A45.</ref>

==References in Popular Culture==
In the 1960s, playwright Tom Stoppard wrote the play ''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'', which portrays the action from the viewpoint of Hamlet's schoolfriends and expands their roles.

The progressive metal band [[Dream Theater]] had their biggest hit in the early 1990s with "Pull Me Under", a song that referenced ''Hamlet'' throughout. The song has some direct quotations from the play.

==Quotes and Lines==
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." 
-Marcellus, Act I, Scene 4

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't." 
-Polonius, Act II, Scene 2

"For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." 
-Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

"I am but mad by north-north-west." 
-Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

"The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King." 
-Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

"To be, or not to be: that is the question. 
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer 
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, 
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, 
And by opposing end them? To die; to sleep; 
No more; and by a sleep say we end 
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks 
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation 
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; 
To sleep? perchance to dream. Ay there's the rub; 
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, 
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, 
Must give us pause: there's the respect 
That makes calamity of so long life; 
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, 
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, 
The pangs of despis'd love, the law's delay, 
The insolence of office, and the spurns 
That patient merit of the unworthy takes, 
When he himself might his quietus make 
With a bare bodkin? who would those fardels bear, 
To grunt and sweat under a weary life, 
But that the dread of something under death, — 
The undiscovered country, from whose bourn 
No traveller returns, — puzzles the will, 
And makes us rather bear those ills we have 
Than fly to others we know naught of? 
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; 
And thus the native hue of resolution 
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought; 
And enterprises of great pith and moment, 
With this regard, their currents turn awry, 
And lose the name of action." 
-Hamlet, Act III, Scene 1

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." 
-Gertrude, Act III, Scene 2

"Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio;" 
-Hamlet, Act V, Scene 1

"O, I die, Horatio." 
-Hamlet, Act V, Scene 2

"The rest is silence." 
-Hamlet, Act V, Scene 2

"Good night, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" 
-Horatio, Act V, Scene 2

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.sullivanet.com/misc/hamlet/haminto.htm Hamlet for the Shakespeare-Impaired]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOMcqnRwhW8&feature=PlayList&p=20048A7C541C941C&index=11 Star Trek: The Conscience of the King] - a [[Star Trek]] episode
*Open Source Shakespeare - Hamlet, Prince of Denmark [http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/views/plays/playmenu.php?WorkID=hamlet]

[[Category:Plays of Shakespeare]]
[[Category:Ghost Stories]]

Hamlet

2018-11-10T15:20:06Z

Void:

'''''Hamlet''''' is a revenge [[tragedy]] by [[William Shakespeare]]. Written between 1599-1601, it is Shakespeare's longest and most famous play, and possibly one of the most famous works written in the English language, being the subject of more essays than any other work. The tale heavily features the themes procrastination, deterioration, incest, revenge, [[madness]], [[homicide]], and [[suicide]]. Despite the grim topic, Hamlet contains much humor and numerous lines that are widely repeated to this day.

Hamlet has particular significance today with respect to the [[abortion]], though virtually never acknowledged by [[liberals]]: Ophelia chased after Hamlet and became pregnant from their affair, but Hamlet refused to be a father to their child. The despair and tragedy of Ophelia and Hamlet then ensued.

==Characters==
The Ghost - A spirit of the dead King Hamlet
Claudius - Recently crowned King of Denmark, brother of King Hamlet
Gertrude - Widow of King Hamlet
Hamlet - Prince, son of King Hamlet and Gertrude
Horatio - Hamlet's lifelong friend.
Polonius - Elderly, pompous advisor to the king
Laertes - Polonius' son
Ophelia - Polonius' daughter and lover of Hamlet
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern - Two buffoonish school friends of Hamlet
Fortinbras - Prince of Norway
The grave diggers
Watchmen
also: Actors, Courtiers, Guards, Norwegian Soldiers etc.

==Synopsis==
The play begins with the palace watchmen being terrified by the appearance of a ghost of the old King Hamlet. Meanwhile, in the court, King Claudius (King Hamlet's brother) proclaims his wedding to Gertrude, the widow of King Hamlet. Prince Hamlet, son of king Hamlet and Gertrude is melancholy at both his father's death, and at his mother's "incest" with Claudius. Laertes, son of the king's adviser Polonius, is leaving on a trip. Laertes tells his sister Ophelia to not get too involved with Prince Hamlet; so does her father, so she promises to break off the relationship.

Horatio tells Hamlet of the ghost sightings, and Hamlet heads out to investigate the appearances. Hamlet chases the ghost into the woods. Now alone, the ghost tells of how he is the spirit of old King Hamlet, tortured in purgatory and awaiting vengeance. He claims he was murdered by Claudius as he lay asleep in the gardens, the brother pouring poison into the King's ear. The ghost commands Hamlet to kill Claudius (but not harm Gertrude) to free him from his suffering. Hamlet is eventually found, alone, by his friends. Hamlet does not tell the others what he has heard.

Whilst Polonius dispatches a servant to spy on Laertes, Ophelia tells Polonius that Hamlet burst into her room and scared her.
The King and Queen send two school friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to spy on Hamlet. They disagree on why Hamlet is acting strangely. The Queen says it is because of their over-hasty marriage, but the king prefers the story that Hamlet is lovesick over Ophelia, which is what Polonius thinks. They hide while Hamlet, now apparently insane, enters and begins insulting Polonius. The Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come in and question him, but Hamlet is suspicious and reveals nothing.

A troupe of actors enter, and Hamlet has Polonius hire them. Hamlet commissions the group to enact a specific routine, his reasons for which are presented in the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy. Hamlet talks of about his internal struggles: he hates his uncle, he's angry at his mother but he's worried that the ghost might be a demon sent to trick him. Hamlet has the idea of using a play to provoke the King, with the troupe acting out a play who's plot strongly resembles King Hamlet's alleged murder. The plan works brilliantly, as the king is forced to end the play out of his overwhelming grief. Hamlet loudly celebrates his triumph in front of the King and Queen. After his celebration, Hamlet goes to kill the King in one of his personal chambers.

Hamlet finds the King praying, and decides not to kill him then, lest his sins be forgiven and he be sent to heaven. Hamlet instead goes to his mother's quarters. The Queen reprimands him for celebrating at the time of the King's grief. Hamlet counters by unleashing his pent up anger at his mother's incest and lack of sadness for the death of Hamlet's father. When a noise comes from behind a tapestry, Hamlet sticks his sword through, thinking he has stabbed Claudius. Instead, he discovers that he has killed Polonius, who was eavesdropping. Hamlet drags the corpse from the scene.

Claudius is infuriated by the murder of Polonius and demands Hamlet should show them where he hid the body, but the (seemingly) demented Hamlet refuses. Hamlet is exiled to England, along with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Claudius provides the two with a letter to the English King, stating that Hamlet must be executed on arrival. Meanwhile, Ophelia has descended into total madness over the death of her father. Laertes returns to discover the shocking state of his sister, and demands revenge.

