https://conservapedia.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=BryanT&feedformat=atomConservapedia - User contributions [en]2024-03-19T09:54:43ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.24.2https://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Mosaic_Law&diff=905255Mosaic Law2011-08-25T14:17:35Z<p>BryanT: /* In Judaism */ spelling</p>
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<div>The '''Mosaic Law''' consists of the rules of conduct given to [[Moses]] by [[God]], as described in the [[Old Testament]].<br />
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The Mosaic Law primarily consists of the [[Ten Commandments]], but also includes the rules set forth in the [[Torah]], which is the first five books of the Old Testament.<br />
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The Mosaic Law should not be confused with the [[Noahide laws]], which God gave to [[Noah]] after the [[Great Flood]] and which are thus independent of the [[covenant]] received by Moses.<br />
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==In Judaism==<br />
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In [[Judaism]], the 613 ''mitzvot'' (commandments, singular: ''mitzvah'') are divided into the following categories:<ref>[http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2797/jewish/The-Logic-of-the-Mitzvot.htm The Logic of the Mitzvot, from Chabad.org]</ref><br />
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*''mishpatim,'' whose reason and utility are obvious, and which probably would have been instituted without Divine revelation;<br />
*''chukkim'' (singular: ''chok''), which are accepted [[divine command theory|because of their Divine inspiration]] and which would otherwise appear incomprehensible or even irrational; and<br />
*''eidot'' ("testimonials"), which commemorate or represent something, and which are comprehensible once their significance is explained.<br />
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They are all accepted as equally binding on Jews. Judaism teaches that only Jews are required to follow the 613 ''mitzvot,'' while Gentiles must follow only the seven Noahide laws.<ref>[http://www.mechon-mamre.org/jewfaq/gentiles.htm Gentiles, from Mechon Mamre]</ref><br />
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==In Christianity==<br />
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[[Christian]]s differ on the applicability of the Mosaic Law to [[Gentile]] Christians. That question was considered in the [[Council of Jerusalem]] and was resolved thus:<br />
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{{Bible quote|Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood. |book=Acts|chap=15|verses=19-20|version=KJV}}<br />
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{{Bible quote|For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to [[idolatry|idols]], and from [[blood]], and from things strangled, and from [[sexual immorality|fornication]]: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. |book=Acts|chap=15|verses=28-29|version=KJV}}<br />
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While [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] still follow those laws, the traditional approach among other Christian denominations is to divide the Mosaic Law into moral, civil, and ceremonial laws and to treat only the moral laws as binding on all Christians.<ref>[http://www.tenth.org/qbox/qb_000806.htm Which Old Testament Laws Must I Obey?], from Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pa.</ref> However, other Christians object that such a division of the Mosaic Law is [[Cafeteria Christianity|arbitrary]] and [[Sola scriptura|unsupported by the Biblical text]].<ref>[http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/article_law_hays.html Applying the Old Testament Law Today], from Bibliotheca Sacra</ref><br />
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==References==<br />
<references/><br />
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[[category:Old Testament]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Barack_Hussein_Obama&diff=905249Barack Hussein Obama2011-08-25T13:52:26Z<p>BryanT: Undo revision 905247 by Bdboar (talk)</p>
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<div>{{Officeholder<br />
|name=Barack Hussein Obama<br />
|image=President Barack Obama.jpg<br />
|party=[[Democrat]]<br />
|spouse=[[Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama]]<br />
|religion=Claims to be Christian<br />
|offices=<br />
{{Officeholder/president<br />
|country=the United States<br />
|number=44th<br />
|terms=January 20, 2009-Present<br />
|vp=[[Joe Biden]]<br />
|preceded=[[George W. Bush]]<br />
|former=n<br />
|succeeded=<br />
}}<br />
{{Officeholder/senator<br />
|state=Illinois<br />
|terms=January 3, 2005 – November 16, 2008<br />
|preceded=Peter Fitzgerald<br />
|former=y<br />
|succeeded=[[Roland Burris]]<br />
}}<br />
}}<br />
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'''Barack Hussein Obama II''' (born August 4, 1961) is the 44th President of the [[United States]] and recipient of the 2009 [[Nobel Prize|Nobel Peace Prize]]. Overcoming a short political career, Obama defeated [[Republican]] nominee [[John McCain]] for the presidency in 2008, campaigning on promises of "hope" and "change". In effect, that change has been an embrace of Humanitarian and fiscally responsible policies. Barack Obama has been widely criticized by the American [[business]] community and others for his anti-business policies that are killing American jobs during a period of high unemployment.<ref><br />
*[http://www.usnews.com/opinion/mzuckerman/articles/2010/07/16/obamas-anti-business-policies-are-our-economic-katrina Obama's Anti-business Policies are our Economic Katrina]<br />
*[http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/619dvjlm.asp An Anti-Business President]<br />
*[http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/08/small-businesses-are-not-hiring-why.html Small Businesses are not hiring. Why should they?]<br />
*[http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/02/dear_mr_president_why_we_are_n.html Dear Mr. President: Why we are not hiring]<br />
</ref> Trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] indicates that [[Obama administration]]'s response to the the failed American economy is more war and the creation of misleading [[economics|economic]] statistics.<ref>[http://www.opednews.com/articles/Washington-s-Response-to-a-by-paul-craig-roberts-110728-724.html Washington's response to the failed economy: More war]</ref><br />
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Under President Obama's management of the economy, the United States Government's credit rating has been slowly improving after the disaster left in place by the former president. By and large his policies to combat the recession, unemployment, slow growth, the deficit, and expanding [[national debt]], have been slower then expected but is building to a stronger nation.<ref>"The vast majority (73%) of respondents reported the fiscal stimulus enacted in February 2009 has had no impact on employment to date. While 68% also believe a jobs bill, such as the one recently enacted into law, will have no impact on payrolls, 30% do believe it will boost payrolls moderately". ''Industry Survey'', National Association for Business Economics, April 2010, [http://www.nabe.com/press/ind1004.pdf p. 2 pdf].</ref> Also on the domestic front, Obama passed an expensive [[health care]] bill in 2009 with no [[bipartisan]] support and 34 Democrats dissenting. In foreign policy Obama has escalated the [[Afghanistan War]] and, against his own Defense Secretary's advice, [[Libyan uprising 2011|attacked Libya]] - a possible violation of the [[War Powers Act]]. After he announced the killing of [[September 11th]] mastermind and terrorist [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[U.S. State Department]] warned of the increased risk to the lives and safety of Americans around the world.<ref>http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=8273909</ref> Bin Laden's death had negligible impact on Obama's approval ratings.<br />
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==Early life==<br />
:''Main article : [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]]''<br />
:''See also : [[Barack Obama's Muslim Heritage]]''<br />
Obama was born in Hawaii to Stanley Ann Dunham and [[Barack Obama Sr.]] - who had married just six months prior - on August 4, 1961 in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]]. The couple divorced in 1964. Barack Obama Sr. was not a [[Natural born citizen|citizen of the United States]]. Dunham remarried Lolo Soetoro, an [[Indonesia]]n student. When Obama was six, Soetoro returned to Indonesia, and Dunham and Obama followed.<ref name="db mother">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-03/a-singular-woman-by-janny-scott-review-by-stacy-schiff/#|work=The Daily Beast|format=HTML|language=English|title=Dreams of His Mother|author=Stacy Schiff}}</ref> He spent four years in Indonesia before returning to Hawaii to be raised by his grandparents, Madelyn and WW2 veteran Stanley Armour Dunham. He would later attend Occidental College, [[Columbia University]] and then [[Harvard University]] for law school, where he would become the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. It is disputed whether Obama was actually born in the United States, many people believing him to have been born in Kenya.<br />
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==Illinois State Senate career==<br />
[[File:O-2002-antiwar-rally-davidson.jpg|right|thumb|250px| Obama speaking at the October 2002 rally in Chicago organized by [[Carl Davidson]].<ref>Davidson is a longtime [[Mao]]ist and champion of the ''Thought of Mao Tse Tung.'' Davidson's anti-Trotskyite polemic, [http://www.wengewang.org/read.php?tid=10925 ''Left in Form, Right in Essence''] defends Maoist doctrine.<br> Retrieved from 对当代托洛茨基主义的批判:英文论集百花齐放 - 中国文革研究网, March 15, 2010.</ref> ''"[H]e is a brutal man who butchers his own people,"'' nevertheless Obama opposed ''"dumb wars".'']]<br />
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<ref>[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=7434 NEW PARTY (NP)], discoverthenetwork.org.</ref><ref>Rick Moran. [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/06/obamas_alliance_with_marxists.html Obama's Alliance with Marxists], ''American Thinker'', June 03, 2008.</ref> He became the [[Democrat]] nominee and ran unopposed to win the election. Obama entered the Illinois Senate promising change to a corrupt system. He mixed often radical votes with more pragmatic agreements. Possibly one of his most radical votes was against requiring medical care for aborted children who survive [[abortion|the procedure]] - in fact the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council ascribed him a 100% rating for his consistently pro-choice votes.<ref name="cbs illinois">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml|title=Obama Record May Be Gold Mine For Critics|work=CBS|format=HTML|language=English|last=Clark|first=Amy S.|date=Jan. 17, 2007}}</ref> He was criticized for using the statehouse as a stepping stone for a more illustrious career: Steven J. Rauschenberger, a [[Republican]], said prior to Obama's election as president: “He is a very bright but very ambitious person who has always had his eyes on the prize, and it wasn’t Springfield. If he deserves to be president, it is not because he was a great legislator.”<ref name="nyt illinois">{{cite web|work=The New York Times|title=In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd|last=Scott|first=Janny|format=HTML|language=English|date=July 30, 2007|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html}}</ref><br />
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The statehouse was majority Republican, so the Senator was sometimes forced to compromise. He formed allegiances across party lines to pass [[campaign finance]] reform that banned most gifts by lobbyists, prohibited spending campaign money for legislators’ personal use and required electronic filing of campaign disclosure reports.<ref name="nyt illinois"/> Obama also helped pass a so-called “driving-while-black bill”, which required the police to collect data on the race of drivers they stopped as a way to monitor [[racial profiling]].<ref name="nyt illinois"/><br />
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Obama established himself as a chief spokesperson in opposition to the [[War on Terror]] during an October 2002 rally at Federal Plaza in Chicago<ref>The rally was organized by Chicagoans Against War in Iraq (CAWI) later renamed Chicagoans Against War and Injustice. [http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?page_id=2 About CAWI] by Carl Davidson, Nov 02 2006. Retrieved from Chicagoans Against War and Injustice, March 15, 2010.</ref> [[community organizing|organized]] by veteran [[Mao]]ist and webmaster of [[Progressives for Obama]],<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/carldavidson Carl Davidson,] LinkedIn.com, retrieved March 13, 2010.</ref> [[Carl Davidson]]. <br />
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===Radical foundation and connection to William Ayers===<br />
{{main article|Radical roots of Barack Hussein Obama}}<br />
In 1995 a cadre of like minded individuals gathered in the home of [[Weather Underground]] (WUO) [[terrorist]]s [[Bernardine Dohrn]] and [[William Ayers|William "Bill" Ayers]]. Dohrn,<ref>Georgie Anne Geyer and Keyes Beach "Cuba: School for U.S. Radicals", ''Chicago Daily News/Chicago Sun-Times'' five part series October 1970, excerpted in [http://foia.fbi.gov/filelink.html?file=/weather/weath1c.pdf FBI file Weather Underground Organization (Weatherman),] Part 1c pp. 5-7 pdf (113-115 in original). [http://therealbarackobama.wordpress.com/2009/06/07/clandestine-agents-of-the-cuban-government-ayers-dohrn-myers/]</ref> along with Carl Davidson, are veterans of [[guerrilla warfare]] training in [[Cuba]] prior 1968 Democratic National Convention riots. Ayers and Dohrn have taken credit for, and never denied, bombing the [[U.S. Capitol]], the [[Pentagon]] and the [[State Department]]. <br />
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Ayers and Dohrn used their celebrity status among [[leftist]]s to launch Obama's career. Ayers, Dohrn and [[Jeff Jones]]<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106653 ''Obama's 'green jobs czar' worked with terror founder] Van Jones served on board of activist group where ex-Weatherman serves as top director'', By Aaron Klein, [[WorldNetDaily]], August 13, 2009.</ref> are authors of ''[[Bill_Ayers#Prairie_Fire_Organizing_Committee_and_Maoist_thought|Prairie Fire: The Politics of Revolutionary Anti-imperialism]],'' the title taken from ''The Sayings of Mao Zedong.''<ref>[http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/works/red-book/]</ref> The book declares "we are [[communist]] men and women."<ref>Harvey Klehr, ''Far Left of Center: The American Radical Left Today'' (Transaction Books, New Brunswick, 1988), 109.</ref> Ayers later jokingly, publicly admitted to ghostwriting Obama's book, ''Dreams From My Father''<ref>http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/03/ayers_affirms_he_wrote_dreams.html</ref> and Obama was to appoint several openly avowed Maoists to prominent White House and Executive Branch positions.<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704597704574487431322664964.html</ref><br />
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==U.S. Senate career==<br />
:''See also: [[Early_life_and_career_of_Barack_Hussein_Obama#U.S._Senate_.282004-2008.29|Barack Obama:U.S. Senate (2004-2008)]]''<br />
[[Image:obama.jpg|thumb|left|Senator Barack Obama]]<br />
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Following a failed campaign for the U. S. House of Representatives, Obama ran for the open Senate seat from Illinois in 2004 against Republican candidate Jack Ryan. He won the seat after Chicago media outlets The Chicago Tribune newspaper and Chicago ABC affiliate WLS-TV; together with candidate Jack Ryan's Republican Primary opponents, sought and obtained the release of the confidential and personally embarrassing records in his California divorce from actress Jeri Ryan, forcing him to end his campaign. Ryan was replaced by the out-of-state candidate [[Alan Keyes]]. Obama won over Keyes 70% to 27% in the general election. Obama spent very little time in the Senate - "frustrated by his lack of influence and what he called the 'glacial pace' ... [he began] running for president even as he was still getting lost in the Capitol’s corridors."<ref name="nyt senate">{{cite web|work=The New York Times|publisher=The New York Times, Inc.|format=HTML|language=English|title=Obama in Senate: Star Power, Minor Role|author=Kate Zernike and Jeff Zelleny|date=March 9, 2008|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/us/politics/09obama.html}}</ref><br />
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Obama frequently used the [[filibuster]] to obstruct the operations of government,<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020303801_pf.html</ref> voted against the [[minimum wage]]<ref>[http://uspolitics.about.com/od/legislatio1/a/HR2206.htm HR 2206 - Emergency Appropriations], Kathy Gill, Your Guide to U.S. Politics: Current Events. May 26 2007.</ref><ref>[http://more.gov.mtopgroup.com/2007/05/votes-hr-2206-iraq-supplemental.html Votes - H.R. 2206: Iraq Supplemental], May 28, 2007. Retrieved from Deeper Inside the Mountain, June 4, 2007.</ref> and debt ceiling increases,<ref>http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/obama-once-opposed-debt-ceiling-hike/237129/</ref> and recieved more than $126,000 in campaign contributions from [[Fannie Mae]]. The ''[[National Journal]]'' ranked him the most liberal senator in 2007.<ref name="ranked">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502163_162-3775451-502163.html|title=National Journal: Obama Most Liberal Senator In 2007|author=Brian Montopoli|date=January 31, 2008|work=CBS}}</ref><br />
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==Presidential Election==<br />
{{main article|Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign}}<br />
Democrats began calling for an Obama candidacy after liberals lauded his 2004 [[Democratic National Convention]] speech.<br />
===Campaign to be the Democratic nominee===<br />
The race for the Democratic ticket originally seemed [[Hillary Clinton]]'s to lose, but was ultimately a close race between Clinton and Obama. Clinton would take a slim advantage in the popular vote, while Obama would carry significantly more states and territories. Obama's advantage with super-delegates over Clinton was about 2-to-1.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Superdelegate endorsements for Friday 6/6|work=Democratic Convention Watch|url=http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/06/superdelegate-endorsements-for-friday.html}}</ref> Obama was able to attract the support of [[liberals]] by pointing out that he had come out against the [[Iraq War]] "from the beginning" whereas Clinton had voted in favor of the war in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-31-democrats-debate_N.htm|title=Obama, Clinton stress differences on Iraq, issues|author=David Jackson|work=USA Today|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref><br />
===Campaign for the Presidency===<br />
Obama campaigned against Senator [[John McCain]] in the general election. To the chagrin of Clinton supporters, he selected Senator [[Joe Biden]] to be his running mate, whereas McCain selected [[Governor]] of [[Alaska]] [[Sarah Palin]]. The Obama and Biden ticket would win the election, and Obama would become the nation's first [[African American]] president.<br />
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====Jeremiah Wright====<br />
:''See also: [[Barack Obama and Liberation Theology]]''<br />
One major dilemma that arose for Obama during his campaign was his connection to his preacher [[Jeremiah Wright]]. Obama and his wife (raised a Baptist) were members of the Trinity [[United Church of Christ]]<ref>http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1776246/posts</ref> in Chicago, a chruch that embraced [[black liberation theology]] and its emphasis on empowering so-called "oppressed groups" against "establishment forces". This denomination was the first in America to ordain gays as ministers.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/31079.html, Obama's church pushes controversial doctrines, March 20, 2008</ref> Church pastor Jeremiah Wright had been making inflammatory comments and posting his sermons online for sale. These include the statement "G-d damn America," and in describing the September 11th attacks, "We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost."<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788 Obama's Pastor: G-d Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11]</ref> In addition, Rev. Wright blamed America saying "We supported Zionism shamelessly while ignoring the Palestinians and branding anybody who spoke out against it as being [[anti-Semitic]]."<br />
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In April 2008, after 20 years in the church, candidate Obama made public statements poised to set him at odds with the man who conducted his wedding and baptized his children. With the negative publicity persisting, a month later Obama ended the friendship, left Wright's church, and blamed the media.<ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/31/obama-resigns-church-membership-in-chicago/], Obama Drops Church Membership in Chicago, May 31, 2008</ref> Obama claimed “It’s not fair to the other members of the church who seek to worship in peace...", and distanced himself from Wright's sermons as "a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in the truth."<ref>USA TODAY, ''Obama breaks with former pastor, Candidate cites rants on U.S. role in terror, AIDS'', by Kathy Kiely and David Jackson [http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080430/1a_offlede30_dom.art.htm]</ref><ref>''Obama Says He Is Outraged By Wright's "Rants"''[http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080430.htm]</ref><br />
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==Presidential career==<br />
{{main article|Obama administration}}<br />
[[File:Obama and George H. W. Bush.jpg|thumb|right|300px|President Barack Obama meets with former President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office, Feb. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza).]]<br />
Under Obama's stewardship the United States has suffered the largest [[Federal budget deficit|deficit]]s<ref>http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/107xx/doc10708/11-06-mbr.htm</ref><ref>http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/118xx/doc11873/NovemberMBR.pdf</ref> in history and a credit downgrade from the rating agency Standard & Poor.<ref>http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/04/18/the-sp-outlook-and-obama/</ref> When his [[economic stimulus]] program was adopted unemployment rose and stagnated in the 10% range, <ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476104575439172480870774.html?mod=googlenews_wsj</ref> leaving tens of millions without [[hope]] of finding a job.<ref>[http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet?data_tool=latest_numbers&series_id=LNS11300000&years_option=specific_years&include_graphs=true&to_month=1&from_month=2 United States Department of Labor], Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data extracted on: July 19, 2010 (4:31:11 PM).</ref> <br />
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Patrick H. Caddell and Douglas E. Schoen, writing in the [[Wall Street Journal]], noted, "Rather than being a unifier, Mr. Obama has divided America on the basis of race, class and partisanship." The commentators also note Obama's approach to governance has encouraged radical leftists to pursue a similar strategy on his behalf. Mary Frances Berry, former head of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, acknowledged that the [[Obama administration]] has taken to polarizing America around the issue of race as a means of diverting attention from other issues, saying, "Having one's opponent [[race card|rebut charges of racism]] is far better than discussing [[Unemployment|joblessness]]."<ref>http://www.politico.com/arena/perm/Mary_Frances_Berry_91E3D9D5-C40D-440C-9D48-1C50CBC60C87.html</ref> Caddell and Schoen, who worked for President Carter and Clinton, respectively, further stated, "Mr. Obama has also cynically [[class warfare|divided the country on class lines]]. He has taken to playing the populist card time and time again. He bashes Wall Street and insurance companies whenever convenient to advance his programs, yet he has been eager to accept campaign contributions and negotiate with these very same banks and [[corporation]]s behind closed doors in order to advance his political agenda... President Obama's divisive approach to governance has weakened us as a people and paralyzed our political culture."<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703700904575391553798363586.html</ref><br />
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===Domestic policy===<br />
====Popular bills====<br />
Obama's first act of office was to sign the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act - effectively nullifying the [[Supreme Court]] case ''Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'', which ruled that Ledbetter had to have filed a pay [[discrimination]] suit within 180 days of the first time Ledbetter was payed less than her male peers;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/us/politics/30ledbetter-web.html|work=The New York Times|format=HTML|language=English|title=Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation|author=Sheryl Gay Stolberg|date=January 29, 2009}}</ref> the law made corporations subject to suit within 180 days of each time the employee was unfairly paid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20090213.html?=features|work=FindLaw|author=Joanna L. Grossman|date=Feb. 13, 2009|format=HTML|language=English|title=The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009}}</ref><br />
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On January 2, 2011, Obama signed the James Zadroga [[9/11]] Healthcare and Compensation Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/02/obama-signs-zadroga-act-law/|publisher=New York Public Radio|title=Obama Signs Zadroga Act into Law|author=Fred Mogul|date=January 02, 2011|work=wNYC|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> The act, which afforded 9/11 first responders who were sickened by the dust from the collapse of the [[World Trade Center]] health care and compensation, passed [[Congress]] after its sponsored agreed to scale down the pricing from 7.4 to 4.2 billion dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/dec/22/zadroga-911-bill-passes-senate/|publisher=New York Public Radio|work=wNYC|format=HTML|language=English|title=Congress Approves 9/11 Health Bill|date=December 22, 2010}}</ref><br />
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====Economic plan====<br />
[[File:Keynes.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Barack Obama]] advocates the use of [[Keynesian economics|Keynesian economic concepts]] despite the fact that [[John Maynard Keynes]] was incompetent and a fraud.<ref><br />
*[http://centurean2.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/fabian-john-maynard-keynes-the-stealthy-enemy-of-human-freedom/ John Maynard Keynes the stealthy enemy of human freedom]<br />
*[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-02-22/deathbed-of-keynesian-economics-will-be-in-u-k-matthew-lynn.html Deathbed of Keynesian Economics will be in the UK]<br />
*[http://www.iwf.org/inkwell/show/23102.html Will the G8 Repudiate the Philosophy of Living Beyond Our Means?]<br />
*[http://www.keynesatharvard.org/book/KeynesatHarvard-ch09.html KEYNES AT HARVARD Economic Deception as a Political Credo BY ZYGMUND DOBBS]<br />
</ref> ]]<br />
{{see also|Obamunism|American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009}}<br />
Critics of the Obama administration have coined the word "[[Obamunism]]" to describe Barack Obama's [[socialism|socialistic]] and "[[fascism]] light" [[economic planning]] policies ([[Benito Mussolini]] defined fascism as the wedding of state and corporate powers. Accordingly, trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] labels [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|Obama's corporate bailouts]] as being "fascism light" in nature).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebigmoney.com/articles/daily-intel/2009/07/20/obamunism-inc|work=The Big Money|publisher=WashingtonPost.Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC|format=HTML|language=English|title=Obamunism, Inc.|author=David Sessions|date=July 20, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/gerald-celente-6944|author=Jim Blasingame|title=Is the government creating a bailout bubble?}}</ref> Obamunism can also refer to Obama's [[Obama administration fiscal policy|ruinous fiscal policies]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policies]].<ref name="gerard">{{cite web|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/120883-monetary-policynot-obama-s-stimulusis-what-needs-watching|title=Monetary Policy-Not Obama's Stimulus-Is What Needs Watching|author=Gerard Jackson|date=February 16, 2009|work=Seeking Alpha}}</ref><ref name="bam">{{cite web|work=New York Post|date=May 17, 2009|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/postopinion/editorials/bams_wise_words_169731.htm|title=BAM'S WISE WORDS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/|title=Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures|work=The Foundry|publisher=The Heritage Foundation|author=Conn Carroll|date=March 24th, 2009}}</ref> <br />
<br />
[[Wall Street]] firms and banks that were bailed out were among Obama's biggest campaign supporters.<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638</ref> Therefore, the Obama administration bailouts of corrupt, unproductive, and reckless Wall Street firms was hardly surprising, although it certainly was not helpful in making the United States economy more productive and prosperous. A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources allocated using purely business considerations.<ref>http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905</ref> Proponents of [[free market]] capitalism said Bernanke should not have bailed out failing firms and instead should have allowed free market capitalism to quickly recover as it did in the depression of 1920 without government intervention (free market capitalists assert that government intervention drags out economic recessions and depressions).<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czcUmnsprQI</ref> <br />
<br />
Top trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] predicts that the corrupt economic policies of the Obama administration will lead to a second [[Great Depression|great depression]] (Celente predicted the 1987 US stock market crash, the dot.com crash, the US 2008/2009 recession, and the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s) and may lead to a "second [[American Revolution]]" (Celente predicted the [[Tea Party Movement|tax protests]] that are now occurring in America).<ref name="celente1">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MMX3SKzrfU&feature=channel_page</ref><ref name="celente2">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy9bfw1ebgw&feature=response_watch</ref> Celente also asserts that the costly and inefficient temporary short term methods that the Obama administration is using to alleviate economic problems in the short term (which is causing massive increases in [[Obama administration deficit spending]]) is only making matters worse and will not prevent the worse economic depression in United States history from occurring.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C8K7rWkGGw</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LBffdIW0XA&feature=response_watch</ref> <br />
<br />
The Obama administration has been sharply criticized for [[Obama administration deficit spending|its massive deficit spending]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|its reckless monetary policy]] via vast increases in the [[money supply]].<ref name="gerard"/><ref name="bam"/><ref>http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/</ref> Celente predicts that if a "second American Revolution" occurs in a peaceful and productive manner, it may include a [[Third Party System|third party movement]] of governance that will advocate a more [[free market]] [[capitalism]] approach to the American economy and a more strict interpretation of the [[United States Constitution|United States constitution]] as far as the authors' [[original intent]].<ref name="celente1"/><ref name="celente2"/><br />
<br />
During what the [[White House]] billed as [[Recovery Summer]], one half million workers per week continued losing their jobs. His signature legislative achievement, [[ObamaCare]], the federal courts have found to be [[unconstitutional]]<ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-13/u-s-health-care-law-requirement-thrown-out-by-judge.html</ref> and is credited as a major cause of uncertainty, high [[unemployment]],<ref>http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33220</ref> lagging job creation,<ref>http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/05/it%E2%80%99s-official-medicare%E2%80%99s-finances-shadowed-by-uncertainty/</ref> and risk of a credit default crisis.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/28/AR2010032802353.html</ref><ref>http://www.thestreet.com/story/10703361/cramer-obamacare-will-topple-the-market.html</ref> <br />
<br />
His 2012 Budget plan has been roundly criticized in the mainsream and liberal press as not a serious effort to deal with the nation's economic crisis.<ref>[http://republican.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=blogs.view&blog_id=1551d6f5-2ac9-4b8d-97ab-74def354024e Newspapers Call Out White House: ‘What Would That Path Be, Mr. President?’]</ref><br />
<br />
=====Healthcare=====<br />
{{main article|Obamacare}}<br />
On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The act had originated in the House of Representatives and passed September 17, 2009. The act was amended and passed the Senate prior to [[Democrat]] [[Ted Kennedy]]'s passing along party lines - just a filibuster-proof majority at 60-39. In a de facto rejection of the bill, [[Massachusetts]] voters elected a [[Republican]] candidate, [[Scott Brown]], who promised to vote against the bill,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/scott-brown-wins-massachusetts-senate-race.html|work=The Washington Post|author=Chris Cillizza|date=January 19, 2010|title=Scott Brown wins Massachusetts Senate special election race|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> but another Senate vote would not occur. After Obama made a promise to issue an [[executive order]] that would ultimately prohibit the use of taxpayer subsidies to pay for [[abortion]] services,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/22/nation/la-na-healthcare-passage22-2010mar22/3|work=The Los Angeles Times|format=HTML|language=English|title=House passes historic healthcare overhaul|date=March 22, 2010|author=Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook}}</ref> the [[House of Representatives]] would pass the bill as it left the Senate 219-212, with 34 Democrats and all other parties dissenting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-21/politics/health.care.main_1_health-care-entire-house-democratic-caucus-pre-existing-conditions?_s=PM:POLITICS|date=March 21, 2010|author=Alan Silverleib|work=CNN|format=HTML|language=English|title=House passes health care bill on 219-212 vote}}</ref><br />
<br />
Amongst other things, the act mandates that the population purchase health care coverage or face punitive tax measures, and on this basis has been constitutionally challenged in the federal courts, with mixed results (three courts have upheld the act, two have declared it unconstitutional); thus, the Act is likely destined for [[Supreme Court]] reviewal.<br />
<br />
====Gulf oil spill====<br />
{{main article|Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster}}<br />
President Obama authorized offshore oil drilling in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0430/Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-spill-imperils-Obama-s-offshore-drilling-plan Gulf of Mexico oil spill imperils Obama's offshore drilling plan,] By Mark Clayton, ''Christian Science Monitor'', April 30, 2010.</ref> stating, "oil rigs today generally don’t cause spills"<ref>White House Press Release, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-a-discussion-jobs-and-economy-charlotte-north-carolina Remarks by the President in a Discussion on Jobs and the Economy in Charlotte, North Carolina,] Office of the Press Secretary, April 02, 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 3 May 2010.</ref> and was widely criticized for his mishandling of the "[[Gulf oil spill disaster|worst environmental disaster]] in US history."<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/x-33986-Political-Spin-Examiner~y2010m4d29-Worst-environmental-disaster-in-US-history-Oil-slick-in-Gulf-of-Mexico-is-set-on-fire Worst environmental disaster in US history,] Maryann Tobin, ''Examiner'', April 29, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/the-oil-spill-is-obamas-fault/?src=twt&twt=NytimesKrugman Conscience of a Liberal: The Oil Spill Is Obama’s Fault,] Paul Krugman, ''New York Times'', April 30, 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
====Don't Ask Don't Tell====<br />
{{main article|Don't Ask Don't Tell}}<br />
Candidate Obama promised to repeal a policy that originated in the Clinton era that prohibited inquiries into military personnel's [[sexual orientation]] while also barring "out" [[homosexuals]] from serving in the military. [[Liberals]] expressed anger when time passed and no effort to repeal the law was seen;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/21/obama-to-delay-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/|work=The Washington Times|format=HTML|title=Obama to delay ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ repeal|language=English|author=Rowan Scarborough|date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> in fact, Obama's [[justice department]] filed a brief arguing against the [[Supreme Court]] granting a [[writ of certiorari]] to a gay soldier challenging the law (the writ was not granted). In response, the soldier, James Pietrangelo II, a former Army infantryman and lawyer, said, “[Obama's] a coward, a bigot and a pathological liar. This is a guy who spent more time picking out his dog, Bo, and playing with him on the White House lawn than he has working for equality for gay people."<ref>{{cite web|work=Time Magazine|publisher=Time Inc.|format=HTML|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1903545,00.html?imw=Y|title=Dismay Over Obama's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Turnabout|author=Mark Thompson|date=Jun. 09, 2009}}</ref><br />
<br />
On December 15th, 2010, a bill was introduced in the [[House of Representatives]] to repeal the law - it passed a day later by a vote of 250-175;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll638.xml|title=FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 638|format=HTML|work=Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref> it passed the Senate three days later 65-31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00281|work=The U.S. Senate|title=U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 111th Congress - 2nd Session|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 on December 22nd.<ref name="g dadt">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/22/obama-repeals-dont-ask-dont-tell|work=The Guardian|format=HTML|language=English|title='Don't ask, don't tell' repealed as Obama signs landmark law|date=22 December 2010}}</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Pentagon]] itself could not immediately implement the repeal and questioned whether it would hurt combat readiness.<ref name="g dadt"/> Senator [[John McCain]], the senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, opposed the bill, saying "It may be premature to make such a change at this time and in this manner, without further consideration of this report and further study of the issue by Congress – for of all the people we serve, one of our highest responsibilities is to the men and women of our armed services, especially those risking their lives in combat.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/mccain-on-dont-ask-dont-tell-dont-rush/|title=McCain on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’: Don’t Rush|date=December 2nd, 2010|format=HTML|author=David M. Herszenhorn|language=English|work=The New York Times}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Foreign policy===<br />
[[File:Western Wall Obama.jpg|thumb|left|320px|At [[Western Wall]], Jerusalem, 2008.]]<br />
As Senator, Obama was highly critical of President Bush and promised change. As President, Obama has tripled down in Afghanistan, widened the war into Pakistan, multiplied drone attacks, bombed Yemen and Somalia, and started an undeclared NATO war in Libya. On presidential war powers, surveillance questions, Guantanamo, detention policy and habeas corpus, Obama has similarly stayed the course, or expanded Bush's precedents. In a speech on May 19, 2011 Obama fully embraced the [[Bush Doctrine]] of preventative war.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-news-in-obamas-speech/2011/05/19/AF4dFN7G_story.html</ref><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
The New America Foundation, which tracks the strikes, has listed 23 raids since the beginning of April, 2011, all but one in Pakistan’s tribal regions of North and South Waziristan. A June 20 attack was reported in Kurram, an area north of North Waziristan along the Afghanistan border.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<blockquote><br />
The drone program has become increasingly controversial as the Obama administration has expanded its use beyond the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Lethal missiles have been launched from unmanned aircraft in at least five countries in addition to Pakistan: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and, most recently, Somalia. The military’s Joint Special Operations Command used a drone last June to attack what officials said were two senior members of the Al Shabab militant group on the Somali coast. [http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/07/04/cia_halts_drone_launches_from_pakistan_base/]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
====Commander-in-chief====<br />
By Obama's second year as Commander-in-Chief, 559 American troops died in Iraq and Afghanistan - significantly more than the 469 who died during Presisdent [[George W. Bush]]'s final year in office. And growing numbers of civilian contractors also have fallen. In the first half of 2010, 250 contractors reportedly died in Iraq and Afghanistan - more than the 235 military personnel who fell during the same period.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/05/24/114662/what-price-war.html#ixzz1Nz07pg5O</ref><br />
<br />
=====Afghanistan=====<br />
{{main article|Afghanistan War}}<br />
Obama escalated troop strength<ref name="pbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamaswar/themes/strategy.html#ixzz1LhWNImZp|title=Obama's New Strategy (March '09)|author=George Packer, Seth Jones, David Kilcullen, Rory Stewart, Andrew Exum, Col. Andrew Bacevich (Ret.)|work=PBS|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> and defense costs in Afghanistan from $43.5 billion in George Bush's last year to $113.7 billion for 2011.<ref>Congressional Research Service, quoted in Gregory Anthony, ''What price war?''</ref> Adviser to General [[Stanley McChrystal]] David Kilcullen wrote, "One of the big strategic shifts is the use of language now which talks about Pakistan and Afghanistan as the same theater. Now we talked about Af-Pak long before the Obama administration came about, but the public use of that term, and the description of it as the Afghanistan-Pakistan campaign, sends a new message to people about how the administration is going to think about Afghanistan and Pakistan."<ref name="pbs"/> This became evident when, under the orders of Obama, a military SEALs team killed September 11th mastermind [[Osama bin Laden]] in Abottabad, Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/2011/05/05/commander-in-chief.html|title=Commander in Chief|author=Daniel Romano and Daniel Klaidman|date=May 05, 2011|work=Newsweek|publisher=The Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref><br />
<br />
=====Iraq=====<br />
{{main article|Operation Iraqi Freedom}}<br />
Obama campaigned on a promise to end the War in Iraq, however 50,000 U.S. troops remain in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-08-31/politics/obama.oval.office.address_1_iraq-requests-united-states-and-iraq-troop-surge?_s=PM:POLITICS|work=CNN|title=Obama: 'Time to turn the page' as Iraq combat mission ends|date=August 31, 2010|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref><br />
<br />
=====Guantanamo Bay=====<br />
{{main article|Guantanamo Bay}}<br />
One of Obama's campaign promises was that he would close the American detention center at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba - detainees would be flown to other countries while the ones awaiting trial would enter the American court system. Two days after taking office he signed an order directing the military to do so.<ref name="salon">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/04/25/obama_guantanamo_rhetoric|work=Salon|title=The Obama/Gitmo timeline|author=Natasha Lennard|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> But, in November 2009 Obama admitted that his self imposed deadline of January 2010 would be missed, and in March 2011 the president went back on his campaign promise, signing an executive order to create a formal system of indefinite detention for the prisoners.<ref name="salon"/><br />
<br />
=====Libya=====<br />
{{main article|Libyan uprising 2011}}<br />
In February 2011, the political unrest that had spread through the Arab world showed up as protests in Libya. Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi - dictator of Libya for 41 years - responded to the activism with a wave of violence.<ref name="nyt libya">{{cite web|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/libya/index.html|work=The New York Times|publisher=The New York Times Inc.|format=HTML|language=English|title=Libya — Protests and Revolt (2011)}}</ref> The [[United Nations Security Council]] voted unanimously to impose [[sanctions]], and later authorized all members to take action to protect civilians. Obama, acting without approval from Congress and at the beckoning of the [[United Nations]], directed American forces to take out Libya's air defense system.<ref name="nyt libya"/> Obama later said, "[I]f we waited one more day Benghazi, a city nearly the size of Charlotte, could suffer a massacre that would have reverberated across the region and stained the conscience of the world."<ref>{{cite web|author=Barack Obama|url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134935452/obamas-speech-on-libya-a-responsibility-to-act|title=Obama's Speech On Libya: 'A Responsibility To Act'|date=March 28, 2011|publisher=National Public Radio ([[NPR]])|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> [[Alan J. Kuperman]] - writing an editorial for the ''[[Boston Globe]]'' - suggested this statement was false, writing, "[I]ntervention did not prevent genocide, because no such bloodbath was in the offing. To the contrary, by emboldening rebellion, US interference has prolonged Libya’s civil war and the resultant suffering of innocents."<ref name="kuperman">{{cite web|author=Alan J. Kuperman|work=The Boston Globe|url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-14/bostonglobe/29418371_1_rebel-stronghold-civilians-rebel-positions|title=False pretense for war in Libya?|date=April 14, 2011}}</ref> Kuperman, a professor of public affairs at the University of Texas who authored a book called ''The Limits of Humanitarian Intervention'', further stated that the rebels had tricked the world into thinking a bloodbath was at hand and that Obama had lied to the American people in order to act on this theory.<ref name="kuperman"/><br />
<blockquote><br />
Gaddafi [never] threaten civilian massacre in Benghazi, as Obama alleged. The “no mercy’’ warning, of March 17, targeted rebels only, as reported by The New York Times, which noted that Libya’s leader promised amnesty for those “who throw their weapons away.’’ Khadafy even offered the rebels an escape route and open border to Egypt, to avoid a fight “to the bitter end.’’ <ref> [http://politicalcartel.org/2011/04/17/libya-and-the-obama-doctrine/ Libya and the “Obama Doctrine”.] </ref><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
However Gaddafi wrote to Obama:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Gaddafi said he bore no ill will toward Obama. "We have been hurt more morally than physically because of what had happened against us in both deeds and words by you," he wrote. "Despite all this you will always remain our son whatever happened. We still pray that you continue to be president of the USA. We endeavour and hope that you will gain victory in the new election campaign." The letter, dated 5 April 2011 in Tripoli, is signed "Mu'aumer Qaddaffi, Leader of the Revolution".<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/06/gaddafi-obama-nato-libya?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487]</ref><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Critics point out the only thing worse than starting a "stupid, unnecessary war" against a madman is losing it.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/271847/war-libya-dumb-and-dumber-victor-davis-hanson</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[Political positions of Barack Obama]]<br />
*[[Barack Obama and uncharitableness]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
{{USPresidents}}<br />
{{2008 presidential candidates}}<br />
[[Category: Barack Hussein Obama]]<br />
[[Category:Obama Presidency]]<br />
[[Category:Obama Administration]]<br />
[[category:Nobel laureates in Peace]]<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Obama, Barack Hussein}}</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Earth&diff=905248Earth2011-08-25T13:51:33Z<p>BryanT: Undo revision 905246 by Bdboar (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Planet|image=Blue Marble.jpg<br />
|symbol=Earth symbol.svg<br />
|order=3<br />
|primary=Sun<br />
|periapsis=147,090,000 km (0.983 AU)<ref name=earthfact>"[http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/earthfact.html Earth Fact Sheet]," [[NASA]], April 19, 2007. Accessed May 2, 2008.</ref><br />
|apoapsis=152,100,000 km (1.017 AU)<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|semimajor=149,597,886.5 km (1.00000011 AU)<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|bode=1.0 AU<br />
|eccentricity=0.01671022<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|sidereal=365.256366 da<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|synodic=365.256366 da<br />
|orbitspeed=29.783 km/s<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|inclination=0°<br />
|reference=the ecliptic<br />
|siderealday=23.9345 h<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|solarday=24 h<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|rotatespeed=465.11 m/s<br />
|axialtilt=23.439281°<br />
|mass=5.9736 * 10<sup>24</sup> kg<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|density=5,515.3 kg/m³<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|surfacegrav=9.780327 m/s²<br />
|escapespeed=11.186 km/s<br />
|meanradius=6371 km<ref>http://www.solarviews.com/eng/earth.htm</ref><ref name=earthfact/><br />
|equatorradius =6378.135 km<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|polarradius =6356.750 km<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|surfacearea=510,065,600 km²<br />
|landarea=148,939,100 km²<br />
|waterarea=361,126,400 km²<br />
|mintemp=185 K<br />
|meantemp=287 K<br />
|maxtemp=331 K<br />
|moons=1<br />
|composition=Rock<br />
|albedo=0.37<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|mfd=0.3076 G<ref name=earthfact/><br />
|pmdm=7.98 * 10<sup>22</sup> N-m/T<ref name=calc>Calculated</ref><br />
|cmdm=1.41 * 10<sup>24</sup> N-m/T<ref name=Humphreys>Humphreys, D. R. "[http://www.creationresearch.org/crsq/articles/21/21_3/21_3.html The Creation of Planetary Magnetic Fields]." ''Creation Research Society Quarterly'' 21(3), December 1984. Accessed April 29, 2008.</ref><br />
|mdt=2049 a<ref name=Humphreys/><br />
|mhl=1420 a<ref name=calc/><br />
}}<br />
The '''Earth''' is the only known [[planet]] in our '''Solar System''' which can support [[life]]. It contains [[water]], reasonable levels of [[oxygen]], and a stable [[temperature]] range. Geometrically speaking, Earth is the largest of the terrestrial (rocky) planets in the [[solar system]].<br />
<br />
==Physical Description==<br />
<br />
Within the [[Solar System]], Earth is the third planet from the [[Sun]]. It is approximately 8,000 miles (13,000 km) in diameter; its equatorial circumference (measured around the equator) is 24,901 miles (40,075 kilometers), and the polar circumference is slightly less at 24,809 miles (40,008 km).<ref>http://geography.about.com/library/faq/blqzcircumference.htm</ref> The reason its metric circumference is so close to the "round number" of 40,000 is that the [[kilometer]] was defined (by the French) as 1/10,000th the distance from the [[Equator]] to the [[North Pole]]. <br />
<br />
Its surface area is approximately 4&middot;&pi;&nbsp;(4000 mi)<sup>2</sup> = 200 million square miles (510 million km<sup>2</sup>). It has been said that Earth should really be called "water", as the larger part of it&mdash;about 70%&mdash;is covered by water. In fact, the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] and [[Indian Ocean|Indian]] oceans alone cover about half of the Earth's surface.<br />
<br />
The Earth orbits at an average distance of about 93 million miles (150 million km) from the Sun in an almost circular orbit. The plane of this orbit, or '''ecliptic''', is the common reference plane for the inclinations of the orbits of all [[planet|planets]] and [[dwarf planet|dwarf planets]] in the [[Solar System]], though in fact Earth's orbit is inclined 7.25° to the plane of the [[Sun]]'s equator. It takes light (and other forms of electromagnetic radiation) approximately 500 seconds to travel from the Sun to the Earth, i.e. the distance can also be stated as "500 light-seconds." The distance to nearby stars is made by measuring the stellar [[parallax]] between observations when the earth is at opposite ends of its orbit, so the Earth's orbit itself is a measuring stick for astronomical distances, and is known as the ''astronomical unit'' (A. U.) It is worth noting that if the Earth were slightly closer to the Sun, it would be too hot for life while if Earth were slightly further away from the Sun, water would freeze and life as we know it would be impossible.<br />
<br />
==Origin==<br />
People disagree about when and how the Earth was created. The three most popular ideas are:<br />
#That God created the Earth several hundred generations ago, as recounted in [[Genesis]]. By adding years and other time indications in the [[Old Testament]] chronologies, one can calculate the age of the Earth as approximately 6,000 years (see [[Date of creation]] and [[Young Earth Creationism]]).<br />
#That God created the Earth billions of years ago (see [[Old Earth Creationism]] and [[Theistic Evolution]]).<br />
#That the Earth came into existence billions of years ago (approximately 4.5 billion years in modern estimates), but entirely through natural processes and without any intervention by God.<br />
<br />
Clashes between adherents of these ideas have gone on since time immemorial (see [[origins debate]]), though the last theory has only matured in the last 200 years.<br />
<br />
== Young Earth Creationist view ==<br />
<br />
===Formation and Age===<br />
<br />
Young Earth creationists believe, on the basis of the biblical account in Genesis and biblical geochronologies, that the entire Earth, including animal, plant, and human life, was formed in six days, around 4000 B.C.<br />
Mainstream scientific journals, committed to a [[naturalism|naturalistic]] worldview, contend this view.<ref>http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2005/0822sternberg.asp 1</ref><ref>http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/538.asp 2</ref><ref>http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53400 3</ref><ref>http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=3833&program=DI%20Main%20Page%20-%20News&callingPage=discoMainPage 4</ref><br />
<br />
Most scientists believe that the Earth formed by natural processes instead of having been created by a supernatural entity. However, as one scientist noted, “...&nbsp;most every prediction by theorists about planetary formation has been wrong.” <ref>http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/ReferencesandNotes43.html</ref><br />
<br />
=== Magnetosphere ===<br />
Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field powerful enough to prevent most of the Sun's radiation from reaching the Earth and harming the life on it. This field has been decaying at a known exponential rate, as decades of recordkeeping reveal. In 1984, Dr. Russell Humphreys developed a model for the creation of magnetic fields<ref name=Humphreys/> that suggests that the Earth was at first made entirely of water<ref>See {{Bible ref|book=II_Peter|chap=3|verses=5}}</ref>, much of which God transmuted into other elements after He made the Earth, probably on the third day of Creation. Humphreys's predicted magnetic decay time for the Earth agrees well with published data and thus constitutes further evidence for a young Earth.<br />
<br />
===Shape of the Earth===<br />
<br />
Some people dispute the shape of the Earth, arguing that the Bible describes the Earth as flat (presumably square, given that it is described as having "four corners" (Revelations 7:1))rather than spherical. However, no credible organization has ever expressed support for this theory.<ref>http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/crea-fe.htm</ref> Some have disputed the idea that the Earth rotates around the Sun.<ref>http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/febible.htm</ref> <br />
<br />
In [[Book of Revelations|Revelations]] 7:1 it is stated:<br />
<br />
"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth..." (Revelations 7:1)<br />
<br />
A sphere has no corners. The four corners are also mentioned in Isaiah 11:12. This is often accepted to be a figure of speech.<br />
<br />
It is also stated:<br />
<br />
"Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." ([[Book of Daniel|Daniel]] 2:35)<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
"Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:" (Daniel 4:10-11)<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
"Behold, [Jesus] cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him" (Revelations 1:7)<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
"Once again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world [cosmos] in their glory." ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 4:8) <br />
<br />
Apologist [[JP Holding]]'s take on this is that this may have been a vision. <ref>http://www.tektonics.org/af/earthshape.html#globe</ref><br />
<br />
==Christianity and the Earth==<br />
<br />
===Christian Historical-Grammatical Bible Exegesis or Bible Literalism===<br />
<br />
According to [[Creation Ministries International]], most young earth creationists use a [[hermeneutic]] "best described as the [[Historical-grammatical exegesis|historical-grammatical method]] in which historical narrative (such as the book of Genesis) is interpreted as literal history, prophecy is interpreted as prophecy, poetry is interpreted as poetry, etc."<ref>http://www.creationontheweb.com/images/pdfs/tj/tjv16v2_forster.pdf</ref> Creation Ministries International further states that "Historical-grammatical exegesis involves a systematic approach to analyzing in detail the historical situation, events and circumstances surrounding the text, and the semantics and syntactical relationships of the words which comprise the text."<ref>http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/4880/</ref><br />
<br />
Bible scholars have estimated the age of the earth based on the Creation account in Genesis and the genealogical accounts in Numbers and other books of the Pentateuch. One famous estimate was published in 1650 by [[James Ussher|James Ussher Archbishop of Armagh]] in a book called ''Annals of the World,'' in which he estimated the Creation to have occurred on 23 October 4004 B.C. Other Biblical scholars maintain that there are possible gaps in the genealogies, often using the ideas of the 19th century Calvinist theologian [[Benjamin Warfield]] on the issue. <ref>http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/primeval_chronology.shtml</ref> However, [[James Barr]], regius professor of Hebrew at [[Oxford University]], wrote in 1984 the following: "… probably, so far as I know, there is no professor of Hebrew or Old Testament at any world-class university who does not believe that the writer(s) of Genesis 1–11 intended to convey to their readers the ideas that: … the figures contained in the Genesis genealogies provided by simple addition a chronology from the beginning of the world up to later stages in the biblical story.’" <ref>http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1606/</ref> Furthermore, it should be noted that Barr himself rejects supernatural Christianity, and so is not a priori biased in favor of creationism. <ref>http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/pca_creation_study_committee_report.shtml</ref><br />
<br />
Many [[Christian|Christians]] believe that the Earth is the perfect distance away from the Sun and take this to be evidence of [[God]]'s existence. <ref>http://www.everystudent.com/features/isthere.html</ref> Secular scientists, however, reject this reasoning using the anthropic principle<ref>http://www.anthropic-principle.com</ref>.<br />
<br />
===Christian Non-Literalism===<br />
<br />
Many mainstream Christian denominations believe the story of Genesis is not meant to be read literally, and believe that the age of the Earth is on the order of millions or billions of years, not thousands of years. <ref>http://webusers.xula.edu/cporter/2000n/evolution_and_religion.htm</ref><br />
<br />
===Scientific Uniformitarianism===<br />
<br />
Uniformitarian scientists believe that the earth is beyond 4 billion years old.<ref>http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/age.html</ref> They also refute that the Earth is only 6,000 years old by quoting older human societies dated by their dating method as older than that.<ref>http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/</ref><br />
<br />
== Naturalistic view ==<br />
<br />
Estimates by uniformitarian geologists of the age of the Earth and the beginning of life give about 4.55 billion years and 3.5 billion years ago respectively. These estimates are primarily based on radioactive dating of meteorites and fossil specimens. Most scientists today conclude that the Earth formed by natural processes, specifically by the accumulation of debris orbiting the sun billions of years in the past.<ref name=nebula>"[http://science.jrank.org/pages/6265/Solar-System-solar-nebula-hypothesis.html The Solar Nebula Hypothesis]." ''The Science Encyclopedia''. Accessed May 6, 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/earth.htm The Earth]<br />
*[http://www.noaa.gov/ NOAA] An agency that enriches life through science.<br />
*[http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/glossary/ Glossary]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
{{Solarsystem}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Featured articles]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Executive_Order_9835&diff=818871Executive Order 98352010-09-16T16:27:06Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Executive Order 9835''' was a Presidential directive signed by [[President]] [[Harry Truman]] on March 21, 1947, establishing what would come to be known as the "Truman loyalty program." E.O. 9835 directed the Attorney General to compile a list of:<br />
{{cquote|each foreign or domestic organization, association, movement, group or combination of persons which the Attorney General, after appropriate investigation and determination, designates as totalitarian, fascist, communist or subversive, or as having adopted a policy of advocating or approving the commission of acts of force or violence to deny others their rights under the Constitution of the United States, or as seeking to alter the form of government of the United States by unconstitutional means.}}<br />
<br />
The resulting list was known as the [[Attorney General's list|Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations]]. The complete text of the order follows.<br />
<br />
==EXECUTIVE ORDER 9835==<br />
<br />
PRESCRIBING PROCEDURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF AN EMPLOYEES LOYALTY PROGRAM IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT<br />
<br />
WHEREAS each employee of the Government of the United States is endowed with a measure of trusteeship over the democratic processes which are at the heart and sinew of the United States; and<br />
<br />
WHEREAS it is of vital importance that persons employed in the Federal service be of complete and unswerving loyalty to the United States; and<br />
<br />
WHEREAS, although the loyalty of by far the overwhelming majority of all Government employees is beyond question, the presence within the Government service of any disloyal or subversive person constitutes a threat to our democratic processes; and<br />
<br />
WHEREAS maximum protection must be afforded the United States against infiltration of disloyal persons into the ranks of its employees, and equal protection from unfounded accusations of disloyalty must be afforded the loyal employees of the Government:<br />
<br />
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statues of the United States, including the Civil Service Act of 1883 (22 Stat. 403), as amended, and section 9A of the act approved August 2, 1939 (18 U. S. C. 61i), and as President and Chief Executive of the United States, it is hereby, in the interest of the internal management of the Government, ordered as follows:<br />
<br />
===Part I - INVESTIGATION OF APPLICANTS===<br />
<br />
1. There shall be a loyalty investigation of every person entering the civilian employment of any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government.<br />
<br />
:a. Investigations of persons entering the competitive service shall be conducted by the Civil Service Commission, except in such cases as are covered by a special agreement between the Commission and any given department or agency.<br />
<br />
:b. Investigations of persons other than those entering the competitive service shall be conducted by the employing department or agency. Departments and agencies without investigative organizations shall utilize the investigative facilities of the Civil Service Commission.<br />
<br />
2. The investigations of person entering the employ of the executive branch may be conducted after any such person enters upon actual employment therein, but in any such case the appointment of such person shall be conditioned upon a favorable determination with respect to his loyalty.<br />
<br />
:a. Investigations of persons entering the competitive service shall be conducted as expeditiously as possible; provided, however, that if any such investigation is not completed within 18 months from the date on which a persons enters actual employment, the condition that his employment is subject to investigation shall expire, except in a case in which the Civil Service Commission has made an initial adjudication of disloyalty and the case continues to be active by reason of an appeal, and it shall then be the responsibility of the employing department or agency to conclude such investigation and make a final determination concerning the loyalty of such person.<br />
<br />
3. An investigation shall be made of all applicants at all available pertinent sources of information and shall include reference to:<br />
<br />
:a. Federal Bureau of Investigation files.<br />
<br />
:b. Civil Service Commission files.<br />
<br />
:c. Military and naval intelligence files.<br />
<br />
:d. The files of any other appropriate government investigative or intelligence agency.<br />
<br />
:e. House Committee on un-American Activities files.<br />
<br />
:f. Local law-enforcement files at the place of residence and employment of the applicant, including municipal, county and state law-enforcement files.<br />
<br />
:g. Schools and colleges attended by applicant.<br />
<br />
:h. Former employers of applicant.<br />
<br />
:i. References given by applicant.<br />
<br />
:j. Any other appropriate source.<br />
<br />
4. Whenever derogatory information with respect to loyalty of an applicant is revealed full field investigation shall be conducted. A full field investigation shall also be conducted of those applicants, or of applicants for particular positions, as may be designated by the head of the employing department or agency, such designations to be based on the determination by any such head of the best interests of national security.<br />
<br />
===PART II - INVESTIGATION OF EMPLOYEES===<br />
<br />
1. The head of each department and agency in the executive branch of the Government shall be personally responsible for an effective program to assure that disloyal civilian officers or employees are not retained in employment in his department or agency.<br />
<br />
:a. He shall be responsible for prescribing and supervising the loyalty determination procedures of his department or agency, in accordance with the provisions of this order, which shall be considered as providing minimum requirements.<br />
<br />
:b. The head of a department or agency which does not have an investigative organization shall utilize the investigative facilities of the Civil Service Commission.<br />
<br />
2. The head of each department or agency shall appoint one or more loyalty boards, each composed of not less than three representatives of the department or agency concerned, for the purpose of hearing loyalty cases arising within such department or agency and making recommendations with respect to the removal of any officer or employee of such department or agency on grounds relating to loyalty, and he shall prescribe regulations for the conduct of the proceedings before such boards.<br />
<br />
:a. An officer or employee who is charged with being disloyal shall have a right to an administrative haring before a loyalty board in the employing department or agency. He may appear before such board personally, accompanied by counsel or representative of his own choosing, and present evidence on his own behalf, through witnesses or by affidavit.<br />
<br />
:b. The officer or employee shall b served with a written notice of such hearing in sufficient time, and shall be informed therein of the nature of the charges against him in sufficient detail, so that he will be enabled to prepared his defense. The charges shall be stated as specifically and completely as, in the discretion of the employing department or agency, security considerations permit, and for the officer or employee shall be informed in the notice (1) of his right to reply to such charged in writing within a specified reasonable period of time, (2) of his right to an administrative hearing on such charges before a loyalty board, and (3) of his right to appear before such board personally, to be accompanied by counsel or representative of his own choosing, and to present evidence on his behalf, through witnesses or by affidavit.<br />
<br />
3. A recommendation of removal by a loyalty board shall be subject to appeal by the officer or employee affected, prior to his removal, to the head of the employing department or agency or to such person or persons as may be designated by such head, under such regulations as may be prescribed by him, and the decision of the department or agency concerned shall be subject to appeal to the Civil Service Commission's Loyalty Review Board, hereinafter provided for, for an advisory recommendation.<br />
<br />
4. The rights of hearing, notice thereof, and appeal therefrom shall be accorded to every officer or employee prior to his removal on grounds of disloyalty, irrespective of tenure, or of manner, method, or nature of appointment, but the head of the employing department or agency may suspend any officer or employee at any time pending a determination with respect to loyalty.<br />
<br />
5. The loyalty boards of the various departments and agencies shall furnish to the Loyalty Review Board, hereinafter provided for, such reports as may be requested concerning the operation of the loyalty program in any such department or agency.<br />
<br />
===PARTY III - RESPONSIBILITIES OF CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION===<br />
<br />
1. There shall be established in the Civil Service Commission a Loyalty Review Board of not less than three impartial persons, the members of which shall be officers or employees of the Commission.<br />
<br />
:a. The Board shall have authority to review cases involving persons recommended for dismissal on grounds relating to loyalty by the loyalty board of any department or agency and to make advisory recommendations thereon to the head of the employing department or agency. Such cases may be referred to the Board either by the employing department or agency, or by the officer or employee concerned.<br />
<br />
:b. The Board shall make rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this order, deemed necessary to implement statues and Executive orders relating to employee loyalty.<br />
<br />
:c. The Loyalty Review Board shall also:<br />
<br />
::(1) Advise all departments and agencies on all problems relating to employee loyalty.<br />
<br />
::(2) Disseminate information pertinent to employee loyalty programs.<br />
<br />
::(3) Coordinate the employee loyalty policies and procedures of the several departments and agencies.<br />
<br />
::(4) Make reports and submit recommendations to the Civil Service Commission for transmission to the President from time to time as may be necessary to the maintenance of the employee loyalty program.<br />
<br />
2. There shall also be established and maintained in the Civil Service Commission and central master index covering all persons on whom loyalty investigations have been may by any department or agency since September 1, 1939. Such master index shall contain the name of each person investigated, adequate identifying information concerning each such person, and a reference to each department and agency which has conducted a loyalty investigation concerning the person involved.<br />
<br />
:a. All executive departments and agencies are directed to furnish to the Civil Service Commission all information appropriate for the establishment and maintenance of the central master index.<br />
<br />
:b. The reports and other investigative material and information developed by the investigating department or agency shall be retained by such department or agency in each case.<br />
<br />
3. The Loyalty Review Board shall currently be furnished by the Department of Justice the name of each foreign or domestic organization, association, movement, group or combination of persons which the Attorney General, after appropriate investigation and determination, designates as totalitarian, fascist, communist or subversive, or as having adopted a policy of advocating or approving the commission of acts of force or violence to deny others their rights under the Constitution of the United States, or as seeking to alter the form of government of the United States by unconstitutional means.<br />
<br />
:a. The loyalty Review Board shall disseminate such information to all departments and agencies.<br />
<br />
===PART IV - SECURITY MEASURES IN INVESTIGATIONS===<br />
<br />
1. At the request of the head of any department or agency of the executive branch an investigative agency shall make available to such head, personally, all investigative material and information collected by the investigative agency concerning any employee of the requesting department or agency, or shall make such material and information available to any officer or officers designated by such head and approved by the investigative agency.<br />
<br />
2. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirement, however, the investigative agency may refuse to disclose the names of confidential informants, provided it furnishes sufficient information about such informants on the basis of which the requesting department or agency can make an adequate evaluation of the information furnished by them, and provided it advises the requesting department or agency in writing that it is essential to the protection of the informants or to the investigation of other cases that the identity of the informants not be revealed. Investigative agencies shall not use this discretion to decline to reveal sources of information where such action is not essential.<br />
<br />
3. Each department or agency of the executive branch should develop and maintain, for the collection and analysis of information relating to the loyalty of its employees and prospective employees, a staff specifically trained in security techniques, and an effective security control system for protecting such information generally and for protecting confidential sources of such information particularly.<br />
<br />
===PART V - STANDARDS===<br />
<br />
1. The standard for the refusal of employment or the removal from employment in an executive department or agency on grounds relating to loyalty shall be that, on all the evidence, reasonable grounds exists for belief that the person involved is disloyal to the Government of the United States.<br />
<br />
2. Activities and associations of an applicant or employees which may be considered in connection with the determination of disloyalty may include one or more of the follow:<br />
<br />
:a. Sabotage, espionage, or attempts or preparations therefore, or knowingly associations with spies or saboteurs;<br />
<br />
:b. Treason or sedition or advocacy thereof;<br />
<br />
:c. Advocacy of revolution or force or violence to alter the constitutional form of government of the United States;<br />
<br />
:d. Intentional, unauthorized disclosure to any person, under circumstances which may indicate disloyalty to the United States, or documents or information of a confidential or non-public character obtained by the person making the disclosure as a result of his employment by the Government of the United States.<br />
<br />
:e. Performing or attempting to perform his duties, or otherwise acting, so as to serve the interests of another government in preference to the interests of the United States.<br />
<br />
:f. Membership in, affiliation with or sympathetic association with any foreign or domestic organization, association, movement, group or combination of persons, designated by the Attorney General as totalitarian, fascist, communist, or subversive, or as having adopted a policy of advocating or approving the commission of acts of force or violence to deny persons their rights under the Constitution of the United States, or as seeking to alter the form of government of the United States by unconstitutional means.<br />
<br />
===PART VI - MISCELLANEOUS===<br />
<br />
1. Each department and agency of the executive branch, to the extent that it has not already done so, shall submit, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice, either directly or through the Civil Service Commission, the names (and such other necessary identifying material as the Federal Bureau of Investigation may require) of all of its incumbent employees.<br />
<br />
:a. The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall check such names against its records of persons concerning whom there is substantial evidence of being within the purview of paragraph 2 of Part V hereof, and shall notify each department and agency of such information.<br />
<br />
:b. Upon receipt of the above-mentioned information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, each department and agency shall make, or cause to be made by the Civil Service Commission, such investigation of those employees as the head of the department or agency shall deem advisable.<br />
<br />
2. The Security Advisory Board of the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee shall draft rules applicable to the handling and transmission of confidential documents and other documents and information which should not be publicly disclosed, and upon approval by the President such rules shall constitute the minimum standards for the handling and transmission of such documents and information, and shall be applicable to all departments and agencies of the executive branch.<br />
<br />
3. The provisions of this order shall not be applicable to persons summarily removed under the provisions of section 3 of the act of December 17, 1942, 53 Stat. 1043, of the act of July 5, 1946, 60 Stat. 453, or of any other statute conferring the power of summary removal.<br />
<br />
4. The Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the Coast Guard, are hereby directed to continue to enforce and maintain the highest standards of loyalty within the armed services, pursuant to the applicable statues, the Articles of War, and the Articles of the Government of the Navy.<br />
<br />
5. This order shall be effective immediately, but compliance with such of its provisions as require expenditure of funds shall be deferred pending the appropriation of such funds.<br />
<br />
6. Executive Order No. 9300 of February a5, 1943,1 is hereby revoked.<br />
<br />
<br />
HARRY S. TRUMAN<br />
<br />
THE WHITE HOUSE,<br />
<br />
March 21, 1947<br />
<br />
13 CFR Cum. Supp.<br />
<br />
==Source==<br />
[http://www.trumanlibrary.org/executiveorders/index.php?pid=502&st=loyalty&st1= EXECUTIVE ORDER 9835], Harry S. Truman Library & Museum<br />
<br />
See also: [http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/1947.html#9835 Executive Order 9835], The National Archives<br />
<br />
[[Category:Communism]]<br />
[[Category:Law]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Henry_Morgenthau,_Jr.&diff=818870Henry Morgenthau, Jr.2010-09-16T16:26:09Z<p>BryanT: /* Leaks */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:MorgenthauHenryJr2009-02-19.jpg|right|225px|]]'''Henry Morgenthau, Jr.''' (May 11, 1891 – February 6, 1967) was appointed [[Secretary of the Treasury]] of the United States during the administration of [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] from 1934-1945. <br />
<br />
Roosevelt biographer John Flynn described Morgenthau as "a slow, dull youth with no capacity for study. Up to the time he was given an important post by Roosevelt he had had no success in any kind of business. His father had set him up as a gentleman farmer on an estate next to Roosevelt's home at Hyde Park and endowed him with plenty of money. That is how he met Roosevelt and he remained for life the latter's humble and compliant servitor."<br />
<br />
==New Deal==<br />
<br />
Morgenthau is known for resisting [[Keynesian economics]] and having doubts regarding deficit spending. He was quoted as saying in 1939.<br />
<br />
"We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work. And I have just one interest, and if I am wrong … somebody else can have my job. I want to see this country prosperous. I want to see people get a job. I want to see people get enough to eat. We have never made good on our promises. … I say after eight years of this Administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started. … And an enormous debt to boot." <ref>http://patterico.com/2009/03/02/a-quote-to-start-your-day/</ref><br />
<br />
==Morgenthau plan==<br />
The Morgenthau plan, authored by Morgenthau's assistant [[Harry Dexter White]], called for ending the future war potential of Germany by shutting down its heavy industry in the Ruhr. The Ruhr, "should be not only stripped of all existing industries but should be so weakened and controlled that it cannot in the foreseeable future become an industrial area ... All industrial plants and equipment not destroyed by military action shall either be completely dismantled or removed from the area or completely destroyed; all equipment shall be removed from the mines and the mines wrecked." The proposal looked forward to "converting Germany into a country principally agricultural and pastoral in character." <br />
<br />
The Plan reflected wartime hatred of Nazi Germany, which had started and nearly won two great wars using its industrial base. The alternative was to reform the German people, and that idea won out. The Plan was strongly opposed by Secretary of State [[Cordell Hull]], by Secretary of War [[Henry Stimson]] and by the British and French because it would make Germans a perpetual enemy. Hull said: "This was a plan of blind vengeance ... It failed to see that in striking at Germany it was striking at all Europe." When the Americans did invade Germany almost their first act was, and needed to be, to work the mines to fullest production to aid the European economy. Roosevelt and Churchill seemed to agree with Morgenthau at the Quebec Conference in Sept. 1944 but in October Roosevelt vetoed the Morgenthau Plan and it never went into effect. Nevertheless it is used to this day by anti-American elements in Germany to attack America.<br />
===Leaks===<br />
The contents of the Morgenthau Plan leaked <ref>FBI Silvermaster file, Statement by Harold Glasser to Agents Garland and Mossberg, [http://education-research.org/PDFs/Silvermaster116.pdf Vol. 116, pgs. 120 - 129] pdf, May 13, 1947. Glasser states: "during the conference, the press obtained details concerning the MORGANTHAU Plan before it was public. Shortly thereafter, while I was in Montreal, Canada, attending the Second Council Meeting of [[UNRRA]], EMELIO G. CALLAJO of the State Department was my roommate and I regard him as a very close friend. During that time, I discussed the German Plan with him. When MORGANTHAU and I had returned to the United States, MORGANTHAU called me to his office and accused me of the leakage to the press. I denied it at that time and of course I deny it now. It is my opinion that through CALLAJO the State Department accused me of talking and being overheard by a newspaperman. I know MORGANTHAU has never forgotten this and I believe that is the reason why I was passed over and [[FRANK COE]] was selected as the Director of the Division of Monetary Research when [[HARRY WHITE]] left the Treasury Department." (pgs. 128 - 129 pdf).</ref> to the papers and Roosevelt became alarmed at the violence of the reaction, a fine evidence of the fundamentally decent nature of the majority of Americans. Roosevelt tried to deny what he had done. <ref>''The Roosevelt Myth'', John T. Flynn, Fox and Wilkes, 1948, Book 3, Ch. 11, [http://www.rooseveltmyth.com/book/fdrmyth_Chapter_Eleven___How_Germany_s_F.htm ''How Germany's Fate Was Sealed'']</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Morgenthau, Henry}}<br />
[[Category:United States Appointed Officials]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Frank_Murkowski&diff=818869Frank Murkowski2010-09-16T16:24:54Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Officeholder<br />
|name=Frank Murkowski<br />
|image=FrankMurkowski.jpg<br />
|party=[[Republican]]<br />
|spouse=Nancy Murkowski<br />
|religion=Roman Catholicism<br />
|offices=<br />
{{Officeholder/governor<br />
|state=Alaska<br />
|terms=December 2, 2002 – December 4, 2006<br />
|preceded=[[Tony Knowles]]<br />
|former=n<br />
|succeeded=[[Sarah Palin]]<br />
}}<br />
{{Officeholder/senator<br />
|state=Alaska<br />
|terms=January 3, 1981 – December 2, 2002<br />
|preceded=[[Mike Gravel]]<br />
|former=n<br />
|succeeded=[[Lisa Murkowski]]<br />
}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Francis Hughes Murkowski''' (born March 28, 1933) served as the [[Republican]] [[Governor]] of [[Alaska]] from 2002 through 2006 and [[United States Senator]] from 1981 to 2002. Raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, Murkowski served on the U.S. [[Coast Guard]] until 1957 and would go on to become the state's youngest Commissioner of Economic Development in 1966 at the age of 33. In 1977 he became President of the Alaska Chamber of Commerce. In 1980 Murkowski was elected to the United States Senate, and reelected in 1986, 1992, and 1998. He served on the Energy and Resources, Finance, Indian Affairs and Veterans' Affairs committees. Upon his resignation after his election as governor, Murkowski appointed his daughter, State Representative [[Lisa Murkowski]], to the Senate, leading to charges of nepotism. <br />
<br />
Toward the end of his administration he brokered a deal for a gas pipeline, however was never considered by the state legislature. During his 2006 reelection campaign Murkowski was defeated for the Republican nomination by Wasilla mayor [[Sarah Palin]].<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Murkowski, Frank}}<br />
[[Category:Alaska Governors]]<br />
[[Category:Republican Governors]]<br />
[[Category:Former United States Senators]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=FBI_Most_Wanted_Terrorist_List&diff=818868FBI Most Wanted Terrorist List2010-09-16T16:24:20Z<p>BryanT: /* Current Wanted List */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Bannermwt.jpg|250px|thumb]]<br />
The '''FBI Most Wanted Terrorist List''' consists of alleged [[terrorist]] indicted by sitting [[Grand Jury|Federal Grand Juries]]. The [[Department of State|United States Department of States]] Bureau of Diplomatic Security has offered awards for information leading to the many of the suspected terrorist on the list through their ''Rewards for Justice'' program.<br />
<br />
Individuals are not removed from the list unless they are proved innocent, captured, or it is proven with 100% accuracy that they have deceased. [[Osama Bin Laden]] is currently the number one most wanted [[terrorist]] on the [[FBI]] list, with a $25 million award for information leading to his capture.<br />
<br />
==Current Wanted List==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Name<br />
!Picture<br />
!Indictment<br />
|-<br />
||[[Osama Bin Laden]]<br />
|[[Image:Os1.jpg]]<br />
|Murder of U.S. nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States; Attack on the federal facility resulting in death. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terbinladen.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Adam Yahiye Gadahn]]<br />
|[[Image:Gadahn.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Treason, Providing Material Support to [[Al Qaeda]], Aiding and Abbetting. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/gadahn_a.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Adam Yahiye Gadahn]]<br />
|[[Image:Teralnassert.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals; conspiracy to murder U.S. employees; conspiracy to destroy property of the U.S.; conspiracy to attack national defense utilities; bombing resulting in death, use of weapons of mass destruction against U.S. nationals; murder while using destructive device during a crime of violence; murder of federal employees; attempted murder of federal employees. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/gadahn_a.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah]]<br />
|[[Image:Terabdullah.jpg|55px]]<br />
| Murder of U.S nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. national outside the United States; attack on a federal facility resulting in death; conspiracy to kill U.S. national, to murder, to destroy buildings and property of the United States, and to Destroy the national defense utilities of the United States. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terabdullah.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Ayman Al-Zawahiri]]<br />
|[[Image:Teralzawahiri.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Murder of U.S. nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States; attack on a Federal Facility Resulting in death. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/teralzawahiri.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Ali Atwa]]<br />
|[[Image:Atwa.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to commit aircraft piracy, to commit hostage taking, to commit air piracy resulting in murder, to interfere with a flight crew, to place a destructive device aboard an aircraft, to have explosive devices about the person on an aircraft, and to assault passengers and crew; air piracy resulting in murder; air piracy; hostage taking; interference with flight crew; and placing explosives aboard aircraft; placing destructive devices about aircraft; assault about aircraft with intent to hijack with a dangerous weapon and resulting in serious bodily injury; aiding and abetting. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/teratwa.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Anas Al-Liby]]<br />
|[[Image:Al-liby.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to kill United States Nationals, to murder, to destroy buildings and property of the United States, and to destroy the national defense utilities of the United States. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/teralliby.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Fazul Abdullah Mohammed]]<br />
|[[Image:Fazul.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Murder of U.S. nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States; attack on a federal facility resulting in death. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/termohammed.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Hasan Izz-Al-Din]]<br />
|[[Image:Izz-Al-Din.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to commit aircraft piracy, to commit hostage taking, to commit air piracy resulting in murder, to interfere with a flight crew, to place a destructive device aboard an aircraft, to have explosive devices about the person on an aircraft, and to assault passengers and crew; air piracy resulting in murder; air piracy; hostage taking; interference with flight crew; and placing explosives aboard aircraft; placing destructive devices about aircraft; assault about aircraft with intent to hijack with a dangerous weapon and resulting in serious bodily injury; aiding and abetting. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terizzaldin.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Ahmed Mohammed Hamed Ali]]<br />
|[[Image:Ali.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to kill United States Nationals, to murder, to destroy buildings and property of the United States, and to destroy the national defense utilities of the United States. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terali.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Imad Fayez Mugniyah]]<br />
|[[Image:Mugniyah.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to commit aircraft piracy, to commit hostage taking, to commit air piracy resulting in murder, to interfere with a flight crew, to place a destructive device aboard an aircraft, to have explosive devices about the person on an aircraft, and to assault passengers and crew; air piracy resulting in murder; air piracy; hostage taking; interference with flight crew; and placing explosives aboard aircraft; placing destructive devices about aircraft; assault about aircraft with intent to hijack with a dangerous weapon and resulting in serious bodily injury; aiding and abetting. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/termugniyah.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Sheikh Ahmed Salim Swedan]]<br />
|[[Image:SalimSwedan.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Murder of U.S. nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States; attack on a federal facility resulting in death. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terswedan.htmFull FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Abdul Rahman Yasin]]<br />
|[[Image:Yasin.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Damage by means of fire or an explosive; damage by means of fire or explosive to United States Property; transport in interstate commerce an explosive; destruction of more vehicles or motor vehicle facilities; conspiracy to commit offense or defraud the United States; aiding and abetting; penalty of death or life imprisonment when death results; assault of a federal officer in the line of duty; commission of a crime of violence through the use of a deadly weapon or device. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/teryasin.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Fahid Mohammed Ally Msalam]]<br />
|[[Image:Msalam.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Murder of U.S. nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States; attack on a federal facility resulting in death. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/termsalam.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Mughassil]]<br />
|[[Image:Al-Mughassil.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals; conspiracy to murder U.S. employees; conspiracy to destroy property of the U.S.; conspiracy to attack national defense utilities; bombing resulting in death, use of weapons of mass destruction against U.S. nationals; murder while using destructive device during a crime of violence; murder of federal employees; attempted murder of federal employees. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/teralmughassil.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Ali Saed Bin Ali El-Hoorie]]<br />
|[[Image:El-hoorie.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals; conspiracy to murder U.S. employees; conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against U.s. nationals; conspiracy to destroy property of the U.S.; conspiracy to attack national defense utilities; bombing resulting in death, use of weapons of mass destruction against U.S. nationals; murder while using destructive device suing crime of violence; murder of federal employees; attempted murder of federal employees. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terelhoorie.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Saif Al-Adel]]<br />
|[[Image:Al-Adel.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to kill United States Nationals, to murder, to destroy buildings and property of the United States, and to destroy the national defense utilities of the United States. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/teraladel.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Ibrahim Salih Mohammed Al-Yacoub]]<br />
|[[Image:Yacoub.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals; conspiracy to murder U.S. employees; conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against U.s. nationals; conspiracy to destroy property of the U.S.; conspiracy to attack national defense utilities; bombing resulting in death, use of weapons of mass destruction against U.S. nationals; murder while using destructive device suing crime of violence; murder of federal employees; attempted murder of federal employees. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/teralyacoub.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Ramadan Abdullah Mohammad Shallah]]<br />
|[[Image:Ramadan Abdullah Mohammad Shallah.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Racketing Influenced and corrupt organization (RICO_; interstate transportation in aid of racketeering; conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/tershallah.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Abd Al Aziz Awda]]<br />
|[[Image:Awda.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Racketing Influenced and corrupt organization (RICO_; interstate transportation in aid of racketeering; conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terawda.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Isnilon Totoni Hapilon]]<br />
|[[Image:Hapilon.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death; hostage taking; murder of a United States national outside the United States; Hostage taking resulting in death; conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during a crime of violence; using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence; aiding and abetting and causing an act to be done. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terhapilon.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Mohammed Ali Hamadei]]<br />
|[[Image:Hamadei.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Conspiracy to commit aircraft piracy, to commit hostage taking, to commit air piracy resulting in murder, to interfere with a flight crew, to place a destructive device aboard an aircraft, to have explosive devices about the person on an aircraft, and to assault passengers and crew; air piracy resulting in murder; air piracy; hostage taking; interference with flight crew; and placing explosives aboard aircraft; placing destructive devices about aircraft; assault about aircraft with intent to hijack with a dangerous weapon and resulting in serious bodily injury; aiding and abetting. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terhamadei2.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Jamel Ahmed Mohammed Ali Al-Badawi]]<br />
|[[Image:Badawi.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Murder and conspiracy to murder United States national and United States Military Personnel; conspiracy to use and using weapons of mass destruction; damaging and destroying government properties and defense facilities; providing materials support to terrorist organization. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terbadawi.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Jaber A. Elbaneh]]<br />
|[[Image:Elbaneh.jpg|55px]]<br />
|Providing material support to a terrorist organization conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization. [http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terelbaneh.htm Full FBI Wanted Profile]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Also See==<br />
*[[Terrorism]]<br />
*[[Federal Bureau of Investigation]]<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/fugitives.htm Official Website]<br />
<br />
[[category:United States Law Enforcement]]<br />
[[category:Crime]]<br />
[[category:Terrorism]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Mikhail_Tkach&diff=818867Mikhail Tkach2010-09-16T16:21:28Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Mikhail Tkach''', also '''Michal Tkacz''', '''Michael J. Tkach''', and '''M. Nastivsky''', (b. 18 October 1891, d. ? ) born at Mastisiw, Poland, of Ukrainian parents, and arrived in the United States at New York City on November 25, 1909, under the name Michal Tkacz. Tkach's wife, Yeroslava, was born at Slatchev, Poland, and entered the U.S. in 1913. The Tkach's lived in New York City from 1922 onwards. Tkach became a naturalized U. S. citizen in New York City on Dec. 8 1936.<br />
<br />
Tkach had long been active in the [[Communist Party of the United States]] (CPUSA) and was editor of the ''Ukrainian Daily News'', the leading Ukrainian Communist newspaper in the U.S. As early as 1923, under the name M. Nastivsky, Tkach was an organization member to the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia. [[Elizabeth Bentley]] told the [[FBI]] that [[Jacob Golos]] in 1941 and 1942 received considerable information concerning the [[Ukrainian]] nationalism movement in the United States which he considered of great importance, from Mikhail Tkach. Golos told Bentley much of the information was secured by Tkach from one W. J. Stepankowski, who for a time worked as an investigator for Golos. Tkach was elected President in July 1944 of the Ukrainian Section of the [[International Workers Order]], the leading [[Communist front]] in the foreign language field. The ''Ukraniain Daily News'' was by that time published by the Ukrainian Section of the IWO.<br />
<br />
Tkach supervised a small network of American communists working as agents of the [[Soviet Union]]. Tkach's daughter, [[Ann Sidorovich]], and her husband, [[Michael Sidorovich]], were part of [[Julius Rosenberg]]'s espionage network. Tkach's agent handler was SELIM KHAN, or KHAN, thought to be Avram Landy who also had contact with [[Albert Kahn]], [[Eufrosina Dvoichenko-Markov]], [[Walter Bernstein]] [[Bill Gebert]]. Tkach was investigated under the Internal Security Act investigation by the [[FBI]] New York Field Division and his was considered a key figure in Communist [[Subversion (political)|subversion]] by that division. <br />
<br />
===Venona===<br />
<br />
Mikhail Tkach cover name as assigned by [[NKVD|Soviet intelligence]] and decyphered in [[Venona project]] transcripts is PERCH. Ykach is referenced in the following Venona decrypts:<br />
<br />
Venona 1056 KGB New York to Moscow, 3 July 1943; 823 KGB New York to Moscow, 7 June 1944; 881 KGB New York to Moscow, 20 June 1944; 1076 KGB New York to Moscow, 29 July 1944; 202 KGB New York to Moscow, 10 February 1945; 116 KGB Moscow to New York, 9 February 1945; 143 KGB Moscow to New York, 15 February 1945.<br />
<br />
===References===<br />
*Elizabeth Bentley, ''Out of Bondage'' (New York, NY: Devin-Adair, 1951), pg. 108.<br />
*Elizabeth Bentley deposition, 30 November 1945, FBI file 65-14603.<br />
*[http://foia.fbi.gov/silversm/silversm3b.pdf FBI Silvermaster file], pgs. 478, 482, 483 (PDF pgs. 79, 83, 84).<br />
*John Earl Haynes and Harvey Klehr, ''Venona: Decoding Soviet Espionage in America'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999), pgs. 239, 259, 303.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tkach, Mikhail}}<br />
[[Category:KGB Agents and Sources]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=George_W._Bush&diff=818866George W. Bush2010-09-16T16:20:12Z<p>BryanT: /* Early Life */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>{{President<br />
|image=George_w_bush.jpeg<br />
|seq=43<br />
|term_start=January 20, 2001<br />
|term_end=January 20, 2009<br />
|party=Republican<br />
|vp=Dick Cheney<br />
|previous=Bill Clinton<br />
|next=Barack Obama<br />
|birth_date=July 6, 1946<br />
|birth_place=New Haven, Connecticut<br />
|death_date=<br />
|death_place=<br />
|spouse=[[Laura Bush]]<br />
|spouse2=<br />