Time has moved on, and Hamlet is back in Denmark. Times are unstable, and an invasion, lead by Fortinbras is imminent. He greets Horatio, and explains how his voyage was interrupted by pirates. Whilst fighting them off, he discovered Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s letter. He replaced it with an alternative letter which stated the two should be executed on arrival instead. He then made his way back to Denmark in secret. As they chat, they oversee two drunken grave diggers in a freshly dug plot. Hamlet exchanges jokes with the two, whilst they exhume the remains of the old court Jester, Yorick. Hamlet grows nostalgic on seeing the bones of the old entertainer ("Alas, poor Yorick / I knew him, Horatio"). Meanwhile, a funeral procession arrives, with Claudius, Gertude and Laertes present. Hamlet discovers the body is that of Ophelia. She drowned, possibly in an act of suicide. Distraught, Hamlet surprises the funeral procession with his presence, and leaps into the grave to embrace her. Laertes, infuriated that Hamlet is disrupting his sister's burial, brawls with him. The two men are forced apart, and Claudius proclaims that the two should settle their dispute properly; by duel.

On the day of the duel, Claudius plots with Laertes to rig the fight. He provides Laertes with a poisoned foil, and places more poison in Hamlet's drink. The two men begin to duel. Hamlet proves to be the superior swordsman, but is eventually slashed by Laertes in between boughts. Hamlet loses his temper and scuffles with Laertes. The two swords are swapped in the confusion, and Hamlet pierces Laertes with the poison blade. Gertrude, to Claudius's horror, drinks from Hamlet's goblet, and is poisoned. Laertes, now dying, reveals Claudius' scheme. Gertrude dies. Hamlet flies into a rage, stabs claudius, and forces him to drink the last of the poison. Claudius dies. Hamlet dies from his wound. Horatio is the only one left. Fortinbras and his invasion force enter the court and see a pile of bodies before them. A messenger proclaims that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. Fortinbras proclaims himself ruler, offering a possible glimmer of future stability.

==Movie Adaptations==
Major film versions of the play have starred [[Laurence Olivier]], [[Mel Gibson]], and [[Kenneth Branagh]]. (While both Olivier and Branagh directed and starred in their versions, [[Franco Zeffirelli]] directed the one with Gibson.)

Laurence Olivier's black-and-white 1948 film won four Oscars; best actor in a leading role, best art-set direction, best costume design and best picture. Olivier's performance was considered an unapproachable ideal and remains so. It co-starred Basil Sydney as Claudius, Eileen Herlie as Gertrude, Terence Morgan as Laertes and Jean Simmons as Ophelia.

Mel Gibson's 1990 version uses modernized English and attempts to portray a grittier, tougher Hamlet. The film was nominated for two Oscars. It co-starred Alan Bates as Claudius, Glenn Close as Gerturde, Nathaniel Parker as Laertes and Helena Bonham Carter as Ophelia.

Kenneth Branagh's 1996 version is 4 hours long as it includes the complete, unabridged text of the whole play. The film was nominated for four Oscars. It co-starred Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Julie Christie as Gertrude, Michael Maloney as Laertes and Kate Winslet as Ophelia. It also included well-known actors in cameo roles such as [[Charlton Heston]], John Gielgud, [[Billy Crystal]] and Robin Williams.

The 2000 version with [[Ethan Hawke]] as a believably young Hamlet is set entirely in New York City, with Denmark a corporation. Julia Stiles is brilliant as Ophelia, and [[Bill Murray]] is pitch perfect<ref>"This ''Hamlet's'' effectiveness rests on an astonishing number of pitch-perfect choices, founded in Almereyda's instincts and those of the performers, many of which have the feel of being completely spontaneous. [http://archive.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2000/05/12/hamlet/index1.html Salon review]</ref>
as the king's tragically inept advisor Polonious.

The [[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]] also filmed a version for television with Derek Jacobi in the title role.

While [[opera]]s based on Shakespeare are quite common, there is only one operatic adaptation of ''Hamlet'', by French composer Ambroise Thomas in 1868.

==History==
Shakespeare's ''Hamlet'' was based on a long narrative tradition, beginning with Saxo Grammaticus' ''Historica Danica'' (1180-1208). His legendary story of Amlethus was adapted by French writer François Belleforest in 1576; this new version of the story included more dialogue and psychological commentary than the original. By 1589, an English-language Hamlet play was being performed. The author of this Ur-Hamlet is not known, although some evidence points towards Thomas Kyd, author of the prototypical English revenge play, ''[[The Spanish Tragedie]]''. Shakespeare received most of his Hamlet material from this narrative tradition and transformed it into the enduring work known today.<ref>David Bevington, ed., ''The Complete Works of Shakespeare,'' Update 4th ed. (New York: Longman, 1997), A43-A45.</ref>

==References in Popular Culture==
In the 1960s, playwright Tom Stoppard wrote the play ''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'', which portrays the action from the viewpoint of Hamlet's schoolfriends and expands their roles.

The progressive metal band [[Dream Theater]] had their biggest hit in the early 1990s with "Pull Me Under", a song that referenced ''Hamlet'' throughout. The song has some direct quotations from the play.

==Quotes and Lines==
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." 
-Marcellus, Act I, Scene 4

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't." 
-Polonius, Act II, Scene 2

"For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." 
-Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

"I am but mad by north-north-west." 
-Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

"The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King." 
-Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

"To be, or not to be: that is the question. 
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer 
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, 
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, 
And by opposing end them? To die; to sleep; 
No more; and by a sleep say we end 
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks 
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation 
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; 
To sleep? perchance to dream. Ay there's the rub; 
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, 
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, 
Must give us pause: there's the respect 
That makes calamity of so long life; 
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, 
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, 
The pangs of despis'd love, the law's delay, 
The insolence of office, and the spurns 
That patient merit of the unworthy takes, 
When he himself might his quietus make 
With a bare bodkin? who would those fardels bear, 
To grunt and sweat under a weary life, 
But that the dread of something under death, — 
The undiscovered country, from whose bourn 
No traveller returns, — puzzles the will, 
And makes us rather bear those ills we have 
Than fly to others we know naught of? 
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; 
And thus the native hue of resolution 
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought; 
And enterprises of great pith and moment, 
With this regard, their currents turn awry, 
And lose the name of action." 
-Hamlet, Act III, Scene 1

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." 
-Gertrude, Act III, Scene 2

"Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio;" 
-Hamlet, Act V, Scene 1

"O, I die, Horatio." 
-Hamlet, Act V, Scene 2

"The rest is silence." 
-Hamlet, Act V, Scene 2

"Good night, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" 
-Horatio, Act V, Scene 2