|religion=[[United Methodist]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''George Walker Bush''' (born New Haven, [[Connecticut]] 1946) was the Governor of [[Texas]] (1995-2000) and served as the 43rd [[President of the United States of America]] from 2001 to 2009. Campaigning on the notion that the United States should not be in the business of nation-building<ref>http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2000/debates/transcripts/u221003.html</ref> and promising "to restore honor and dignity" to the office of the President,<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507E3DC153FF931A2575BC0A9669C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all THE 2000 CAMPAIGN: THE TEXAS GOVERNOR; Bush Calls on Gore to Denounce Clinton Affair,] By Frank Bruni, The New York Times'', August 12, 2000. </ref> he won the office by a narrow margin in the decisive State of [[Florida]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2000|2000 Presidential election]]. Legal challenges to the certified vote count went all the way to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] when liberal Democratic contender [[Al Gore]] contested the outcome for weeks until the Supreme Court case [[Bush v. Gore]].<br />
<br />
In the [[United States presidential election, 2004|2004 Presidential election]] Bush won re-election, helped in part by a 300,000 vote victory (5%) in the State of Florida, where the outcome had been so close in 2000.<ref>[http://election.dos.state.fl.us/elections/resultsarchive/SummaryRpt.asp?ElectionDate=11/2/2004&Race=PRE&DATAMODE= Florida Election Records], ''[[Florida Dept. of State]]''</ref> [[Leftist]] Democratic candidate [[John Kerry]] conceded defeat the day after the election.<br />
<br />
Bush's presidency was defined by [[foreign policy]] because of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks]], which eventually resulted in the liberation of the countries of [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]. Bush named two conservatives to the Supreme Court. He reformed K12 education with a major new program, [[No Child Left Behind]], and pushed a series of major tax cuts through Congress. Conservatives cheered. All this happened in his first term, aiding his easy reelection. His performance in dealing with [[Hurricane Katrina]] in 2005 were widely ridiculed, though some Republicans argued that local Democrats did an even worse job.<br />
<br />
As the [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] smashed into the banking system and the nation plunged into the [[Recession of 2008]], Bush responded with a massive aid program of $700 billion to banks, and loan guarantees amounting to the trillions of dollars. Conservatives were dismayed, and he left office with the economy spiraling downward. Above all, he made the most dramatic federal interventions in American history by his rescues of the financial system and the automobile industry in 2008. Bruce Bartlett, a Republican economist, says, "Bush clearly is not a Reaganite or "small 'c' conservative."<br />
<br />
Conservatives and [[libertarian]]s have criticized Bush for greatly increased domestic spending, creating a new entitlement program for prescription drugs, failing to veto a single bill, and expanding both the size and scope of government. The man made extremely difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Unlike any president before him, he was subjected to an all out attack by liberal aligned groups intent on playing politics, while forcing him to admit defeat in Iraq. Bush's last year in office was a combination of Democrat [[Alinsky]] tactics and abandonment by his own Republican party. Lobbyists and Congress contributed greatly to the collapsing financial markets. Mistakes, questionable interests, Federal Reserve lack of transparency, Liberal Media, Unions, Homeland Security and you understand why the Bush team was to falter, they were in over their heads. Bush is a man with convictions that didn't cower from protecting America and putting America first. <ref>See www.honorfreedom.com</ref> George would engineer two government rebate checks, giving back to the people. Average unemployment over eight-years of the [[Bush Administration]] was 5.3%. <ref>[http://scottstanzel.com/2010/06/04/unemployment-rate-during-president-bush/ Scottstanzel.com, Unemployment During President George W. Bush’s Two Terms]</ref> and he can be credited for having the most [[pro-life]] policies of any president.<br />
<br />
==Early Life==<br />
[[Image:Bushfamily.JPG|left|thumb|275px|George W. Bush and his family in 1981]] George W. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. <ref>http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/biography.html</ref> He attended [[Yale University]] where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and [[Harvard]] Business School, and later served in the Texas Air [[National Guard]]. Growing up in politics, his father [[George H. W. Bush]] had been a member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], American Ambassador to the [[United Nations]], Director of the [[Central Intelligence Agency]](CIA) and [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] of the United States under President [[Ronald Reagan]]. In 1988, George W. Bush worked for his fathers successful Presidential campaign. Afterwords Bush purchased the Texas Rangers [[baseball]] franchise.<br />
<br />
==Governor of Texas==<br />
Bush declared his candidacy for Governor of Texas in 1994. He defeated incumbent [[Democrat]] Governor [[Ann Richards]] 53.5 percent to 45.9 percent. Bush advocated and signed the two largest tax cuts to date in Texas history, totaling over $3 billion. <ref>http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/tslac/40078/tsl-40078.html</ref> He supported and signed legislation emphasizing local control of [[school]]s, higher standards, and a revised curriculum. Bush was easily reelected Governor in 1998.<br />
<br />
==2000 Presidential Campaign==<br />
''Main Article: [[United States presidential election, 2000]]''<br />
<br />
The Republican nominee for the 2000 Presidential nomination came down to Texas Governor George W. Bush and [[Arizona]] Senator [[John McCain]], a maverick Republican and ex-POW. Most social conservatives endorsed Bush. Despite early primary wins in [[New Hampshire]] and [[Michigan]] for McCain, Bush eventually won after sweeping 9 out of the 13 states on super Tuesday. McCain withdrew in March after a bitter primary fight. Bush then chose former U.S. Defense Secretary [[Richard Cheney]] as his running mate. Vice President [[Al Gore]] was the Democrat nominee. Consumer Advocate [[Ralph Nader]], a strong supporter of [[environment]]al protection and critic of large corporations entered the race in the [[green party]]. <br />
<br />
In a historically close race, Gore edged out Bush in the popular vote 48.4 percent to 47.9 percent. However, Bush won the majority of electoral votes, 271 to 266, because of Bush's victory in Florida, winning its 25 electoral votes that both candidates desperately needed. The race in Florida was so close that state law required a recount of the ballots. There were, however, thousands of thrown out ballots that were discredited because the counting machines could not discern them. After the machine recounts still showed Bush ahead, Gore asked for a hand recount of ballots in counties that favored Democrats. On November 26th, Florida officials certified that Bush won the state of Florida by 537 votes. Gore conceded December 13th.<br />
<br />
==2004 Reelection Campaign==<br />
''Main Article: [[United States presidential election, 2004]]''<br />
<br />
In President Bush's reelection campaign in 2004, national security, the invasion of Iraq and social issues dominated the campaign. The Democrat nominee was [[Massachusetts]] Senator [[John Kerry]]. Bush won the popular vote, 51% to 48%. With 120 million Americans voting (15 million more then in 2000) Bush received more votes than any other presidential candidate in history. Among the swing states, Kerry took [[Pennsylvania]], [[New Hampshire]], [[Michigan]], [[Minnesota]], [[Wisconsin]] and [[Oregon]], while Bush took [[Ohio]], [[Florida]], [[Missouri]], [[Iowa]], [[Colorado]], [[New Mexico]], and [[Nevada]]. <ref>http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html</ref> <br />
<br />
Republicans also picked up seats in both chambers of [[Congress]]. <br />
<br />
==Presidency (2001-2009)==<br />
<br />
In foreign and security areas, his terms included the 9-11 terrorist attack, the passage of the PATRIOT Act, the invasion of Afghanistan (2001-present) and Iraq (2003-present), the expansion of NATO to the Russian border, financial aid to fight disease (especially AIDS) in Africa, and improved relations with India. The Iraq was was the focus of intense partisan debate. <br />
<br />
The 2002 midterm election saw a GOP gain of seats in the House of Representatives and governorships, However the 2006 elections showed sharp GOP losses across the board, and loss of control of the House for the first time since its capture in 1994. He played a minor role in the 2008 election, which the GOP lost.<br />
<br />
In domestic legislation he partnered with Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]] to pass the No Child Left Behind education act, and tried--but failed--to pass immigration reform. Early on he secured large-scale tax cuts, which helped the economic recovery in 2002. The boom (and later collapse) in real estate boosted the economy then pulled it down. Liberals criticized his handling of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina relief, and the dismissals of U.S. Attorneys for political reasons. His proposed "Vision for Space Exploration" went nowhere, and he failed to make headway in Social Security reform. Conservatives hailed his appointments of conservatives to the Supreme Court and Federal Reserve chairmanship. <br />
<br />
===Administration and Cabinet===<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Office<br />
! Name<br />
! Term<br />
|-<br />
| [[President]]<br />
| George W. Bush<br />
| 2001-2009<br />
|-<br />
| [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]]<br />
| [[Richard Cheney]]<br />
| 2001-2009<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secretary of State]]<br />
| [[Colin Powell]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Condoleezza Rice]]<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secretary of Treasury]]<br />
| [[Paul O'Neill]]<br />
| 2001-2002<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[John Snow]]<br />
| 2003-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Henry Paulson]]<br />
| 2006-2009<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secretary of Defense]]<br />
| [[Donald Rumsfeld]]<br />
| 2001-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Robert Gates]]<br />
| 2006-2009<br />
|-<br />
| [[Attorney General]]<br />
| [[John Ashcroft]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Alberto Gonzales]]<br />
| 2005-2007<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Michael Mukasey]]<br />
| 2007-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of the Interior<br />
| [[Gale Norton]]<br />
| 2001-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Dirk Kempthorne]]<br />
| 2006-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Agriculture<br />
| [[Ann Veneman]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Mike Johanns]]<br />
| 2005-2007<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Ed Schafer]]<br />
| 2008-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Commerce<br />
| [[Donald Evans]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Carlos Gutierrez]]<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Labor<br />
| [[Elaine Chao]]<br />
| 2001-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Health and Human Services<br />
| [[Tommy Thompson]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Michael Leavitt]]<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Education<br />
| [[Rod Paige]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Margaret Spellings]]<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Housing and Urban Development<br />
| [[Mel Martinez]]<br />
| 2001-2003<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Alphonso Jackson]]<br />
| 2003-2008<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Steve Preston]]<br />
| 2008-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Transportation<br />
| [[Norman Mineta]]<br />
| 2001-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Mary Peters]]<br />
| 2006-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Energy<br />
| [[Spencer Abraham]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Samuel Bodman]]<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Veterans Affairs<br />
| [[Anthony Principi]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Jim Nicholson]]<br />
| 2005-2007<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[James Peake]]<br />
| 2007-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Secretary of Homeland Security<br />
| [[Tom Ridge]]<br />
| 2003-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Michael Chertoff]]<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Chief of Staff<br />
| [[Andrew Card]]<br />
| 2001-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Joshua Bolten]]<br />
| 2006-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency<br />
| [[Christine Todd Whitman]]<br />
| 2001-2003<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Michael Leavitt]]<br />
| 2003-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Stephen Johnson]]<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Director of the Office of Management and Budget<br />
| [[Mitch Daniels]]<br />
| 2001-2003<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| Joshua Bolten<br />
| 2003-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Rob Portman]]<br />
| 2006-2007<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Jim Nussle]]<br />
| 2007-2009<br />
|-<br />
| Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy<br />
| [[John Walters]]<br />
| 2001-2009<br />
|-<br />
| United States Trade Representative<br />
| [[Robert Zoellick]]<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| Rob Portman<br />
| 2005-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| Susan Schwab<br />
| 2006-2009<br />
|-<br />
| [[CIA]] Director<br />
| [[George Tenet]]<br />
| 2001-2004<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[John E. McLaughlin]]<br />
| 2004<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Porter J. Goss]]<br />
| 2004-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Michael Hayden]]<br />
| 2006-2009<br />
|-<br />
| FBI Director<br />
| [[Louis Freeh]]<br />
| 2001<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Thomas J. Pickard]]<br />
| 2001<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Robert S. Mueller]]<br />
| 2001-2009<br />
|-<br />
| National Security Advisor<br />
| Condoleezza Rice<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| Stephen Hadley<br />
| 2005-2009<br />
|-<br />
| White House Counsel<br />
| Alberto R. Gonzales<br />
| 2001-2005<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Harriet Miers]]<br />
| 2005-2007<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Fred Fielding]]<br />
| 2007-2009<br />
|-<br />
| White House Press Secretary<br />
| [[Ari Fleischer]]<br />
| 2001-2003<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Scott McClellan]]<br />
| 2003-2006<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Tony Snow]]<br />
| 2006-2007<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| [[Dana Perino]]<br />
| 2007-2009<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
===Response to the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks===<br />
The September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks resulted in George W. Bush becoming a self-described war time President. On that morning President Bush had traveled to Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, [[Florida]] to promote his [[education]]al agenda, when 19 Islamic terrorists connected with [[al-Qaeda]] hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of them crashed into the [[World Trade Center]] in [[New York City]], the third in the [[Pentagon]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] and the fourth in Somerset County, [[Pennsylvania]], after passengers of the flight successfully stopped the hijackers from hitting Washington D.C., possibly the [[White House]] or [[Capital]]. As a resulted over 3,000 Americans were killed, and over 6,000 injured, the largest terrorist attack in American history. After [[White House]] Chief of Staff [[Andrew Card]] had whispered in the President's ear that the United States was under attack, President Bush addressed the public in the Booker school's media center, saying a brief four paragraph statement that "Terrorism against our nation will not stand. This will not stand." Which was a formation that President George H. W. Bush used in August 1990 after [[Iraq]] invaded [[Kuwait]]. President Bush would later say that "This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. . . . I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people." <br />
<br />
[[Image:20010912-4-1.jpg|left|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vice President [[Dick Cheney]] and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Hugh Shelton, talk with the press about the previous day's terrorist attacks during a cabinet meeting Sept. 12, 2001. White House photo by Tina Hager. ]] Although the attacks may have been an attempt from al-Qaeda to divide the United States, they were unsuccessful. Across the nation Americans had donated blood and raised money for reconstruction in New York City. Within weeks Americans had raised over one billion dollars. <ref>The American Vision from National Geographic, pg. 1033 </ref> On September 14th President Bush declared a national emergency. [[CIA]] Director [[George Tenent]] and the FBI identified the attacks from al-Qaeda and [[Osama Bin Laden]] in [[Afghanistan]]. As [[Secretary of State]] [[Colin Powell]] began to build an international coalition with over 90 countries to support the United States global [[War on Terrorism]], [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Donald Rumsfeld]] began to redeploy troops and aircraft's to the [[middle east]]. On September 24th, President Bush issued an executive order freezing all funding to financial assets to individuals and groups suspected of terrorism, and over 80 other nations soon followed. Bush then established the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal agencies working to prevent terrorism. The President appointed [[Pennsylvania]] [[Governor]] [[Tom Ridge]] to the office. In October President Bush signed into law the U.S. [[Patriot Act]], which allowed authorities to obtain a signal nationwide search warrant that could be used anywhere on suspected terrorists. It also made it easier to wiretap terrorists and track their [[email]]. The mastermind of the 9/11 attacks—[[Khalid Sheikh Mohammed]] has been captured.<br />
<br />
On October 5th, a new [[anthrax]] scare from terrorists began. Anthrax—a deadly bacteria—had been sent in the mail to news organizations in New York City and Washington, D.C. and [[United States Senate|Senate]] Majority Leader [[Tom Daschle]]'s office. The FBI investigated the anthrax attacks, although no suspects were identified.<br />
<br />
===War in Afghanistan=== <br />
(see [[Afghanistan War]])<br />
Afghanistan housed and protected al-Qaeda as it planned the 9-11 attacks. It then refused to turn over al-Qaeda leaders. With UN and NATO approval, Bush went to war to overthrow the Taliban. On October 7th, 2001, he ordered bombing of al-Qaeda's camps and the [[Taliban]]'s military forces in Afghanistan. "We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail, freedom will prevail", President Bush explained. The attack quickly shattered the [[Taliban]]'s defenses, and by early December the Taliban regime had collapsed. The United States, its allies and the UN then helped Afghanistan create a new government under [[ Hamid Karzai]]. By March 2002, the Taliban and al-Qaeda were beginning to regroup again in the mountain's of the [[Pakistan]] border. President Bush responded by launching Operation Anaconda, where al-Qaeda troops were defeated. Al-Qaeda was largely destroyed, but the Taliban rebuilt using secure sanctuaries in Pakistan from which it launched terror attacks inside Afghanistan (and inside Pakistan as well)..<ref> Fred Barnes, ''Rebel-in-Chief: Inside the Bold and Controversial Presidency of George W. Bush'' (2006); Seth Jones, ''In the Graveyard of Empires: America's War in Afghanistan'' (2009)</ref> <br />
<br />
As a candidate in 2008 Obama criticized Bush for neglecting the Afghanistan, and tripled the number of American troops from 31,000 when Bush left office to over 100,000 in early 2010<br />
<br />
===2002 Mid-Term Elections===<br />
<br />
Democrats wanted the focus of the 2002 mid term elections to be on the [[economy]], which was growing slowly after the September 11th terrorist attacks. However, because Congress voted to authorized military force in Iraq in mid-October, national security was the top issue. Republicans increased their majority in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] and took back control of the [[United States Senate]]. <br />
<br />
===2002-2003 build up of the War in Iraq===<br />
In his infamous January 2002 State of the Union speech, President Bush declared an "Axis of Evil" made up of [[Iraq]], [[Iran]], and [[North Korea]], countries that posed a grave treat to the world and were suspected of supporting terrorism. Considering it a more dangerous and urgent treat then North Korea, President Bush began putting pressure on Iraq throughout 2002 for a regime [[change]]. Iraq's dictator [[Saddam Hussein]] had used chemical weapons against Iran and the Kurds, an ethnic minority in Iraq. Considering that Iraq may had been building Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD's) and was a treat to the United States and its allies, On September 12, 2002 President Bush tried to gain U.N. support for a U.S. led invasion of Iraq and asked for a resolution that Iraq gave up it's Weapons of Mass Destruction. While the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution that demanded Saddam Hussein declare all of it's WMD's, stop supporting terrorism and oppressing his people, Congress authorized the use of military force against Iraq. The United States, [[Great Britain]] and about 30 other countries began to prepare for war.<br />
<br />
===Aftermath of the Invasion===<br />
[[Image:20031127_dsc2048-515h.jpg|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush meets with troops and serves Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bob Hope Dining Facility, Baghdad International Airport, Iraq,, Thursday, November 27, 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager.]] On March 23rd, 2003, U.S. led coalition forces began an attack on Iraq. Most of the Iraqi army dissolved and coalition forces quickly took control of the country. However, sectarian violence worsened through [[bomb]]ings and sniper attacks. On Thanksgiving 2003 President Bush and U.S. National Security Adviser [[Condoleezza Rice]] visited troops in Iraq to boost moral. Saddam Hussein was captured in December 2003 while little evidence had shown that he had obtained Weapons of Mass Destruction.<br />
<br />
On January 30, 2005 Iraq had it's first general election since the liberation. They voted for a 275-member Iraqi National Assembly which later drafted a constitution. In December Iraq elected a permanent 275-member Council of Representatives. There were low levels of violence during the voting. In a show down with Congressional Democrats after taking control of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] and [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] in the 2006 Congressional Midterm elections, Democrats retreated on their pledge to end the [[Iraq War]] early and bring the troops home. Democrats had threatened to withhold funding for the troops unless a date certain for withdrawal was set. After the final vote, 280-142 in the House and 80-14 in the Senate, the anti-War movement was defeated. The deal cut with Democratic leaders in exchange for their acquiescing to fund the troops calls for the President to sign legislation raising the [[minimum wage]]. <ref>[http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070525-122215-4854r.htm Congress OKs war bill sans time-line,] By S.A. Miller, The Washington Times'', May 25, 2007. </ref> One commentator remarked, "Despite all the talk of standing up to George W. Bush, despite all the bravado about taking control of Congress, despite the so-called mandate to change direction, Democrats caved....They claim that the majority of Americans are with them on the Iraq issue, but...President Bush, at the weakest moment of his presidency, still bested his Democratic rivals." <ref>[http://www.newmediajournal.us/staff/phyrillas/05292007.htm Democrats Show True Colors], Tony Phyrillas, ''New Media journal'', May 29, 2007, </ref><br />
<br />
===2007 Troop Surge===<br />
<br />
[[Image:20061228-1_p122706pm-0144-515h.jpg|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush meets with National Security team, from left to right, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, at Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. White House photo by Paul Morse]]<br />
On January 23, 2007 President Bush ordered an additional 30,000 troops to Iraq. <br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
In order to make progress toward this goal, the Iraqi government must stop the sectarian violence in its capital. But the Iraqis are not yet ready to do this on their own. So we're deploying reinforcements of more than 20,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Iraq. The vast majority will go to Baghdad, where they will help Iraqi forces to clear and secure neighborhoods, and serve as advisers embedded in Iraqi Army units. With Iraqis in the lead, our forces will help secure the city by chasing down the terrorists, insurgents, and the roaming death squads. And in Anbar Province, where al Qaeda terrorists have gathered and local forces have begun showing a willingness to fight them, we're sending an additional 4,000 United States Marines, with orders to find the terrorists and clear them out.<br />
</blockquote> <ref>http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/603653/the_iraq_war_troop_surge_one_year_later.html</ref> <br />
<br />
The surge was opposed by a majority of the United States Congress. However, it has resulted in significantly reduced sectarian violence. According to U.S. Central Command [[General]] [[David Petraeus]], violence in Iraq by December 2008 was at a 5 year low. <ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4B86G720081209</ref><br />
<br />
===Humanitarian aid===<br />
President Bush has worked to stop the spread of the [[HIV/AIDS]] epidemic in [[Africa]]. In the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) $15 billion dollars over five years (2003–2008) was spent on fighting global HIV/AIDS and improving treatment. <br />
<br />
===Economy===<br />
<br />
Upon gaining office in 2001, Bush signed into law a $1.35 trillion cut in taxes over 10 years. The plan included the objectives of doubling the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reducing the tax penalty on [[marriage|married couples]] and fully repealing the [[Estate tax|tax on estates]]. A [[United States Senate]] Finance Committee Report estimated that with all the planned reductions fully phased in, the average family of four making $50,000 would save $1,825 per year.<ref>[http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/06/07/bush.taxes/ $1.35 trillion tax cut becomes law], CNN, 21 June 2001</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:20080919-2_p091908jb-0025-1-515h.jpg|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush stands with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, left, SEC Chairman Chris Cox, right, and Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson as he delivers a statement on the economy Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, in the Rose Garden. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian]] Since the tax cuts, IRS revenues increased from $1.78 trillion in 2003 to $2.56 trillion in 2007 with a 46.3% increase of individual income tax receipts. Surging $785 billion since the 2003 investment tax cuts, it is the largest four-year revenue increase in U.S. history<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119189497675953035.html?mod=googlenews_wsj</ref><br />
<br />
During this same time period, spending mandated by Congress has also increased by more than 29% in inflation-adjusted dollars, representing an 11.4% increase in federal spending as a percentage of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]]. This spending has doubled the federal debt, increasing it from 58% to 66% of GDP. Defense spending increased 61%, and non-defense by 23% during the eight years since 2000. The largest non-defense spending increase has been for federally-funded medical expenses, at 54 percent.<ref>[http://www.aier.org/research/commentaries/750-big-government-under-the-bush-administration Big Government Under The Bush Administration], AIER, 16 November 2008</ref> In total, Bush has increased government expenditures by the largest percentage of any president since Lyndon Johnson.<ref>[http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article944806.ece Some think Bush was too liberal], Wes Allison, Tampa Bay Times December 21, 2008 quoting Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University and author of a new paper, "Anatomy of a Divorce: Conservatives versus George W. Bush."</ref> <br />
<br />
Bush presided over a period of unreal economic growth that reflected a bubble that burst in 2008. The housing bubble allowed people to cash in the rising value of houses; low interest rates that led to massive borrowing. Money flowed uinto the U.S. from around the world. The stock market that hit a record high in 2007, then plunged relentlessly downward, losing $8 trillion in value in 2008. Unemployment hit an all time low in March 2007, but started rapidly increasing after January 2008. Bush signed into law a minimum wage increase, one of the platforms for the Democrats in the 2006 Congressional elections, after the House and Senate included Bush's request of provisions for small-business tax breaks.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/20/AR2006122001784.html</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011001666.html</ref> Tax policies have been favorable to reducing the [[Capital Gains Tax]], with a subsequent surge in investment.<br />
<br />
See [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] and [[Recession of 2008]],<br />
<br />
===Supreme Court Appointments===<br />
<br />
After the death of Chief Justice [[William Rehnquist]], President Bush nominated U.S. Court of Appeals Judge [[John Roberts]] to fill the vacancy. He was confirmed on September 29, 2005 by a 78-22 vote. To replace the retiring Associate Justice [[Sandra Day O'Connor]] Bush nominated Judge [[Samuel Alito]], after his original nomination of Chief White House Council [[Harriet Miers]] was withdrawn because of widespread opposition due to lack of experience. After an unsuccessful filibuster attempt from [[United States Senate|Senate]] [[liberal]]s, Alito was confirmed on a 58-42 vote and was sworn in on January 31, 2006. <ref>http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5181091</ref><br />
<br />
===Involvement in the 2008 Presidential election===<br />
In March 2008, Bush endorsed his one-time rival [[John McCain]] as the Republican candidate for President of the United States. However, due to the President's declining popularity in polls, McCain distanced himself from Mr. Bush on the campaign trail. At the same time, Democratic candidiate [[Barack Obama]] tried to portray a McCain presidency as four more years of George W. Bush. The President spoke by videolink at the 2008 [[Republican National Convention]], while his wife Laura appeared on stage with McCain's wife [[Cindy McCain|Cindy]].<br />
[[Image:George Laura Bush2008.jpg|thumb|left|300px|President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush pose for their last official holiday portrait, Dec. 7, 2008, in the Blue Room of the White House.]]<br />
<br />
==Future Plans==<br />
John McCain lost the election to Senator Obama, and President Bush met with the new president-elect to discuss the presidential transition between his administration and Obama's, which he promised would be efficient and without problems. George W. Bush's term ended at noon on January 20, 2009, at which point President-elect Obama was inaugurated. In an interview with ABC's [[Charles Gibson]] in December 2008, Bush said his retirement plans included moving back to his home state of Texas and writing a book. He also wants to build an institute at the Southern Methodist University to serve as a non-partisan public policy forum, to debate issues and run volunteer projects from.<br />
<br />
== Family ==<br />
George W. Bush is the son of [[George H. W. Bush]], who served as vice-president from 1981 to 1989 and as president from 1989 to 1993, and [[Barbara Bush]]. President Bush is married to [[Laura Bush|Laura Welch Bush]], a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. John Ellis "Jeb" Bush, Neil Bush and Marvin Bush are his brothers. Dorothy Bush Koch is his only surviving sister, as Pauline Robinson Bush died at age four of [[leukemia]].<br />
<br />
==Faith==<br />
<br />
George W. Bush is a member of the [[United Methodist Church]], and most people feel that George W. Bush's faith is sincere and profound. ''The Faith of George W. Bush'', a non-political book by author Stephen Strang, made the [[New York Times]] best-sellers list. <ref>http://www.christianlifemissions.org/ministries/georgewbush.htm</ref> <br />
When asked where he would be without the influence of family friend [[Billy Graham]], George W. Bush said "I wouldn't be president." "It was just a conversation," said the younger Bush about a talk with Graham in the mid-'80s that changed his life. During the pivotal conversation Bush recalled saying, "'You know, Billy, I'm longing for something.' And I know that he sent me a Bible I still have. All I can tell you is that as a result of being inspired by Billy Graham, I started reading the Bible and shortly after, I quit drinking." <ref>Billy Graham and the White House [http://religion.beloblog.com/archives/2007/08/billy_graham_and_the_white_hou_1.html]</ref> Bush's faith led him to veto a bill which would have provided for [[federal funding]] of immoral embryonic stem cell research.<br />
<br />
In an interview with ABC's "Nightline" on 12/8/08, the president also said he probably is not a literalist when reading the Bible although an individual can learn a great deal from it, including the New Testament teaching that [[God]] sent his only son.<br />
<br />
During his presidential career, George W Bush often consulted God when making important decisions. For example, Nabil Shaath, who was Palestinian foreign minister at the time, reported that President Bush said that God told him 'George go and fight these terrorists in Afghanistan' and 'George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq' <ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/oct/07/iraq.usa</ref> .<br />
Asked about creation and evolution, Bush said: "I think you can have both. I think evolution can -- you're getting me way out of my lane here. I'm just a simple president. But it's, I think that God created the earth, created the world; I think the creation of the world is so mysterious it requires something as large as an almighty and I don't think it's incompatible with the scientific proof that there is evolution."<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=6418908</ref> <ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/09/bush-says-creation-incompatible-evolution/</ref> <ref>http://www.onenewsnow.com/Business/Default.aspx?id=347242</ref> <br />
He added:<br />
{{cquote|<big><big>'''''I happen to believe that evolution doesn't fully explain the mystery of life.'''''</big>}}<br />
<br />
==Polls==<br />
When Bush entered office, his popularity rating was near 50%. However, after the [[September 11]] attacks, his popularity rose significantly, reaching an all-time high of 90%.<ref>[http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/07/usatgallup-po-1.html USAT Gallup Poll]</ref> Since, then, though, it declined as some of his policies have become unpopular (largely due to the media's persistently negative -- and [[liberal bias|biased]] -- reporting on the [[Iraq War]] and misrepresentation of his policies).<ref> Historical Bush Approval Ratings from University of Minnesota [http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ruggles/Approval.htm] </ref> In 2007, Bush had an approval rating of only 24%. <ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1624620720071017?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true Voters unhappy with Bush and Congress], Reuters, October 17 2007</ref> The same poll gave the Democratic controlled Congress an approval rating of only 11%). <ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews]</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
== Farewell Speech ==<br />
*''Delivered January 15, 2009 at the White House. His audience in the East Room included family, friends, Cabinet and some selected Americans President Bush had met in his eight years in office.''<br />
<br />
'''<small>Fellow citizens: For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence – a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey we have traveled together and the future of our Nation.'''<br />
<br />
[[Image:BushSpeech.jpg|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush reaches into the audience to shake hands with invited guests and staff members following his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009 in the East Room of the White House, where President Bush thanked the American people for their support and trust. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian]] '''Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole Nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.''' <br />
<br />
'''Tonight I am filled with gratitude – to Vice President Cheney and members of the Administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for ....'''<br />
<br />
'''...the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years. ''' <br />
<br />
'''This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house – September 11, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock.''' <br />
<br />
'''I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son’s police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.''' <br />
<br />
'''As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.'''<br />
<br />
'''Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our Nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists’ movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them.''' <br />
<br />
'''Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.'''<br />
<br />
'''There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe – law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.''' <br />
<br />
'''Our Nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander in Chief.'''<br />
<br />
'''The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.''' <br />
<br />
'''This is the belief that gave birth to our Nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism.''' <br />
<br />
'''So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We are standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.''' <br />
<br />
'''For eight years, we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes.''' <br />
<br />
'''The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America’s air, water, and lands are measurably cleaner. And the Federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.''' <br />
<br />
'''When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America’s free enterprise system.'''<br />
<br />
'''Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.'''<br />
<br />
'''The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.''' <br />
<br />
'''While our Nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.''' <br />
<br />
'''At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.'''<br />
<br />
'''As we address these challenges – and others we cannot foresee tonight – America must maintain our moral clarity. I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere.''' <br />
<br />
'''Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.'''<br />
<br />
'''President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.''' <br />
<br />
'''I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a Nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a Nation where citizens show calm in times of danger and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America’s character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.''' <br />
<br />
'''We see America’s character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We see it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.''' <br />
<br />
'''We see America’s character in Bill Krissoff, a surgeon from California. His son Nathan, a Marine, gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60 years old – 18 years above the age limit.''' <br />
<br />
'''But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America’s wounded warriors and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.'''<br />
<br />
'''In citizens like these, we see the best of our country – resilient and hopeful, caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there is more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great Nation will never tire … never falter … and never fail.'''<br />
<br />
'''It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this Nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other: citizen of the United States of America.''' <br />
<br />
'''And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country."'''</small><br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
* "Everywhere that freedom stirs, let tyrants fear."<br />
<br />
==Publications==<br />
* [http://www.amazon.com/Decision-Points-George-W-Bush/dp/0307590615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279195424&sr=8-1 Decision Points by George W. Bush], set to release November 9, 2010. ISBN 0307590615<br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
;Academic<br />
* Abramson, Paul R., John H. Aldrich, and David W. Rohde. ''Change and Continuity in the 2004 and 2006 Elections'' (2007), 324pp [http://www.amazon.com/Change-Continuity-2004-2006-Elections/dp/0872894150/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001659&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Allard, Scott W. "The Changing Face of Welfare During the Bush Administration." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 304-332. Issn: 0048-5950 <br />
* Barone, Michael. ''The Almanac of American Politics'' (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010), highly detailed coverage of electoral politics and Congress.<br />
* Berggren, D. Jason, and Nicol C. Rae. "Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush: Faith, Foreign Policy, and an Evangelical Presidential Style." ''Presidential Studies Quarterly.'' 36#4 2006. pp 606+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5018322436 online edition]<br />
* Campbell, Colin, Bert A. Rockman, and Andrew Rudalevige, eds.. ''The George W. Bush Legacy'' Congressional Quarterly Press, 2007, 352pp; 14 essays by scholars [http://www.amazon.com/George-W-Bush-Legacy/dp/0872893464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001536&sr=1-1 excerpts and online search from Amazon.com]<br />
* Congressional Quarterly. ''CQ Almanac Plus'' highly detailed annual compilation of events in Congress, White House, Supreme Court, summarizing the weekly "Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report". (annual, 2002-2009) <br />
* Conlan, Tim and John Dinan. "Federalism, the Bush Administration, and the Transformation of American Conservatism." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 279-303. Issn: 0048-5950 <br />
* Corrado, Anthony, E. J. Dionne Jr., Kathleen A. Frankovic. ''The Election of 2000: Reports and Interpretations'' (2001) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=99208680 online edition]<br />
* Daynes, Byron W. and Glen Sussman. "Comparing the Environmental Policies of Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush." ''White House Studies'' 2007 7(2): 163-179. Issn: 1535-4738 <br />
* Desch, Michael C. "Bush and the Generals." ''Foreign Affairs'' 2007 86(3): 97-108. Issn: 0015-7120 Fulltext: [[Ebsco]]<br />
* Eckersley, Robyn. "Ambushed: the Kyoto Protocol, the Bush Administration's Climate Policy and the Erosion of Legitimacy." ''International Politics'' 2007 44(2-3): 306-324. Issn: 1384-5748 <br />
* Edwards III, George C. and Philip John Davies, eds. ''New Challenges for the American Presidency'' New York: Pearson Longman, 2004. 245 pp. articles from ''Presidential Studies Quarterly''<br />
* Edwards III, George C. and Desmond King, eds. ''The Polarized Presidency of George W. Bush'' (2007), 478pp; essays by scholars; [http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0199217971/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-4827826-5463040#reader-link excerpt and online search from Amazon.com]<br />
* Fortier, John C. and Norman J. Ornstein, eds. ''Second-term Blues: How George W. Bush Has Governed'' (2007), 146pp [http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0815728840/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-4827826-5463040#reader-link excerpt and online search from Amazon.com]<br />
* Greenstein, Fred I. ed. ''The George W. Bush Presidency: An Early Assessment'' Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003<br />
* Greenstein, Fred I. “The Contemporary Presidency: The Changing Leadership of George W. Bush A Pre- and Post-9/11 Comparison” in ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' v 32#2 2002 pp 387+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000773171 online edition]<br />
* Gregg II, Gary L. and Mark J. Rozell, eds. ''Considering the Bush Presidency'' Oxford University Press, 2004. 210 pp. British perspectives<br />
* Hendrickson, Ryan C., and Kristina Spohr Readman, "From the Baltic to the Black Sea: Bush's NATO Enlargement." ''White House Studies.'' (2004) 4#3 pp: 319+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5008838303 online edition]<br />
* Hilliard, Bryan, Tom Lansford, and Robert P Watson, eds. ''George W. Bush: Evaluating the President at Midterm'' SUNY Press 2004<br />
* Jacobson, Gary C. “The Bush Presidency and the American Electorate” ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' v 33 #4 2003 pp 701+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002052614 online edition]<br />
* Jacobson, Gary C. "Referendum: the 2006 Midterm Congressional Elections." ''Political Science Quarterly'' 2007 122(1): 1-24. Issn: 0032-3195 Fulltext: [[Ebsco]]<br />
* Milkis, Sidney M. and Jesse H.Rhodes. "George W. Bush, the Party System, and American Federalism." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 478-503. Issn: 0048-5950 <br />
* Moens, Alexander ''The Foreign Policy of George W. Bush: Values, Strategy, and Loyalty.'' Ashgate, 2004. 227 pp. <br />
* Rabe, Barry. "Environmental Policy and the Bush Era: the Collision Between the Administrative Presidency and State Experimentation." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 413-431. Issn: 0048-5950 <br />
* Sabato, Larry J. ed. ''The Sixth Year Itch: The Rise and Fall of the George W. Bush Presidency'' (2007), experts on the 2006 elections in major states<br />
* Strozeski, Josh, et al. "From Benign Neglect to Strategic Interest: the Role of Africa in the Foreign Policies of Bush 41 and 43." ''White House Studies'' 2007 7(1): 35-51. Issn: 1535-4738 <br />
* Wekkin, Gary D. "George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush: Puzzling Presidencies, or the Puzzle of the Presidency?" ''White House Studies'' 2007 7(2): 113-124. Issn: 1535-4738 <br />
* Wong, Kenneth and Gail Sunderman. "Education Accountability as a Presidential Priority: No Child Left Behind and the Bush Presidency." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 333-350. Issn: 0048-5950 <br />
<br />
;Pro-Bush<br />
* Barnes, Fred. ''Rebel-in-Chief: How George W. Bush Is Redefining the Conservative Movement and Transforming America'' (2006)<br />
* Draper, Robert. ''Inside the Bush White House: The Presidency of George W. Bush'' (2007)<br />
* Hughes, Karen. ''George W. Bush: Portrait of a Leader,'' (2005) <br />
* Gerson, Michael J. ''Heroic Conservatism: Why Republicans Need to Embrace America's Ideals (And Why They Deserve to Fail If They Don't)'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Heroic-Conservatism-Republicans-Embrace-Americas/dp/006134950X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001391&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br />
* [[Bob Woodward|Woodward, Bob]]. ''Plan of Attack'' (2003) on Iraq war [http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Attack-Bob-Woodward/dp/074325547X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001508&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br />
<br />
;Anti-Bush<br />
* Bartlett, Bruce. ''Impostor: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy'' (2006), conservative attack by former aide<br />
* Ferguson, Michaele L. and Lori Jo Marso. ''W Stands for Women: How the George W. Bush Presidency Shaped a New Politics of Gender'' (2007)<br />
* Greenspan, Alan. ''The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World,'' (2007), memoir by powerful chairman of the Federal Reserve<br />
* Moore, James. and Wayne Slater. ''Bush's Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush Presidential.'' 2003. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=107370497 online edition]<br />
* Suskind, Ron. ''The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O’Neill'' (2004), complaints of ex Treasury Secretary [http://www.amazon.com/Price-Loyalty-George-Education-ONeill/dp/0743255461/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188802463&sr=1-1 excerpts and online search from Amazon.com]<br />
<br />
;Bush aides<br />
* Stephen F. Hayes. ''Cheney: The Untold Story of America's Most Powerful and Controversial Vice President'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Cheney-Americas-Powerful-Controversial-President/dp/0060723467/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188802328&sr=1-1 excerpts and online search]<br />
* Mabry, Marcus. ''Twice as Good: Condoleezza Rice and Her Path to Power'' (2007) <br />
; Primary sources<br />
* [http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/publications/ERP/ Council of Economic Advisors, ''Economic Report of the President'' (annual 1947- )], complete series online; important analysis of current trends and policies, plus statistcial tables<br />
* George W. Bush. ''George W. Bush on God and Country: The President Speaks Out About Faith, Principle, and Patriotism'' (2004)<br />
<br />
==See Also==<br />
<br />
*[[Previous Breaking News/George W. Bush|Articles about '''George W. Bush''' from previous "Breaking News"]]<br />
*[[Bush Derangement Syndrome]]<br />
*[[Bush Doctrine]]<br />
*[[Bush-hater]]<br />
*[[Bushism]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Presidents of the United States]]<br />
[[Category:Texas Governors]]<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bush, George W.}}<br />
[[Category:Reagan Era]]<br />
[[Category:Conservatives]]<br />
[[Category:Iraq War]]<br />
[[Category:Terrorism]]<br />
[[Category:United States Veterans]]<br />
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]<br />
{{USPresidents}}<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
* [http://www.georgewbushcenter.com The George W. Bush Presidential Center]<br />
* [http://www.facebook.com/georgewbush George W. Bush on Facebook]<br />
* [http://www.facebook.com/clintonbushhaitifund?v=wall Clinton Bush Haiti Fund]<br />
* [http://www.honorfreedom.com HonorFreedom.com - a nationwide effort to correct the historical record about President Bush and the Bush foreign policy doctrine]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Philip_D._Gingerich&diff=818865Philip D. Gingerich2010-09-16T16:14:46Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Philip Gingerich''' is an [[Evolution|evolutionary]] [[Paleontology|paleontologist]], [[Biology|biologist]], and anthropologist. He is professor of anthropology, biology, and [[Geology|geology]] at the University of Michigan, and also director of University of Michigan's Museum of Paleontology.<ref>http://www-personal.umich.edu/~gingeric/index.htm</ref><br />
<br />
Gingerich is most known for his research on the evolution of the [[whale]] and the evolution of [[Primate|primates]]. He was one of the [[Science|scientists]] who worked on the ''[[Darwinius masillae]]'' ("Ida") fossil, and he believes that "Ida" is [[transitional form]] between anthropoid (more human-like) primates and more primitive primates.<br />
<br />
==Work on evolution of the whale==<br />
In the 1980s, Gingerich authored a paper on the fossil ''[[Pakicetus]],'' which he thought was a transitional between hoofed animals and whales. Based on only on a partial skull, Gingerich made a reconstruction of ''Pakicetus'' showing it swimming in the [[sea]].<ref>http://creation.com/not-at-all-like-a-whale</ref> Much later a nearly complete skeleton of ''Pakicetus'' was unearthed, revealing that the creature was a four-legged land mammal. Its only whale-like feature is a whale-like inner ear.<br />
<br />
Gingerich has studied several other claimed transitional fossils relevant to whale evolution.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Paleontologists]][[Category:Evolutionists]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Cotton_Patch_Version&diff=818864Cotton Patch Version2010-09-16T16:14:23Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>The '''Cotton Patch Version''' (CPV) is a modern translation of the [[Holy Bible]] by Clarence Jordan published between 1968 and 1973.<br />
<br />
It takes place in the [[United States]] in the south, and new objects and place names are all substituted in place of the [[Biblical]] ones. For example, [[Jesus]] is born in [[Georgia]], the wineskins in Matthew 9:17 became tires, [[Gabriel]] tells [[Mary]] and [[Joseph]] to flee to [[Mexico]], and [[John the Baptist]] is "dressed in blue jeans and a leather jacket, and...living on corn bread and collard greens." <ref>http://kenanderson.net/bible/html/cotton_patch.html<br />
</ref><br />
<br />
Similar to [[the Message]] Bible, the Cotton Patch Version tries to make the Bible relevant to modern people.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
[[Category:Bible Versions]]<br />
{{Bible Versions}}</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:BryanT&diff=818862User talk:BryanT2010-09-16T16:13:29Z<p>BryanT: reply</p>
<hr />
<div>{{welcome|sig=--[[User:Jpatt|Jpatt]] 12:21, 25 August 2010 (EDT)}}<br />
<br />
Great work on "i before e, except after c". What else can you do? --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] <sup>[[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]]</sup> 15:36, 25 August 2010 (EDT)<br />
:A lot hopefully :) I have high hopes for other common spelling errors as well as "affect(ing)/effect(ing)" and "their/they're/there". Simple stuff I guess, but it's a good way to come across random interesting articles :) [[User:BryanT|BryanT]] 11:15, 26 August 2010 (EDT)<br />
<br />
Thanks for correcting misspellings such as [http://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Platonism&curid=30821&diff=818666&oldid=356154&rcid=902430 these]. Do not despair, "housekeeping" is an important part of building a reliable encyclopedia. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] <sup>[[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]]</sup> 11:30, 15 September 2010 (EDT)<br />
*You can also search for misspellings ... http://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&search=relevent&fulltext=Search --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] <sup>[[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]]</sup> 11:34, 15 September 2010 (EDT)<br />
:No problem, glad it helps. I do try some searches, but I am perhaps a bit limited by the fact that I can't always predict what will be wrong. However, I have sorted a lot out, and am now looking at random pages, then seeing if similar errors occur elsewhere. I've found some lists of common errors that may help with this. The real problem is that I tend to get distracted by reading a page, and linked pages, and forgetting to actually correct things :) [[User:BryanT|BryanT]] 12:13, 16 September 2010 (EDT)</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=North_Korea&diff=818861North Korea2010-09-16T15:58:28Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Country<br />
|name =조선민주주의인민공화국<br> Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk <br> ''Democratic People's Republic of Korea''<br />
|map =Korea north rel 2005.jpg <br />
|map2 =NorthKorea location.png<br />
|flag =Flag of North Korea.png<br />
|arms =Arms of North Korea.png<br />
|capital =P'yongyang<br />
|government =Communist totalitarian state<br />
|language =Korean<br />
|area =46,526 sq mi<br />
|pop =23,301,725(2007)<br />
|gdp-year =$22.85 billion (2006)<br />
|gdp-pc =$1,007 (2006)<br />
|currency = North Korean won<br />
}}<br />
'''North Korea''' is the world's most severe [[totalitarian]] [[dictatorship]] and one of the poorest and most [[famine]]-stricken nations on earth. It lies in eastern Asia and occupies the Korean peninsula north of a line that roughly follows the 38th parallel. <br />
It is ruled by self-absorbed dictator and 'Dear Leader' [[Kim Jong Il]], who succeeded his father the 'Great Leader' [[Kim Il Sung]]. <br />
<br />
* They suffer from an incredible blackout of knowledge about the outside world. The control on the population exceeds anything the world has seen to date. [http://significatojournal.com/help-the-world/freedom-human-rights/north-korea-the-prison-nation]<br />
<br />
Its official name is '''Democratic People's Republic of Korea''', but its government does not follow Western ideas of [[democracy]]. Rather, it is organized along [[Stalinism|Stalinist]] lines. Its "Supreme People's Assembly" is merely a [[rubber stamp]] parliament. [http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/05/21/North-Korea-slammed-over-Cheonan-sinking/UPI-48941274459460/]<br />
<br />
The official North Korean ideology is known as [[Juche]] (roughly translates as "national self-reliance"), and since the mid 1990s, [[Songun]] ("military first"). A cult-like devotion to the "Great Leader" and "Dear Leader" is expected of citizens, and heavily promoted in the North Korean news media which has little actual "news" and mostly consists of effusive praise toward [[Kim Jong Il]], grandiose and unsubstantiated claims about great feats by him and his father, and repetitious admonitions that the Korean people are totally united as one behind his leadership; in contrast between 1 million and 2 million North Koreans have died of starvation in recent years because the Kim government has so mismanaged the economy, particularly agriculture, and has hampered outside efforts at relief. <ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071009/COMMENTARY/110090010/1012&template=nextpage</ref><br />
<br />
==People==<br />
*Population (2006): 23.1 million. <br />
*Annual growth rate: About +0.98%.<br />
*Ethnic groups: [[Korean]]; small ethnic Chinese and Japanese populations. <br />
*Religions: [[Buddhism]], [[Confucianism]], [[Shamanism]], [[Chongdogyo]], [[Christian]]; autonomous religious activities have been virtually nonexistent since 1945. <br />
*Language: Korean. <br />
*Education: Years compulsory--11. Attendance--3 million (primary, 1.5 million; secondary, 1.2 million; tertiary, 0.3 million). Literacy--99%. <br />
*Health (1998): Medical treatment is free; one doctor for every 700 inhabitants; one hospital bed for every 350; there are severe shortages of medicines and medical equipment. Infant mortality rate--23.29 /1,000 (2006 est.). Life expectancy--males 68 yrs., females 74 yrs. (2006 est.)<br />
<br />
Amnesty International published a report in June 2010 which alleges that the North Korean health care system is "in shambles". Interviews with 40 individuals who defected from that country indicate a wide-spread shortage of medicine and medical implements; a lack of ambulatory services in major cities; the use of unsterilized needles; major operations and amputations done without anethesia, on a system which spends the equivalent of one dollar per person per year on health care. This discrepancy is compounded by the fact that many citizens are forced to endure a starvation diet by subsisting on grass, tree bark and roots.<ref>http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100715/Amnesty-International-reveals-the-rotting-health-care-system-in-North-Korea.aspx</ref><ref>http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100715/ap_on_re_as/as_nkorea_crumbling_health_care</ref><br />
<br />
==Religion==<br />
Government policy and practice severely restricted the practice of religion. The 2007 KINU White Paper indicated that the regime utilizes authorized religious entities for external propaganda and political purposes, and that citizens are strictly barred from entering places of worship. Ordinary citizens consider such sites to be primarily "sightseeing spots for foreigners." KINU concluded that the lack of churches or religious facilities in the provinces indicates that ordinary citizens do not enjoy religious freedom.<br />
<br />
Little is known about the day-to-day life of religious persons in the country. Members of government-controlled religious groups did not appear to suffer discrimination. Some reports claimed, and circumstantial evidence suggested, that many, if not most of these groups, have been organized by the regime for propaganda and political purposes, including meeting with foreign religious visitors.<br />
<br />
The number of religious believers is unknown but was estimated by the Government to be 10,000 Protestants, 10,000 Buddhists, and 4,000 Catholics. Estimates by South Korean and international church-related groups were considerably higher. In addition, the Chondogyo Young Friends Party, a government-approved group based on a traditional religious movement, had approximately 40,000 practitioners, according to the Government.<ref> See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108410.htm U.S. State Department "International Religious Freedom Report 2008"]</ref><br />
<br />
In Pyongyang there were reportedly four state-controlled Christian churches: two Protestant churches under lay leadership (Bongsu and Chilgol Churches), the Changchung Roman Catholic Church, and the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church. The Chilgol Church is dedicated to the memory of former leader Kim Il-sung's mother, Kang Pan-sok, who was a Presbyterian deaconess. The number of congregants regularly worshipping at these churches is unknown.<br />
<br />
The Presbyterian Church of Korea in the South was partnering with the Christian Association in North Korea to rebuild Bongsu Church. In the fall of 2006, a delegation of 90 Christians from South Korea visited the Bongsu church to celebrate completion of its first phase of renovation. According to religious leaders who traveled to the country, there were Protestant pastors at these churches, although it was not known if they were resident or visiting.<br />
<br />
In its July 2002 report to the U.N. Human Rights Committee, the Government reported the existence of 500 "family worship centers." However, according to the 2007 Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) White Paper, defectors interviewed were unaware of any such centers. Observers stated that "family worship centers" may be part of the state-controlled Korean Christian Federation, while an unknown number of "underground churches" operate apart from the Federation and are not recognized by the Government. Some NGOs and academics estimate there may be up to several hundred thousand underground Christians in the country. Others question the existence of a large-scale underground church or conclude that no reliable estimate of the number of underground religious believers exists. Individual underground congregations are reportedly very small and confined to private homes. At the same time, some NGOs reported that the individual churches are connected to each other through well-established networks. The regime has not allowed outsiders the access necessary to confirm such claims.<br />
<br />
There were an estimated 300 Buddhist temples. Most were regarded as cultural relics, but religious activity was permitted in some. A few Buddhist temples and relics have been renovated or restored in recent years under a broad effort aimed at "preserving the Korean nation's cultural heritage." In 2007 reconstruction was completed on the Shingye or Singyesa (Holy Valley) Temple, which was destroyed during the Korean War. The Republic of Korea (ROK) Government and foreign tourists funded the reconstruction. A South Korean monk, the first to permanently reside in North Korea, has lived at the temple since 2004 but serves primarily as a guide for visiting tourists rather than as a pastor caring for Buddhists living in the area.<br />
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The Government announced in June 2007 that 500 monks and Buddhist followers were making day-long pilgrimages to the recently renovated Ryongthong temple in Kaesong strictly for religious purposes. Foreign diplomats in Pyongyang who visited the temple were told that the two monks living there may be joined by more. State-controlled press reported on several occasions that Buddhist ceremonies had been carried out in various locations. Official reporting also linked descriptions of such ceremonies with the broader theme of Korean unification.<br />
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The Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church opened in Pyongyang in 2006. The church was reportedly commissioned by Kim Jong-il after he visited an Orthodox cathedral in Russia in 2002. Two North Koreans who studied at the Russian Orthodox Seminary in Moscow have been ordained as priests and are serving at the church. The purported aim of the church was primarily to provide pastoral care of Russians in the country, but one religious leader with access to the country speculated that the church likely extended pastoral care to all Orthodox Koreans as well. Similar to other religious groups, no reliable data exists on the number of Orthodox believers.<br />
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Several foreigners residing in Pyongyang attended Korean-language services at the Christian churches on a regular basis. Some foreigners who visited the country stated that church services appeared staged and contained political content supportive of the regime, in addition to religious themes. Foreign legislators attending services in Pyongyang in previous years noted that congregations arrived at and departed services as groups on tour buses, and some observed that they did not include any children. Other foreigners noted that they were not permitted to have contact with congregants. Foreign observers had limited ability to ascertain the level of government control over these groups, but it was generally assumed they were monitored closely. According to the 2007 KINU White Paper, defectors reported being unaware of any recognized religious organizations that maintained branches outside of Pyongyang.<br />
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Several schools for religious education exist. There are 3-year colleges for training Protestant and Buddhist clergy. A religious studies program also was established at Kim Il-sung University in 1989; its graduates usually worked in the foreign trade sector. In 2000 a Protestant seminary was reopened with assistance from foreign missionary groups. Critics, including at least one foreign sponsor, charged that the Government opened the seminary only to facilitate reception of assistance funds from foreign faith-based NGOs. The Chosun Christian Federation, a religious group believed to be controlled by the Government, contributed to the curriculum used by the seminary. The Chosun Christian League operates the Pyongyang Theological Academy, a graduate institution that trains pastors affiliated with the Korean Christian Federation.<br />
<br />
==Government and Political Conditions==<br />
North Korea has a centralized government under the rigid control of the communist Korean Workers' Party (KWP), to which all government officials belong. A few minor political parties are allowed to exist in name only. Kim Il-sung ruled North Korea from 1948 until his death in July 1994. Kim served both as Secretary General of the KWP and as President of North Korea. <br />
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Little is known about the actual lines of power and authority in the North Korean Government despite the formal structure set forth in the constitution. Following the death of Kim Il-sung, his son--Kim Jong-il--inherited supreme power. Kim Jong-il was named General Secretary of the KWP in October 1997, and in September 1998, the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) reconfirmed Kim Jong-il as Chairman of the National Defense Commission and declared that position as the "highest office of state." However, the President of the Presidium of the National Assembly, Kim Yong-nam, serves as the nominal head of state. North Korea's 1972 constitution was amended in late 1992 and in September 1998. <br />
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The constitution designates the Central People's Committee (CPC) as the government's top policymaking body. The CPC makes policy decisions and supervises the cabinet, or State Administration Council (SAC). The SAC is headed by a premier and is the dominant administrative and executive agency. <br />
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Officially, the legislature, the SPA, is the highest organ of state power. Its members are elected every four years. Usually only two meetings are held annually, each lasting a few days. A standing committee elected by the SPA performs legislative functions when the Assembly is not in session. In reality, the Assembly serves only to ratify decisions made by the ruling KWP. <br />
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North Korea's judiciary is "accountable" to the SPA and the president. The SPA's standing committee also appoints judges to the highest court for four-year terms that are concurrent with those of the Assembly. <br />
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Administratively, North Korea is divided into nine provinces and four provincial-level municipalities--[[Pyongyang]], [[Chongjin]], [[Nampo]], and [[Kaesong]]. It also appears to be divided into nine military districts. <br />
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===Principal Party and Government Officials=== <br />
*Kim Jong-il--General Secretary of the KWP; Supreme Commander of the People's Armed Forces; Chairman of the National Defense *Commission; son of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung<br />
*Kim Yong-nam--President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly; titular head of state<br />
*Pak Gil-yon--Ambassador to D.P.R.K. Permanent Mission to the UN<br />
*Pak Ui-chun--Minister of Foreign Affairs <br />
<br />
===Foreign Relations===<br />
North Korea's relationship with the South has determined much of its post-[[World War II]] history and still undergirds much of its foreign policy. North and South Korea have had a difficult and acrimonious relationship from the Korean War. In recent years, North Korea has pursued a mixed policy--seeking to develop economic relations with South Korea and to win the support of the South Korean public for greater North-South engagement while at the same time continuing to denounce the R.O.K.'s security relationship with the United States and maintaining a threatening conventional force posture on the DMZ and in adjacent waters. <br />
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The military demarcation line (MDL) of separation between the belligerent sides at the close of the Korean War divides North Korea from South Korea. A demilitarized zone (DMZ) extends for 2,000 meters (just over 1 mile) on either side of the MDL. Both the North and South Korean governments hold that the MDL is only a temporary administrative line, not a permanent border. <br />
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During the postwar period, both Korean governments have repeatedly affirmed their desire to reunify the Korean Peninsula, but until 1971 the two governments had no direct, official communications or other contact. <br />
<br />
====Reunification Efforts Since 1971====<br />
In August 1971, North and South Korea held talks through their respective Red Cross societies with the aim of reuniting the many Korean families separated following the division of Korea and the Korean War. In July 1972, the two sides agreed to work toward peaceful reunification and an end to the hostile atmosphere prevailing on the peninsula. Officials exchanged visits, and regular communications were established through a North-South coordinating committee and the Red Cross. These initial contacts broke down in 1973 following South Korean President Park Chung-hee's announcement that the South would seek separate entry into the United Nations, and after the kidnapping of South Korean opposition leader Kim Dae-jung--perceived as friendly to unified entry into the UN--by South Korean intelligence services. There was no other significant contact between North and South Korea until 1984. <br />
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Dialogue was renewed in September 1984, when South Korea accepted the North's offer to provide relief goods to victims of severe flooding in South Korea. Red Cross talks to address the plight of separated families resumed, as did talks on economic and trade issues and parliamentary-level discussions. However, the North then unilaterally suspended all talks in January 1986, arguing that the annual U.S.-ROK "Team Spirit" military exercise was inconsistent with dialogue. There was a brief flurry of negotiations that year on co-hosting the upcoming 1988 Seoul Olympics, which ended in failure and was followed by the 1987 bombing of a South Korean commercial aircraft (KAL 858) by North Korean agents. <br />
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In July 1988, South Korean President Roh Tae-woo called for new efforts to promote North-South exchanges, family reunification, inter-Korean trade, and contact in international forums. Roh followed up this initiative in a UN General Assembly speech in which South Korea offered for the first time to discuss security matters with the North. Initial meetings that grew out of Roh's proposals started in September 1989. In September 1990, the first of eight prime minister-level meetings between North Korean and South Korean officials took place in Seoul. The prime ministerial talks resulted in two major agreements: the Agreement on Reconciliation, Nonaggression, Exchanges, and Cooperation (the "Basic Agreement") and the Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula (the "Joint Declaration"). <br />
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The Basic Agreement, signed on December 13, 1991, called for reconciliation and nonaggression and established four joint commissions. These commissions--on South-North reconciliation, South-North military affairs, South-North economic exchanges and cooperation, and South-North social and cultural exchange--were to work out the specifics for implementing the basic agreement. Subcommittees to examine specific issues were created, and liaison offices were established in Panmunjom, but in the fall of 1992 the process came to a halt because of rising tension over North Korea's nuclear program. <br />
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The Joint Declaration on denuclearization was initialled on December 31, 1991. It forbade both sides from testing, manufacturing, producing, receiving, possessing, storing, deploying, or using nuclear weapons and forbade the possession of nuclear reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities. A procedure for inter-Korean inspection was to be organized and a North-South Joint Nuclear Control Commission (JNCC) was mandated to verify the denuclearization of the peninsula. <br />
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On January 30, 1992, the D.P.R.K. finally signed a nuclear safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as it had pledged to do in 1985 when it acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This safeguards agreement allowed IAEA inspections to begin in June 1992. In March 1992, the JNCC was established in accordance with the Joint Declaration, but subsequent meetings failed to reach agreement on the main issue of establishing a bilateral inspection regime. <br />
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As the 1990s progressed, concern over the North's nuclear program became a major issue in North-South relations and between North Korea and the United States. The lack of progress on implementation of the Joint Declaration's provision for an inter-Korean nuclear inspection regime led to reinstatement of the U.S.-R.O.K. Team Spirit military exercise for 1993. The situation worsened rapidly when North Korea, in January 1993, refused IAEA access to two suspected nuclear waste sites and then announced in March 1993 its intent to withdraw from the NPT. During the next two years, the United States held direct talks with the D.P.R.K. that resulted in a series of agreements on nuclear matters, including the 1994 Agreed Framework (which broke down in 2002 when North Korea was discovered to be pursuing a uranium enrichment program for nuclear weapons--see below, Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula). <br />
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At his inauguration in February 1998, R.O.K. President Kim Dae-jung enunciated a new policy of engagement with the D.P.R.K., dubbed "the Sunshine Policy." The policy had three fundamental principles: no tolerance of provocations from the North, no intention to absorb the North, and the separation of political cooperation from economic cooperation. Private sector overtures would be based on commercial and humanitarian considerations. The use of government resources would entail reciprocity. This policy set the stage for the first inter-Korean summit, held in Pyongyang June 13-15, 2000. <br />
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R.O.K. President Roh Moo-hyun, following his inauguration in February 2003, has continued his predecessor's policy of engagement with the North, though he abandoned the name "Sunshine Policy." The United States supports President Roh's engagement policy and North-South dialogue and cooperation. Major economic reunification projects have included a tourism development in Mt. Geumgang, the re-establishment of road and rail links across the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and a joint North-South industrial park near the North Korean city of Kaesong (see further information below in the section on the Economy). In August 2007, the R.O.K. and D.P.R.K. announced plans to hold a second inter-Korean summit, scheduled for October 2-4 in Pyongyang. <br />
<br />
===Relations Outside the Korean Peninsula=== <br />
Throughout the Cold War, North Korea balanced its relations with China and the Soviet Union to extract the maximum benefit from the relationships at minimum political cost. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and China, the Soviet-backed Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia, and the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan created strains between China and the Soviet Union and, in turn, in North Korea's relations with its two major communist allies. North Korea tried to avoid becoming embroiled in the Sino-Soviet split, obtaining aid from both the Soviet Union and China and trying to avoid dependence on either. Following Kim Il-sung's 1984 visit to Moscow, there was an improvement in Soviet-D.P.R.K. relations, resulting in renewed deliveries of Soviet weaponry to North Korea and increases in economic aid. <br />
<br />
The establishment of diplomatic relations by South Korea with the Soviet Union in 1990 and with China in 1992 seriously strained relations between North Korea and its traditional allies. Moreover, the fall of communism in eastern Europe in 1989 and the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 resulted in a significant drop in communist aid to North Korea. Despite these changes and its past reliance on this military and economic assistance, North Korea continued to proclaim a militantly independent stance in its foreign policy in accordance with its official ideology of "juche," or self-reliance. <br />
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Both North and South Korea became parties to the Biological Weapons Convention in 1987. (North Korea is not a member of the Chemical Weapons Convention, nor is it a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime, or MTCR.) <br />
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North Korea has maintained membership in some multilateral organizations. It became a member of the UN in September 1991. North Korea also belongs to the Food and Agriculture Organization; the International Civil Aviation Organization; the International Postal Union; the UN Conference on Trade and Development; the International Telecommunications Union; the UN Development Program; the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization; the World Health Organization; the World Intellectual Property Organization; the World Meteorological Organization; the International Maritime Organization; the International Committee of the Red Cross; and the Nonaligned Movement. <br />
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In the mid-1990s, when the economic situation worsened dramatically and following the death of D.P.R.K. founder Kim Il-sung, the North abandoned some of the more extreme manifestations of its "self reliance" ideology to accept foreign humanitarian relief and create the possibility, as noted below, for foreign investment in the North. In subsequent years, the D.P.R.K. has continued to pursue a tightly restricted policy of opening to the world in search of economic aid and development assistance. However, this has been matched by an increased determination to counter perceived external and internal threats by a self-proclaimed "military first" ("Songun") policy. <br />
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During the present period of limited, extremely cautious opening, North Korea has sought to broaden its formal diplomatic relationships. In July 2000, North Korea began participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), with Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun attending the ARF ministerial meeting in Bangkok. The D.P.R.K. also expanded its bilateral diplomatic ties in that year, establishing diplomatic relations with Italy, Australia, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, the U.K., Germany, and many other European countries. <br />
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In the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement issued at the end of the fourth round of Six-Party Talks, the United States and the D.P.R.K. committed to undertake steps to normalize relations (see below, Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula). The D.P.R.K. and Japan also agreed to take steps to normalize relations and to discuss outstanding issues of concern, such as abductions. The U.S.-D.P.R.K. and Japan-D.P.R.K. bilateral working groups on normalization of relations met in March and September 2007. <br />
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====Terrorism==== <br />
The D.P.R.K. is not known to have sponsored terrorist acts since the 1987 bombing of KAL flight 858. Pyongyang continues to provide sanctuary to members of the Japanese Communist League-Red Army Faction (JRA) who participated in the hijacking of a Japan Airlines flight to North Korea in 1970. <br />
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The D.P.R.K. has made several statements condemning terrorism. In October 2000, the United States and the D.P.R.K. issued a joint statement on terrorism in which "the two sides agreed that international terrorism poses an unacceptable threat to global security and peace, and that terrorism should be opposed in all its forms." The United States and the D.P.R.K. agreed to support the international legal regime combating international terrorism and to cooperate with each other to fight terrorism. The D.P.R.K. became a signatory to the Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism and a party to the Convention Against the Taking of Hostages in November 2001. In the February 13, 2007 Initial Actions agreement, the [[United States of America]] agreed to begin the process of removing the designation of the D.P.R.K. as a state sponsor of terrorism. On Saturday October 11, 2008. The United States officially removed North Korea from the Terrorism Watch List. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,436382,00.html North Korea no longer a recognized Terrorist sponsor.]</ref><br />
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====Abductions==== <br />
In the past, the D.P.R.K. has also been involved in the abduction of foreign citizens. In 2002, Kim Jong-il acknowledged to Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi the involvement of D.P.R.K. "special institutions" in the kidnapping of Japanese citizens between 1977 and 1983 and said that those responsible had been punished. While five surviving victims and their families were allowed to leave the D.P.R.K. and resettle in Japan in October 2002, 12 other cases remain unresolved and continue to be a major issue in D.P.R.K.-Japanese relations. In October 2005, the D.P.R.K. acknowledged for the first time having kidnapped R.O.K. citizens in previous decades, claiming that several abductees, as well as several POWs from the Korean War, were still alive. In June 2006, North Korea allowed Kim Young-nam, a South Korean abducted by the North in 1978, to participate in a family reunion.<br />
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In 2001, a series of articles in foreign and Russian Federation newspapers, resting on reports from Russian Federation human rights activists and Amnesty International and the New York based Human Rights Watch alleged the D.P.R.K. abduction of up to 30,000 North Korean dissidents as well as common citizens to work in the Siberian labor and forestry camps in a scheme to pay off billions owed by North Korea to the Russia of both Soviet and Federation times. This forced labor was similar in nature and form to the gulags of Soviet Russia (see [[KAL 007 Survivors and Gulags of Russia]]).<br />
<br />
===United States policy towards North Korea===<br />
====U.S. Support for North-South Dialogue and Reunification==== <br />
The United States supports the peaceful reunification of Korea on terms acceptable to the Korean people and recognizes that the future of the Korean Peninsula is primarily a matter for them to decide. The United States believes that a constructive and serious dialogue between the authorities of North and South Korea is necessary to resolve outstanding problems, including the North's nuclear program and human rights abuses, and to encourage the North's integration with the rest of the international community. <br />
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====Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula====<br />
North Korea joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear weapons state in 1985. North and South Korean talks begun in 1990 resulted in the 1992 Joint Declaration for a Non-Nuclear Korean Peninsula (see, under Foreign Relations, Reunification Efforts Since 1971). However, the international standoff over the North's failure to implement an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency for the inspection of the North's nuclear facilities led Pyongyang to announce in March 1993 its intention to withdraw from the NPT. A UN Security Council Resolution in May 1993 urged the D.P.R.K. to cooperate with the IAEA and to implement the 1992 North-South Denuclearization Statement. It also urged all UN Member States to encourage the D.P.R.K. to respond positively to this resolution and to facilitate a solution to the nuclear issue. <br />
<br />
The United States opened talks with the D.P.R.K. in June 1993 and eventually reached agreement in October 1994 on a diplomatic roadmap, known as the Agreed Framework, for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Agreed Framework called for the following steps: <br />
*North Korea agreed to freeze its existing nuclear program and allow monitoring by the IAEA. <br />
*Both sides agreed to cooperate to replace the D.P.R.K.'s graphite-moderated reactors with light-water reactor (LWR) power plants, by a target date of 2003, to be financed and supplied by an international consortium (later identified as the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization or KEDO). <br />
*As an interim measure, the United States agreed to provide North Korea with 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil annually until the first reactor was built. <br />
*The United States and D.P.R.K. agreed to work together to store safely the spent fuel from the five-megawatt reactor and dispose of it in a safe manner that did not involve reprocessing in the D.P.R.K. <br />
*The two sides agreed to move toward full normalization of political and economic relations. <br />
*The two sides agreed to work together for peace and security on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. <br />
*The two sides agreed to work together to strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. <br />
In accordance with the terms of the Agreed Framework, in January 1995 the U.S. Government eased economic sanctions against North Korea in response to North Korea's freezing its graphite-moderated nuclear program under United States and IAEA verification. North Korea agreed to accept the decisions of KEDO, the financier and supplier of the LWRs, with respect to provision of the reactors. KEDO subsequently identified Sinpo as the LWR project site and held a groundbreaking ceremony in August 1997. In December 1999, KEDO and the (South) Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signed the Turnkey Contract (TKC), permitting full-scale construction of the LWRs. <br />
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In January 1995, as called for in the 1994 Agreed Framework, the United States and D.P.R.K. negotiated a method to store safely the spent fuel from the D.P.R.K.'s five-megawatt nuclear reactor. Under this method, United States and D.P.R.K. operators worked together to can the spent fuel and store the canisters in a spent fuel pond; canning began in 1995. In April 2000, canning of all accessible spent fuel rods and rod fragments was completed. <br />
<br />
In 1998, the United States identified an underground site in Kumchang-ni, North Korea, which it suspected of being nuclear-related. In March 1999, after several rounds of negotiations, the United States and D.P.R.K. agreed that the United States would be granted "satisfactory access" to the underground site at Kumchang-ni. In October 2000, during D.P.R.K. Special Envoy Marshal Jo Myong-rok's visit to Washington, and after two visits to the site by teams of U.S. experts, the United States announced in a Joint Communiqué with the D.P.R.K. that U.S. concerns about the site had been resolved. <br />
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As called for in former Defense Secretary William Perry's official review of U.S. policy toward North Korea, the United States and the D.P.R.K. launched Agreed Framework Implementation Talks in May 2000 The United States and the D.P.R.K. also began negotiations for a comprehensive missile agreement, pursuant to the Perry recommendations. <br />
<br />
In January 2001, the Bush Administration discontinued nuclear and missile talks, specifying that it intended to review the United States' North Korea policy. The Administration announced on June 6, 2001, that it was prepared to resume dialogue with North Korea on a broader agenda of issues--including North Korea's conventional force posture, missile development and export programs, human rights practices, and humanitarian issues. <br />
<br />
In October 2002, a U.S. delegation confronted North Korea with the assessment that the D.P.R.K. was pursuing a uranium enrichment program, in violation of North Korea's obligations under the NPT and its commitments in the 1992 North-South Joint Declaration on Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the Agreed Framework. North Korean officials asserted to the U.S. delegation, headed by then-Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James A. Kelly, the D.P.R.K.'s "right" to a uranium enrichment program and indicated that that it had such a program. The U.S. side stated that North Korea would have to terminate the program before any further progress could be made in U.S.-D.P.R.K. relations. The United States also made clear that if this program were verifiably eliminated, it would be prepared to work with North Korea on the development of a fundamentally new relationship. Subsequently, the D.P.R.K. has denied the existence of a uranium enrichment program. In November 2002, the member countries of KEDO's Executive Board agreed to suspend heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea pending a resolution of the nuclear dispute. <br />
<br />
In late 2002 and early 2003, North Korea terminated the freeze on its existing plutonium-based nuclear facilities at Yongbyon, expelled IAEA inspectors, removed seals and monitoring equipment at Yongbyon, announced its withdrawal from the NPT, and resumed reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel to extract plutonium for weapons purposes. North Korea announced that it was taking these steps to provide itself with a deterrent force in the face of U.S. threats and U.S. "hostile policy." Beginning in mid-2003, the North repeatedly claimed to have completed reprocessing of the spent fuel rods previously frozen at Yongbyon and publicly said that the resulting fissile material would be used to bolster its "nuclear deterrent force." There is no independent confirmation of North Korea's claims. The KEDO Executive Board suspended work on the LWR Project beginning December 1, 2003. <br />
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President Bush has made clear that the United States has no intention to invade or attack North Korea. The President has also stressed that the United States seeks a peaceful end to North Korea's nuclear program in cooperation with North Korea's neighbors, who are directly affected by the threat the nuclear program poses to regional stability and security. <br />
<br />
In early 2003, the United States proposed multilateral talks on the North Korean nuclear issue. North Korea initially opposed such a process, maintaining that the nuclear dispute was purely a bilateral matter between the United States and the D.P.R.K. However, under pressure from its neighbors and with the active involvement of China, North Korea agreed to three-party talks with China and the United States in Beijing in April 2003 and to Six-Party Talks with the United States, China, R.O.K., Japan and Russia in August 2003, also in Beijing. During the August 2003 round of Six-Party Talks, North Korea agreed to the eventual elimination of its nuclear programs if the United States were first willing to sign a bilateral "non-aggression treaty" and meet various other conditions, including the provision of substantial amounts of aid and normalization of relations. The North Korean proposal was unacceptable to the United States, which insisted on a multilateral resolution to the issue and opposed provision of benefits before the D.P.R.K.'s complete denuclearization. In October 2003, President Bush said he would consider a multilateral written security guarantee in the context of North Korea's complete, verifiable, and irreversible elimination of its nuclear weapons program. <br />
<br />
China hosted a second round of Six-Party Talks in Beijing in February 2004. The United States saw the results as positive, including the announced intention of all parties to hold a third round by the end of June and to form a working group to maintain momentum between plenary sessions. <br />
<br />
At the third round of Six-Party Talks in Beijing, in June 2004, the United States tabled a comprehensive and substantive proposal aimed at resolving the nuclear issue. All parties agreed to hold a fourth round of talks by the end of September 2004. Despite its commitment, the D.P.R.K. refused to return to the table, and in the months that followed issued a series of provocative statements. In a February 10, 2005, Foreign Ministry statement, the D.P.R.K. declared that it had "manufactured nuclear weapons" and was "indefinitely suspending" its participation in the Six-Party Talks. In Foreign Ministry statements in March, the D.P.R.K. said it would no longer be bound by its voluntary moratorium on ballistic missile launches, and declared itself a nuclear weapons state. <br />
<br />
Following intense diplomatic efforts by the United States and other parties, the fourth round of Six-Party Talks were held in Beijing over a period of 20 days from July-September 2005, with a recess period in August. Discussions resulted in all parties agreeing to a Joint Statement of Principles. In the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement, the six parties unanimously reaffirmed the goal of verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. The D.P.R.K. for the first time committed to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and to return, at an early date, to the NPT and to IAEA safeguards. The other parties agreed to provide economic cooperation and energy assistance. The United States and the D.P.R.K. agreed to take steps to normalize relations subject to bilateral policies, which for the United States includes our concerns over North Korea's ballistic missile programs and deplorable human rights conditions. While the Joint Statement provides a vision of the end-point of the Six-Party process, much work lies ahead to implement the elements of the agreement. <br />
<br />
A fifth round of talks began in November 2005, but ended inconclusively as the D.P.R.K. began a boycott of the Six-Party Talks, citing the "U.S.' hostile policy" and specifically U.S. law enforcement action that had led in September to a freeze of North Korean accounts in Macau's Banco Delta Asia (BDA). The United States held discussions in Kuala Lumpur (July 2006) and New York in (September 2006) with other Six-Party partners, except North Korea, along with representatives from other regional powers in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss Northeast Asian security issues, including North Korea. On July 4-5, 2006 (local Korea time), the D.P.R.K. launched seven ballistic missiles, including six short- and medium-range missiles and one of possible intercontinental range. In response, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1695 on July 15, which demands that the D.P.R.K. suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program and reestablish existing commitments to a moratorium on missile launching. The resolution also requires all UN Member States, in accordance with their national legal authorities and consistent with international law, to exercise vigilance and prevent missile and missile-related items, materials, goods and technology from being transferred to the D.P.R.K.'s missile or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, prevent the procurement of missiles or related items, materials, goods and services from the D.P.R.K., and the transfer of any financial resources in relation to the D.P.R.K.'s missile or WMD programs. The D.P.R.K. immediately rejected the resolution. <br />
<br />
On October 9, 2006, North Korea announced the successful test of a nuclear explosive device, verified by the United States on October 11. In response, the United Nations Security Council, citing Chapter VII of the UN Charter, unanimously passed Resolution 1718, condemning North Korea and imposing sanctions on certain luxury goods and trade of military units, WMD and missile-related parts, and technology transfers. <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6032525.stm</ref><br />
<br />
The Six-Party Talks resumed in December 2006 after a 13-month hiatus. Following a bilateral meeting between the United States and D.P.R.K. in Berlin in January 2007, another round of Six-Party Talks was held in February 2007. On February 13, 2007, the parties reached an agreement on "Initial Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement" in which North Korea agreed to shut down and seal its Yongbyon nuclear facility, including the reprocessing facility and to invite back IAEA personnel to conduct all necessary monitoring and verification of these actions as agreed between the IAEA and the D.P.R.K. The other five parties agreed to provide emergency energy assistance to North Korea in the amount of 50,000 tons of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in the initial phase and the equivalent of 950,000 tons of HFO in the next phase of North Korea's denuclearization. The six parties also established five working groups to form specific plans for implementing the Joint Statement in the following areas: denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, normalization of D.P.R.K.-U.S. relations, normalization of D.P.R.K.-Japan relations, economic and energy cooperation, and a Northeast Asia peace and security mechanism. All parties agreed that the working groups would meet within 30 days of the agreement, which they did. The agreement also envisions the directly-related parties negotiating a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula at an appropriate separate forum. As part of the initial actions, North Korea invited IAEA Director General ElBaradei to Pyongyang in early March for preliminary discussions on the return of the IAEA to the D.P.R.K. <br />
<br />
The sixth round of Six-Party Talks took place on March 19-23, 2007. The parties reported on the first meetings of the five working groups. At the invitation of the D.P.R.K., Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill visited Pyongyang in June 2007 as part of ongoing consultations with the six parties on implementation of the Initial Actions agreement. In July 2007, the D.P.R.K. shut down the Yongbyon nuclear facility, as well as an uncompleted reactor at Taechon, and IAEA personnel returned to the D.P.R.K. to monitor and verify the shut-down and to seal the facility. In July 2007, the R.O.K. provided the first shipment of 50,000 tons of HFO under the Initial Actions agreement. The Six-Party Heads of Delegation met July 18-20, 2007 to discuss implementation of the D.P.R.K.'s next phase commitments, including the D.P.R.K.'s provision of a complete declaration of all nuclear programs and disablement of existing nuclear facilities. All five working groups met in August and September to discuss detailed plans for implementation of the next phase of the Initial Actions agreement, and will report the results of those discussions to the next Six-Party plenary meeting. As part of the denuclearization process, the D.P.R.K. invited a team of experts from the United States, China, and Russia to visit the Yongbyon nuclear facility in September 2007 to discuss specific steps that could be taken to disable the facility. <br />
<br />
==Military== <br />
<br />
Although North Korea has no enemies, its government says it needs nuclear weapons as a deterrent against "the U.S. nuclear threat".<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100409/ap_on_re_as/as_nkorea_parliament North Korea denounces new Obama nuclear strategy]"</ref><br />
<br />
North Korea now has the fourth-largest army in the world. It has an estimated 1.21 million armed personnel, compared to about 680,000 in the South. Military spending is estimated at as much as a quarter of GNP, with about 20% of men ages 17-54 in the regular armed forces. North Korean forces have a substantial numerical advantage over the South (between 2 and 3 to 1) in several key categories of offensive weapons--tanks, long-range artillery, and armored personnel carriers. The North has perhaps the world's second-largest special operations force, designed for insertion behind the lines in wartime. While the North has a relatively impressive fleet of submarines, its surface fleet has a very limited capability. Its air force has twice the number of aircraft as the South, but, except for a few advanced fighters, the North's air force is obsolete.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/dprk/air-force-equipment.htm North Korea Air Force Equipment]</ref> The North deploys the bulk of its forces well forward, along the demilitarized zone (DMZ). Several North Korean military tunnels under the DMZ were discovered in the 1970s. <br />
<br />
Over the last several years, North Korea has moved more of its rear-echelon troops to hardened bunkers closer to the DMZ. Given the proximity of Seoul to the DMZ (some 25 miles), South Korean and U.S. forces are likely to have little warning of any attack. The United States and South Korea continue to believe that the U.S. troop presence in South Korea remains an effective deterrent. North Korea's nuclear weapons program has also been a source of international tension (see below, Reunification Efforts Since 1971; Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula). <br />
<br />
In 1953, the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) was created to oversee and enforce the terms of the armistice. Over the past decade, North Korea has sought to dismantle the MAC in a push for a new "peace mechanism" on the peninsula. In April 1994, it declared the MAC void and withdrew its representatives.<br />
<br />
==Economy==<br />
North Korea's economy declined sharply in the 1990s with the end of communism in Eastern Europe, the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the dissolution of bloc-trading with the countries of the former socialist bloc. Gross national income per capita is estimated to have fallen by about one-third between 1990 and 2002. The economy has since stabilized and shown some modest growth in recent years, which may be reflective of increased inter-Korean economic cooperation. Output and living standards, however, remain far below 1990 levels. Other centrally-planned economies in similar situations opted for domestic economic reform and liberalization of trade and investment. North Korea formalized some modest wage and price reforms in 2002, and has increasingly tolerated markets and a small private sector as the state-run distribution system has deteriorated. The regime, however, seems determined to maintain control. In October 2005, emboldened by an improved harvest and increased food donations from South Korea, the North Korean Government banned private grain sales and announced a return to centralized food rationing. Reports indicate this effort to reassert state control and to control inflation has been largely ineffective. Another factor contributing to the economy's poor performance is the disproportionately large share of GDP (thought to be about one-fourth) that North Korea devotes to its military. <br />