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.sullivanet.com/misc/hamlet/haminto.htm Hamlet for the Shakespeare-Impaired]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOMcqnRwhW8&feature=PlayList&p=20048A7C541C941C&index=11 Star Trek: The Conscience of the King] - a [[Star Trek]] episode
*Open Source Shakespeare - Hamlet, Prince of Denmark [http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/views/plays/playmenu.php?WorkID=hamlet]

[[Category:Plays of Shakespeare]]
[[Category:Ghost Stories]]

Nancy Pelosi

2018-11-10T15:06:09Z

Void: Improved article

{{Officeholder
|name=Nancy Pelosi
|image=Ytr7576.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=Paul Pelosi
|religion=[[Roman Catholic]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=California
|district=12th
|terms=January 3, 2013 - Present
|preceded=[[Jackie Speier]]
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=California
|district=8th
|terms=January 3, 1993 - January 3, 2013
|preceded=Ron Dellums
|succeeded=[[Paul Cook]]
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=California
|district=5th
|terms=June 2, 1987 - January 3, 1993
|preceded=Sala Burton
|succeeded=Bob Matsui
}}
}}
'''Nancy Pelosi''' has been [[Democratic]] Leader of the House since 2002. She represents the 12th congressional district of [[California]] and has generally been criticized for imposing [[San Francisco values]] on mainstream America. She served as first woman [[Speaker of the House]] from 2006-2010.

Pelosi is among the ten richest members of the House with a net worth estimated at over $150 million.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.asp?CID=N00007360&year=2005 opensecrets.org]</ref> She prides herself in "being called a [[liberal]]" and rejects the label of "moderate".<ref>[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/follow-the-leader Follow the Leader], Michael Crowley, [[New Republic]], November 25, 2002.</ref>

In 2013, then-Chief Justice of the [[Vatican]], Cardinal [[Raymond Burke]], stated that she should be denied [[communion]] because “[t]his is a person who obstinately, after repeated admonitions, persists in a grave sin--cooperating with the crime of procured [[abortion]]--and still professes to be a devout [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]].”<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/vatican-chief-justice-nancy-pelosi-must-be-denied-communion</ref>

==Background and personal life==
Pelosi's father was a Congressman and the mayor of [[Baltimore]] for twelve years. She graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., in 1962. After marrying and having five children, Pelosi rose through the ranks of Democratic Party politics and became representative to the Democratic National Committee and chair of the California Democratic Party.

In 1987, Pelosi made the leap into elected office by winning the special election called after the death of Representative Sala Burton. She served on the House Appropriations Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Previously Pelosi represented California's 8th district (1993-2013) and its 5th district (1987-1993). She was [[Speaker of the House]] from 2007 to 2011, succeeding [[J. Dennis Hastert]] and preceding [[John Boehner]].

Since being elected Democrat Leader in 2002 Pelosi has raised $750,000,000 for Congressional Democrats.

===Environmental polluter===
One of Nancy Pelosi's largest investments is a private golf development partnership called Lions Gate Limited. The Santa Clara County Planning Committee approved a plan to build a 275-acre golf course 30 minutes south of [[San Jose]], but only under strict conditions. They agreed to allow 60% public usage of the course and to abide by strict environmental rules, since a number of [[endangered species]] were present in the area. The club, CordaValle, opened in 2000 and did very well, making $250,000 for each member and $400,000 for corporations.<ref>Barry Witt, "Cordevalle club not living up to 60 percent language," San Jose Mercury News Jan. 10, 2002.</ref>

But then the Planning Commission took a look to see if the guidelines had been followed. First of all, only about a dozen non-members had been actually able to play on the course, a far cry from 60%. CordeValle had also set up obvious anti-public rules, such as requiring people to call seventy-two hours in advance and pay close to $300 for 18 holes. Upon investigation, the Commission learned that non-members were told that the club was "full" and turned away even when the club was relatively empty. There were a series of public hearings on the matter and it was concluded that Lion's Gate was in clear violation of the agreement they had made.<ref>Barry Witt, "CordeValle Update," San Jose Mercury News, May 8, 2003.</ref>

During the hearings, it emerged that Lion's Gate had also ignored many of the applicable environmental regulations. They failed to build two ponds that were necessary to preserve two species of lizard and turtle. And only one mandatory annual environmental report had been submitted in seven years.<ref>Barry Witt, "What to do on CordeValle; open it up to the public, or open up its wallet", San Jose Mercury News, August 7, 2003</ref> In 2004, a county report complained that improperly abandoned wells and urban [[pollutant]]s from the resort were causing water quality degradation in the area.<ref>File 5950-68-28-94P, Lions Gate Limited Partnership Staff Report, San Jose Planning Commission, August 5, 2004, and November 4, 2004 (same file name)</ref>

In 2003, the Pelosis and the development partnership finally hired some [[lobbyist]]s and put a few government employees on the payroll. This caused the commission to cave and give up their [[fraud]] investigation as long as the course agreed to host a charity golf tournament for children.<ref>Barry Witt, "Help for CordeValle," San Jose Mercury News, June 13, 2003.</ref>

===Personal gains from pork===
In May 2007 Pelosi inserted a $25 million earmark into the Water Resources Development Act for a project that involved renovating ports near four commercial properties owned by her husband, Paul Pelosi, which boosted the value of the property he owned.<ref>[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGIwYzc2MTQ4YTBlMTg3YjJmZGVhODc4NmJhYjg4YjY Pelosi’s Waterworks], Stephen Spruiell, ''[[National Review Online]]'', May 9, 2007.</ref> The properties earn combined annual income of more than $3 million.<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/05082007/news/nationalnews/her_an_fran_treat_nationalnews_geoff_earle.htm Her $an Fransisco Treat: Pelosi Water-Bill Bid Drawing Fire], Geoff Earle, ''[[New York Post]]'', May 8, 2007.</ref>

===Non-union and illegal workers===
According to opensecrets.org, nearly half of Pelosi's assets are invested in a Napa County, California, vineyard called Zinfandel Lane. Capitolnews.com has reported Pelosi only employs non-union laborers and does not provide health coverage for her workers. In addition, it is believed [[illegal alien]]s have been exploited by Pelosi on the work farm, as well as a general question surrounding paying a basic liveable wage for many of society's most vulnerable.<ref>[http://www.capoliticalnews.com/s/spip.php?article13 Does Pelosi’s Non-Union Vineyard Use Illegal Aliens?], Monday 30 October 2006.</ref>

==Speakership 2019–2021==
During the [[2018 Midterm elections]] Pelosi lent her support to [[Left-wing violence in the Trump era|Democrat mob violence]].<ref>https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/10/18/nancy-pelosi-supports-collateral-damage-against-those-who-disagree-with-democrats</ref>

Reps. [[Ed Perlmutter]] of Colorado, [[Kathleen Rice]] of New York, [[Seth Moulton]] of Massachusetts, [[Bill Foster]] of Illinois, [[Tim Ryan]] of Ohio, [[Filemon Vela]] of Texas, [[Kurt Schrader]] of Oregon, [[Conor Lamb]] of Pennsylvania, Reps.-Elect [[Abigail Spanberger]] and [[Jason Crow]] all opposed Pelosi's election as Speaker.