<br />
North Korean industry is operating at only a small fraction of capacity due to lack of fuel, spare parts, and other inputs. Agriculture is now 30% of GDP, even though agricultural output has not recovered to early 1990 levels. The infrastructure is generally poor and outdated, and the energy sector has collapsed. About 80% of North Korea's terrain consists of moderately high mountain ranges and partially forested mountains and hills separated by deep, narrow valleys and small, cultivated plains. The most rugged areas are the north and east coasts. Good harbors are found on the eastern coast. Pyongyang, the capital, near the country's west coast, is located on the Taedong River. <br />
*GNI (2004 estimate): $20.8 billion; 26.7% in agriculture and fishery, 27.2% in mining, 13.7% in manufacturing, 32.3% in services (2004). <br />
*Per capita GNI (2004): $914. <br />
*Agriculture: Products--[[rice]], [[potato]]es, [[soybean]]s, [[cattle]], [[pig]]s, [[pork]] and [[egg]]s. <br />
*Mining and manufacturing: Types--military products; machine building; chemicals; mining (gold, coal, iron ore, limestone, magnesite, etc.); metallurgy; textiles; food processing; tourism. <br />
*Trade (2006): Exports--$1.47 billion: minerals, non-ferrous metals, garments, machinery, electric and electronic products, chemicals, precious metals, wood products, and shellfish products. The D.P.R.K. is also thought to earn hundreds of millions of dollars from the unreported sale of missiles, narcotics and counterfeit cigarettes, and other illicit activities. Imports--$2.88 billion: minerals, petroleum, machinery, textiles, chemicals, non-ferrous metals, and animal products. <br />
*Major trading partners (2006): (1) China, (2) R.O.K., (3) Thailand, (4) Russia and (5) Japan. <br />
<br />
North Korea experienced a severe famine following record floods in the summer of 1995 and continues to suffer from chronic food shortages and malnutrition. The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) provided substantial emergency food assistance beginning in 1995 (2 million tons of which came from the United States), but the North Korean Government suspended the WFP emergency program at the end of 2005. It has since permitted the WFP to resume operations on a greatly reduced scale through a Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation. External food aid now comes primarily from China and South Korea in the form of grants and long-term concessional loans. South Korea also donates fertilizer and other materials, while China provides energy. South Korea suspended food and fertilizer shipments to the North in response to North Korea's missile launches in July 2006. However, when severe floods later that month threatened to produce another humanitarian crisis, South Korea announced a one-time donation of 100,000 tons of food, matching contributions from South Korean non-governmental organizations (NGOs). South Korea resumed fertilizer shipments to North Korea in late March 2007. In early July, South Korea announced that it would provide $20 million worth of food assistance to the D.P.R.K. through the World Food Program. South Korea also resumed bilateral food aid in June 2007. Following severe flooding in North Korea in August 2007, South Korea announced that it would provide $7.5 million worth of emergency aid materials to North Korea, and $3.2 million to NGOs providing flood assistance in North Korea. The R.O.K. also provided $39.4 million in construction materials to the D.P.R.K. to assist with reconstruction efforts following the floods. The United States provided $100,000 to two U.S. NGOs for antibiotics in the wake of the floods. The United States also announced that is was prepared to engage in discussions with the D.P.R.K. of monitoring arrangements to provide additional substantial humanitarian assistance, including food aid, to the country. <br />
<br />
====Development Policy==== <br />
In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and termination of subsidized trade arrangements with Russia, other former Communist states, and China, North Korea announced the creation of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the northeast regions of Najin (sometime rendered "Rajin"), Chongjin, and Sonbong. Problems with infrastructure, bureaucracy, and uncertainties about investment security and viability have hindered growth and development of this SEZ. The government announced in 2002 plans to establish a Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Sinuiju, at the western end of the North Korea-China border. However, the government has taken few concrete steps to establish the Sinuiju SAR, and its future is uncertain. In addition, North Korea and South Korea have established a special economic zone near the city of Kaesong, where about 20 South Korean companies operate manufacturing facilities employing North Korean workers (see further information under North-South Economic Ties). <br />
<br />
North Korea implemented limited micro- and macroeconomic reforms in 2002, including increases in prices and wages, changes in foreign investment laws, a steep currency devaluation, and reforms in industry and management. Though the changes have failed to stimulate recovery of the industrial sector, there are reports of changed economic behavior at the enterprise and individual level. One unintended consequence of the 2002 changes has been severe inflation. An increasing number of North Koreans now try to work in the informal sector to cope with growing hardship and reduced government support. <br />
<br />
====North-South Economic Ties====<br />
Two-way trade between North and South Korea, legalized in 1988, had risen to more than $1 billion by 2005, much of it related to out-processing or assembly work undertaken by South Korean firms in the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC). A significant portion of the total also includes donated goods provided to the North as humanitarian assistance or as part of inter-Korean cooperation projects. Although business-based and processing-on-commission transactions continued to grow, the bulk of South Korean exports to North Korea in 2006 was still non-commercial. <br />
<br />
Since the June 2000 North-South summit, North and South Korea have reconnected their east and west coast railroads and roads where they cross the DMZ and are working to improve these transportation routes. North and South Korea conducted tests of the east and west coast railroads on May 17, 2007. Much of the work done in North Korea has been funded by the South. The west coast rail and road are complete as far north as the KIC (six miles north of the DMZ), but little work is being done north of Kaesong. On the east coast, the road is complete but the rail line is far from operational. Since 2003, tour groups have been using the east coast road to travel from South Korea to Mt. Geumgang in North Korea, where cruise ship-based tours had been permitted since 1998. <br />
<br />
As of August 2007, 26 South Korean firms were manufacturing goods in the KIC, employing nearly 17,000 North Korean workers. Most of the goods are sold in South Korea; a small quantity is being exported to foreign markets. Ground was broken on the complex in June 2003, and the first products were shipped from the KIC in December 2004. Plans envision 250 firms employing 350,000 workers by 2012.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The Korean Peninsula was first populated by peoples of a Tungusic branch of the Ural-Altaic language family, who migrated from the northwestern regions of Asia. Some of these peoples also populated parts of northeast China (Manchuria); Koreans and Manchurians still show physical similarities. Koreans are racially and linguistically homogeneous. Although there are no indigenous minorities in North Korea, there is a small Chinese community (about 50,000) and some 1,800 Japanese wives who accompanied the roughly 93,000 Koreans returning to the North from Japan between 1959 and 1962. Although dialects exist, the Korean spoken throughout the peninsula is mutually comprehensible. In North Korea, the Korean alphabet (hangul) is used exclusively. <br />
<br />
Korea's traditional religions are Buddhism and Shamanism. Christian missionaries arrived as early as the 16th century, but it was not until the 19th century that major missionary activity began. Pyongyang was a center of missionary activity, and there was a relatively large Christian population in the north before 1945. Although religious groups exist in North Korea today, the government severely restricts religious activity. <br />
<br />
By the first century AD, the Korean Peninsula was divided into the kingdoms of Shilla, Koguryo, and Paekche. In 668 AD, the Shilla kingdom unified the peninsula. The Koryo dynasty--from which Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century derived the Western name "Korea"--succeeded the Shilla kingdom in 935. The Choson dynasty, ruled by members of the Yi clan, supplanted Koryo in 1392 and lasted until Japan annexed Korea in 1910. <br />
<br />
Throughout its history, Korea has been invaded, influenced, and fought over by its larger neighbors. Korea was under Mongolian occupation from 1231 until the early 14th century. The unifier of Japan, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, launched major invasions of Korea in 1592 and 1597. When Western powers focused "gunboat" diplomacy on Korea in the mid-19th century, Korea's rulers adopted a closed-door policy, earning Korea the title of "Hermit Kingdom." Though the Choson dynasty recognized China's hegemony in East Asia, Korea was independent until the late 19th century. At that time, China sought to block growing Japanese influence on the Korean Peninsula and Russian pressure for commercial gains there. The competition produced the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95 and the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. Japan emerged victorious from both wars and in 1910 annexed Korea as part of the growing Japanese empire. Japanese colonial administration was characterized by tight control from Tokyo and ruthless efforts to supplant Korean language and culture. Organized Korean resistance during the colonial era was generally unsuccessful, and Japan remained firmly in control of the Peninsula until the end of World War II in 1945. The surrender of Japan in August 1945 led to the immediate division of Korea into two occupation zones, with the United States administering the southern half of the peninsula and the U.S.S.R. taking over the area to the north of the 38th parallel. This division was meant to be temporary until the United States, U.K., Soviet Union, and China could arrange a trusteeship administration. <br />
<br />
In December 1945, a conference was convened in Moscow to discuss the future of Korea. A five-year trusteeship was discussed, and a joint Soviet-American commission was established. The commission met intermittently in Seoul but deadlocked over the issue of establishing a national government. In September 1947, with no solution in sight, the United States submitted the Korean question to the UN General Assembly. Initial hopes for a unified, independent Korea quickly evaporated as the politics of the Cold War and domestic opposition to the trusteeship plan resulted in the 1948 establishment of two separate nations with diametrically opposed political, economic, and social systems. Elections were held in the South under UN observation, and on August 15, 1948, the Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) was established in the South. Syngman Rhee, a nationalist leader, became the Republic's first president. On September 9, 1948, the North established the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.) headed by then-Premier Kim Il-sung, who had been cultivated and supported by the U.S.S.R. <br />
<br />
====Korean War of 1950-53==== <br />
Almost immediately after establishment of the D.P.R.K., guerrilla warfare, border clashes, and naval battles erupted between the two Koreas. North Korean forces launched a massive surprise attack and invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. The United Nations, in accordance with the terms of its Charter, engaged in its first collective action and established the UN Command (UNC), to which 16 member nations sent troops and assistance. Next to South Korea, the United States contributed the largest contingent of forces to this international effort. The battle line fluctuated north and south, and after large numbers of Chinese "People's Volunteers" intervened to assist the North, the battle line stabilized north of Seoul near the 38th parallel. <br />
<br />
Armistice negotiations began in July 1951, but hostilities continued until July 27, 1953. On that date, at Panmunjom, the military commanders of the North Korean People's Army, the Chinese People's Volunteers, and the UNC signed an armistice agreement. Neither the United States nor South Korea is a signatory to the armistice per se, although both adhere to it through the UNC. No comprehensive peace agreement has replaced the 1953 armistice pact. <br />
<br />
====Atrocities of the Korean War====<br />
[[Fred Schwarz]] wrote:<br />
:''When the Communists retreated in North Korea, they took with them all the able-bodied personnel to serve as laborers. Those who could not stand the rigors of the northward journey-- old men and women, pregnant women, very young children and babies-- they massacred and buried in a [[mass grave]] if they belonged to the untrustworthy social classes. The advancing American troops time and again found mass graves filled with the bodies of those murdered by the Communists.''<ref> [http://www.schwarzreport.org/yct/01ycttc.htm You Can Trust the Communists - To Be Communists]<br />
</ref><br />
<br />
==Books==<br />
*''The Aquariums of Pyong Yang'' by Kang Chol-hwan<br />
*''Eyes of the Tailless Animals'' (1999) by Soon Ok Lee<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/korea_north/index.html Korea, North - 2007] Geographic.org<br />
*[http://www.worldchristianministries.org/idop/idop3.asp Testimony of a high-ranking defector]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<small><references/></small><br />
<br />
<br />
{{Copyright Details (US Government)}} <br />
source= [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2792.htm]<br />
[[Category:Asian Countries]]<br />
[[Category:Dictatorships]]<br />
[[Category:Communist States]]<br />
[[Category:Korea]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=William_Marcy_Tweed&diff=818830William Marcy Tweed2010-09-16T14:03:16Z<p>BryanT: /* Investigations */ spelling</p>
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<div>[[File:Tweed1.JPG|right|300px|thumb|William Marcy Tweed]]<br />
'''William Marcy Tweed''' (or ''William Magear Tweed''; byname "Boss Tweed"; 1823-1878), was a [[New York City]] [[Democratic Party]] leader who turned [[Tammany Hall]] into one of the most corrupt political machines in United States history, as well as running a network of close city officials under the so-called Tweed Ring, which was responsible for extorting [[kickbacks]] from contractors and others doing business with the city, manipulating the public vote in his favor, and plundering more than $100,000,000 from the treasury before he was driven from power and arrested.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
Tweed was born in New York City on April 3, 1823, the son of a chairmaker, from whom he eventually learned the trade. As a young man he became the organizer and foreman of a city fire-engine company, which gave him a bit of popularity and a taste of the power of local politics, from which he spent much of his life. He was a city alderman in 1852-1853, served one term in the United States Congress in 1853-1855, then returned to New York to serve in several successive posts before being elected to the state senate for one term in 1867.<br />
<br />
While serving as state senator he was also appointed to the department of public works in New York City as commissioner, and while in that position he gathered his three chief henchmen - Alexander Oakey Hall, Peter Sweeney and Richard Connolly - and with a few others formed the Tweed Ring. Their first order of business was to secure themselves in positions of power by bribery and influence among the lower classes in the city - already they had total control of Tammany Hall - which enabled them to manipulate and alter the outcome of the mayoral election of 1865. As a result, the mayor's office went to Hall; Sweeney was appointed the treasurer for both the city and county; Connolly was appointed the city comptroller; and Tweed the superintendent of streets. In 1870 these men would compell the city government to re-write the charter, enabling the Ring to install more of their cronies in selected positions; Tweed himself would be named commissioner of public works, which enabled Tweed to directly control the money flowing in.<br />
<br />
And the graft began: three hundred park benches were bought by Tweed for five dollars each, yet he charged the city $600 each to have them installed. On July 30, 1870, over $200,000 was charged to the city to repair furniture at several armories. To furnish a single courthouse, the city was forced to pay $1,476,980.24 to a single firm. In an article of the ''New York Times'' (January 3, 1871) it was identified that the Ring used their stolen money to purchase property in several city wards in excess of a million dollars between 1868 and 1871; Tweed alone was responsible for a total of $547,000; yet officially his salary was $2,500 a year.<br />
<br />
==Investigations==<br />
[[File:Tweed2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Tweed at the Ballot Box'', by Thomas Nast]]<br />
For several months in 1870-1871 various article speculated on the corruption alleged by Tweed, but an expose appeared in the ''New York Times'' on July 24, 1871, in which the writer laid bare to the public tens of millions of dollars that went missing. "We have brought very serious charges against Mayor Hall and Controller Connolly," began the article, "and in reply to them the Mayor says that the City owes us a bill for advertising which we cannot get." ("Proofs", July 24, 1871). Stating that the information came from a "dishonest person" was the Mayor's reply, but he did not deny the allegations. But worse was yet to come for the Ring, especially Tweed. Democratic reformist [[Samuel Tilden]] - who would lose a disputed presidential election to [[Rutherford B. Hayes]] - also threw himself into the fray and demanded investigations into the matter. <br />
<br />
But it was cartoonist [[Thomas Nast]] who did the most damage. Cartoons appeared in ''Harper's Weekly'' showing Tweed as an uncaring buffoon about to alter the ballot box, or as a buzzard about to gorge on his victims. In one the blame for the stolen money was passed around the circle of his cronies without end. Tammany Hall was represented by a ravenous tiger, about to tear apart another taxpayer. Above all else, the cartoons were having an effect on the public, and on Tweed personally. "Let’s stop them damned pictures," Tweed supposedly said. "I don’t care so much what the papers write about — my constituents can’t read — but damn it, they can see pictures!" Tweed offered Nast a bribe of half a million dollars to stop his cartoons; Nast rejected the offer, and went on drawing.<br />
<br />
Tweed was arrested and charged with forgery and larceny in 1873, and he served two years. He then faced civil charges: a suit from New York for $6,000,000. Although technically in jail, he was allowed daily visits out to be with his family, and on one of these visits he escaped to Europe. The pleasure of living abroad was short-lived: he was arrested in Spain after a ship's hand recognized him from a Nast cartoon. Extradited back to New York, he died in prison on April 12, 1878.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*"The Ring's Real Estate: Some of the Plunder of Tweed, Sweeney & Co," article in the ''New York Times'', January 3, 1871<br />
*"Our Proofs of Fraud Against the City Government," article in the ''New York Times'', July 24, 1871<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tweed, William Marcy}}<br />
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[[Category:Criminals]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Arthur_Eddington&diff=818684Arthur Eddington2010-09-15T15:07:39Z<p>BryanT: references</p>
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<div>[[Image:Eddington 2.jpg|right|thumb]]<br />
Sir '''Arthur Eddington''' was a top [[British]] astronomer best known for venturing out on a boat off Africa in 1919 to observe the bending of starlight around the sun during a total [[eclipse]]. The [[theory of relativity|theory of general relativity]] of [[Albert Einstein]] predicts twice the bending of light around massive objects compared to [[Isaac Newton|Newton]]'s theory, and an eclipse is required to darken the sun so that the starlight may be seen in proximity to the sun. <br />
<br />
Eddington liked publicity and probably dreamed of winning a [[Nobel Prize]], and upon his return to England declared that his observations proven the theory of relativity. That was good enough for reporters and historians, but the Nobel committee was not impressed and declined to give him an award. Recent analysis of Eddington’s work revealed that he was biased in selecting his data, and that overall his data was inconclusive about the theory of relativity.<ref>http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0102462</ref><br />
<br />
Eddington next promoted the theory of relativity to the English-speaking world in his ''Mathematical Theory of Relativity'' (1923). As the title suggests, this theory was more a mathematical vision of how the universe should be, rather than what it actually was. When a reporter asked Eddington whether only three people even understood the theory, Eddington supposedly retorted, "Who's the third?" <br />
<br />
But Eddington did not fare well after that. He strongly opposed a theory about massive [[star]]s known as [[white dwarf|white dwarves]] put forth by Indian physicist [[Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar]], but Eddington was proven wrong and Chandrasekhar later won a Nobel Prize for his work. Eddington finally lost all credibility when he first insisted that a physical constant (the fine structure constant) measured to be close to 1/136 must precisely equal 1/136 to make the math easier, but when later measurements suggested a value closer to 1/137 Eddington insisted that it must precisely equal to 1/137 instead. He was wrong both times. When [[World War II]] came to England, Eddington was a [[conscientious objector]].<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Astronomers|Eddington, Arthur]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Larry_Kudlow&diff=818679Larry Kudlow2010-09-15T14:54:48Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
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<div>'''Larry Kudlow''' (full name '''"Lawrence" Kudlow''', born [[August]] 20, 1947), is a [[conservative]], [[supply-side]] [[economist]], syndicated columnist, and television show host. He currently hosts ''The Kudlow Report'' on [[CNBC]], a [[television]] program which was previously known as ''Kudlow & Cramer'' when [[Jim Cramer]] co-hosted before they split (Cramer moved on to host ''Mad Money''). After Kudlow and Cramer separated to host their own show, Kudlow's became known as ''Kudlow & Company''. Then on January 26, 2009, ''Kudlow & Company'' had another name change to its current title, ''The Kudlow Report''. <br />
<br />
Kudlow attended the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York where he graduated with a degree in history 1969.<ref>http://www.rochester.edu/pr/Review/V65N2/feature5.html</ref> He also attended Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He studied politics and economics but did not earn a degree, leaving before he could graduate.<br />
<br />
He has served as chief economist on several Wall Street firms such as Bear, Stearns, was a member of the Bush-Cheney Transition Advisory Committee, and was associate director for economics and planning, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President during [[Ronald Reagan|Ronald Reagan's]] first term.<ref>http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838083/</ref><br />
<br />
Kudlow is the founder and CEO of Kudlow & Co., LLC, an economic research firm. <br />
<br />
Kudlow was born into a Jewish household, but after becoming addicted to cocaine and alcohol, he converted to [[Catholicism]]. Kudlow credits the Church with helping him shake his addiction, and wrote, "The problem got much worse before I finally surrendered to [[God]], literally on my knees, and began a new life of [[faith]] — and sobriety."<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/kudlow/kudlow200504041030.asp</ref><br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
*''American Abundance: The New Economic & Moral Prosperity''<br />
*''Bullish On Bush: How George Bush's Ownership Society Will Make America Stronger'' (written partially by Kudlow)<br />
*''Tide: Why Tax Cuts Are the Key to Prosperity and Freedom''<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kudlow, Larry}}<br />
[[Category:Economists]]<br />
[[Category:Conservatives]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=String&diff=818678String2010-09-15T14:53:35Z<p>BryanT: references</p>
<hr />
<div>A '''string''' is a sequence of characters.<ref>The term "string" or "character string" is used by programmers to indicate a sequence of characters.[http://www.regular-expressions.info/tutorial.html]</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[category:Computer Programming]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Constantine&diff=818674Constantine2010-09-15T14:41:18Z<p>BryanT: /* Struggle for Political Power */ spelling</p>
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<div>{{Rome}}'''Constantine''' (274 - May 22, 337 AD) was a [[Rome|Roman]] [[Emperor]] famous for being the first Christian Emperor of Rome, and legalizing [[Christianity]].<br />
<br />
He is often held up by the [[Church]] as the ideal religious [[King]], ruling at the will of the just [[God]] who ended the persecution of Christians.<br />
<br />
==Struggle for Political Power==<br />
<br />
Constantine's early life did not show what he was to become as Constantine is well-known to have considered many different religions. He had shown no particular revulsion to the last great persecution of Christians under the Emperor [[Diocletian]]. He became Caesar of the West upon the death of his father in 306 AD<ref>Who’s Who in Christianity, Lavinia Coh-Sherbok, 1998</ref> and ruled the region of Gaul while Severus became the Augustus of the West, a higher designation than Caesar. Maximian usurped the power of Augustus and his son Maxentius, who had also assumed the title of Caesar, had Severus executed. Maximian had a falling out with his son and feared Galerius, who was Augustus of the East; Maximian sought Constantine's protection. Continued bickering eventually saw Constantine given the title of Augustus in 310. Maximian tried to revolt and was killed by Constantine. Galerius died of disease in 311 and his nephew Maximinus Daia, who had also been made an Augustus, took his lands. Continued difficulties with Maxentius led to open warfare between him and Constantine. Constantine invaded Italy to face Maxentius and then had the event that proved to be the turning point of his life.<br />
<br />
==Victory and embracing of Christianity==<br />
<br />
While preparing for battle against Maxentius, Constantine is said to have seen in the sky the [[Chi Ro]], an early Christian symbol, which the Latin words "IN HOC SIGNO VINCES," or, "under this sign shall you conquer." He ordered his troops to paint the Chi Ro on their shields and won a crushing victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge the next day (Oct 28th, 312) as recorded by the historian and bishop of Caesarea [[Eusebius]]. Maxentius drowned while trying to escape. Constantine met with Licinius in Milan in early 313 and together they signed the Edict of Milan which gave equal rights for all religions<ref>An Encyclopedia of World History, Kingsport Press, 1948</ref> and made Christianity legal in Rome for the first time and after almost 300 years of persecution. Property that had been confiscated from Christians was restored. An effort by Maximinus Daia to attack Licinius later that year met in failure and he fled and died soon after. Constantine was now the sole leader of the West while Licinius was the sole leader of the East. After a brief war in 314 AD, the two made peace agreeing on the boundaries between them. In 316, at the invitation of the newly legalized Christian church, Constantine tried to settle the Donatist schism. Tensions between Constantine and Licinius grew when Licinius again started persecuting Christians in 320 and led to all out civil war in 324, which ended with Licinius' surrender and imprisonment. Later that year, Constantine accused Licinius of conspiracy and had him killed. Constantine had become sole Emperor and would remain so until his death in 337 AD<br />
<br />
==Constantine as sole Emperor==<br />
<br />
In 324 Constantine began building a new city on the site of the village of Byzantium, on the Bosporous. The city was completed six years and given the name of Nova Roma (New Rome), and made his new capital. After Constantine's death, the city would be renamed [[Constantinople]] after him. <br />
<br />
With his authority over the entire Empire safely secured, one of Constantine's first actions was to call together a meeting of Christian leaders. After years of never being able to all meet together openly, Constantine encouraged Christian leaders from all over the Empire to come together and draw up common understandings of their beliefs. This became the [[Council of Nicaea]] in 325 AD<br />
<br />
Upon Constantine's death in 337 AD, his Empire was divided between his three sons. They would not work together peacefully and open warfare would soon ensue as they would each seek to consolidate power for themselves.<br />
<br />
==Archaeology==<br />
<br />
It is worth noting that much of Constantine's earlier religiosity remains in the archaeological record. For example, Roman coins from the time period of Constantine I can be found, emblazoned with the legend,<br />
<br />
"IMP CONSTANT AUG, SOL INV.," expanded as, "Imperator Constantine Augustus, to Sol Invictus," and translated as, "Commander Constantine, Augustus, dedicated to the God of the Unconquered Sun."<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<References/><br />
<br />
[[category:Roman emperors]]<br />
[[Category:Early Christians]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=John_McCain_2008_Presidential_Campaign&diff=818673John McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign2010-09-15T14:40:11Z<p>BryanT: /* Fund raising issues */ spelling</p>
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<div><small>For more information on the details of the Presidential race between McCain and Obama see [[United States Presidential Election, 2008]].</small><br />
<br />
[[Image:McCain_nomination.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Senator John McCain accepting his party's presidential nomination, 09/04/08]] [[Arizona]] [[Senator]] [[John McCain]] formally announced his candidacy for the [[Republican]] nomination for [[President of the United States]] in Portsmouth, [[New Hampshire]] on April 25, 2007, and became the GOP nominee in September 3, 2008, after the longest primary season in history.<br />
<br />
While his campaign's success was once considered unlikely, McCain won several early primaries and went on to win enough delegates to secure the nomination. McCain had gained national prominence during his surprisingly strong presidential campaign in 2000. He eventually lost out to now-President [[George W. Bush]]. <br />
<br />
McCain ran as the outsider, the maverick who went his own ways and opposed corruption and the same-old-politics. He electrified the nation and solidified his base among conservatives by naming Alaska governor [[Sarah Palin]] as his running mate. One of his TV commercials summed it up:<br />
:"The original mavericks. He fights pork barrel spending. She stopped the Bridge to Nowhere. He took on the drug industry. She took on big oil. He battled Republicans and reformed Washington. She battled Republicans and reformed Alaska. They'll make history. They'll change Washington. McCain. Palin. Real change."<ref> See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVIaqCjvLpU for YouTube version, Sept. 8, 2008 ]</ref> <br />
He lost the election to his opponent, the Democratic nominee, [[Barack Obama]].<br />
<br />
<br />
==Campaign development==<br />
Based on his longevity in the Senate and his previous race in 2000, McCain already had name recognition coming up to the 2008 election. He informally stated he would be a candidate for the [[2008 Presidential Election]] on the ''Late Show with [[David Letterman]]'' on February 28, 2007, and officially announced his candidacy in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, two months later. A few weeks prior to making his announcement on ''Letterman'', he was beginning to trail behind former Mayor of [[New York City]] [[Rudy Giuliani]] in the polls. McCain supported the 2007 proposal by President George W. Bush for a "surge", an increase in the number of U.S. troops deployed in the [[Iraq War]], which thankfully for McCain was a success. He started a series of campaign events entitled the "No Surrender Tour." His campaign became far more prominent with his wins in the [[New Hampshire primary]] and on [[Super Tuesday]], and since [[Mitt Romney]] endorsed him was considered a virtual certainty to win the nomination. He finally reached the 1,191 delegates to win the nomination on the [[Super Tuesday II]] contests on March 4th.<br />
<br />
==Fund raising issues==<br />
McCain's fund raising results and campaign financials were poor. After first-quarter 2007 fundraising totals were released in early April 2007, totals showed McCain's $13.6 million lagging behind rivals in the race. During the second quarter he did worse, raising $11.2 million. In early July 2007, the McCain campaign let go fifty to a hundred staffers and forced others to accept pay cuts or switch to no pay.<br />
<br />
McCain accepted nearly $70,000 for his presidential campaign from the top donors to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, and their family. The SBVT were condemned at the time by McCain when they ran ads questioning [[John Kerry|John Kerry's]] military service and his reception of the Purple Heart. The money raised was four times the amount McCain raised from those donors in the 14 years prior to launching his campaign.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-06-30-swiftboat_N.htm Price of Power: McCain accepts ex-Swift Boaters' Donations</ref><br />
<br />
In June 2008, McCain had his best fundraising month to date, bringing in $21 million in donations for his campaign. In the same month, though, Senator Barack Obama's campaign reported bringing in $52 million. <br />
<br />
Senator McCain announced that he would accept public financing for the general election. After his party's nominating convention, the Federal Elections Commission provided him with a check for $85 million. His opponent, Senator Obama, chose to opt-out of the general election financing, the first major candidate to do so since the inception of [[federal funding]]. Obama's campaign stated that they had expected to bring in more than the $85 million provided by the FEC and therefore do not want to abide by the spending limits incurred by accepting federal funding. To balance out the expected fundraising advantage Senator Obama had, Senator McCain relied on the Republican National Committee to help with the campaign through advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts. The RNC had a distinct fundraising advantage over its Democratic counterpart, the Democratic National Committee. The lack of funds, though, hurt down-ticket Republicans who were not able to fall back on RNC fundraising, but instead had to rely on their own efforts as well as that of the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee which have lagged compared to their Democratic counterparts, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.<br />
<br />
==Campaign Issues==<br />
<br />
===Budget===<br />
McCain stated his plans to balance the budget by 2013, via spending cuts by ending earmarks and proposing a one-year pause in discretionary spending, in addition to tax cuts.<ref>[http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/4dbd2cc7-890e-47f1-882f-b8fc4cfecc78.htm John McCain's Economic Proposals]</ref> Economic experts, though, were skeptical that the ideas proposed by Senator McCain would create a balanced budget. According to Robert L. Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, a nonpartisan budget watchdog group, "It would be very difficult to achieve in the best of circumstances, and even more difficult under the policies that Senator McCain has proposed." <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/us/politics/08budget.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Skepticism on McCain Plan to Balance Budget]</ref><br />
<br />
Senator McCain proposed to hold the increase in federal spending to 2%, while it had grown at an average of 6% over the past five years. In addition, he planned to slow the growth of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid but never gave details of how he plans to do so. <br />
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As a comparison on earmarks, if President Bush were to end all earmarks in 2008, it would cut $17 billion out of a $2.9 trillion budget, a relatively minor amount.<br />
<br />
In addition, McCain sees the ends of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan as an opportunity to help reduce the deficit. "The McCain administration would reserve all savings from victory in the Iraq and Afghanistan operations in the fight against Islamic extremists for reducing the deficit. Since all their costs were financed with deficit spending, all their savings must go to deficit reduction.” <ref>[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11553.html McCain promises to balance budget]</ref><br />
<br />
===View on Tax rebate and Recession===<br />
In January, McCain stated, "As far as putting additional money in taxpayers pocket, that's fine, because a lot of it is psychological. Because I agree the fundamentals of our economy is still strong."<ref>http://youtube.com/watch?v=6aHJT1Ol0iE&v3</ref> In April, he stated, "I’m very concerned about it, Neil. And obviously the way it’s been going up is just terrible. But I think psychologically — and a lot of our problems today, as you know, are psychological — the confidence, trust, the uncertainty about our economic future, ability to keep our own home. This might give them a little psychological boost. Let’s have some straight talk, it’s not a huge amount of money."<ref>[http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/19/mccain-a-lot-of-our-problems-today-are-psychological/ McCain: 'A lot of our problems today are psychological']</ref><br />
<br />
===Energy===<br />
In a [[Paris Hilton]] video released on FunnyorDie.com, she states "We could do limited offshore drilling with strict environmental oversight while creating tax incentives to get [[Detroit]] making hybrid and electric cars. That way the offshore drilling carries us until the new technologies kick in, which would then create new jobs and energy independence. Energy crisis solved." <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,399821,00.html Congressman Gives a Plug to 'Paris Hilton Plan' in Energy Debate] Fox News, August 7, 2008</ref> In response, the McCain campaign said "In reality, Paris Hilton may have a more substantive energy policy than Barack Obama."<br />
<br />
===Pennsylvania lawsuit===<br />
In August of 2008, McCain supporters in the [[Pennsylvania]] GOP filed a lawsuit to remove Libertarian candidate [[Bob Barr]] from the ballot in Pennsylvania.<ref>[http://www.foxreno.com/politics/17258065/detail.html GOP Wants Barr Barred From Pa. Ballot: Candidate Claims McCain Camp Playing Dirty]</ref> Barr is a staunch conservative and could draw votes away from McCain in a state where McCain could ill afford it. The suit says Libertarians waited too long to substitute Barr's name for the stand-in candidate whose name had appeared on petitions. Barr denies the accusation.<br />
<br />
==Missed votes in Senate==<br />
Although John McCain has a long record of being present in the Senate for voting, during the current Congress, McCain has missed 64.1% of the votes while running for President - the highest in this Senate this session. Obama is third with 46.3% in this, his only term in the Senate. Four of the top five people who have missed the most votes are all candidates who ran for President.<ref>[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/110/senate/vote-missers/ Senate members who missed votes]</ref><br />
<br />
==Age Concern==<br />
There was concern among some that McCain, at the age of 72, may have had health risks as President.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/09/ftl.health.poll/index.html Poll: 47 percent concerned McCain wouldn't finish first term]</ref> He dismissed concerns about his age and past health concerns (malignant [[melanoma]] in 2000), stating in 2005 that his health was "excellent."<br />
<br />
==Eligibility==<br />
McCain would also become the first President of the United States to be born in a U.S. territory (the Panama Canal Zone) outside of the current 50 states. Although McCain was not born within a state of the United States, his US citizenship (and future eligibility to be elected to the presidency) was assured at birth both by jus sanguinis, since both of his parents were U.S. citizens, and jus soli, as the Canal Zone was at that time a United States possession.<br />
<br />
==Democratic Campaign==<br />
The Democratic campaign has tried to undercut McCain's image as a maverick and his popularity among independents and Democrats by charging that he votes with President Bush 90% of the time (actually, Bush does not vote in the Senate.) By comparison, Obama votes with the Democratic party 97% of the time.<br />
<br />
==Criticisms==<br />
John McCain had been frequently criticized by conservatives for his position on [[Campaign finance reform]], [[Immigration]] and for not initially supporting the Bush tax cuts. Former Senator [[Rick Santorum]] (R-[[Pennsylvania]]) claimed that McCain was erratic in his positions and did not serve the best interests of conservatives. He was also criticized by the [[fiscal conservative]] political action committee (PAC) [[Club for Growth]]. Saying that, "While Senator McCain’s economic record contains a number of pro-growth positions, such as his support for [[school choice]] and [[free trade]], and his steadfast opposition to wasteful government spending, his overall record is tainted by a marked antipathy towards the free market and individual freedom." <br />
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[[Focus on the Family]] chairman [[James Dobson]] criticized McCain's opposition to passing a Constitutional Amendment banning [[same-sex marriage]].<br />
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McCain discussed with the press that he is computer illiterate, a position that some criticized.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R9wnMVZE_Q Youtube: John McCain Admits He Can't Use a A Computer]</ref><ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/us/politics/13mccain.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2&hp&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1216062882-WQLoVeqid4IdgFtNqjqEXQ</ref><br />
<br />
According to close McCain advisers, the nominee had been seriously considering a [[pro-choice]] running mate, with [[Senator Joe Lieberman]] and former [[Pennsylvania]] governor and [[Secretary of Homeland Security]] [[Tom Ridge]] most often mentioned.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12646.html McCain weighs a Lieberman surprise]</ref> This brought serious criticism from conservative voices such as [[Rush Limbaugh]], who stated: "He’s not going to help himself any additional way, he’s going to hurt himself by putting a liberal or a liberal Republican on this ticket, particularly pro-choice."<ref>[http://thepage.time.com/rush-limbaugh-on-prospect-of-pro-choice-veep-pick/ Rush Limbaugh on Prospect of Pro-Choice Veep Pick]</ref> In addition, [[Laura Ingraham]] weighed in during an on-air interview with Senator McCain, asking "How could you consider selecting someone who opposed the federal [[partial birth abortion]] ban and was one of the eleven original cosponsors of the radical [[Freedom of Choice Act]] as your vice president given your [[pro-life]] stance?"<ref>[http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0808/With_buzz_building_on_prochoice_veep_McCain_remains_coy_on_vp.html?showall With buzz building on pro-choice veep, McCain remains coy on VP]</ref><br />
<br />
In the end, after McCain had won the Republican nomination, conservatives rallied around him. By election day, all of the people who had concerns about McCain above were supporting him.<br />
<br />
==Criticism for losing==<br />
Much talk has centered on how McCain lost the race. Immediately following the race, it was apparent that money was a key factor and in McCains case lack-there-of. Others blame the McCain campaign leadership. Obviously, they were stung by a Vice-president nominee with star power, driving the campaign into disarray. Leaks of infighting and decisions by campaign aides led to Sarah Palin rebuking those involved of accusations. It took one-year after Palin had been targeted before John McCain issued a statement to his aides telling them not to rebut her. <ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/67927-mccain-asks-aides-not-to-rebut-palin McCain asks aides not to rebut Palin, TheHill.com, November 16, 2009]</REF> Another McCain aide came out and quickly called for the Republicans to accept the gay agenda. <br />
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There is no single reason why McCain lost. The Obama for President coalition of [[liberal media]], questionable money sources, [[ACORN]], platitudes and outright lies combined with a hate Bush agenda, Democrats drove the contest victory.<br />
<br />
==Notable Endorsements==<br />
* Sen. [[Joe Lieberman|Joseph Lieberman]] (I-CT), Former [[Democratic]] Vice-Presidential nominee in 2000. <br />
* [[Henry Kissinger]], former [[National Security Adviser]] and [[Secretary of State]] under Presidents [[Richard Nixon]] and [[Gerald Ford]].<br />
* [[Charles R. Schwab]], famous investor and founder of the brokerage firm Charles Schwab Corporation<br />
* [[Lawrence Eagleburger]], former [[Secretary of State]] under President [[George H. W. Bush]]<br />
* [[Alexander Haig]], former [[Secretary of State]] under President [[Ronald Reagan]]<br />
* [[George Schultz]], former [[Secretary of State]] under President [[Ronald Reagan]]<br />
* [[John Thain]], CEO of the [[New York Stock Exchange]]<br />
* [[James Woolsey]], former [[CIA|CIA Director]] under President [[Bill Clinton]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[John McCain]]<br />
*[[2008 Presidential Election]]<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:McCain, John 2008 Presidential Campaign}}<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.johnmccain.com/ John McCain for President]<br />
<br />
[[Category: 2008 Presidential Candidates]]<br />
[[Category:United States Presidential Election, 2008]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Brasenose_College&diff=818669Brasenose College2010-09-15T14:09:37Z<p>BryanT: ref</p>
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<div>'''Brasenose College''', officially '''The King's Hall and College of Brasenose''', is one of the constituent colleges of the [[University of Oxford]]. It is located on Radcliffe Square, opposite the [[Radcliffe Camera]] and close to the Oxford High Street. Neighbouring colleges include [[Lincoln College]] and [[Hertford College]].<br />
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==History==<br />
The College was founded and incorporated in 1509 by Sir Richard Sutton, a lawyer, and William Smyth, [[Bishop]] of [[Lincoln]]. Initially a poor college, it was deeply in debt by the outbreak of the [[English Civil War]] in the 1640s, in which, like the rest of Oxford, it supported the King; the Principal of Brasenose, Samuel Radcliffe, refused to recognise the [[Parliament]]ary takeover of the University in 1649 and remained loyal to the [[Charles I|King]]. Despite its previous financial difficulties, by the late eighteenth century it had a reputation as one of the wealthiest and most aristocratic Oxford colleges.<ref>[http://www.bnc.ox.ac.uk/history/his/index.html History of Brasenose]</ref> <br />
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In the nineteenth century the College was a leader in the development of University [[sport]], predominantly [[rowing]] and [[cricket]].<br />
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Brasenose first admitted women [[undergraduates]] in [[1974]].<br />
<br />
===Origin of the name===<br />
The unusual name of the college is thought to originate from a brazen ([[bronze]]) [[door knocker]] in the shape of a [[nose]].<ref>[http://www.bnc.ox.ac.uk/history/his/page4.html Origin of the Name]</ref> The door knocker which today hangs over the High Table in Brasenose College is thought to be the original knocker from the [[medieval]] Brasenose Hall.<br />
<br />
==Famous alumni==<br />
*[[David Cameron]]<br />
*[[Henry Addington]], an eighteenth-century [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Prime Minister]]<br />
*[[William Golding]], author<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
{{Oxford Colleges}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:University of Oxford]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Horace_Lurton&diff=818667Horace Lurton2010-09-15T13:59:08Z<p>BryanT: ref</p>
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<div>'''Horace Harmon Lurton''' (February 24, 1844 - July 12, 1914) was an [[Associate Justice]] of the [[United States Supreme Court]] from 1910 to 1914. He is notable as one of the oldest appointments to the Court, as a [[strict constructionist]], and as an unusual pick due to his party and Confederate service. In addition to his service on the Supreme Court, he also served as a Judge of the [[Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals]], Dean of [[Vanderbilt Law]], [[Chief Justice of Tennessee]], and Justice of the [[Tennessee Supreme Court]]. <br />
==Early Life== <br />
The late Justice was born on February 24, 1844 in [[Newport, Kentucky]]. At an early age, Larmon moved with his parents to [[Clarksville, Tennessee]], a town that he always considered as home. He enrolled in [[Douglas University]] in [[Chicago]], however the [[American Civil War]] broke out before he could complete his studies. <br />
==Service in the Civil War==<br />
When the [[American Civil War]] began, Lurton enlisted in the [[Confederate States of America|Confederate Army]]. He is reported to have reenlisted twice; <ref>Hall, Kermit. “The Oxford Guide to the Supreme Court of the United States, Second Edition”. New York:Oxford University Press, 2005. ISBN:978-0-19-534094-5. Pg 597</ref> after being [[Medical Discharge|medically discharged]], and after escaping from a [[Prisoner of war]] camp. While serving under [[General]] [[John Hunt Morgan]], Lurton was captured during a raid in [[Ohio]]. While information regarding his second incarceration is unavailable, it is believed that he was paroled by [[President]] [[Abraham Lincoln]]. <br />
==Law Career==<br />
When the war came to an end, Lurton enrolled in [[Cumberland University]]’s [[law school|School of Law]], where he graduated from in 1867. The late Justice was admitted to the [[Tennessee]] [[Bar]] and practiced law until receiving election as a Chancellor in 1875. When his term ended in 1878, Lurton returned to legal practice. <br />
<br />
In 1886, he was elected to the [[Tennessee Supreme Court]], the start of a lengthy judicial career. He was elevated to [[Chief Justice of Tennessee|Chief Justice]] in January of 1893. He held that office for several months until he was appointed to the [[Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals]] by President [[Grover Cleveland]]. While on the Sixth Circuit, Lurton met and developed a friendship with then Chief Judge and future President [[William Taft]]. <br />
==Supreme Court Service==<br />
Lurton’s friendship with Taft led to his appointment to the Supreme Court, replacing the Honorable [[Rufus Peckham]] who had passed away in October of 1909. Lurton was sworn in on January 3, 1910 and served on the Court until his death in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]] on July 12, 1914. After his memorial service, he was interred in Greenwood Cemetery in his hometown of [[Clarksville, Tennessee]]. He was replaced by [[James McReynolds]] on September 5, 1914.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lurton, Horace}}<br />
[[Category:Judges]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Platonism&diff=818666Platonism2010-09-15T13:56:43Z<p>BryanT: /* The Metaphor of the Cave */ spelling</p>
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<div>'''Platonism''' is an ancient [[philosophy]] which has had great impact on [[Christianity]]. It suggests that Matter and Idea are two extremes of "being," with Idea being the more pure and closer to the Form of the Good, or the Platonic equivalent of God. In fact, to Platonists, God is pure "Idea," while the task of the philosopher is to rise above human nature, as pure "Matter," and transcend to a higher level of "Idea."<br />
<br />
== The Metaphor of the Cave ==<br />
[[Plato]] created the metaphor of the cave. In this story there are a group of individuals chained in a cave with a fire to their backs. They cannot turn their heads and may only gaze upon the shadows reflecting off the cave walls. The prisoners establish a primitive social order in which respect is granted to those who can correctly predict which (completely random) shape will next be projected onto the wall. One day someone escapes and, after a long and arduous struggle symbolising how difficult and uncomfortable it can be for Man to practice philosophy and profoundly reconsider the world around him, observes the real world. He returns to tell his companions of his amazing discovery only to be refuted and disbelieved by the cave dwellers, who cannot even comprehend what he is trying to tell them, and prefer to play their shadow games. Further hurting his credibility, having been in the light he finds it difficult to operate in the dim cave and appears clumsy, and completely unable to perceive the shadows - he has no social status and is ostracised as a literal 'outsider'. In this Plato illustrates the supposed futility of shallow living and paying heed to traditional and social convention, and proposes that Man must strive out on his own to gain true knowledge.<br />
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[[category:philosophical systems]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Walter_Williams&diff=818665Walter Williams2010-09-15T13:50:30Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
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<div>'''Walter E. Williams''' is a [[conservative]] / [[libertarian]] [[economist]], columnist, author, and [[professor]] at [[George Mason University]]. He has made frequent radio and television appearances and is a substitute host for the [[Rush Limbaugh]] show.<ref>[http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/vita.html Walter Williams Biography]</ref> Besides economics, Williams often writes and speaks about [[race]], climate hysteria, liberal academia, and excess government intrusion into private life.<br />
<br />
[[Pat Buchanan]] describes Williams's views:<br />
<br />
*"We often hear the claim that our nation is a democracy," writes columnist Dr. Walter Williams. But, "That wasn't the vision of the founders. They saw democracy as another form of tyranny. … The founders intended, and laid out the ground rules for, our nation to be a republic. … The word democracy appears nowhere in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution."<br />
<br />
*Indeed, the Constitution guarantees "to every State in this Union a republican form of government."<br />
<br />
*Asks Williams: "Does our pledge of allegiance to the flag say to 'the democracy for which it stands,' or does it say to 'the republic for which it stands'? Or do we sing 'The Battle Hymn of the Democracy' or 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic'?"<br />
<br />
*There is a critical difference between a republic and a democracy, Williams notes, citing our second president: "John Adams captured the essence of that difference when he said: 'You have rights antecedent to all earthly governments; rights that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws; rights derived from the Great Legislator of the Universe.' Nothing in our Constitution suggests that government is a grantor of rights. Instead, government is a protector of rights."<ref>[http://www.antiwar.com/pat/?articleid=5015]</ref><br />
<br />
==Quotations==<br />
*"The framers gave us the Second Amendment not so we could go deer or duck hunting but to give us a modicum of protection against congressional tyranny."<ref>http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quotes_by/walter+williams</ref><br />
*"A panhandler is far more moral than corporate welfare queens....The panhandler doesn't enlist anyone to force you to give him money. He's coming up to you and saying, "Will you help me out?" The farmers, when they want subsidies, they're not asking for a voluntary transaction. They go to a congressman and say, "Could you take his money and give it to us?" That's immoral."<ref>http://www.famous-quote.net/walter-williams-quotes.shtml</ref><br />
*"Sometimes the advocates of socialized medicine claim that health care is too important to be left to the market. That's why some politicians are calling for us to adopt health care systems such as those in Canada, the United Kingdom and other European nations. But the suggestion that we'd be better served with more government control doesn't even pass a simple smell test." <ref>[http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/williams072507.php3 ''Health Care: Government vs. Private'']</ref><br />
*"It's easy to be a Marxist if you haven't read his writings"<ref>[http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/williams062106.asp ''Historical Tidbits'']</ref><br />
*"Charity is reaching into one's own pockets to assist his fellow man in need. Reaching into someone else's pocket to assist one's fellow man hardly qualifies as charity. When done privately, we deem it theft, and the individual risks jail time." <ref>[http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/articles/05/give.html ''Not Yours to Give'']</ref><br />
*"There's such a broad ignorance or contempt for constitutional principles among the American people that any politician who bore truth faith and allegiance to the Constitution would commit political suicide."<ref>[http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/williams092105.asp ''Is it Permissible?'']</ref><br />
*"Three-fifths to two-thirds of the federal budget consists of taking property from one American and giving it to another. Were a private person to do the same thing, we'd call it theft. When government does it, we euphemistically call it income redistribution, but that's exactly what thieves do — redistribute income. Income redistribution not only betrays the founders' vision, it's a sin in the eyes of G-d. I'm guessing that when G-d gave Moses the Eighth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not steal,' I'm sure he didn't mean 'thou shalt not steal unless there was a majority vote in Congress.'"<ref>[http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/williams020806.asp ''Bogus Rights'']</ref><br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/index.html Walter Williams Homepage at GMU]<br />
*[http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/misc/econcitizen/ Economics for the Common Citizen]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Walter}}<br />
[[category:Libertarians]]<br />
[[category:Authors]]<br />
[[category:Educators]]<br />
[[category:Economists]]<br />
[[Category: Conservatives]]<br />
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=ASPCA&diff=818664ASPCA2010-09-15T13:45:44Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
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<div>The [[ASPCA]], or '''American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals''', promotes [[animal welfare]] (see also [[animal rights]]). Their website states that they were formed "to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it’s saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, we work toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear."<ref>http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_home</ref> [[Henry Bergh]] (1823 - 1888) founded the organization in 1866.<br />
<br />
It is the ASPCA’s belief that appropriate [[pet]]s carefully maintained are fully justified, and that both humans and animals benefit from the relationship.<br />
<br />
In recent years, the ASPCA has dropped the first "A" (for "American") from its name, ostensibly to show that it is a worldwide organization.<br />
<br />
An example of their contributions are often seen at the end of a movie when it says, "'''No animals were harmed in the creation of this movie'''."<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[American Humane Society]], which has likewise dropped the "A" recently<br />
*[[ACLU]]<br />
*[[PETA]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Organizations]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=New_York_Tribune&diff=818659New York Tribune2010-09-15T13:42:19Z<p>BryanT: /* Whig Era */ spelling</p>
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<div>The '''New York Tribune''' was a major American newspaper on the 19th century, under the editorship (1841-1872) of founder 1841 [[Horace Greeley]]. It was the unofficial organ of the [[Whig Party]] and after 1855 of the new [[Republican Party]].<br />
<br />
The ''Tribune'' was America's most influential newspaper from the 1840s to the 1870s and "established Greeley's reputation as the greatest editor of his day."<ref>Michael Emery and Edwin Emery, ''The Press and America'' (1988) 124-6.</ref> Greeley used it to promote the [[Whig Party]] and after 1854 the new Republican party, as well as antislavery and a host of reforms. The paper appeared in daily editions for city readers. Its abridged weekly editions were read very widely by Republicans across the North, and helped shape the editorials of hundreds of local papers.<br />
<br />
[[Karl Marx]] was a paid correspondent in the 1850s, giving detailed reports on European politics. (Marx did not promote Marxism in these articles.)<ref> See Karl Marx, ''Dispatches for the New York Tribune: Selected Journalism of Karl Marx'' edited by Francis Wheen and James Ledbetter (2008) [http://www.amazon.com/Dispatches-New-York-Tribune-Journalism/dp/0141441925/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230503036&sr=8-2 except and text search]</ref><br />
<br />
It lost importance in the 20th century and was merged with the ''Herald'' to become the ''New York Herald tribune''; it folded in 1967, but continues as an American paper published in Europe.<br />
==Whig Era ==<br />
In 1841 Greeley merged his campaign papers into the ''New York Tribune''. It soon was a success as the leading Whig paper in the metropolis; its weekly edition reached tens of thousands of subscribers across the country. Greeley was editor of the ''Tribune'' for the rest of his life, using it as a platform for advocacy of all his causes. As historian Allan Nevins explains:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
''The Tribune set a new standard in American journalism by its combination of energy in news gathering with good taste, high moral standards, and intellectual appeal. Police reports, scandals, dubious medical advertisements, and flippant personalities were barred from its pages; the editorials were vigorous but usually temperate; the political news was the most exact in the city; book reviews and book-extracts were numerous; and as an inveterate lecturer Greeley gave generous space to lectures. The paper appealed to substantial and thoughtful people.''<ref>Nevins in ''Dictionary of American Biography'' (1931)</ref></blockquote><br />
<br />
Greeley prided himself in taking radical positions on all sorts of social issues; few readers followed his suggestions. Utopia fascinated him; influenced by [[Albert Brisbane]] he promoted [[Fourierism]]. He promoted all sorts of agrarian reforms, including homestead laws. The ''Tribune Almanac'' was an annual repository of political information and election statistics.<br />
<br />
Greeley supported generous policies towards settlers; he memorably advised the ambitious to "Go West, young man." A champion of the working man, he attacked monopolies of all sorts and rejected land grants to railroads. Industry would make everyone rich, he insisted, as he promoted high tariffs. He supported vegetarianism, opposed liquor and paid serious attention to any ism anyone proposed. What made the ''Tribune'' such a success was the extensive news stories, very well written by brilliant reporters, together with feature articles by fine writers. He was an excellent judge of newsworthiness and quality of reporting.<br />
<br />
==Republican: New York Tribune==<br />
[[Image:Nytrib1864.jpg|thumb|right|400px|November 16, 1864 issue ]]<br />
When the new [[Republican Party]] was founded in 1854, Greeley and the ''Tribune'' became its unofficial national organ. It fought slavery extension and the slave power on every page. On the eve of the Civil War circulation nationwide approached 300,000. <br />
<br />
His editorials and news reports explaining the policies and candidates of the Republican Party were reprinted and discussed throughout the country. Many small newspapers relied heavily on the reporting and editorials of the Tribune. He served as Congressman for three months, 1848--1849, but failed in numerous other attempts to win elective office. In 1860 he supported the conservative ex-Whig [[Edward Bates]] of Missouri for president, an action that weakened Greeley's old ally Seward.<ref>Van Dusen 241-44</ref><br />
<br />
Greeley made the Tribune the leading newspaper opposing the [[Slave Power]], that is, what he considered the conspiracy by slave owners to seize control of the federal government and block the progress of liberty. In the secession crisis of 1861 he took a hard line against the Confederacy. Theoretically, he agreed, the South could declare independence; but in reality he said there was "a violent, unscrupulous, desperate minority, who have conspired to clutch power" –secession was an illegitimate conspiracy that had to be crushed by federal power. He took a [[Radical Republican]] position during the war, in opposition to Lincoln’s moderation. In the summer of 1862, he wrote a famous editorial entitled "The Prayer of Twenty Millions" demanding a more aggressive attack on the Confederacy and faster emancipation of the slaves. A month later he hailed Lincoln’s [[Emancipation Proclamation]].<br />
<br />
Although after 1860 he increasingly lost control of the ''Tribune’s'' operations, and wrote fewer editorials, in 1864 he expressed defeatism regarding Lincoln’s chances of reelection, an attitude that was echoed across the country when his editorials were reprinted. Oddly he also pursued a peace policy in 1863-64 that involved discussions with [[Copperheads]] and opened the possibility of a compromise with the Confederacy. Lincoln was aghast, but outsmarted Greeley by appointing him to a peace commission he knew the Confederates would repudiate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Copies==<br />
The newspaper is only available on microfilm (occasional original copies are for sale on Ebay), but its [http://www.loc.gov/rr/news/news_research_tools/nytribindex.html index is online]<br />
==Further reading==<br />
* Isley, Jeter Allen. ''Horace Greeley and the Republican Party, 1853-1861: A Study of the "New York Tribune"'' (1947)<br />
* Kluger, Richard, and Phyllis Kluger. ''The Paper: The Life and Death of the New York Herald Tribune'' (1989), focus on 20th century<br />
* Parton, James. '' The Life of Horace Greeley: Editor of "The New-York Tribune"'' (1st ed. 1855, 2nd ed. 1889) 557 pages [http://books.google.com/books?id=cDgOAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:new+intitle:york+intitle:tribune&lr=&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES full text online] <br />
* Seitz, Don C. ''Horace Greeley: Founder of the New York Tribune'' (1926) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=95028604 online edition]<br />
* Van Deusen, Glyndon G. ''Horace Greeley, Nineteenth-Century Crusader'' (1953), standard biography [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=98259668 online edition]<br />
* Williams, Robert C. '' Horace Greeley: Champion of American Freedom'' (2006), <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
<references/><br />
==External links==<br />
* [http://www.loc.gov/rr/news/news_research_tools/nytribindex.html Index of stories 1875-1895]<br />
[[Category:United States Newspapers]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Out_of_sight_out_of_mind&diff=818656Out of sight out of mind2010-09-15T13:39:36Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
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<div>'''Out of sight out of mind''' is a fallacy of thought, meaning that something which is not plainly evident is either ignored or forgotten. <br />
<br />
The saying finds its origins from the 13th-century terms "in mind" (remembered) and "out of mind" (forgotten), essentially meaning that something that is not in view is not remembered.<br />
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[[category:Logic]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Religion_and_U.S._Government&diff=818653Religion and U.S. Government2010-09-15T13:24:53Z<p>BryanT: /* American Revolution */ spelling</p>
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<div>The role of '''Religion and U.S. Government''' has been a central Constitutional issue since the [[American Revolution]]. <br />
==American Revolution==<br />
One of the causes of the revolution was fear that the British government was about to impose on the American colonies a bishop from the Anglican [[Church of England]].<br />
<br />
The [[Declaration of Independence]] acknowledges the existence of a God when it refers to "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" and says all men "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." That statement was inserted by the author, [[Thomas Jefferson]], a Deist. Most Americans were Protestants; the Anglican Church of England, which had been the established church in several colonies, was disestablished. That is, it was no longer supported by taxes. Massachusetts and Connecticut later dropped their taxpayer support of the Congregational Church, and the principle of legal separation of church and state became established.<br />
<br />
==Bill of Rights==<br />
[[James Madison]] in 1791 wrote the [[First Amendment]] to the U.S. Constitution, stating "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The first clause is referred to as the [[Establishment Clause]], and the second the [[Free Exercise Clause]]. An informal letter that President Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptists, called the First Amendment as "a wall of separation between Church and State."<ref>[http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists], January 1, 1802. Retrieved November 11, 2008.</ref><br />
==Supreme Court==<br />
In recent decades, the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] has used the "[[Lemon test]]" as a means for determining whether or not a particular controversy causes excessive entanglement between government and religion, though in some cases has allowed religious icons (such as the Ten Commandments display in [[Texas]].<ref> http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=000&invol=03-1500 </ref>)<br />
==Federal aid to education==<br />
Statements of religious leaders in denominational journals and before congressional committees show that during the 1930s Catholics abandoned their objections to federal aid to education in favor of qualified support, provided children in parochial schools were to benefit from it. However Protestants reacted to giving federal aid to private schools by protesting a breach in the wall of separation between church and state. They also characterized such aid as a step towards totalitarianism, bureaucratic centralization, federal paternalism, and collectivism. The result was no federal aid to public education was possible before 1965, and still no federal aid to religious schools. <ref> Ambrose A., Clegg, Jr. "Church Groups and Federal Aid to Education, 1933-1939" ''History of Education Quarterly'' 1964 4(3): 137-154. [http://www.jstor.org/stable/367369 in JSTOR] </ref><br />
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==Public Opinion==<br />
Americans see their country as a predominantly Christian nation. A Pew Report showed 76% of Republicans, 63% of Democrats,and 67% of independents view the U.S. a Christian nation. [[Humanism#Secular_Humanism|Secular]] categories are the only subgroup in which fewer than a majority sees the U.S. as a Christian country. Although the public clearly sees a strong link between Christianity and the country's national identity, most Americans think citizen preferences should outweigh the Bible as an influence on American law. When asked which should have more influence over the laws of the country the Bible or the will of the people, even when it conflicts with the Bible most Americans (63%) say the people's will should have more sway. A significant minority (32%), however, believes the Bible should be more important.<ref>[http://pewforum.org/docs/index.php?DocID=153#1 Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life], August 24, 2006. Retrieved June 7, 2007.</ref><br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
* Goldberg, George. ''Church, State and the Constitution.'' (1987), conservative attack on Supreme Court decisions; argues in favor of prayer in the public schools<br />
* Hammond, Phillip E. "American Church/State Jurisprudence from the Warren Court to the Rehnquist Court," ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion,'' Vol. 40, No. 3 (Sep., 2001), pp. 455-464 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1388099 in JSTOR]<br />
* Healey, Robert M. "Thomas Jefferson's 'Wall': Absolute or Serpentine?" ''Journal of Church and State'' 1988 30(3): 441-462, history of usage by Supreme Court<br />
* Ivers, Gregg. ''To Build a Wall: American Jews and the Separation of Church and State.'' (1995). 272 pp. shows strong Jewish support for a high wall<br />
* Kleeberg Irene Cumming. ''Separation of Church and State'' (1986), introduction at high school level. <br />
* Levy Leonard W. ''The Establishment Clause.'' (1986) by leading historian<br />
* McWhirter, Darien A. ''The Separation of Church and State'' (1994) 189pp; summary of the issues [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-separation-of-church-and-state-by-darien-a-mcwhirter.jsp online edition]<br />
* Reichley A. James. ''Religion in American Public Life.'' (1985), history of the relationship between religion and politics <br />
* Segers, Mary C. and Jelen, Ted G. eds. ''A Wall of Separation?: Debating the Public Role of Religion.'' (1998). 191 pp.<br />
* Stokes Anson Phelps, and Pfeffer Leo. ''Church and State in the United States.''(1964), famous classic. <br />
* [http://www.questia.com/library/separation-of-church-and-state.jsp online books on Separation]<br />
<br />
==see also==<br />
* [[Separation of church and state]]<br />
* [[Establishment clause]]<br />
* [[First Amendment]]<br />
* [[Free Exercise clause]]<br />
* [[Lemon test]]<br />
* [[Lemon v. Kurtzman]]<br />
* [[Kitzmiller vs. Dover Area School District]]<br />
<br />
====references====<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:United States]]<br />
[[Category:United States History]]<br />
[[Category:United States Constitution]]<br />
[[Category:Religion and Politics]]<br />
[[Category:First Amendment]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=First_Party_System&diff=818652First Party System2010-09-15T13:23:01Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
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<div>The '''First Party System''' is the term political scientists and historians give to the political system governing the United States between 1792 and the early 1820s. It featured two national parties that competed for control of the Presidency, Congress, and the states: the '''[[Federalist Party]]''' (created by [[Alexander Hamilton]]) and the '''[[Democratic-Republican Party]]''' (or '''Jeffersonian Republican Party''') (created by [[Thomas Jefferson]] and [[James Madison]]). Partisan politics virtually ended during the [[Era of Good Feelings]] (1816-1824), as the Federalists shrank to a few isolated strongholds. In 1824-28, as the [[Second Party System]] emerged, the Democratic-Republican Party split into the Jacksonian faction (which became the modern Democratic Party in the 1830s) and the [[Henry Clay]] faction which became the [[Whig Party]]. Throughout the period the two parties contested elections vigorously, but if defeated they did not rebel. Instead they formed an opposition that vetted the programs of the dominant party and attempted to build a winning coalition for the next election.<br />
==Idea of a party system==<br />
Hofstadter (1969) finds the “idea of a party system” in the pluralistic, antiparty attitudes in the young Republic, especially those of [[James Madison]], primary author of the Constitution (1788) and cofounder of the Republican Party (1793). Americans did not respect English parties of the 18th-century, which were shifting coalitions of politicians in Parliament and not based on the opinions of voters. Colonial American "pre-parties" practised a vigorous, experience-yielding factionalism. However, deferential colonial politics (as in Virginia) elected men not for their proposals but for their reputation. Liberty and [[republicanism]], the basic values of the Founding Fathers, were to be protected by legislative checks since the checks of the political process were suspect. Ideally, two houses, rather than two parties, would check each other. In advocating the Constitution, antiparty thinkers such as Madison actually were establishing the major force in creating two great parties. Madison envisioned a pluralism among the parties rather than within them. He did not foresee parties as great, bland, enveloping coalitions. Because he feared the tyranny of a majority faction, Madison sought pluralism through a large republic and through majorities made up of weak, precarious coalitions. His view of pluralism owed much to his understanding of the liberties of religious dissent; parties were to resemble the multiplicity of religious sects, as in Virginia.<ref> Richard Hofstadter, ''The Idea of a Party System: The Rise of Legitimate Opposition in the United States, 1780-1840'' (1969). </ref><br />
<br />
<br />
==Washington Administration (1789–1797)==<br />
At first there were no parties in the new nation. Factions soon formed around such dominant personalities as Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton and Secretary of State [[Thomas Jefferson]], who opposed Hamilton's broad vision of a powerful government. Jefferson especially objected to Hamilton's flexible view of the [[U.S. Constitution|Constitution]], which Hamilton stretched to include a national bank. Washington was re-elected without opposition in 1792. <br />
[[Image:Hamilt$$.jpg|thumb|425px|left]]<br />
<br />
Hamilton built a national network of supporters that emerged about 1792–93 as the Federalist Party. In response, Jefferson and Madison built a network of supporters in Congress, then reached out to state leaders; their party emerged in 1792-93 as the ''Republican party''<ref> [http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field%28DOCID+@lit%28tj060237%29%29 Thomas Jefferson to President Washington, May 23, 1792] "The republican party, who wish to preserve the government in it's [sic] present form, are fewer in number. They are fewer even when joined by the two, three, or half dozen anti-federalists,..."<br>[http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=mjm&fileName=05/mjm05.db&recNum=591 James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, March 2, 1794.] "I see by a paper of last evening that even in New York a meeting of the people has taken place, at the instance of the Republican Party, and that a committee is appointed for the like purpose." </ref> The elections of 1792 were the first to be contested on anything resembling a partisan basis. In most states, the congressional elections were recognized in some sense, as Jefferson strategist [[John Beckley]] put it, as a "struggle between the Treasury department and the republican interest." In New York, the race for governor was organized along these lines. The candidates were [[John Jay]], a Hamiltonian, and incumbent [[George Clinton]], who was allied with Jefferson and the Republicans. <ref>Elkins and McKitrick, p. 288</ref><br />
<br />
In 1793, the first [[Democratic-Republican Societies]] were formed. They supported the [[French Revolution]], which had just seen the execution of King [[Louis XVI]], and generally supported the Jeffersonian cause. The word "democrat" was proposed by [[Citizen Genet]] for the societies, and the Federalists quickly began to ridicule Jefferson's friends as "democrats". After Washington denounced the societies as unrepublican, they mostly faded away. <br />
<br />
In 1793, war broke out between Britain and France. The Jeffersonians favored France and pointed to the 1778 treaty that was still in effect. Washington and his unanimous cabinet (including Jefferson) decided the treaty did not bind the U.S. to enter the war; instead Washington proclaimed neutrality. <br />
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[[Image:Fed-vs-r.jpg|thumb|425px]]<br />
<br />
When war threatened with Britain in 1794, Washington sent [[John Jay]] to negotiate the [[Jay treaty]] with Britain; it was signed in late 1794, and ratified in 1795. It averted a possible war and settled many (but not all) the outstanding issues between the U.S. and Britain., <ref>Elkins and McKitrick, 405-12</ref> the Jeffersonians vehemently denounced it as a sell-out to Britain, saying it threatened to undermine republicanism by giving the aristocratic British and their Federalist allies too much influence. The Federalists said it avoided war, reduced the Indian threat, created good trade relations with the world's foremost economic power, and ended lingering disputes from the Revolutionary War. The Federalists used the enormous prestige of President Washington to secure senate approval by the needed 2/3 vote.<ref>Elkins and McKitrick, 417-8; Goodman (1964) 71-2.</ref> The fierce debates over the Jay Treaty in 1794-96 according to William Nisbet Chambers, nationalized politics and turned a faction in Congress into a nationwide party. To fight the treaty the Jeffersonians "established coordination in activity between leaders at the capital, and leaders, actives and popular followings in the states, counties and towns." <ref> Chambers, ''Political Parties'' p. 80</ref> When Jefferson came to power in 1801 he honored the Jay treaty, but new disputes with Britain ended friendly relations in 1805 and led to the [[War of 1812]]. <ref>Miller, ''Federalist Era'' pp 165-78</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
In 1796 Jefferson challenged [[John Adams]] for the presidency and lost. The [[Electoral College]] made the decision, and it was chosen by the state legislatures, which still lacked parties.<br />
<br />
==Newspapers as party weapons== <br />
[[Image:~party3.JPG|thumb|330px|Federalist poster about 1800. Washington (in heaven) tells partisans to keep the pillars of Federalism, Republicanism and Democracy]] <br />
[[Newspaper|Newspapers]] became party weapons. [[John Fenno]] began publishing his ''Gazette of the United States'' in April 1789 hoping it would become the official paper of the new government; soon Hamilton was encouraging and subsidizing him. Jefferson and Madison persuaded [[Philip M. Freneau]], a brilliant poet, to found the ''National Gazette'' in Philadelphia in October 1791. The ''National Gazette'' at first served as a successful political tool for the Jeffersonians as it defined arguments against Hamilton's policies while rebutting Fenno's editorials. The ''National Gazette'' collapsed in 1793 due to weak circulation and the political fallout over Jefferson and Madison's financial involvement in founding the paper. <br />
[[Image:NEWS1800.JPG|thumb|275px|left|rapid growth of party newspapers]]<br />
<br />
Hamilton set up his own stable of Federalist papers. His editor in New York City was [[Noah Webster]]. In 1793, Hamilton loaned him $1500 to move to New York City and edit a newspaper for the new [[Federalist Party]]. In December Webster founded New York's first daily newspaper, ''American Minerva'' (later known as ''The Commercial Advertiser''). He edited it for four years, writing the equivalent of 20 volumes of articles and editorials. He also published the semi-weekly publication, ''The Herald, A Gazette for the country'' (later known as ''The New York Spectator''). As a partisan, he soon was denounced by the Democratic-Republicans as "a pusillanimous, half-begotten, self-dubbed patriot," "an incurable lunatic," and "a deceitful newsmonger ... Pedagogue and Quack." Fellow Federalist Cobbett labelled him "a traitor to the cause of Federalism", calling him "a toad in the service of sans-cullottism," "a prostitute wretch," "a great fool, and a barefaced liar," "a spiteful viper," and "a maniacal pedant." The master of words was distressed. Even the use of words like "the people," "democracy," and "equality" in public debate bothered him, for such words were "metaphysical abstractions that either have no meaning, or at least none that mere mortals can comprehend." <ref>Joseph Ellis, ''After the Revolution: Profiles of Early American Culture'' (1979) pp 199, 206.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
By 1796, both parties had a national network of newspapers, which attacked each other vehemently. In 1802 the New York ''Evening Post,'' with large amounts of advertising by Federalist merchants, published a daily edition for 1100 subscribers in the city, and a weekly edition that circulated to 1600 subscribers nationwide. The Federalist and Republican newspapers of the 1790s traded vicious barbs. Hamilton's vices, both personal and political, were favorite targets, as shown by this doggerel from a Democratic-Republican paper: <ref>''Independent Chronicle'' (Boston), 16 October 1797 quoted in Carol Sue Humphrey, ''The Revolutionary Era: Primary Documents on Events from 1776 to 1800'' (2003) p, 260</ref> <br />
*'''A'''SK—who lies here beneath this monument? <br />
*'''L''' o!—’tis a self created MONSTER, who <br />
*'''E''' mbraced all vice. His arrogance was like <br />
*'''X''' erxes, who flogg’d the disobedient sea, <br />
*'''A''' dultery his smallest crime; when he <br />
*'''N''' obility affected. This privilege <br />
*'''D''' ecreed by Monarchs, was to that annext. <br />
*'''E''' nticing and entic’d to ev’ry fraud, <br />
*'''R''' enounced virtue, liberty and God. <br />
*'''H''' aunted by whores—he haunted them in turn <br />
*'''A''' ristocratic was this noble Goat <br />
*'''M''' onster of monsters, in pollution skill’d <br />
*'''I''' mmers’d in mischief, brothels, funds & banks <br />
*'''L''' ewd slave to lust,—afforded consolation; <br />
*'''T''' o mourning whores, and tory-lamentation. <br />
*'''O''' utdid all fools, tainted with royal name; <br />
*'''N''' one but fools, their wickedness proclaim.<br />
<br />
==Party strength in Congress==<br />
Historians have used statistical techniques to estimate the party breakdown in Congress. Many Congressmen were hard to classify in the first few years, but after 1796 there was less uncertainty. <br />
<br />
{| class=wikitable<br />
|<br />
! colspan=17 | Election year<br />
|- <br />
! House<br />
| 1788<br />
| 1790<br />
| 1792<br />
| 1794<br />
| 1796<br />
| 1798<br />
| 1800<br />
| 1802<br />
| 1804<br />
| 1806<br />
| 1808<br />
| 1810<br />
| 1812<br />
| 1814<br />
| 1816<br />
| 1818<br />
| 1820<br />
|- <br />
! Federalist<br />
| 37<br />
| 39<br />
| 51<br />
| 47<br />
| 57<br />
| 60<br />
| 38<br />
| 39<br />
| 25<br />
| 24<br />
| 50<br />
| 36<br />
| 68<br />
| 64<br />
| 39<br />
| 26<br />
| 32<br />
|- <br />
! Dem-Rep<br />
| 28<br />
| 30<br />
| | 54<br />
| | 59<br />
| 49<br />
| 46<br />
| | 65<br />
| | 103<br />
| | 116<br />
| | 118<br />
| | 92<br />
| | 107<br />
| | 114<br />
| | 119<br />
| | 146<br />
| | 160<br />
| | 155<br />
|- <br />
! % Dem-Rep<br />
| 43%<br />
| 43%<br />
| 51%<br />
| 56%<br />
| 46%<br />
| 43%<br />
| 63%<br />
| 73%<br />
| 82%<br />
| 83%<br />
| 65%<br />
| 75%<br />
| 63%<br />
| 65%<br />
| 79%<br />
| 86%<br />
| 83%<br />
|- <br />
! Senate<br />
|- <br />
! Federalist<br />
| 18<br />
| 16<br />
| 16<br />
| 21<br />
| 22<br />
| 22<br />
| 15<br />
| 9<br />
| 7<br />
| 6<br />
| 7<br />
| 6<br />
| 8<br />
| 12<br />
| 12<br />
| 9<br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
! Dem-Rep<br />
| 8<br />
| 13<br />
| 14<br />
| 11<br />
| 10<br />
| 10<br />
| | 17<br />
| | 25<br />
| | 17<br />
| | 28<br />
| | 27<br />
| | 30<br />
| | 28<br />
| | 26<br />
| | 30<br />
| | 37<br />
| | 44<br />
|- <br />
! % Dem-Rep<br />
| 31%<br />
| 45%<br />
| 47%<br />
| 34%<br />
| 31%<br />
| 31%<br />
| 53%<br />
| 74%<br />
| 71%<br />
| 82%<br />
| 79%<br />
| 83%<br />
| 78%<br />
| 68%<br />
| 71%<br />
| 80%<br />
| 92%<br />
|}<br />
Source: Kenneth C. Martis, ''The Historical Atlas of Political Parties in the United States Congress, 1789-1989'' (1989); the numbers are estimates by historians.<br />
<br />
[[Image:New-states.jpg|thumb|400px|each new state brought in two senators and one or two representatives; most were Republicans as the Federalists had a weak appeal on the egalitarian frontier]]<br />
<br />
The affiliation of many Congressmen in the earliest years is an assignment by later historians. The parties were slowly coalescing groups; at first there were many independents.<br />
<br />
==Inventing campaign techniques==<br />
Both parties invented entirely new campaign techniques that became the core of American political practice. The Federalists took the lead in building a network of newspapers in major cities to broadcast their statements and editorialize in their favor. In 1796 the Federalist papers outnumbered the Republicans by 4-1. Every year more paper began publishing; in 1800 the Federalists still had a 2-1 numerical advantage. Most papers, on each side, were weeklies with a circulation of 300 to 1000.<ref> Stewart, ''Opposition Press, p. 622</ref> Jefferson systematically subsidized the editors. [[Fisher Ames]], a leading Federalist, who used the term "Jacobin" to link Jefferson's followers to the terrorists of the French Revolution, blamed the newspapers for electing Jefferson. They were, he wrote, "an overmatch for any Government.... The Jacobins owe their triumph to the unceasing use of this engine; not so much to skill in use of it as by repetition." <ref>Cunningham, 1957 p 167</ref> Historians echo Ames' assessment. As one explains, "It was the good fortune of the Republicans to have within their ranks a number of highly gifted political manipulators and propagandists. Some of them had the ability... to not only see and analyze the problem at hand but to present it in a succinct fashion; in short, to fabricate the apt phrase, to coin the compelling slogan and appeal to the electorate on any given issue in language it could understand." Outstanding phrasemakers included editor [[William Duane]] and party leaders [[Albert Gallatin]], [[Thomas Cooper]] and of course Jefferson himself. <ref>Tinkcom 271</ref> Meanwhile [[John J. Beckley]] of Pennsylvania, an ardent partisan, invented new campaign techniques (such as mass distribution of pamphlets and handwritten ballots) that generated the grass-roots support and unprecedented levels of voter turnout for the Jeffersonians.<br />
<br />
<br />
In 1798 the disputes with France led to a [[Quasi-War]], an undeclared naval war involving the navies and merchant ships of both countries. Democratic-Republicans said France really wanted peace, but the [[XYZ Affair]] undercut their position. Warning that full-scale war with France was imminent, Hamilton and his "High Federalist" allies forced the issue by getting Congressional approval to raise a large new army (which Hamilton controlled), replete with officers' commissions (which he bestowed on his partisans). The [[Alien and Sedition Act]] (1798) clamped down on dissenters, including pro-Jefferson editors, and Vermont Congressman [[Matthew Lyon]], who won re-election while in jail in 1798. In the [[Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions]] (1798), secretly drafted by Madison and Jefferson, the legislatures of the two states challenged the power of the federal government.<ref>Miller, ''Federalist Era'' pp 210-43</ref><br />
<br />
==Jefferson and the revolution of 1800==<br />
Madison worked diligently to form party lines inside the Congress and build coalitions with sympathetic political factions in each state. In 1800, a critical election galvanized the electorate, sweeping the Federalists out of power, and electing Jefferson and his Republican Party. Adams made a few last minute appointments, notably Federalist [[John Marshall]] as Chief Justice, a post he held for three decades and used it to federalize the Constitution, much to Jefferson's dismay.<ref>Miller, ''Federalist Era'' pp 251-77</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:VOTE1800.JPG|thumb|400px|Adams had a strong base in New England but otherwise was weak. New York state prove decisive--it was controlled by Aaron Burr, who became vice-president]]<br />
<br />
The Jeffersonian majority in Congress and key states was so large that it tended to split into factions. The minority faction, which tended to collaborate with Federalists, was called ''[[Quids]]'' in Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia, though the three groups were not directly connected. After years as Jefferson's leader in the House, [[John Randolph of Roanoke]] led a split-away faction in Congress called Quids. <br />
<br />
As president, Jefferson worked to cleanse the government of Adam's "midnight" Federalist appointments made days before Jefferson took office. He withheld the commissions of 25 of 42 midnight appointment judges and removed Army officers. The sense that the nation needed two rival parties to balance each other had not been fully accepted by either party; Hamilton had viewed Jefferson's election as the failure of the Federalist experiment. The rhetoric of the day was cataclysmic—election of the opposition meant the enemy would ruin the nation. Jefferson's foreign policy was not exactly pro-Napoleon, but it applied pressure on Britain to stop impressment of American sailors and other hostile acts. By engineering an [[Embargo Act of 1807|embargo]] of trade against Britain, Jefferson and Madison plunged the nation into economic depression, ruined much of the business of Federalist New England, and finally precipitated the [[War of 1812]] with a much larger and more powerful foe. <ref> Smelser, ''Democratic Republic''</ref><br />
<br />
The Federalists vigorously criticized the government, and gained strength in the industrial Northeast. However, they committed a major blunder in 1814. That year the semi-secret "[[Hartford Convention]]" passed resolutions that verged on secession; their publication ruined the Federalist party. It had been limping along for years, with strength in New England and scattered eastern states but practically no strength in the West. While Federalists helped invent or develop numerous campaign techniques (such as conventions), their elitist bias alienated the middle class, thus allowing the Jeffersonians to claim they represented the true spirit of "republicanism."<ref> Banner, ''To the Hartford Convention'' (1970)</ref><br />
<br />
==State parties==<br />
Because of the importance of foreign policy (decided by the national government), of the sale of national lands, and the patronage controlled by the President, the factions in each state realigned themselves in parallel with the Federalists and Republicans. Some newspaper editors became powerful politicians, such as [[Thomas Ritchie]], whose "Richmond Junto" controlled Virginia state politics for decades. <br />
===Connecticut===<br />
New England was always the stronghold of the Federalist party. One historian explains how well organized it was in Connecticut:<br />
:It was only necessary to perfect the working methods of the organized body of office-holders who made up the nucleus of the party. There were the state officers, the assistants, and a large majority of the Assembly. In every county there was a sheriff with his deputies. All of the state, county, and town judges were potential and generally active workers. Every town had several justices of the peace, school directors and, in Federalist towns, all the town officers who were ready to carry on the party's work.... Militia officers, state's attorneys, lawyers, professors and schoolteachers were in the van of this "conscript army." In all, about a thousand or eleven hundred dependent officer-holders were described as the inner ring which could always be depended upon for their own and enough more votes within their control to decide an election. This was the Federalist machine. <ref>Richard J. Purcell, ''Connecticut in Transition: 1775-1818'' 1963. p. 190.</ref><br />
<br />
Given the power of the Federalists the Republicans had to work harder to win. In 1806, the Connecticut state Republican leadership sent town leaders instructions for the forthcoming elections. Every town manager was told by state leaders "to appoint a district manager in each district or section of his town, obtaining from each an assurance that he will faithfully do his duty." Then the town manager was instructed to compile lists and total up the number of taxpayers, the number of eligible voters, how many were "decided republicans," "decided federalists," or "doubtful," and finally to count the number of supporters who were not currently eligible to vote but who might qualify (by age or taxes) at the next election. The returns eventually went to the state manager, who issues directions to laggard town to get all the eligibles to the town meetings, help the young men qualify to vote, to nominate a full ticket for local elections, and to print and distribute the party ticket. (The [[secret ballot]] did not appear for a century. ) <ref>Noble E. Cunningham, Jr. ''The Jeffersonian Republicans in Power: Party Operations 1801-1809'' (1963) p 129</ref> This highly coordinated "get-out-the-vote" drive would be familiar to modern political campaigners, but was the first of its kind in world history.<br />
<br />
Religious tensions polarized Connecticut, as the established Congregational Church, in alliance with the Federalists, tried to maintain its grip on power. Dissenting groups moved toward the Jeffersonians. The failure of the [[Hartford Convention]] in 1814 wounded the Federalists, who were finally upended by the Republicans in 1817.<br />
===Maryland===<br />
Demaree (1985) examined the relationship between constituency characteristics of Maryland's nineteen counties, Annapolis, and Baltimore and the voting behavior of members of the House of Delegates elected by these constituencies from 1789 to 1824 . The personal characteristics, regional identification and party membership were also considered as possible influences. Regionalism was not a powerful factor because delegates from different regions were more likely to agree than to disagree with each other. Party membership was the best predictor of voting behavior. The strength of party cohesion interfered with the influence of constituency characteristics on voting, especially among the Federalists. Of all the constituency characteristics, slavery was most influential on voting behavior. A consistent pattern developed that illustrated that Jeffersonian Republicans from counties with large slave populations tended to be the ones to break with their fellow Republicans and vote with Federalists, who tended to be identified with the plantation society in Maryland. Thus, though political parties acted as strong, cohesive forces in the Maryland House of Delegates during the first party system, an association with slave-holding interests sometimes overshadowed partisan loyalty, a portent of the divisive quality of slavery in the nation.<br />
<br />
==Era of Good Feelings==<br />
The United States by 1800 had the first two-party system in the world. The First Party System was built around foreign policy issues that vanished with the defeat of Napoleon and the compromise settlement of the [[War of 1812]]. Furthermore, the fears that Federalists were plotting to reintroduce aristocracy dissipated. Thus an "[[Era of Good Feelings]]" under [[James Monroe]] replaced the high-tension politics of the First Party System about 1816. Personal politics and factional disputes could occasionally still get nasty, but Americans no longer thought of themselves in terms of political parties. <br />
<br />
[http://books.google.com/books?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&vid=ISBN0813122716&id=aDHBSYXazMcC&pg=PA77&lpg=PA77&dq=%22first+party+system%22&vq=burnham&prev=http://books.google.com/books%3Fq%3D%2522first%2Bparty%2Bsystem%2522%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a&sig=vXkP0ocY7EzVVoXzSRe6gB3AY0I Historians have debated the exact ending of the system]. Most concluded it petered out by 1820. The little state of Delaware, largely isolated from the larger political forces controlling the nation, saw the First Party System continue well into the 1820s, with the Federalists occasionally winning some offices. For the rest of the nation, the contributions of the founding fathers of political parties had been completed—and thus it seems symbolic that Adams and Jefferson died on the same day ([[4 July]] [[1826]]), even on their deathbeds acknowledging the other's remarkable contributions.<br />
<br />
==Legitimacy of a party system==<br />
[[Image:1815.JPG|thumb|450px]]<br />
[[Alexander Hamilton]] felt that only by mobilizing its supporters on a daily basis in every state on many issues could support for the government be sustained through thick and thin. Newspapers were needed to communicate inside the party; patronage helped the party's leaders and made new friends. Hamilton, and especially Washington, distrusted the idea of an opposition party, as shown in [[George Washington]]'s "Farewell Address" of 1796. They thought opposition parties would only weaken the nation. By contrast Jefferson was the main force behind the creation and continuity of an opposition party. He deeply felt the Federalists represented aristocratic forces hostile to true republicanism and the true will of the people, as he explained in a letter to Henry Lee in 1824:<br />
{{cquote|Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depositary of the public interests. In every country these two parties exist, and in every one where they are free to think, speak, and write, they will declare themselves. Call them, therefore, liberals and serviles, Jacobins and Ultras, whigs and tories, republicans and federalists, aristocrats and democrats, or by whatever name you please, they are the same parties still and pursue the same object. The last appellation of aristocrats and democrats is the true one expressing the essence of all."}}<br />
<br />
Hofstadter (1970) shows it took many years for the idea to take hold that having two parties is better than having one, or none. That transition was made possible by the successful passing of power in 1801 from one party to the other. Although Jefferson systematically identified Federalist army officers and officeholders, he was blocked from removing all of them by protests from Republicans. The [[Quids]] complained he did not go far enough.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[American election campaigns, 19th century]]<br />
* [[Federalist Party]]<br />
*[[Second Party System]]<br />
*[[Democratic-Republican Party]]<br />
<br />
==Bibliography ==<br />
* ''Encyclopedia of the New American Nation, 1754–1829'' ed. by Paul Finkelman (2005), 1600 pp. <br />
* Banning, Lance. ''The Jeffersonian Persuasion: Evolution of a Party Ideology'' (1978) [http://www.amazon.com/Jeffersonian-Persuasion-Evolution-Party-Ideology/dp/0801492009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195466092&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Ben-Atar, Doron and Barbara B. Oberg, eds. ''Federalists Reconsidered'' (1999), topical essays by scholars<br />
* Beard, Charles A. ''The Economic Origins of Jeffersonian Democracy'' (1915) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=65989719 online edition]<br />
* Bowling, Kenneth R. and Donald R. Kennon, eds. ''Perspectives on the History of Congress, 1789-1801.'' (2000)<br />
* Brown, Roger H. ''The Republic in Peril: 1812'' (1964), stresses intense hostility between partisans [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=100695976 online edition]<br />
* Brown; Stuart Gerry. ''The First Republicans: Political Philosophy and Public Policy in the Party of Jefferson and Madison'' (1954)[http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=11814508 online]. <br />
* Buel, Richard. ''Securing the Revolution: Ideology in American Politics, 1789–1815'' (1972)<br />
* Chambers, William Nisbet, ed. ''The First Party System'' (1972)<br />
* Chambers, William Nisbet. ''Political Parties in a New Nation: The American Experience, 1776–1809'' (1963), political science perspective<br />
* Charles, Joseph. ''The Origins of the American Party System'' (1956), reprints articles in ''William and Mary Quarterly''<br />
* Cunningham, Noble E., Jr. ''Jeffersonian Republicans: The Formation of Party Organization: 1789–1801'' (1957), highly detailed party history<br />
* Cunningham, Noble E., Jr. ''The Jeffersonian Republicans in Power: Party Operations 1801–1809'' (1963), highly detailed party history<br />
* Cunningham, Noble E., Jr. ''The Process of Government Under Jefferson'' (1978)<br />
* Dawson, Matthew Q. ''Partisanship and the Birth of America's Second Party, 1796-1800: Stop the Wheels of Government.'' Greenwood, (2000) [http://www.questia.com7/PM.qst?a=o&d=22900345 online version]<br />