Pelosi announced her intention to create a House Diversity Office. Rep. [[Keith Ellison]] was kicked from the back of the bus in Democratic leadership, to off the bus completely after allegations of [[domestic abuse]] and violence against women.<ref>https://bongino.com/keith-ellison-resigns-from-the-dnc-to-focus-on-new-job/</ref>

==Speakership 2007–2011==
Pelosi was elected Speaker of the House after the 2006 midterm elections when Democrats gained majorities in the House and Senate. [[John McCain]] referred to her as "one of the great American success stories" and "an inspiration."<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/29/MN0I121CI9.DTL&type=politics McCain extends olive branch to Pelosi, Gore], [[San Francisco Chronicle]]</ref>

When coming into her leadership position in 2007, Pelosi's "6 for 06" 100-hour campaign promise turned out being 100-legislative hours, and took several weeks.

On [[Earth Day]] in 2008, Pelosi stated: "The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, 'To minister to the needs of God's creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.'" Pelosi has used the quote many times, often attributing it to Isaiah. The verse is non-existent.<ref>Christianity Today, June 2008, Pg. 15</ref>

During the 2010 congressional elections, largely due to the unpopularity of Pelosi's extreme positions, [[Republican]]s gained a historic 60+ seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pelosi was stripped of power on January 3, 2011, when the 112th Congress was sworn in.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vote-2010-elections-nancy-pelosi-ousted-house-speaker/story?id=12034633 Nancy Pelosi Ousted as House Speaker, John Boehner Waits in Wings], [[ABC News]]</ref>

===Scuttled ethics reform===
Corruption and reform were big issues in the 2006 Midterm elections. Pelosi pledged reform during the election. Members of Pelosi's own Democratic Caucus warned failure to deliver on their promises to clean up corruption could be damaging.<ref>[https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0507/4014.html Democrats divided on lobbying reform], Josephine Hearn and Jeff Patch, May 15, 2007. Retrieved from [[Politico]] 06/01/07.</ref> Twenty freshmen Democrats asked for legislation to establish an independent ethics commission within the legislative branch to investigate future ethical lapses by fellow members.<ref>Alexander Bolton, [https://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-press-pelosi-for-ethics-panel-2007-04-18.html''Dems press Pelosi for ethics panel''], The Hill, April 19, 2007.</ref> Pelosi resisted the reform.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7hE4HX-Cwo&NR=1 The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same], ''[[ABC News]]'', April 25, 2007.</ref>

Members regularly abuse the appropriations process by [[earmark]]ing public money to fund projects in their own districts, such as the San Fransisco was project from which she and her family financially gained. Earmarks are an area of the legislative process particularly susceptible to corruption.

Pelosi's famous comment- the 'culture of corruption' was only meant to apply to Republicans.<ref>In another example of her hypocrisy, Democrat [[Charles Rangel]] was under investigation for ethics violations. Nancy said "she has no intention of forcing Rangel out"[https://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/charles_rangel_ethics/2008/09/10/129539.htmlPelosi, Republicans in Rangel Tug of War] [[Newsmax]], September 10, 2008</ref>

===2008 election===
On October 28, 2008 Pelosi said "Elect us, hold us accountable, and make a judgment and then go from there. But I do tell you that if the Democrats win, and have substantial majorities, the Congress of the United States will be more bipartisan." Commenting on Pelosi, Republican [[Mike Pence]] said, “As it’s been said before, I have an open mind but not an empty mind.” <ref>[https://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=39385 More ‘Bipartisan’ Congress Not Likely, Pence Says] [[CNSNews]], November 17, 2008</ref>

Anti-war protester [[Cindy Sheehan]] challenged Pelosi as an independent. Although Sheehan won 16% of the vote, more than the Republican nominee's 10%, Pelosi was reelected with 72%.

When Obama was elected Pelosi said that Obama is "a leader God has blessed us with at this time."
<ref>[http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/430377.aspx Pelosi Suggests Obama is a Gift from God] [[Associated Press]], August 19, 2008</ref>

===Obamacare disaster===
The passage of [[Obamacare]] cost Pelosi her job as Speaker as Democrats took a shellacking in the 2006 midterm elections. Pelosi and 60 Democrats were unceremoniously tossed out.

At the time of passage Pelosi claimed passage of the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" [[H.R. 3962]] as a major achievrment. The bill cost $1.1 trillion. It just barely passed 215-210, as 39 Democrats voted against the bill. The bill laid a tax on Americans requiring all Americans to purchase insurance they did not want or may not need. The bill was incomprehensible to most, even House members. Pelosi famously said, "We have to pass it to see what's in it."

Like most Democrat legislation, the bill created massive new bureaucratic agencies will administrative powers to create new regulations. Senate Democrat Leader [[Chuck Schumer|Cuck Schumer]], in a moment of candid realism, admitted passage of Obamacare was a mistake.<ref>https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/449700/</ref> Obamacare retarded economic growth for the remainder of President Obama's term.<ref>https://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2016/06/09/It-s-Time-Blame-Obamacare-Losing-So-Many-Full-Time-Jobs</ref>

Pelosi is a strong supporter of abortion, but to get 215 votes she gave in to Catholic leaders nationally and abortion opponents in her own caucus, allowing tight restrictions of the [[Stupak Amendment]] which barred any insurance plan purchased with government subsidies from covering abortions. Numerous liberals denounced the bill even as they voted for it.<ref>David M. Herszenhorn and Jackie Calmes, [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/health/policy/08scene.html?_r=1 "Abortion Was at Heart of Wrangling," ''[[The New York Times]]'' Nov 7, 2009]</ref> The bill went to the Senate where it was adopted with amendments.

===Abortion and Planned Parenthood===
In 2009, student [[Lila Rose]] exposed several instances of illegal behavior by [[Planned Parenthood]].<ref>[http://dotherightthing-cyberpastor.blogspot.com/2009/01/lila-rose-wins-award.html Undercover activist awarded for pro-life work]</ref> However, Pelosi still wanted $200 million for Planned Parenthood as part of the 2009 economic stimulus bill.<ref>[http://politicalhousewyf.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/speaker-pelosi-likes-leather/ Speaker Pelosi Likes Leather]</ref> When asked to explain why this money would promote economic stimulus, Pelosi was never able to give a sensible answer and Planned Parenthood funding was dropped from the bill.<ref>[https://www.lifenews.com/2009/01/29/nat-4799/ Abortion Advocates Upset Planned Parenthood Bailout Dropped From Stimulus Bill], [[LifeNews.com]]</ref>

Commenting on her erroneous understanding of the [[Catholic Church]] beliefs regarding conception, Nancy quips “And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And [[St. Augustine]] said at three months. We don’t know.” <ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/archbishop-of-washington-chides-pelosi-denver-archbishop-warns-biden-to-skip-communion/ Archbishop of Washington Chides Pelosi] [[Fox News]], August 26, 2008</ref> [[Archbishop]] Donald Wuerl rebuked her saying "From the beginning, the Catholic Church has respected the dignity of all human life from the moment of [[conception]] to natural death."