* Dinkin, Robert J. ''Campaigning in America: A History of Election Practices.'' (1989) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=14291969 online version] <br />
* Elkins, Stanley and Eric McKitrick. ''The Age of Federalism'' (1995) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=59152800 online version], the standard highly detailed political history of 1790s<br />
* Ferling, John. ''A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic.'' [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103184276 Oxford University Press. (2003) online version]; survey<br />
*Fischer, David Hackett. ''The Revolution of American Conservatism: The Federalist Party in the Era of Jeffersonian Democracy'' (1965)<br />
* Freeman, Joanne B. "The Election of 1800: A Study in the Logic of Political Change." ''Yale Law Journal.'' Volume: 108. Issue: 8. 1999. pp: 1959-1994. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5001277786 online edition]<br />
* Goodman, Paul. "The First American Party System" in William Nisbet Chambers and Walter Dean Burnham, eds. ''The American Party Systems: Stages of Political Development'' (1967), 56–89.<br />
* Hoadley, John F. "the Emergence of Political Parties in Congress, 1789-1803." ''American Political Science Review'' (1980) 74(3): 757-779. ISSN 0003-0554 Fulltext in Jstor. Looks at the agreement among members of Congress in their roll-call voting records. Multidimensional scaling shows the increased clustering of congressmen into two party blocs from 1789 to 1803, especially after the Jay Treaty debate; shows politics was moving away from sectionalism to organized parties. <br />
* Hofstadter, Richard. ''The Idea of a Party System: The Rise of Legitimate Opposition in the United States, 1780-1840'' (1970) [http://www.amazon.com/Idea-Party-System-Legitimate-Opposition/dp/0520017544/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195466141&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Keller, Morton. ''America's Three Regimes: A New Political History'' (2007) 384pp.<br />
* Kerber, Linda K. ''Federalists in Dissent: Imagery and ideology in Jeffersonian America'' (1970)<br />
* Larson, Edward J. ''A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America's First Presidential Campaign.'' (2007). 333 pp. on 1800 [http://www.common-place.org/vol-08/no-03/reviews/opal.shtml online review]<br />
* Luetscher, George D. ''Early Political Machinery in the United States'' (1903) [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1417929189&id=-jVl4dKjk3EC&printsec=toc&dq=Luetscher+Early&sig=dGjoRgvFHMBEnT3MYXYpI68rvl8 online edition]<br />
* Miller, John C. ''The Federalist Era: 1789-1801'' (1960), survey of political history<br />
* Pasley, Jeffrey L. et al eds. ''Beyond the Founders: New Approaches to the Political History of the Early American Republic'' (2004), topical essays by scholars<br />
* Peterson, Merrill D. ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation: A Biography'' (1975) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=82266123 online edition]<br />
* Sharp, James Roger. ''American Politics in the Early Republic: The New Nation in Crisis'' (1993), political narrative of 1790s<br />
* Skeen, Carl Edward. ''1816: America Rising'' (1993)<br />
* Smelser, Marshall. ''The Democratic Republic, 1801-1815'' (1968) (ISBN 0-06-131406-4) survey of political and diplomatic history<br />
* Wilentz, Sean. ''The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln.'' (2005), broad-scale interpretation of political history<br />
* Wiltse, Charles Maurice. ''The Jeffersonian Tradition in American Democracy'' (1935) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-jeffersonian-tradition-in-american-democracy-by-charles-maurice-wiltse.jsp online edition]<br />
<br />
===Biographies===<br />
* Banning, Lance. ''The Sacred Fire of Liberty: James Madison and the Founding of the Federal Republic'' (1995), to 1795; [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103677309 online edition]<br />
* Cunningham, Noble E., Jr. , "John Beckley: An Early American Party Manager," ''William and Mary Quarterly'', 13 (Jan. 1956), 40-52, [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0043-5597(195601)3%3A13%3A1%3C40%3AJBAEAP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-A in JSTOR]<br />
* Koch, Adrienne. ''Jefferson and Madison: The Great Collaboration.'' (1950). [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=8520360 online edition]<br />
* Malone, Dumas. ''Jefferson and the Ordeal of Liberty'' v 3; ''Jefferson the President: First Term 1801 - 1805'' vol 4; ''Jefferson the President: Second term, 1805-1809'' vol 5; (1948-70), the standard multivolume biography <br />
* Miller, John C. ''Alexander Hamilton: Portrait in Paradox'' (1959), full scale biography; [www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=97872357 online edition]<br />
* Peterson, Merrill D. ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation: A Biography'' (1975) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=82266123 online edition]<br />
* Schachner, Nathan. ''Aaron Burr: A Biography'' (1961), full scale biography [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=13528620 online version]<br />
* Schachner, Nathan. ''Thomas Jefferson: A Biography'' (1957) 1074 pp.. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=11882040 online edition]<br />
<br />
===State and regional studies===<br />
* Banner, James M. ''To the Hartford Convention: The Federalists and the Origins of Party Politics in Massachusetts, 1789–1815'' (1970)<br />
* Broussard, James H. ''The Southern Federalists: 1800–1816'' (1978)<br />
* Demaree, L. Steven. "Maryland during the First Party System: A Roll-Call Analysis of the House of Delegates, 1789-1824." PhD dissertation U. of Missouri, Columbia 1984. 413 pp. DAI 1985 45(11): 3434-A. DA8500571 <br />
* Formisano, Ronald. ''The Transformation of Political Culture: Massachusetts Parties, 1790s–1840s'' (1983)<br />
* Goodman, Paul. ''The Democratic-Republicans of Massachusetts'' (1964)<br />
* Leonard, Gerald. ''The Invention of Party Politics: Federalism, Popular Sovereignty, and Constitutional Development in Jacksonian Illinois'' (2002) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=100891036 online edition]<br />
* McCormick, Richard P. ''The Second Party System: Party Formation'' (1969) deals with the collapse of the First Party System, state by state<br />
* Prince, Carl E. ''New Jersey’s Jeffersonian Republicans: The Genesis of an Early Party Machine, 1789–1817'' (1967)<br />
* Risjord, Norman K. ''Chesapeake Politics, 1781–1800'' (1978), covers Virginia and Maryland [http://www.questia.com/library/book/chesapeake-politics-1781-1800-by-norman-k-risjord.jsp online edition]<br />
* Risjord, Norman K. ''The Old Republicans: Southern Conservatism in the Age of Jefferson'' (1965) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-old-republicans-southern-conservatism-in-the-age-of-jefferson-by-norman-k-risjord.jsp online edition] standard history of Randolph's Quids<br />
* Tinkcom, Harry M. ''The Republicans and Federalists in Pennsylvania, 1790–1801: A Study in National Stimulus and Local Response'' (1950) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-republicans-and-federalists-in-pennsylvania-1790-1801-a-study-in-national-stimulus-and-local-response-by-harry-marlin-tinkcom.jsp online edition]<br />
* Turner, Lynn Warren; ''The Ninth State: New Hampshire's Formative Years.'' (1983).<br />
* Young, Alfred F. ''The Democratic Republicans of New York: The Origins, 1763–1797'' (1967)<br />
===Newspapers===<br />
* Humphrey, Carol Sue ''The Press of the Young Republic, 1783-1833'' (1996) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-press-of-the-young-republic-1783-1833-by-carol-sue-humphrey.jsp online edition]<br />
* Knudson, Jerry W. ''Jefferson And the Press: Crucible of Liberty'' (2006) how 4 Republican and 4 Federalist papers covered election of 1800; Thomas Paine; Louisiana Purchase; Hamilton-Burr duel; impeachment of Chase; and the embargo <br />
* Nevins, Allan. ''The Evening Post: A Century of Journalism'' (1922) [http://books.google.com/books?id=q-F2daxBy1AC&pg=PA7&dq=inauthor:allan+inauthor:nevins&num=30&as_brr=1#PPA5,M1 online edition] ch 1-2<br />
* Pasley, Jeffrey L. ''"The Tyranny of Printers": Newspaper Politics in the Early American Republic'' (2003) (ISBN 0-8139-2177-5) <br />
* Pasley, Jeffrey L. "The Two National Gazettes: Newspapers and the Embodiment of American Political Parties." ''Early American Literature'' 2000 35(1): 51-86. Issn: 0012-8163 Fulltext: in Swetswise and Ebsco <br />
* Stewart, Donald H. ''The Opposition Press of the Federalist Era'' (1968), highly detailed study of Republican newspapers<br />
<br />
===Primary sources===<br />
* Cunningham, Noble E., Jr. ed. ''The Making of the American Party System 1789 to 1809'' (1965), short excerpts from primary sources<br />
* Cunningham, Noble E., Jr., ed. ''Circular Letters of Congressmen to Their Constituents 1789-1829'' (1978), 3 vol; political reports sent by Congressmen to local newspapers<br />
* The complete text, searchable, of all early American newspapers are [http://www.newsbank.com/readex/?content=96 online] at Readex America’s Historical Newspapers, available at research libraries.<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
* [http://tigger.uic.edu/~rjensen/pol-gl.htm American Political History Online] guide to WWW resources<br />
* [http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=560 "The First American Party System" lesson plan for grades 9-12]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
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[[Category:United States Political Terms]]<br />
[[Category:United States History]]<br />
[[category:Early National U.S.]]<br />
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==Chapter 1==<br />
<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,<br />
|In many ways and at many times in the past, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets, <br />
|This chapter striking in its main thrust and quotes - Jesus is the SON, superior to all created beings, and in particuilar the angels of God, and He is the object of O.T. references clearly of God. This is a pre trinitarion attribution of Divinity to the Savior. "Helping along" with this, along with the selection of O.T. verses, are the facts that in Hebrew, lack of case endings and therefore the primacy of syntax (position of words in sentence) can be made to emphasize His divinity - Elohim Elohekha( "God [can be 'speaking about' but here most probably 'speaking to'], Your God")and the fact that the base form in the Aramaic and Vocative are exactly the same - (Allha= both '[the]God' and 'O God'). But,of course, there is also the direct, and non linguistic, affirmation of the Son's deity - But to the Son, He says, "Your Throne, O God...". I have tried to keep the authors style which in places thought seems to tumble after thought bringing an accentuation of the SON. this fits in 'idiomization' of the text but of course, is not the usual style for translating this otherwise majestic structure of divine thought. The last thing to say, I have capitalized phrases or words (Last Days, Word of...) which are already in the author's day and can be seen from his work, pregnant with meaning and evoking of many associations, all of which are necessary for our understanding of this epistle.<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;<br />
|But in these the Last Days He has spoken to us through His Son, whom He determined to be the inheritor of everthing, the Son, by whom He made the worlds,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;<br />
|the Son, who is the very brightness of His Glory, and the very image of His Person, and the bearer of all things, carrying them by the Word of his power. When He, the Son, had Himself accomplished a cleansing of our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Greatness on High.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.<br />
|This One, then, is to be considered inestimably better than angels having been bequeathed a title more excellent than they.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?<br />
|Did He say, at any time, to an angel, "You are My Son, today I have become your father", or "I will be his Father and he shall be My son"<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.<br />
|or, as happened when He brought the Firstborn into the world, "Let all the angels of God worship Him."?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.<br />
|But, rather, of angels, He says, "He makes His angles spirits, and His servants a flaming fire."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.<br />
|But to the Son, He says, "Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness, the sceptre of Your Kingdom.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.<br />
|You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. For this reason, God, Your God, has anointed You from among all your companions with the oil of joy." <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands<br />
|And. "You, Lord, in the beginning of all, set down earths' foundations. Heaven is the work of Your hands.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
|They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; <br />
|They shall perish; but You remain. As a garment they all wear out.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
|And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. <br />
|And as a cloak, You will fold them up. They will be changed but You remain the same, Your years shall have no end."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
|But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? <br />
|But to any angel, did He say at any time, "Sit at my right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for You?"<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
|Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? <br />
|Aren't they all spirits of service, sent out to serve those who will be heirs of salvation? <br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 2==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.<br />
|Therefore we need to take very seriously what we have heard, if we are not to fall away.<br />
|The rhetorical tone of persuation continues with appeal becoming more prominent as the author makes transition from the Son as Deity to the Son as Jesus on earth become one of us for His mission of redeeming us. Without using "incarnation", it is all there. The appeal is to the heart and the conscience making the language in this section, "without flourish" or distance. There is no excaping his meaning for us (the Jewish believers starting to slip back to the Law, and then to all believers) to change our ways and return to Him and the ways of grace. Language becomes pithy, direct,touching the heart as author turns us to Jesus whom we see now crowned, through the eyes of faith, while with our physical eyes, see all around the world not yet subjected to Him. Along with Greek and the Syriac, in the 1st verse the KJV "slip" or better "fall (Peshitta understanding of Gr. word) away" or "drift away" does not refer to the things "which we have heard" but to us, the readers of the letter. We are in danger of "slipping"<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;<br />
|If the word "spoken by angels" stood firm, and every violation and disobedience met with its due "payback",<br />
|"Spoken by angels" is in quotes. It is hard to know if the author really holds to the first century idea that the Torah was given through the mediation of angels or that he using this thought to press His point that if the lesser - Law and angels had full force, how much more the greater - the word from Jesus, having come directly to us from Him, and indirectly through His Apostles.<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;<br />
|How can we escape, if we neglect such a great salvation, first spoken about by the Lord, and then passed on to us with surety by those who heard the Lord.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?<br />
|These people had God's own witness to what they were saying by His granting signs, and wonders and various demonstrations of His power, gifts of the Holy Spirit, just as He deemed proper.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.<br />
|It was not to angels that He subjected the coming worlds of which we are speaking<br />
|again accentuated by word order the opposition between men and angels. This time with the superiority clearly going to man. This is to tie in the superiority of the Son of God as Deity over the angels with now the superiority of Him incarnate, Jesus Christ come in the flesh, over the angels.<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?<br />
|Someone in some place gives testimony, saying, What is man that You think of him or the son of man that You watch over him?<br />
|"Someone in some place"- the author, in the rush of thought, does not readily have the reference in the Scriptures. An example of the force of focus on the task at hand. <br />
The natural biblical parallelism of man - son of man, will lend itself slight further down to bring in the Son of Man, but not yet.<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands<br />
|You have made him somewhat less than the angels, you have crowned him with Glory and Honour, and have placed him over the works of Your hands<br />
| "Hebrews" following the Greek Septuagint has "less than the angels" rather than the original Hebrew text "less than God (Elohim)". The Son will be the final and fully crowned crowned "son of man, but that because of His role in redemption rather than order of creation<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.<br />
|You have put everything under His feet in subjection to Him. All things are placed in subjection to Him. Nothing has not been put under Him. <br />
But we do not see now that all things are put under him.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.<br />
|But we see Jesus, who had become a little "lower than the angels" for the suffering of death, we see Him crowned with Glory and Honour, so, by God's grace, He could taste the death of every man.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.<br />
|For it was just like the Father, seeing that everything was created by Him, and it was for Him that they were made, when he determined to bring many sons into Glory, to make the Fount of their salvation, perfect through the suffering which He endured<br />
|αρχηγον means Leader, author, prince, captain and is translated by the Syriac as Head, which also includes the idea of Source. From the context, it seems however it is translated, there is no distance, as there might be of a Leader, or if a leader, all are right there with him just behind. The thought will follow that the sancnified and sanctifier are one. I have chosen Fount to show the flow of unity - from Him to the sons. <br />
<br />
In 5:9, Again, the theme is taken up that Jesus was made perfect, not implying sin, but completion through the stages in perfect obedience within the experience of sufferings. This will be important. His righteousness was no fiction thus what He won could rightly be there and rightly granted by Him to us. He took our actual and "hard won" sins, we received His hard won righteousness. <br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,<br />
|For both He who makes holy and those who are made holy are one. That is why He is not embarrassed to call them His brothers.<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.<br />
|Saying, I will proclaim Your name to my brothers, in the midst of the church I will sing Your praises. <br />
|The KJV "Church" is good for εκκλησιας, not the "assembly" of NKJV. The term is already coined for the assembly of believers in Christ. <br />
<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.<br />
|And again, I will totally put my confidence in Him, and again, Yes, I and the children God has give me.<br />
|The one who is speaking in the above verses is the Son. In this verse, it is not clear what the first quote has to do with the second. But perhaps it is this, in the first, He expresses His own trust in God (the Father). Once having expressed that, the second quote tells us He is not alone. With Him in this are the children the Father has given Him. Again, they are one, and then follows the meaning of that onesness. <br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;<br />
|<br />
because the children were human beings, He also became a human being, so that He might die, and through that, destroy the one holding the powere of death, namely, the Devil,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.<br />
|freeing them who because of their fear of death, were held in life-long bondage.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.<br />
|And so He took on not the nature of angels, but rather that of the seed of Abraham.<br />
|going with the KJV in this passage where the Greek is unclear. Further in divergence is the Syria, perhaps having the same problem - "...death, not having ruled over angels but rather the seed of Abraham"<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.<br />
|Becasue of all this, it was necessary for Him to be exactly like His brothers, so that He might prove to be a merciful and faithful High Priest toward God for them, and to make a reconciliation for the people's sins.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. <br />
|Because He Himself has endured temptation, He is able to help those who are being tempted.<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 3==<br />
<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;<br />
|So,my holy brothers, sharing in the heavenly call, focus in on the Apostle and High Priest of our faith, Christ Jesus.<br />
|an example of "suggestive" thought - one thought suggesting another, not requiring it. <br />
<br />
"of our faith". The word translated as faith" really means confession or profession of faith, but from the thust of the whole epistle, it is clear that the concern is for going on without swerving or dopping out of the community of faith, which one has entered on his profession of faith. The church professes Christ, and by our joining this faith, so do we. <br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.<br />
|Yes, He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, in similar fashion as Moses was faithful to all his house<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.<br />
|But this One was far more worthy of regard than Moses, as it is really the builder of the house, rather than the house itself, that we have the more regard for. <br />
|Here begins the back and forth showing the superiority of Christ over Moses. In some translations this "on one hand.. but on the other hand" does not receive the emphasis that actual fluidity of the connectives permit and require. This translation allows for that assisted by emphasis permitted by changes in phrase and word order. Here the rhetorical should be given full play and not the structural or "edificial"<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.<br />
|every house is built by some particular individual. But everything that is built has God as its builder<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;<br />
|And it was as a servant that Moses was faithful in all his house, the full implications of this could only be understood later on,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.<br />
|But Christ was faithful as a Son over the house, and that house his own; and we are that house, if we only hold on tight to the confidence and to the joy of this hope, until the very end. <br />
|I have retained KJV "house" faithful to the Greek, rather than making explicit Moses baing faithful as a servant in the house was meant to indicate the things of God and in particlular related to the Torah. I have kept the "house" because the house is actually the term in the Bible and in the Judaism of the day of Hebrews that meant the "temple" - The House of the Lord. So we being the house of the Lord is the same as we being the Temple of the Lord in the letter of Peter. This equivalence shows that already in the book of Hebrews, and to be developed in the letter, there is a thoroughgoing fulfillment - not only the ritualistic elements of the earthly temple of the O.T. and the priesthood, fulfilled in Heaven and in Christ, but also a fulfillment of the people of the O.T. in the people of the New Covenant, the Church. This is not the same as in what is called "replacement theology" as there are fulfillments for the People of Israel as well. All this could not be reflected in the text, of course, but can be developed in footnotes. In other words, a good translation will need to be "annotated".<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,<br />
|And so (The Holy Spirit is speaking: This Day, if you hear His voice, <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness<br />
|do not harden your hearts as in the Trial, the day of temptation of the Wilderness<br />
|again literally "in the wilderness", but translated "of the Wilderness". "The Day of the Wilderness" already known and used as a phrase, thus giving force for a lesson.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.<br />
|The time your fathers tempted me, put me to the trial, having seen my doings for forty years!<br />
| "tempted me, proved me,"..."tempted me, put me to the trial, having seen my doings..." - The "and"s of prose are left out replicating the poetic jabs, the cadences of the original Hebrew in the Psalms. The Vavs in Hebrew do not always mean the prosaic "and" and should not always be translated as "and".<br />
<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.<br />
|So, My heart was cut, hurt because of that generation, and I said, "They are always wandering astray in their hearts. The have not know My ways." <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)<br />
|And I swore in my anger, "They shall not enter into My Rest!)<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.<br />
|And so, my brothers, Be alert that there be no evil heart of unbelief and departing fro the living God<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.<br />
|Cause others evry day to be serious about it while we are in "This Day" now, so that you do not become hardened by deceptive way that sin has, <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;<br />
|We will be sharers in Christ, if our early confidence sees us through to the end,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.<br />
|As to it being said. " This Day, if you hear His voice, <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness<br />
|do not harden your hearts as in the Trial, the day of temptation of the Wilderness", <br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| For some, when they had heard, did provoke| howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.<br />
|This was applicable to the some who had come out of Egypt, the ones who provoked,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?<br />
|<br />
whoe ere the one with whom He was grieved for forty years? was it not with those whose dead bodies lie in the Wilderness?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?<br />
|Who were they that He swore would not enter into His Rest, where they not those who believed not?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
| So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. <br />
|So we see, it was because of unbelief that they could not enter. <br />
|Here is a more than minor statement which will appear over and over again in other forms - do not think that you can retain belief in Christ and reject the community of faith - the Church. But along the way, I (the author of Hebrews) will show you the fulfillment in Christ of every thing of the Judaism you know and the Old Testament foundation of all, for the rightness of your decision of faith to shine through. But know that it is the community of Faith. And without faith, you cannot enter in.<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 4==<br />
<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.<br />
|Let us be fearful, therefore, that any of us, falling short, do not enter His Rest<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.<br />
|We, as well as the people of former time, had God's word proclaimed to us, but they not having faith mixed in with the Word that they heard.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. <br />
|For it is we believers who do enter the Rest, He having said, "I have sworn in my anger that they should not enter my Rest", the Rest commencing with the conclusion of the work undertaken for the founding of the world. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.<br />
|Because in a certain place He spoke in words to this effect, "And God rested on the seventh day from all His works." <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.<br />
|And then in another place, "They shall not enter into my Rest!"<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief<br />
|And so we see that some are to enter in and we also see that the ones first preached to did not enter in - because of their unbelief<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.<br />
|And then again we see that there is a "certain day", according to David from a time much later on. It is said, "This Day, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts".<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.<br />
| Well, if Joshua had given them the Rest, then there would not have been need to afterward speak of'' another'' Day. <br />
|"Jesus" is the Greek (iesous) for Joshua. There are the same name. the Peshitta Aramaic spells this out by supplying here Joshua's full name Joshua Ben Nun (Joshua son of Nun). The Greek leaves it ambiguous, knowing that who was intended was Joshua, the servant and successor of Moses, but also seeing the activity of the Son of God Jesus in salvations now and then. <br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| There remaineth therefore a Rest to the people of God.<br />
|And so "the Rest" remains for the people of God.<br />
|Here and in the following verses, is a clear demonstration of the concept that works do not bring us to the promised rest of God, and that the believers by not trying it by works do enter into that rest that God has provided, and so they do it God's way who Himself rested from His own works - the works of creation. We labor to enter into His Rest. That is not a contradiction. We decide, determine, and stick to the resolution, that we will be saved by Him in whom we have believed and not sink back into the old way of striving to please Him by who we are and and what we can do.<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.<br />
|For the one who has entered into his Rest, He has ceased from his own "works", just as God did from his. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.<br />
|Let us labor, therefore to enter our Rest, God forbid there befall us what unbelief brings,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.<br />
|Yes, God's word is alive and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword, cutting down between the soul and the spirit, stiking even inner bone, and tendon, and knowing what is going on in ones heart and mind. <br />
| Here the author transits from the "it" of the Word to "He" who is the Word and with whom we have to do. <br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.<br />
|No created thing is left unexposed to His sight; all are naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.<br />
|Well, seeing that we do have a great High Priest, that has gone through into Heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold strong in our confession. <br />
|Well, we do not loose heart as the One who sees all and from Whom none can escape, He is the One who pities us having great compassion.<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.<br />
|We do not have a High Priest who is untouched and immune to what we go through, our debilities: in every way we are, He was tempted, but did not sin. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. <br />
|So let us come with confidence to the Throne of Grace, so that we can obtain mercy and God's compassion, to help us for the time of our need. <br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 5==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins<br />
|For every high priest taken from men is given for men for things that pertain to God, for the purpose of offerings and sacrifices<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.<br />
|and these can have sympathy on those that are ignorant and who stray, becaue he likewise has these debilities.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.<br />
|And that is why he needs to offer up for his own sins, just as for the others. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.<br />
|No person can take the weight of this honor on his own, but he must be called by God, just as was Aaron. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.<br />
|the same with Christ; He did not take this honor on Himself to make of Hinmself a high priest. It was He that said to Him, " You are my Son, This Day I have fathered You.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.<br />
|He also said somehwhere else, " You are a Priest forever, in the likeness of Melchizedek. <br />
|The Greek can bear the meaning of "Order", possibly a "mishmeret" of priests (a formal grouping of priests for particular service at a particular cycle of time as was in Zakharia, the father of John the Baptizer) but may also bear, as the Peshitta has it, a "likeness" or type that is replicated (ܒ݁ܰܕ݂ܡܽܘܬ݂ܶܗ ܕ݁ܡܰܠܟ݁ܺܝܙܕ݂ܶܩ biddmuteh dMelcisedek). I have chosen the latter as it continues the theme of image bearing, and leaves open the possibility of later interpretation of Epistle to the Hebrews that Melchizedek actually was a pre-incarnational theophany of the Son of God<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;<br />
|This One when He was on earth in the flesh, offered up prayers and heartfelt stirrings with loud cries and tears to Him having the power to save Him from death, and He was heard, for he feared God.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;<br />
|Even though He was a Son, He still had to learn obedience by endurance through the things He suffered<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;<br />
|And so having become perfect, He bacame the Source of eternal salvation for all who will obey Him. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.<br />
|Yes, He was called by God to be in such a way in the likeness of Melchizedek<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.<br />
|I have many things to say about this matter, but it is diffuclt, you are so hard to get through to. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.<br />
|You should be teachers by this time, but you yourselves need to be taught the very basics of the message of God, You need to drink milk, not eat solid meat.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. <br />
|Everyone needing milk is still a baby, "milk" for the bumblers, taking first steps in the word of righteousness. <br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.<br />
|Solid food is for the grown-ups, those that have mastered solid steps in the distinguishing between good and evil.<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 6==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,<br />
|Setting aside the principles of Christ's truth, let's talk about perfection, not explaining the necessity of repentance and faithfulness to God again,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.<br />
|of the doctrines of baptism, healing by faith, resurrecting the dead, and eternal judgment.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| And this will we do, if God permit.<br />
|So we shall, God permitting.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,<br />
|Because it's impossible for those who have seen the truth and tasted God's gift, who have taken part in the Divine Guide,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,<br />
|and have enjoyed God's good word and the heavenly powers,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.<br />
|if they fail in faith, to bring them back to repent. Since they are crucifying and shaming the Son of God once again.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God<br />
|Because the earth, which absorbs the rain and produces vegetation to provide for us, is blessed by God.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.<br />
|But the land covered in thorns and thistles is rejected, even cursed. It is destined to be burned.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.<br />
|Friends, though we talk like this, we're convinced better things are in store for you, along with salvation.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.<br />
|God is not deceitful and will not forget your work, which you have done loving His name, like ministering to the saints.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end<br />
|We hope that all of you show the same work ethic and hope until the very end,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.<br />
|that you won't be lazy, but follow those who inherit Jesus' promises through faith and patience.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,<br />
|When God promised Abraham, because he could swear no bigger oath, he swore by himself.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.<br />
|He said, "I will certainly bless you and multiply you."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.<br />
|So, after patient endurance, he received the promise.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| For men verily swear by the greater and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.<br />
|Men always swear by greater things and assume that it will end their problems.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath<br />
|So God used an oath to show the heirs of His promise that his counsel would never change.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us<br />
|It is impossible for God to lie, so He did this so we who have fled to grasp His hope could be consoled by two unchanging things.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
| Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;<br />
|The hope is the anchor of the soul, strong and secure, and enters behind the curtain,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
| Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. <br />
|Where Jesus, our forerunner, has entered. He is the high priest for ever in the order of Melchisedec.<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 7==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;<br />
|Melchisedec, King of Salem, and God's priest, met Abraham returning from the decimation of kings and blessed him.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;<br />
|Abraham gave him a tenth of everything, including the title of King of righteousness, later also King of Salem, meaning "King of peace."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.<br />
|Fatherless, motherless, without family, without a beginning or end, he was made like the Son of Man, being a priest eternally.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.<br />
|Consider how great he was, since the patriarch Abraham gave him one tenth of everything.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham<br />
|So the sons of Levi who enter the priesthood have been commanded to take tithes from the people as the law states - from their brothers - though they are descended from Abraham..<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.<br />
|He didn't descend from them, but received Abraham's tithes, and blessed him with the promise.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.<br />
|Without contradiction, the less is blessed all the more.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.<br />
|Here, men who die receive tithes, but there, the living receives them.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.<br />
|Levi too, while receiving tithes, paid them to Abraham.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.<br />
|Because he was still a descendant of his father when Melchisedec met him.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?<br />
|So if one could be perfected by the Leviticl priesthood (which gave people the law) what was the point of another priest after Melchisedec not called of the order of Aaron?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.<br />
|The priesthood has been changed and so there must be a change of the law.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.<br />
|Because He whom this is about is from another tribe, which wasn't allowed to access the altar.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.<br />
|It's clear that our Lord came from Juda, a tribe about which Moses spoke nothing about the priesthood.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| And it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,<br />
|It is even clearer that another priest has arisen the same as Melchizedek,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.<br />
| Who is created not by the laws of the physical world, but with the power of everlasting life.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.<br />
| For he taught, "You are a priest forever pursuant to the order of Melchizedek.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.<br />
| There was truly a cancellation of the prior commandment because it became weak and unprofitable.<br />
|recheck<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
| For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.<br />
| For the law made nothing perfect, but the introduction of a greater hope did, by which we come close to God.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
| And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest<br />
| It was only with an oath that He was made priest;<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|21<br />
| (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec)<br />
| for the other priests were ordained without an oath. But He took this oath that said to Him, "The Lord swore and will not recant, 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek'<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|22<br />
| By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.<br />
| By this Jesus became a guarantee of a better covenant.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|23<br />
| And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death<br />
| There were many priests, because death prevented them from continuing forever in their position.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|24<br />
| But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.<br />
| But this man, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.<br />
| modern versions dilute this<br />
|-<br />
|25<br />
| Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.<br />
| He is thereby also able to save to the utmost those who come to God by Him, seeing that He lives forever to intercede for them.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|26<br />
| For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;<br />
| For such a high priest became of us; He is holy, harmless, undefiled, away from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens;<br />
| "harmless" or "blameless"?<br />
|-<br />
|27<br />
| Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's| for this he did once, when he offered up himself.<br />
| Who, unlike the high priests, make daily sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the people's, because he did this once when he offered up himself.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|28<br />
| For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.<br />
| For the law makes men high priests who have human weakness; but the word of the oath, which came later after the law, makes the Son who is consecrated forever.<br />
|wow, what a logical conclusion!<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 8==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;<br />
|This is the main point here: we have such a high priest who sits at the right hand of God in Heaven, <br />
|avoid monarchy-centric jargon<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.<br />
| a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, and not man.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.<br />
|For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices, thus it is necessary that this man also have something to offer.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law<br />
| For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, seeing that there are priests who offer gifts pursuant to the law,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.<br />
|who imitate the example and image of heavenly things; as Moses was admonished by God for whom he was about to construct the tabernacle: "See", said He, "that you make all things according to the pattern showed to you in the mount."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.<br />
| But now He has obtained a more perfect ministry, by how much also is he the mediator of a finer covenant, which was founded on stronger promises.<br />
|we can be more descriptive than "better"; note that this is speaking of Jesus<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.<br />
| If that first covenant had been perfect, then there would have been no need for the second.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah<br />
| But finding fault with them, He said, "'The day will come,' said the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.<br />
| not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers at the time when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they lived in violation of my covenant, and I disregarded them,' said the Lord.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people<br />
| 'For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,' said the Lord; 'I will put implant my laws in their minds, and write them in their hears, and I will be a God to them, and they shall be a people to me.'<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.<br />
| And they shall not teach every male neighbor, and every grown brother, saying, 'Know the Lord because all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.'<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.<br />
| For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities I will forgive and forget.<br />
|"remember no more" is awkward today; "forgive and forget" conveys point better today<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.<br />
| By saying, 'A new covenant,' he has discarded the first one. Now that which decays and grows old is ready to disappear.<br />
| "old" or "discarded"?<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 9==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.<br />
|The first covenant had rules about divine service and an earthly sanctuary.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.<br />
|A tabernacle was built, with a candlestick, table, and bread inside, called the sanctuary.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;<br />
|Beyond the second veil, they called it the Holiest of all.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;<br />
|There was a gold censer and the ark of the covenant, surrounded with gold, with a golden pot with manna in it, Aaron's budded rod, and the tables of the covenant.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.<br />
|Over it, cherubim of glory shadowed the seat of mercy, of which we don't know details.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.<br />
|When this was all explained, the priests were always went into the first tabernacle to do God's services.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people<br />
|However, only the high priest went into the second, once a year, with blood which he offered on his own behalf and for the people's sins.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing<br />
|The Divine Guide thus established that the way to the holiest place of all wasn't yet revealed while the first tabernacle still stood.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;<br />
|This was for the present time, when gifts and sacrifices were given which couldn't perfect their consciences.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.<br />
|They were about food and drink and cleansing and various rules, set upon them until the time of reformation arrived.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;<br />
|Christ, being a high priest of the great things in store, came by a perfect tabernacle, not constructed by hands. That is, not this building.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.<br />
|He earned eternal redemption for us by entering the holy place with His own blood, not the blood of goats and cows.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh<br />
|Because, if bull and goat blood and the ashes of a cow sprinkled on the unclean purify the flesh,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?<br />
|How much more will the blood of Christ clean your soul form the past to serve the living God, since he, sinless, has offered Himself through the eternal Spirit to God?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.<br />
|So He is the mediator of the New Testament, or will, so that we may be redeemed of our failings under the first will can receive the promise of God's eternal gift through death.<br />
|Testament has lost its meaning of will, which is really being meant here.<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.<br />
|Where there's a will, the writer of the will must have died.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| For a testament is of force after men are dead, otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.<br />
|Testaments only apply after men die, and have no power whatsoever while they live.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.<br />
|So the first will was established with blood.<br />
|Double negative<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
| For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,<br />
|When Moses had discussed ever part of the law with the people, he took calf and goat blood, water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the book and the people.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
| Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.<br />
|He said, "This is the blood of the testament which God has give to you."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|21<br />
| Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.<br />
|Then he sprinkled the tabernacle and the vessels of ministry with blood.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|22<br />
| And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.<br />
|Almost everything is cleansed by law with blood, for without blood there is no forgiveness.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|23<br />
| It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.<br />
|So it was necessary that these copies of heavenly things be purified, but heavenly things need a better sacrifice.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|24<br />
| For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us<br />
|So Christ hasn't entered into a hand-build holy place, which is just imitation of the true, but heaven itself, ready to appear before God on our behalf.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|25<br />
| Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;<br />
|But he shouldn't offer himself often, just as the high priests only enters the holy place once a year with the blood.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|26<br />
| For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.<br />
|Because then, he would have to suffer since the beginning of time many times! But instead, he has appeared once near the end of history to remove sin by sacrificing himself.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|27<br />
| And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment<br />
|It's established that men are to die once, until after this, the judgment:<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|28<br />
| So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.<br />
| Thus Christ, offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear sinless a second time to those who look for him, to deliver them to salvation.<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 10==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.<br />
| The law casting only a shadow of good things to come, and not the actual image of such things, can never attain complete perfection with those annual sacrifices.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.<br />
| Otherwise would not the offerings have ceased? Because then the worshipers once purified would no longer be aware of sins.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.<br />
| But those sacrifices are annual repeated remembrance of sins.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.<br />
| This is because it not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me<br />
| For this He came into the world, saying, "Sacrifice and offering you would not, but a body you have prepared for me<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.<br />
| There is no pleasure in your burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.<br />