Marc Sheppard of American Thinker has asked how can,
:"one of the most outspoken advocates for unrestricted abortion in Congress -- with a perfect 100% rating from the radical [[pro-abortion]] group [[NARAL]], -- maintain a straight face when declaring a concern for children? How can you vote NO to making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime (Lacy and Conner’s Law - H.R.1997) and pretend to care about infants? How does anyone who voted against restricting interstate transport of minors for the purpose of [[abortion]] (H.R 748) or outlawing the barbaric [[infanticide]] which is [[partial birth abortion]] (H.R 3660) seriously proclaim that anything she does is “about children”.<ref>Marc Sheppard, [https://www.americanthinker.com/2007/01/pelosi_god_bless_the_child_tha.html Pelosi: God Bless the Child that’s not at Home], [[American Thinker]], January 14, 2007.</ref>

In defense of children in the mother's womb and the sanctity of Jesus in the host, a priest at the Saint's Peter and Paul Church in Nancy Pelosi's home district, Fr. John Malloy wrote a letter regarding her abortion stance and church services. The letter makes mention of her 100% rating with [[NARAL]] and her support for partial birth abortion. The last line says "...Nancy, do not receive the Eucharist when you attend Mass." <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070208233537/http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=695280f1-c90e-44d8-a866-d8e28f5ef457 California Catholic Daily A priest writes to Nancy Pelosi], February 1, 2007</ref>

===Gay rights===
In the 2001 San Francisco [[Lesbian]], Gay, [[Bisexual]], Transgender Pride Parade Pelosi marched along with long time [[CPUSA]] <ref>''The Boston Phoenix'', [http://bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/02511115.htm The real Harry Hay], Michael Bronski, October 31 - November 7, 2002.</ref> member and [[gay rights]] pioneer [[Harry Hay]].<ref>The [[American Spectator]] Special Report, [http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=10450 When Nancy Met Harry], Jeffrey Lord, 10/5/2006.</ref><ref>The [[San Francisco Chronicle]], [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/06/22/DD115758.DTL Official Guide & Program] Parade Lineup, page SP - 14, June 22, 2001.</ref> A gay activist group calling itself the [[Human Rights Campaign]] (HRC), eulogized Hay as "the first to realize that the dream of equality for our community could be attained through visibility and activism".<ref>[http://www.hrc.org/Content/ContentGroups/News_Releases/20021/HRC_Mourns_the_Death_of_Gay_Rights_Pioneer_Harry_Hay.htm Human Rights Campaign Mourns the Death of Gay Rights Pioneer Harry Hay], Press Release, Oct. 24, 2002.</ref> An outspoken advocate of the North American Man-Boy Love Association [[NAMBLA]], Hay regularly addressed NAMBLA conferences.{{fact}} NAMBLA carries published material by Hay on its website dating back to 1984. The [[ACLU]] defended NAMBLA against a $200 million lawsuit by parents of a 10 year old murder victim who claimed their sons’ killer was motivated by published material on NAMBLA’s website.<ref>Deroy Murdock, [http://www.nationalreview.com/murdock/murdock200402270920.asp No Boy Scouts: The ACLU defends NAMBLA], [[National Review Online]], February 27, 2004.</ref><ref>[http://www.thecpac.com/Curleys-v-NAMBLA.html Curley Vs. NAMBLA]</ref> The Human Rights Campaign contributed $10,000 to Pelosi's campaign.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00007360&cycle=2006 Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Top Contributors]</ref>

Pelosi made special rights for homosexuals a priority in the 109th Congress including [[Hate Crime]] legislation.<ref>Concerned Women for America, [http://www.cwfa.org/articles/12147/CWA/family/index.htm Homosexual Bills Top House Speaker Pelosi’s List], January 10, 2007.</ref>

Every year, the gay and lesbian community participates in the Folsom Street Fair that is located in her [[San Francisco]] district. They are barely dressed and publicly expose themselves in depraved sex acts. In addition, crucifixes made into sex toys are sold on the street during the fair.<ref>[https://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=41858 San Francisco Catholic Church Attacked by Pro-Homosexual Marriage Vandals], [[CNSNews]], January 13, 2009</ref> In 2007, the Fair mocked the 'Last Supper' image of Christians, with homosexuals in leather posing as [[Christ]] and the Apostles. Not a word of condemnation from Pelosi on the sacrilegious display.

'''Boy Scouts''' Pelosi tried to pass legislation making it illegal for [[Boy Scouts]] to use public facilities like schools.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080110235203/http://pelosiwatch.us/Pelosi-Record/Truth-About-Nancy-Pelosi.html The Truth About Nancy Pelosi]</ref> According to the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', her position on the bill was in response to the Boy Scouts not allowing gay scoutmasters, but this was proven to be false.<ref>[http://mediamatters.org/research/2006/10/05/journal-editorial-falsely-claimed-pelosi-voted/136844 Journal editorial falsely claimed Pelosi "vot[ed] to revoke the Boy Scouts' charter for its ban on gay scoutmasters"], [[Media Matters for America]]</ref>

===Support for Syria and Assad===
Pelosi traveled to Damascus, Syria in April 2007 to meet with Syrian [[Ba'athist]] leader [[Bashar al-Assad]]. Pelosi indicated at a press conference that she had carried a message from the government of Israel. "Our message was President Bush’s message," Pelosi told The Associated Press in Portugal.<ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/pelosi-delivered-wrong-message-assad-israel-says Pelosi Delivered Wrong Message to Assad, Israel Says], [[CNSNews]] Apr 7 2007.</ref> Pelosi told reporters the meeting "enabled us to communicate a message from Prime Minister Olmert".

The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated Olmert told Pelosi that Israel continued to regard Syria as "part of the axis of evil and a party encouraging terrorism in the entire Middle East." The ''Jerusalem Post'' reported sources at the Prime Minister's Office said, "Pelosi took part of the things that were said in the meeting, and used what suited her." <ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=845618&contrassID=2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0 PMO: Pelosi did not carry any message from Israel to Assad], Yoav Stern and Amiram Barkat, Haaretz Correspondents and AP, 5 April 2007.</ref>

The trip was praised by terrorists as "brave". Members of the Islamic Jihad have said Pelosi aligns to their views about terror much better than Bush and Dr. Condoleezza Rice.<ref>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3385140,00.html Terrorists endorse Pelosi's 'good policy of dialogue'], Aaron Klein, Israel News, 04.05.07. "Palestinian terror group members call US House speaker's visit to Damascus 'brave' and hope for talks with Iran; ‘I think the Democratic Party can do things the best,’ Islamic Jihad member says"</ref> Khaled Al-Batch, spokesman for [[Islamic Jihad]], which along with Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades has taken responsibility for every suicide bombing in Israel since 2005,<ref>http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3392403,00.html </ref> expressed [[hope]] Pelosi and the Democratic Party will pressure Bush to create dialogue with Syrian rebel and Middle East "resistance movements" and prompt an American withdrawal from Iraq.

In the lead editorial of Thursday, April 5, The ''[[Washington Post]]'' commented on '''"The Pratfall in Damascus":'''<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306.html Pratfall in Damascus], [[Washington Post]]</ref>

<blockquote>
HOUSE SPEAKER Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered an excellent demonstration yesterday of why members of Congress should not attempt to supplant the secretary of state when traveling abroad. After a meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Ms. Pelosi announced that she had delivered a message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that "Israel was ready to engage in peace talks" with Syria. What's more, she added, Mr. Assad was ready to "resume the peace process" as well. Having announced this seeming diplomatic breakthrough, Ms. Pelosi suggested that her Kissingerian shuttle diplomacy was just getting started. "We expressed our interest in using our good offices in promoting peace between Israel and Syria," she said.</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Only one problem: The Israeli prime minister entrusted Ms. Pelosi with no such message. "What was communicated to the U.S. House Speaker does not contain any change in the policies of Israel," said a statement quickly issued by the prime minister's office. In fact, Mr. Olmert told Ms. Pelosi that "a number of Senate and House members who recently visited Damascus received the impression that despite the declarations of Bashar Assad, there is no change in the position of his country regarding a possible peace process with Israel." In other words, Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were mere propaganda. ...</blockquote>

<blockquote>Never mind that that statement is ludicrous: As any diplomat with knowledge of the region could have told Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Assad is a corrupt thug whose overriding priority at the moment is not peace with Israel but heading off U.N. charges that he orchestrated the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri. The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president. Two weeks ago Ms. Pelosi rammed legislation through the House of Representatives that would strip Mr. Bush of his authority as commander in chief to manage troop movements in Iraq. Now she is attempting to introduce a new Middle East policy that directly conflicts with that of the president. We have found much to criticize in Mr. Bush's military strategy and regional diplomacy. But Ms. Pelosi's attempt to establish a shadow presidency is not only counterproductive, it is foolish. </blockquote>

Pelosi was roundly criticized from all quarters for making the trip. The ''[[New York Post]]'' said, "the sad reality is that Pelosi is sending Assad the same message she and her Democratic colleagues in Congress have sent the terrorist [[Iraq insurgency 2004-2008|insurgency in Iraq]]: Just wait until President Bush leaves office and a Democratic administration will hand you what you want on a platter."<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/04032007/postopinion/editorials/nancys_nonsense_editorials_.htm Nancy's Nonsense], [[New York Post]], 3 April 2007.</ref> The ''Philadelphia Enquirer'' ran an editorial declaring Pelosi "was nuts" to visit Assad.<ref>Claudia Rosett, [http://articles.philly.com/2007-04-05/news/25243155_1_president-bashar-assad-syrian-involvement-damascus Pelosi was nuts to visit with Assad], ''Philadelphia Enquirer'', Thu, Apr. 05, 2007.</ref>

===Refuses to pay troops===
Pelosi was for the War in Iraq before she was against it. During the [[Clinton administration]] Pelosi's said {{Quotebox|"[[Saddam Hussein]] has been engaged in the development of [[weapons of mass destruction]] technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."}} In 2003 Leader Pelosi voted for the [[Operation Iraqi Freedom|War in Iraq]]. By 2005 Pelosi called eliminating a [[fascist]] [[dictatorship]] and establishing a [[parliamentary]] [[democracy]] in Iraq a "grotesque mistake".

As Speaker, a major setback for Pelosi was the rejection by Democrats in both Houses for her plan to cut and run from Iraq. Pelosi promised in the csmpaign a [[Vietnam]]-style solution to stop funding the troops. In a stunning rebuke to her leadership, the House voted 280-142 to continue fighting radical [[Islamic]] extremists. Only radical fringe Democrats voted against paying the troops.<ref>[http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070525-122215-4854r.htm Congress OKs war bill sans timeline,] By S.A. Miller, ''[[The Washington Times]]'', May 25, 2007.</ref> In [[bi-partisan]] compromise Pelosi won a raise in the [[minimum wage]] in exchange for paying the troops.<ref>[http://www.optimalsolutionsgroup.com/pubs/Duncan-Turner-Pape.pdf Minimum wages and school enrollment of teenagers: a look at the 1990’s.] Duncan D. Chaplin, Mark D. Turner, Andreas D. Pape. ''Economics of Education Review''. 22 (2003) 11–21.</ref><ref>"Hamilton and Madison knew what they were doing when they gave the bulk of the war powers to the President, and it's hard to imagine a more telling vindication of their wisdom...Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] claim to oppose the war and want it to end, yet they refused to use their power of the purse to end it. Instead, they tried every legislative gimmick imaginable to hamstring President Bush's war strategy without actually having to take responsibility for cutting off funds.[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118014289006815463 Congress and Iraq], ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', May 26, 2007.</ref>

===John Brennan and torture===
:{{See also|John Brennan}}
Pelosi has been caught lying about her knowledge of [[CIA]] interrogations. She claims she was never briefed by the [[Bush Administration]]. In fact, Pelosi was briefed through the [[Gang of Eight]] process. The ''[[Washington Post]]'' reported "In September 2002, four members of Congress [House members including Pelosi] met in secret for a first look at a unique CIA program designed to wring vital information from reticent terrorism suspects in U.S. custody," and "Among the techniques described, said two officials present, was waterboarding..." <ref>[https://www.cnsnews.com/public/Content/Article.aspx?rsrcid=47108 Pelosi Says She Was 'Never Briefed' on Waterboarding] [[CNSNews]], April 24, 2009</ref>

After doing nothing to improve the intelligence of the CIA, after admonishing the CIA for lying, and providing no evidence weeks after her allegation, Pelosi then said she has confidence in the intelligence community.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/08/house-democrat-joins-pelosi-accusing-cia-misleading-lying-congress/ House Democrats' Letter Says Panetta Testified CIA 'Misled' Congress] [[Fox News]], July 8, 2009</ref>

On November 2, 2007, Brennan defended the [[torture]] program:
{{Cquote|the C.I.A. has acknowledged that it has detained about 100 terrorists since [[9/11]], and about a third of them have been subjected to what the C.I.A. refers to as enhanced interrogation tactics.and only a small proportion of those have in fact been subjected to the most serious types of enhanced procedures.<ref>''The Early Show'' on [[CBS]], John Brennan interview with Harry Smith. [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/07/us/politics/07brennan-issues.html]</ref>}} President Obama appointed Brennan to head the CIA, despite his promise to shut down Brennan's torture program.

===China: Human rights vs global warming===
Pelosi left the U.S. at a time when she is under verbal attack at home for her CIA comments. During her travel to China she made no mention of Chinese human rights abuses but raised awareness for [[Global warming]]. Earlier she was calling for President Bush to boycott the Olympics held in China over human rights abuses in [[Tibet]].

===Opposed energy Independence===
Rising pump prices was a big issue in the 2006 elections. Many Americans were paying more for gasoline than they were on housing. A poll showed more than 75% of Americans supported expanding domestic drilling. The poll showed 85% of Republicans, 71% of Democrats and 68% of Independents favored more drilling.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/062108_energy_release_web.pdf Fox News Polling Opinion Dynamics] [[Fox News]], June 21, 2008</ref> The poll found the public split on whether domestic drilling would have an impact on gas prices.<ref>An anti-Bush CNN poll found "just over half say that the Bush administration and the war in Iraq are major causes of high fuel prices."[https://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/31/congress.session/index.html GOP lawmakers want special session on energy crisis]</ref>

Pelosi wanted oil companies to drill on federal lands already leased and refused to allow a vote for additional domestic drilling. In July 2008 Pelosi told [[George Stephanopoulos]] on [[ABC News]]'s ''[[This Week]]'' program, {{quotebox|"I'm trying to save the planet I'm trying to save the planet."<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeUx6o9qpYY</ref><ref>She did allow a vote to close the [[House of Representatives]] early for a five-week recess without addressing energy issues. [http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/77da4653-28ce-4c3e-a8a9-37ae52671b15 A Month Off for Bad Behavior] [[Townhall]], July 30, 2008. Pelosi wanted to tap into the Strategic Oil Reserves. "America's greatest strategic reserves lie beneath taxpayer-owned lands - including ANWR's northern coastal plain and the outer continental shelf - that are currently off limits to energy production,” said Daniel Kish, senior vice president of the Institute for Energy Research, an oil industry-supported think tank. [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/11/us-oil-reserves-sought-for-relief/ U.S. oil reserves sought for relief], [[The Washington Times]], July 11, 2008</ref> }}
Pelosi espouses the [[Marxist]] view of blaming producers and [[capitalist]] speculators for price increases rather than growing demand of a growing population on finite resources.<ref>Pelosi's support for renewable energy and new technologies did not lower energy prices. "A New Direction", the Democrats' Six for '06 campaign promised energy independence, however once elected she refused to deliver. "For 25 years, Democrats have blocked more American-made oil and gas. That's why we're in the predicament we're in, voters want Congress to vote on more American made oil and gas. We want to do that. She, [[Harry Reid]], [[Barack Obama]] are standing in the way." "She's got time to go out and promote her new book tour and her new book, but she doesn't have time to schedule a vote on the floor of the House and let the American people have their will expressed?" said Republican Leader John Boehner, who made energy independrnce a reality when he assumed the Speakership.</ref>

Pelosi is a supporter of increasing taxes and regulation on oil production to lower output and raise consumer prices to support advocates of the anti-[[global warming]] agenda.<ref>Pelosi was scheduled to speak at a March 2, 2009 global warming protest, but did not make it because her plane, a huge gas guzzler, was delayed due to a snowstorm.[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/pelosi-snowed-out-global-warming-rally Pelosi Snowed-Out of Global Warming Rally], [[Cybercast News Service]]</ref>

'''Wilderness years''' In May 2017, Pelosi claimed the Democratic Party was not divided, despite clear examples to the contrary.<ref>Nazarian, Adelle (May 3, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/03/nancy-pelosi-claims-broken-democratic-party-is-100-percent-unified/ Nancy Pelosi Claims Broken Democratic Party Is ‘100 Percent Unified’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref> Several times in President [[Donald Trump]]'s presidency, she referred to him as "President Bush".<ref>Yilek, Caitlin (July 12, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/nancy-pelosi-again-refers-to-trump-as-president-bush/article/2628411 Nancy Pelosi again refers to Trump as 'President Bush']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 13, 2017.</ref>

==Memoir==
[[File:Pelosibook.jpg‎|200px|right]]
Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters. She writes "If [[women]] can learn from me, it will make the honor of being [[Speaker of the House]] even greater." Currently, the majority rating is one star on Amazon.com and is doing poorly in sales, ranked at 1620 for a non-fiction memoir.<ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=71104 Corsi's Obama title soars to No. 1, Pelosi's tanks] [[WorldNetDaily]], July 31, 2008</ref>

==See also==
* [[Ségolène Royal]]
* [[Hillary Clinton]]
* [[New Democrat]]
* [[Liberal]]
* [[Previous Breaking News/Nancy Pelosi|Articles about '''Nancy Pelosi''' from previous "Breaking News"]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.house.gov/pelosi/ Nancy Pelosi's Congressional Page]
*[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00007360&cycle=2006 Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Top Contributors]
*[http://www.themilitant.com/1995/5944/5944_5.html Ed Shaw: 50 Years In Fight For Socialism], ''The Militant'', Vol.59/No.44, November 27, 1995.
*[http://www.opensecrets.org/1996os/contrib/H8CA05035.htm]

{{liberalism}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pelosi, Nancy}}
[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Speakers of the House(US)]]
[[Category:Liberals]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[Category:California]]
[[Category:114th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Italian-Americans]]

Molly Maguires

2018-11-10T14:49:35Z

Void:

The '''Molly Maguires''' was a secret [[Catholic Irish]] network of mine workers in [[Pennsylvania]] around 1870 that used violence and murder to control the mines.

An informer planted in the group exposed their deeds, and 18 were executed for murder in 1877. The Mollys disappeared, but remain heroes among violent leftists and even some Irish.
==Historiography==
The most recent scholarly study is Kevin Kenny, ''Making Sense of the Molly Maguires'' (1998). Kenny believes the Mollies were guilty, but that the trials were unfair because of poor defensive lawyers. He claims the killings reflected premodern Irish traditions of "justice" against ethnic foes (especially the Welsh) and argues the Mollies arose only after the union collapsed. Other leftist historians condemn the persecution of the Mollies as an attack on labor unions.

==External links==
* [http://tigger.uic.edu/~rjensen/molly.htm Rhodes, James Ford. ''History of the United States of America, From the Compromise of 1850 to the McKinley-Bryan Campaign of 1896: Vol 8: 1877-1896'' (1919) Chapter 2] , classic history with expanded modern bibliography
==Further reading==
* Adams, Sean Patrick. "The US Coal Industry in the Nineteenth Century." (1901) ;;EH.Net Encyclopedia'' scholarly overview [http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/adams.industry.coal.us online edition]
* Broehl, Jr., Wayne G. ''The Molly Maguires'' (1964) excellent scholarly study
* Dewees, Francis P. ''The Molly Maguires: The Origin, Growth, and Character of the Organization'' (1877), classic account, first published in 1877, used by Rhodes.
* Gudelunas, Jr., William Anthony, and William G. Shade. ''Before the Molly Maguires: The Emergence of the Ethnoreligious Factor in the Politics of the Lower Anthracite Region: 1844-1972'' (1976). on local politics and ethnic conflicts
* Jensen, Richard. "'No Irish Need Apply': A Myth of Victimization" ''Journal of Social History'' v. 36 #2 (2002) 405-429 [http://tigger.uic.edu/~rjensen/no-irish.htm online] scholarly essay on prejudice against the Irish
* Kenny, Kevin. ''Making Sense of the Molly Maguires'' (1998).
* Kenny, Kevin, "The Molly Maguires in Popular Culture," ''Journal of American Ethnic History'' (1995) 14(4): 27-46. Looks at 8 novels and a film to show how popular depictions have moved from negative to positive. in [[EBSCO]]
* Kenny, Kevin. "The Molly Maguires and the Catholic Church," Labor History 1995 36(3): 345-376. The bishops vigorously attacked the Mollies and the AOF (Hibernians) to expell violence from the Irish community and make it law-abiding.
* Rhodes, James Ford. ''History of the United States of America, From the Compromise of 1850 to the McKinley-Bryan Campaign of 1896: Vol 8: 1877-1896'' (1919) Chapter 2. [http://tigger.uic.edu/~rjensen/molly.htm online]
* Orth, Samuel P. ''The Armies of Labor'' (1920) ch 4 has good overview of late 19th century labor history [https://books.google.com/books?id=BscpAAAAYAAJ&dq=intitle:armies+inauthor:orth&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 online edition]

[[Category:Crime]]
[[Category:Coal Mining]]
[[Category:Irish-Americans]]

Benazir Bhutto

2018-11-10T14:46:34Z

Void:

[[Image:B Bhutto.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Benazir Bhutto]]
'''Benazir Bhutto''' (Karachi 21 June 1953 - Rawalpindi 27 December 2007) became the first woman to be the head of government of a [[Muslim]]-majority country when she was elected [[Prime Minister]] of [[Pakistan]] in 1988. She was the eldest child of former premier [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]].

Bhutto was strongly [[pro-life]]. In 1994, she was a leader of a delegation to the widely publicized [[United Nations]] population conference in [[Cairo]], where she opposed those seeking to create a new international right to [[abortion]]. One of only two women who addressed the conference, Bhutto declared, "I dream ... of a world where we can commit our social resources to the development of human life and not to its destruction."<ref>https://www.lifenews.com/int576.html</ref>

Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi, [[Pakistan]] on December 27, 2007. The assailant reportedly shot at Benazir three times at close range before detonating an explosive vest. Despite undergoing emergency surgery at Rawalpindi General Hospital, she did not recover from her injuries. The Pakistani government has stated that she was not hit by bullets or bomb shrapnel, but died after the shock waves from the blast knocked her head into a lever attached to the sunroof, fracturing her skull.<ref>'''Ahmad, Munir''' "Pakistan: Bhutto Died of Skull Fracture" [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ioTwkS-brY7b5sQCJoIKvUKNmk5wD8TQJ2GO0 Associated Press 28/12/07] Accessed 28 December 2007.</ref>

After Bhutto's death, [[CNN]]'s Wolf Blitzer reported that Bhutto had sent him an email two months prior saying that in the event of her death, she wanted to blame [[Pervez Musharraf]], the Army's Chief of Staff.<ref>http://apnews.myway.com//article/20071228/D8TQKI3O0.html</ref>

==Background==
Born in 1953 in the province of Sindh, from the age of 9, Bhutto was groomed by her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, for political office in Pakistan. He introduced her to many of the leading politicians of the day and ensured she was well educated. After completing her early education in Pakistan, between 1969 and 1973 she attended [[Radcliffe College]] and [[Harvard University]], obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in Comparative Government. Between 1973 and 1977 she studied at [[Oxford University]], obtaining a degree in [[Philosophy]], [[Politics]] and [[Economics]], and also studying International Law and Diplomacy. In 1973 her father became [[Prime Minister]] of Pakistan. Ousted from office on charges of corruption in 1975, his trial in 1977 for conspiracy resulted in a death sentence being awarded. Ten days after her return to Pakistan in 1977, martial law was declared, her father was arrested and she was placed under house arrest. Benazir became the focus for her father's supporters and he continued to advise her what to say to the crowds. He was hanged in 1979. In the same year, Benazir became the leader of the [[Pakistan People's Party]] (PPP), and remained under house arrest until 1984, when she was allowed to go into exile in [[Great Britain]].

In 1986 Benazir returned to Pakistan, and on 16 November 1988 the PPP won the majority of seats in the National Assembly. Bhutto was sworn in as [[Prime Minister]] of the coalition government on 2 December 1988, and became the youngest person and the first woman to head the government of a Muslim-majority state.

Echoing the charges laid against her father, Bhutto's government was dismissed in 1990 following unsubstantiated charges of corruption. [[Nawaz Sharif]] and his party, [[Pakistan Muslim League N]], superseded Benazir's PPP, although she was re-elected in 1993. In 1996, Benazir's husband was jailed for corruption and accused of murdering her brother, and the government was dissolved by then [[president]] [[Farooq Leghari]], with further corruption charges levelled against them. Benazir denied all corruption charges and argued that the investigations were purely politically motivated. She once more went into exile in Britain.

==Return to Pakistan==
In 1999 a military coup d'état headed by Musharraf, removed Sharif as Prime Minister, and Musharraf declared himself "Chief Executive". In 2001, Musharraf appointed himself to the office of President. In 2002, he altered Pakistan's constitution to prevent prime ministers from serving more than two terms, in a move believed to be aimed at preventing Bhutto and Sharif forming a poplular opposition to him.

==References==
<references/>

==See also==
*[[Pervez Musharraf]]
*[[India]]

==External links==
*[http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/bhu0bio-1 Biography]
*[http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9211744 Benazir Bhutto]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhutto, Benazir}}
[[Category:Pakistan]]
[[Category:Women]]
[[Category:Heads of Government]]

Erwin Huber

2018-11-10T14:43:23Z

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'''Erwin Huber''' was the leader of the [[German]] [[CSU|Christian Social Union (CSU)]] political party. He was elected as the party's leader on September 29, 2007, with 58 percent of the votes at a CSU party conference.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aFrCjX2fld6I&refer=germany Bloomberg.com, Andreas Cremer and Aaron Kirchfeld, September 29, 2007, "Huber Elected as New Party Leader by Merkel's Allies"]</ref> According to a BBC report, he is known as a "moderate conservative and pragmatist".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7020020.stm BBC NEWS.com, September 29, 2007, "Germany's CSU elects new leader"]</ref> His successor is [[Horst Seehofer]].

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Huber, Erwin}}
[[Category:Christian Social Union of Bavaria politicians]]