| Then I said, "Alas, I came (as written in the scriptures) to do your will, oh God."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;<br />
| Above when He said, "You had no pleasure in the sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin, which are offered pursuant to the law;<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.<br />
| Next He said, "Amen, I come to do Your will, oh God." He took away the first in order to establish the second,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.<br />
| by which intent we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once and for all.<br />
| rare verse where our version is longer than the [[KJV]] rendition<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins<br />
|Each priest does his duties daily and offers sacrifices incapable of taking away sins,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;<br />
|yet this man, offering only one sacrifice for all sins ever, sits down at God's right hand.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.<br />
|Now he waits until his enemies become his footstool,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.<br />
|since with one offering he has eternally perfected the purified.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us, for after that he had said before,<br />
|The Divine Guide has told us of this. He said,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;<br />
|"I will make this covenant with them after those days. I will place my laws in their hearts and write them in their minds."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.<br />
|"I will forget their sins and failures."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.<br />
|Where there has been forgiveness, no more offering is required.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
| Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,<br />
|So, brothers, having the courage to enter the holiest place by the blood of Jesus,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
| By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;<br />
|by the new, living way through the he has established for us, through his flesh,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|21<br />
| And having an high priest over the house of God;<br />
|and with a new high priest over God's house.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|22<br />
| Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.<br />
|Let us come to God with true hearts bolstered by faith, washed clean of evil conscience, our bodies washed with pure water.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|23<br />
| Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)<br />
|Let us stay true to the declaration of our faith, unwavering, for He who promises is trustworthy.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|24<br />
| And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works<br />
|Let's think about each other to bring about love and good deeds.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|25<br />
| Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.<br />
|Let's not fail to gather together, like some have, but encourage each other more and more as we see the day grow near.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|26<br />
| For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,<br />
|If we choose to sin after gaining knowledge and truth, no sacrifice remains to purify us,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|27<br />
| But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.<br />
|but instead a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery anger will devour God's enemies.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|28<br />
| He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses<br />
|A man who mocked Moses' law died without mercy before a few men.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|29<br />
| Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?<br />
|How much worse do you think it'll be for the man who trampled the Son of God, and has considered His blood of the covenant, which purified him, a silly thing, and has attacked the Spirit of grace?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|30<br />
| For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.<br />
|We all know He who said, "Vengeance is mine. I will repay," said the Lord. Similarly, "The Lord will judge His people."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|31<br />
| It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.<br />
|It is a frightening thing to fall into the living God's hands.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|32<br />
| But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;<br />
|Yet remember past days when, after you learned the truth, battled against adversity.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|33<br />
| Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.<br />
|Sometimes you were mocked and attacked, other times you joined those who were treated like that.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|34<br />
| For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.<br />
|You cared for me while I was imprisoned, and stood happily while your property was ransacked, knowing you have a far better provision in heaven.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|35<br />
| Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.<br />
|So don't throw away your confidence as it will be greatly rewarded.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|36<br />
| For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.<br />
|You must be patient that after doing God's will, you will receive your due.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|37<br />
| For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.<br />
|It will still be a while until He who will come will come with haste.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|38<br />
| Now the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.<br />
|The just will live through faith and if any man abandons it, my soul won't be pleased.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|39<br />
| But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. <br />
|But we aren't the sort to abandon faith for damnation, but the sort who believe in saving the soul.<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 11==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
|Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. <br />
|Faith is the foundation of our hopes, the evidence of the unseen.<br />
|Faith ''is'' evidence. Quite remarkable.<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
|For by it the elders obtained a good report. <br />
|Through it, the elders gained a good reputation.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
|Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. <br />
|Through faith, we discover the universe was created by God's word, so that which we see didn't come from anything visible.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
|By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. <br />
|Through faith, Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, and God proclaimed that he was righteous. His faith still speaks, though he is dead.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
|By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. <br />
|Through faith, Enoch was summoned up, so that he would not die. He was not found, as God had carried him away. Before this, he had been told he pleased God.<br />
|Interesting archaic form of "translated."<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
|But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. <br />
|Without faith it is impossible to please God. Anyone coming to God must believe that He is God, that He is the rewarder of those who seek him.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
|By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.<br />
|Through faith, Noah was warned by God of the future, and built an Ark to save his house. Though the world was condemned, he became heir of the righteousness of faith.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
|By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.<br />
|Through faith, Abraham, called to the land he was to inherit, obeyed the call. He went there, not knowing where he was going.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
|By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:<br />
|Through faith he traveled into the promised land, a foreign country, staying in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, likewise heirs of the very same promise.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
|For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.<br />
|He looked for a city with solid foundations, with God its builder and maker.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
|Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.<br />
|Through faith, Sara received the ability to conceive a child, and gave birth when she was very old, because she trusted in the faith of He who promised.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
|Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.<br />
|So from a man, as old as near death, came as many descendants as there are stars in the sky, grains of sand by the sea shore.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
|These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.<br />
|They all died in faith without the promises personally, but were persuaded after having seen them at a distance. They embraced the promises and confessed that they were strangers and travelers on the earth.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
|For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. <br />
|Those who speak like that are clearly stating they seek a new country.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
|And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. <br />
|If they had been focused on their country of origin, they might have gone back to it.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
|But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. <br />
|But instead, they wish for a better country, a heavenly one. So God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he has built them a city.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
|By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,<br />
|Through faith, Abraham offered Isaac when tested. He who was given promises offered up his only son.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
|Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:<br />
|The scripture said of him, "Your descendants will come through Isaac."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
|Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.<br />
|Abraham believed God could resurrect him from the dead, and in a way he did get him back that way.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
|By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.<br />
|Through faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau about the future.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|21<br />
|By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.<br />
|Through faith, Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph when near death and worshiped God while leaning on his staff.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|22<br />
|By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.<br />
|Through faith, Joseph mentioned the exodus of the Israelites at his death, and made orders about his body.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|23<br />
|By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.<br />
|Through faith, Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth because they saw he was a special child and weren't afraid of the despot's command.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|24<br />
|By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;<br />
|Through faith, Moses refused to be called Pharaoh's daughter's son when he reached adulthood.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|25<br />
|Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;<br />
|Instead he chose to undergo trials with the people of God, rather than enjoy sinful pleasures for any time.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|26<br />
|Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.<br />
|He thought suffering for Christ more valuable than all the treasure in Egypt, because he looked forward to his reward.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|27<br />
|By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.<br />
|Through faith he abandoned Egypt, without fear of the pharaoh. He strove forward, seeing He who is invisible.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|28<br />
|Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.<br />
|Through faith, he observed the passover and sprinkling of blood, in case the destroyer of the firstborn touched them.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|29<br />
|By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.<br />
|Through faith, they traveled through the Red Sea like it was land, while the Egyptians were drowned trying.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|30<br />
|By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.<br />
|Through faith, the walls of Jericho fell after they were surrounded for seven days.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|31<br />
|By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.<br />
|Through faith, Rahab the prostitute didn't die with the unbelievers, after she welcomed the spies.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|32<br />
|And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:<br />
|What else can I say? There's not enough time to tell of Gedeon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|33<br />
|Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,<br />
|Who through faith conquered nations, brought righteousness, gained promises, and quieted lions.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|34<br />
|Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.<br />
|Quenched fiery violence, escaped death by sword, made strong though originally weak, turned valiant in fight, and caused the foreign armies to flee.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|35<br />
|Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:<br />
|Women received their dead back alive; others were tortured while not refusing to sell out, so that they might obtain a better resurrection.<br />
|"while not refusing to sell out" - a modern use of the political term "sell out"<br />
|-<br />
|36<br />
|And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:<br />
|Meanwhile others endured cruel mockings and scourgings and, yes, even chains and imprisonment;<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|37<br />
|They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;<br />
|they were stoned, sawed in half, tempted and slain by sword; they wandered around in garments made of sheepskin and goatskin, while destitute, oppressed and distressed;<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|38<br />
|(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.<br />
|The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts, over mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.<br />
|drop the parenthetical?<br />
|-<br />
|39<br />
|And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: <br />
|Yet all of them, having received a good report through faith, did not receive the promise;<br />
|rare instance where our version is longer than the KSV<br />
|-<br />
|40<br />
|God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.<br />
|God gave us more, so that they need us to become complete.<br />
|last sentence here is curious; our rendition is debatable.<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 12==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,<br />
|Thus, amongst such a large crowd of witnesses, let us set aside all anxiety and sin that distract us, and let us run with perseverance the race given us,<br />
|fascinating first sentence<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.<br />
| inspired by Jesus, the creator and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the triumphant finish, rising above the shame, and now sits at the right hand of God's throne.<br />
|χαρά is a challenge here: try "triumphant" due to the context<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.<br />
|Think of how He endured so much opposition by sinners against himself, so that you do not tire and lose heart.<br />
|ἀναλογίζομαι: "think of" is the best modern rendition<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.<br />
|You have not yet shed blood in resistance and striving against sin.<br />
|rare verse that is longer here than in KJV<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him<br />
| And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despite not you the chastening of the LORD, nor faint when you are rebuked of him<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.<br />
| For those that the LORD loves he disciplines, and scourges every son who he recieves.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?<br />
| If you endure discipline, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is never disciplined by his father?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.<br />
| But if you are not disciplined, whereof all are partakers, then you are bastards, and not sons.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?<br />
| Furthermore, we have had fathers like us who corrected us, and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.<br />
| For they truly disciplined us for a few days after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we may partake in his holiness.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.<br />
| Now no discipline for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;<br />
| Why lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.<br />
| And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord<br />
| Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;<br />
| Looking diligently lest any man fall from grace with God; lest any bitterness spring up to trouble you, and by that defile many,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.<br />
| Lest there be any who fornicate, or any who are profane, as Esau, who sold his birthright for one morsel of meat.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.<br />
| For you know how afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected for he did not find a place to repent, though he sought it carefully and tearfully.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,<br />
| For you are not to come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned, nor unto blackness, darkness, and tempest,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
| And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more<br />
| And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard said that the word should not be said to them anymore<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
| (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart<br />
| (For they could not endure the command, And if even a beast so much as touched the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|21<br />
| And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)<br />
| And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|22<br />
| But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,<br />
| But you are to come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|23<br />
| To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,<br />
| To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of good men made perfect,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|24<br />
| And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.<br />
| And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood for sprinkling, that speaks better things than Abel.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|25<br />
| See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven<br />
| See that you refuse not him who speaks. For if they did not escape those who refused him that spoke on Earth, much more we shall not escape, if we turn away from he who speaks from heaven<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|26<br />
| Whose voice then shook the earth| but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.<br />
| Whose voice once shook the earth| but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not only the Earth, but also heaven.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|27<br />
| And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.<br />
| And this word, yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of those that are made, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|28<br />
| Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear<br />
| Why we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|29<br />
| For our God is a consuming fire. <br />
| For our God is a strong, consuming fire.<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Chapter 13==<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
!Verse<br />
!King James Version<br />
!Proposed Conservative Translation<br />
!Analysis<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
| Let brotherly love continue.<br />
| Continue to love like brothers.<br />
| Keep the familiar phrase "brotherly love," which may have inspired William Penn's naming of "Philadelphia"?<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
| Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.<br />
|Don't forget to be hospitable to strangers; by doing that, some have unknowingly been hospitable to angels.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
| Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.<br />
|Remember those who are imprisoned as if you were imprisoned with them, and those who are suffering as if you yourself felt their suffering with your own body.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
| Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.<br />
|Honor marriage and keep the marriage bed pure; God will judge the promiscuous and the adulterers.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
| Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.<br />
|Let your way be without love of money, and be content with what you have now. God has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
| So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.<br />
|So we can boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and will not be afraid of what any man will do to me."<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
| Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.<br />
|Remember your rulers, who have spoken the word of God to you. Follow the example of their faith, carefully observing the result of their behavior.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
| Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.<br />
|Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
| Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.<br />
| Do not be carried about with divers and false doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart is established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have occupied therein.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
| We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.<br />
| We have an altar, while they have no right to eat what serves the tabernacle.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
| For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.<br />
| For the bodies of these beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest of sin, are burned without the camp.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
| Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.<br />
| Why even Jesus, so that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
| Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.<br />
| Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
| For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.<br />
| For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
| By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.<br />
| Therefore, by him, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
| But to do good and to communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.<br />
| But to do good and to communicate, do not forget that with such sacrifices God is well pleased.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
| Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you.<br />
| Obey your leaders, and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for grief is not profitable for you.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
| Pray for us for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.<br />
| Pray for us for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live without deceit.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
| But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.<br />
| But I beseech you, please do this, that I may be restored to you more quickly.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
| Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,<br />
| Now the God of peace, that brought our Lord Jesus back from the dead again, that great shepherd, through the blood of the endless covenant,<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|21<br />
| Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.<br />
| Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well and pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom there shall be glory forever. Amen.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|22<br />
| And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation for I have written a letter unto you in few words.<br />
| And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation for I have written a short letter to you.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|23<br />
| Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.<br />
| Know that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|24<br />
| Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.<br />
| Salute all who lead you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|25<br />
| Grace be with you all. Amen. <br />
| Boundless generosity be with you all. Amen.<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conservative Bible]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Paleoconservative&diff=814094Paleoconservative2010-08-27T14:50:59Z<p>BryanT: /* Economy */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Paleoconservative''' is a term that describes an academic or scholarly [[conservative]] who emphasizes religious heritage, national and Western identity, [[tradition]], [[civil society]] and classical [[federalism]], the importance of [[demographics]], and an anti-interventionist policy of [[Robert Taft]]. Paleoconservatives oppose immigration, communism, [[authoritarianism]], [[social democracy]] and entitlement programs. The most prominent figure is TV commentator and author [[Pat Buchanan]].<br />
<br />
Many paleoconservatives identify themselves as "classical conservatives" and trace their philosophy to the [[Old Right]] Republicans of the interwar period, which helped keep the U.S. out of the [[League of Nations]], reduced immigration with the passage of the Immigration Act of 1924, and opposed [[Franklin Roosevelt]]'s [[New Deal]]. They were [[isolationists]] who opposed entry into [[World War II]].<br />
<br />
They often look back even further, to [[Edmund Burke]], as well as the American anti-federalist movement that stretched from the days of [[Thomas Jefferson]] to [[John C. Calhoun]].<br />
<br />
Paleoconservatism is popular in the [[Bible Belt]] states.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The term paleoconservative was first used by paleoconservative historians [[Thomas Fleming]] and [[Paul Gottfried]], with the "paleo" prefix meaning "old" in opposition to the "neo", or "new", conservatives. The term is now routinely used by both its proponents and its detractors.<ref>'''Phillips, Dan''' "What the Heck is a Paleoconservative and Why You Should Care" (2006) [http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2006/12/08/what-the-heck-is-a-paleoconservative-and-why-you-should-care/ Intellectual Conservative]. Accessed 26 December 2007.</ref><br />
<br />
Gottfried wrote in his entry to ''American Conservatism: An Encyclopedia'': "Paleoconservative" becomes a conceptual and political counterpoint to "neoconservative" in "The Conservative Movement" by Thomas Fleming and Paul Gottfried (1988). Here the term no longer refers merely to conservative traditionalists of the 1950s and 1960s, e.g., Southern Agrarians, Catholic anticommunists associated with "National Review", and Taft Republicans who rallied to the Cold War. Instead, the term is now applied to embattled conservatives who opposed the growing influence of anticommunist New Deal Democrats on the Reagan presidency and on the conservative movement on the 1980s."<br />
<br />
==Philosophy==<br />
Paleoconservatism "is distinguished by certain philosophical presumptions that differ markedly from the presumptions of [[neocon]]s and most modern conservatives."<ref>'''Phillips, Dan''' "What the Heck is a Paleoconservative and Why You Should Care" op cit.</ref> <br />
<br />
Unlike most conservatives today, paleoconservatives are against the [[Iraq War]]. They are highly critical of the [[George W. Bush|Bush administration]] and the mainstream conservative movement. Paleoconservatism vocally distinguishes itself in its opposition to [[neoconservative|neoconservatism]]. However, what really sets them apart from other conservatives is much deeper than just policy: they generally reject the [[Enlightenment]] in whole or in part; they reject [[John Locke|Lockean]] "[[Social contract|contract theory]]" <br />
<br />
Most controversially, they reject the concept of "natural rights" outright. Dr. Donald Livingston, Professor of Philosophy at Emory University, has argued that natural rights are a "philosophical superstition," and that "Whatever they might be, natural rights are universal and apply to all men. Further, they are known by reason, independent of any inherited moral tradition... It follows, therefore, that the doctrine of natural rights must be in a condition of permanent hostility to all inherited moral traditions. Any such tradition, no matter how noble the goods of excellence cultivated in it, can always be seen as violating ''someone's'' natural rights under some interpretation or another."<ref>'''Phillips, Dan''' "Understanding the Paleoconservative Perspective on Life" (2006) [http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2006/10/31/understanding-the-paleoconservative-perspective-on-life/ Intellectual Conservative]. Accessed 26 December 2007.</ref> <br />
<br />
Paleos agree with mainstream conservatives on issues like opposition to [[secularism]], abortion on demand and gay marriage, while supporting capital punishment, handgun ownership and an original intent reading of the [[U.S. Constitution]]. Paleocons also often argue that modern managerial society is a threat to stable families.<br />
<br />
=== Government ===<br />
<br />
Paleos strongly oppose American membership in the [[United Nations]]. They also seek to limit the power of the [[Federal|Federal Government]], while strongly supporting [[Local Government|State's Rights]]. Paleos believe America was founded as a [[Constitutional Republic]] and support this form of government in favor of pure [[democracy]]. Some paleos in the [[Neo-Confederate]] movement, support the seccession of the Southern States.<br />
<br />
=== Culture ===<br />
<br />
Paleoconservatives differ from neoconservatives on [[immigration]], [[affirmative action]] and, unlike mainstream conservatives, paleos generally oppose [[miscegenation]] (multicultural integration). Paleoconservatives also question the supposition that [[European]] [[culture]] and mores can ever be transplanted or forced upon non-Western cultures, due to separate cultural heritages. As a result, paleocons are most distinctive in their emphatic opposition to open immigration by non-Europeans, and their general disapproval of U.S. intervention overseas for the purposes of exporting democracy.<ref>http://www.nationalinvestor.com/Experts-Lubinskas.htm</ref> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Religion ===<br />
<br />
Paleoconservatives are [[Conservative Christianity|Conservative Christians]], like [[Christian Fundamentalism|Protestant Fundamentalists]] and [[Traditionalist Catholics]]. They oppose religious [[pluralism]] and support orthodoxy of the [[doctrine]] within the respective denominations. They stress the importance of the need of America to return to its Christian Heritage.<br />
<br />
=== Economy ===<br />
<br />
Paleoconservatives support [[free market]] [[capitalism]], but many are ardent opponents of [[free trade]], citing disintegration of America's manufacturing base, and American dependence on imports as adverse effects of free trade. They strongly oppose all forms of [[socialism]] or [[communism]]. They seek to replace [[Federal Reserve System]] with a Constitutional monetary system. They are deeply concerned with the United States' loans of large amounts of money from the [[World Bank]] and the huge trade deficit the country is experiencing. Unlike mainstream conservatives, paleos oppose the continuing US financial support of [[Israel]]. Like other conservatives, they emphasize the importance of creating jobs for the working class and the slashing of [[taxes]] and spending.<br />
<br />
== Definitions ==<br />
<br />
In the March 2004 edition of [[Chronicles (magazine)|''Chronicles'']] magazine, [[Samuel Francis]] defined paleoconservatism versus conservatism as: "What paleoconservatism tries to tell Americans is that the dominant forces in their society are no longer committed to conserving the traditions, institutions, and values that created and formed it, and, therefore, that those who are really conservative in any serious sense and wish to live under those traditions, institutions, and values need to oppose the dominant forces and form new ones."<br />
<br />
Journalist Rod Dreher of the ''Dallas Morning News'' outlined what he called the "Crunchy Con Manifesto", which summarizes most paleoconservative principles:<br />
<br />
*"We are conservatives who stand outside the conservative mainstream; therefore, we can see things that matter more clearly.<br />
*Modern conservatism has become too focused on money, power, and the accumulation of stuff, and insufficiently concerned with the content of our individual and social character.<br />
*Big business deserves as much skepticism as big government.<br />
*Culture is more important than politics and economics. <br />
*A conservatism that does not practice restraint, humility, and good stewardship — especially of the [[Conservation|natural world]] — is not fundamentally conservative.<br />
*Small, Local, Old, and Particular are almost always better than Big, Global, New, and Abstract.<br />
*Beauty is more important than efficiency. <br />
*The relentlessness of media-driven pop culture deadens our senses to authentic truth, beauty, and wisdom.<br />
*We share Russell Kirk’s conviction that “the institution most essential to conserve is the family.”<br />
*Politics and economics won’t save us; if our culture is to be saved at all, it will be by faithfully living by the [[Russell Kirk|Permanent Things]], conserving these ancient moral truths in the choices we make in our everyday lives."<ref>'''Dreher, Rod''' "A Crunchy Con Manifesto" [http://crunchycon.nationalreview.com/about/ National Review Online]. Accessed 26 December 2007.</ref><br />
<br />
The leading publications of the paleoconservatives includes ''[[The American Conservative]]'' and ''[[Chronicles (magazine)]].'' Perhaps the most well known paleoconservative is [[Patrick J. Buchanan]]. Other paleoconservatives include [[Ron Paul]], [[Chuck Baldwin]], [[Peter Brimelow]], [[Thomas Fleming]], the late [[Samuel Francis]], [[Peter Hitchens]], [[William S. Lind]], [[Scott McConnell]], [[Charley Reese]], [[Paul Craig Roberts]], [[Steve Sailer]], [[Clyde Wilson]], U.S. Congressman and 2nd Chairman of the [[John Birch Society]], [[Larry McDonald]], passsenger on [[Korean Airlines Flight 007]] shot down by the Soviets on Sept. 1, 1983. The term has also been applied to the three key intellectuals in post-war conservatism: [[Russell Kirk]], [[Richard Weaver]], and [[Robert Nisbet]].<br />
<br />
== Paleoconservative Organizations ==<br />
<br />
* [[The John Birch Society]]<br />
* [[The Conservative Caucus]]<br />
* [[Constitution Party]]<br />
* [[Council of Conservative Citizens]]<br />
* [[Family Research Council]]<br />
* [[Institute on the Constitution]]<br />
* [[League of the South]] ([[Neo-Confederate]])<br />
* [[Rockford Institute]]<br />
* [[VDARE]]<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<br />
*[[Paleoconservatism Worldwide]]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/user/rescueKAL007#p/a/FD3DE4F0642C350C/0/1c8v-kgLvhM Pat Buchanan's "Crossfire" interview with [[Larry McDonald]] 3 months before downing of [[KAL 007]], Ron Paul intro]<br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
* Gottfied, Paul Edward. ''Conservatism in America: Making Sense of the American Right'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Conservatism-America-Making-Sense-American/dp/1403974322/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258805389&sr=1-5 excerpt and text search]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
[[category:political Ideologies]]<br />
[[category:Conservatives]]<br />
[[category:Paleoconservatives]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Steady_state&diff=814093Steady state2010-08-27T14:50:23Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>The term "'''steady state'''" describes a system in which no variables have a time dependence. This means that all [[derivative]]s with respect to time equal zero and no variables are functions of time. Note that steady state does not necessarily imply [[equilibrium]]. A good "test" for determining if a system is at steady state is to physically or mentally turn your back to the system. When you turn around, if all variables are the same as when you left, the system is at steady state.<br />
<br />
An example of steady state is a situation in which members of a [[population]] die as quickly as new members are born.<ref>Wile, Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia<br />
Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> The birth rate, death rate, and population are always the same, so the system is at steady state.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Ecology]]<br />
[[Category:Biology]]<br />
[[Category:Chemical Engineering]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Chromoplasts&diff=814091Chromoplasts2010-08-27T14:48:51Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>Organelles that contain non-photosynthetic pigments used in [[photosynthesis]]. They are found in flower pedals and foods, such as tomatoes and carrots. It contains the pigments orange, red, and yellow. They are a member of a dynamic group of plant cell organelles called plastids. Plastids are believed to have created a symbiotic relationship with primitive plants millions of years ago.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Cellular Biology]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Philip_D._Gingerich&diff=814090Philip D. Gingerich2010-08-27T14:48:24Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Philip Gingerich''' is an [[Evolution|evolutionary]] [[Paleontology|paleontologist]], [[Biology|biologist]], and anthropologist. He is professor of anthropology, biology, and [[Geology|geology]] at the University of Michigan, and also director of University of Michigan's Museum of Paleontology.<ref>http://www-personal.umich.edu/~gingeric/index.htm</ref><br />
<br />
Gingerich is most known for his research on the evolution of the [[whale]] and the evolution of [[Primate|primates]]. He was one of the [[Science|scientists]] who worked on the ''[[Darwinius masillae]]'' ("Ida") fossil, and he believes that "Ida" is [[transitional form]] between anthropoid (more human-like) primates and more primitive primates.<br />
<br />
==Work on evolution of the whale==<br />
In the 1980s, Gingerich authored a paper on the fossil ''[[Pakicetus]],'' which he thought was a transitional between hoofed animals and whales. Based on only on a partial skull, Gingerich made a reconstruction of ''Pakicetus'' showing it swimming in the [[sea]].<ref>http://creation.com/not-at-all-like-a-whale</ref> Much later a nearly complete skeleton of ''Pakicetus'' was unearthed, revealing that the creature was a four-legged land mammal. Its only whale-like feature is a whale-like inner ear.<br />
<br />
Gingerich has studied several other claimed transitional fossils relevent to whale evolution.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Paleontologists]][[Category:Evolutionists]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=The_Man_from_Earth&diff=814089The Man from Earth2010-08-27T14:44:45Z<p>BryanT: /* Connection to Atheism */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox Film<br />
| name = The Man from Earth<br />
| image = ManFromEarth.png<br />
| caption = ''The Man from Earth'' theatrical poster.<br />
| director = [[Richard Schenkman]]<br />
| producer = Emerson Bixby, Eric D. Wilkinson, Richard Schenkman<br />
| writer = [[Jerome Bixby]]<br />
| starring = David Lee Smith<br />[[John Billingsley]]<br />[[Tony Todd]]<br />
| distributor = [[Anchor Bay Entertainment]],<br />[[Shoreline Entertainment]]<br />
| released = [[November 13]] [[2007]]<br />
| runtime = 89 min.<br />
| language = [[English language|English]]<br />
| budget = $200,000<ref name = "latimes"/><br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''The Man from Earth''''' is a 2007 science fiction indie film, written by Jerome Bixby from 1960-1998 (this was his final work). Known for many of his other projects, this movie was dedicated to his son Michael Bixby as well.<br />
This film stars actor David Lee Smith as John Oldman, the protagonist character and focus of the movie's plot. John Oldman is a professor who, at the moving party thrown by his friends, admits that he is a [[Cro-Magnon]], a Magdalenian to be specific, who has survived (through "perfect cellular regeneration") for the last 14,000 years! The movie is reminescent of a play; it takes place only as a discussion between Dr. Oldman and his fellow faculty members/friends, in one room of his house.<br />
<br />
Through many internet websites and BitTorrent, this cheaply made movie has gained recognition as one of the many masterpieces of Bixby's work.<br />
<br />
==Plot==<br />
'''Spoiler Alert: If you are planning on seeing the movie.'''<br />
<br />
The movie begins on an outdoor scene as Dr. John Oldman prepares to leave, packing many of his belongings in the back of the car. It does not mention where he plans to go; neither does he mention it to his friends. First to arrive at his house is his friend Dan, a fellow faculty member and anthropologist. Next are his friends Edith, another peer and Christian literalist, Harry, a biology professor, and his love interest, Sandy, a historian. Next to his car, Edith notices a "copy" of a Van Gogh work, addressed to one "Jacques Borne"; John insists its a copy, and nothing more.<br />
<br />
The first note of John's "specialness" is when Edith commits, in a jovial manner, how John doesn't look any older than when he first arrived 10 years ago, while his friends and colleagues have. In addition, his friends find two artifacts around his house of interest--a stone carved (that he insists he got at a thrift shop), and what looks to be a finely carved bow. <br />
<br />
Lastly, his friend and fellow professor Art Jenkins and his student Linda arrive, also wishing to celebrate. John, realizing this and wanting to leave them off as his true self, proposes the hypothetical question--what if a man from the upper Paleolithic survived until the present day? What would he be like?<br />
<br />
His friends play along, each proposing new ways--he would learn, he would look like us as well. Dan proposes that he would be just as intelligent, and would learn through the races as one man. Slowly, the question goes to Harry, the biologist, who says, in response as to what would keep this hypothetical caveman alive, replies: "Cigarettes and ice cream." He then contends that it would in fact be perfect cellular generation, and that the human body, as we see it, is designed to last up to 190 years.<br />
<br />
Did he do something right? Did he do something no one else did?<br />
<br />
John, sensing this would be a good time, slowly reveals his intentions--responding for shock that he had a chance to travel with Columbus, although he wasn't sure if the Earth was flat or not.<br />
<br />
His friend stood aghast, wondering if this was a joke or not. As such, he reveals his intentions: he is that caveman. Still, he tells them to play along, until letting out a primordial grunt, to the chagrin of his friends.<br />
He explains his motives: after ten or so years, when people notice his lack of aging, he moves; he believes he is a Cro-Magnon, about 14,000 years old. He explains that the figure is no more than a guess; how could it not be? <br />
<br />
He explains then how he aged until about 35, his "first lifetime", and then stopped. The primitives around him saw him to be magical at first, and then abandoned him out of fear (a prehistoric explanation for the vampire myth). <br />
While his friends, being very educated, are skeptical of his claims; much of his memory can be found in any textbook.<br />
<br />
Edith remembers the Van Gogh painting outside, and asks if it is real or not (since John would certainly be old enough to know Van Gogh). John replies, yes--he was under the guise of Jacques Borne, a pig farmer. After Van Gogh's death, about 1890, he says he moved to America, an explanation to the lack of an accent.<br />
<br />
The conservation between his friends is cyclidic; passing to Linda, the most credulous at 22, asks as to the reason he does not recall where he was from. Countering her, he replies that there is a lack of any landmarks--wilderness has been replaced by "freeways, urban sprawl, Big Macs under the Eiffel Tower."<br />
<br />
While most of the group wants to hear him out, entertained, during a leave of absence Art calls his psychiatrist friend, the aging Dr. Gruber, part concerned, part confused about John. Dr. Gruber arrives, the conversation progressing in a manner that greatly disturbs and depresses him; his wife just recently died, and the fact that someone around him will never die is too much. His presence climaxes as he threatens to shoot John, eventually calming down and leaving. However, John, fearing that he may commit suicide, asks before he leaves to take his loaded gun.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the conversation turns for the worse as his inquisitive friends ask him the ever controversial question, "Does he have any religious beliefs?" After thousands and thousands of years of hearing creation stories, gods after gods, he believes in none, only feigning such during times when it was necessary. Even worse, it comes to the question: "Was he a figure in religious history?" Really reluctant to respond, and tries to sum up the New Testament in 100 words. Edith, being religious and greatly offended, tries to leave; Harry convinces her to stay.<br />
<br />
It comes to a shocking revelation: John was in fact Joshua of Nazareth. Unlike the "mythical overlays", John had come to Israel to preach the Buddha's teachings (he had studied under the Buddha), to disasterous consequences. Although he was crucified (he cannot scar, and they used ropes, not nails, but it makes better religious imagery), he comes to life by equalizing his body functions, something he learned under the Buddha. This even more disturbs Edith, who is so shocked at his apparent blasphemy.<br />
<br />
After heated debate, Dr. Gruber returns, still concerned but not suicidal. He implores John to end his charade, and, at the expense of his credibility, convinces his friends that this was nothing but a story, and all of his friends were players. This infuriates most of them, and after Dan calls him an explicative, they calm down. Edith, like "a good Christian", forgives him, and all his friends except Sandy wish him goodbye.<br />
<br />
Sandy, using her intuition, figures out that he is telling the truth, John would never "use people, or abuse their good will". Unlike the others, he caves and admits it, telling her many of his other "pun" names: John Palee, for Paleolithic, John Savage, and 60 years ago, John Thomas Parti, John T. Parti. Unbeknownst to John, Dr. Gruber stands behind him in clear shock--John T. Parti, a chemist at Harvard, was his father. Horrified at the prospect, he admits this, supplying facts that no one but Gruber's family would know.<br />
<br />
However, the shock of this information is too much to bear, and Dr. Gruber has a heart attack. The movie, however, ends on a brighter note, as he decides to spend her life with Sandy.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
Directed on a 200,000 dollar budget, this was Jerome Bixby's, a writer best known for "It's a Good Life", completed posthumously after his death in 1998. Dictating the last of it, it is dedicated to his son and screenwriter, Emerson Bixby. After his death, the script was handed down to Richard Schenkman to direct on a very modest budget.<br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
Actors:<br />
* David Lee Smith is John Oldman<br />
* Tony Todd is Dan<br />
* John Billingsley is Harry<br />
* Ellen Crawford is Edith<br />
* Annika Peterson is Sandy<br />
* William Katt is Art Jenkins<br />
* Alexis Thorpe is Linda Murphy<br />
* Richard Riehle is Dr. Will Gruber<br />
* Robbie Bryan is Police Officer<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Reviews==<br />
The reviews for The Man from Earth are overwelmingly positive:<br />
* "A considerable achievement... a picture which deserves wide exposure... The Man From Earth gradually and stimulatingly builds to a pitch of near hypnotic intensity." – Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=11061 The Man From Earth - The Hollywood Reporter], Film review</ref><br />
* "Based on a really wonderful final work by Jerome Bixby... If you’re a fan of Bixby's – it's a must own." – Harry Knowles, Ain’t It Cool News<ref>[http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34759 Harry's DVD PICKS AND PEEKS for 2nd Week of November - Ain't It Cool News], Film review</ref><br />
* "The Man From Earth restores dignity to science fiction of the mind." - Michael Guillen, Twitch<ref>[http://twitchfilm.net/site/view/2007-holeheadreview-of-man-from-earth/ 2007 HOLEHEAD—REVIEW of Man From Earth - Twitch], Film review</ref><br />
* "A tall tale... that ends with a devastatingly clever twist." - Michael Janusonis, The Providence Journal<ref>[http://www.projo.com/movie_reviews//lb_manfromearth_08-10-07_E56M3GC.1f8dbc5.html Reliving the really old days with The Man From Earth - The Providence Journal], Film review</ref><br />
* "Great acting performances... with an ending you wouldn't want to miss... Jerome Bixby's last written work has turned out to be his best." - Hock Teh, IGN<ref>[http://dvd.ign.com/articles/833/833098p1.html The Man From Earth DVD Review - IGN], Film review</ref><br />
* "A mind bending drama... It sure beats watching Transformers." - Nick Lyons, DVD Talk<ref>[http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/31286/jerome-bixbys-the-man-from-earth/ Jerome Bixby's The Man from Earth - DVD Talk], Film review</ref><br />
* "The Man From Earth is very much a labor of love from all involved... it's well worth the effort. The final work from the writer responsible for some of the finest episodes of The Twilight Zone and the original Star Trek gets a thoughtful, low-budget treatment." – Ian Spelling, Sci Fi.com<ref>[http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw17400.html Man from Earth - Sci-Fi Weekly], Film review</ref><br />
* "Jerome Bixby's The Man From Earth is one of the most intelligent science fiction films ever made... probably one of the best science fiction films of the decade." – Mark L. Leeper, Stephen Hunt's SF Crows Nest<ref>[http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/features/arc/2008/nz13093.php The Man From Earth: Mark's take - Stephen Hun's SF Crow's nest], Film review</ref><br />
* "The Man From Earth really has a chance of being the single best piece of screenwriting you will see on a screen large or small this year (really!)." – Late Film<ref>[http://latemag.com/film/is-jerome-bixbys-the-man-from-earth-this-years-sleeper-hit Is Jerome Bixby's The Man from Earth this years sleeper hit? - Late Film], Film review</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
==Publicity through filesharing==<br />
<br />
Unlike all other movies, the publicity for the movie was very creative: while most directors wish to stop filesharing, the director encouraged it. As such, the indie film rose to a fame it would have never received if left alone.<br />
<br />
==Memorable Quotes==<br />
"But a talking snake made a lady eat an apple, so we're screwed." - John Oldman<br />
<br />
"Edith, I was raised on the Torah, my wife on the Qu'Ran, my eldest son is an Atheist, my youngest is a scientologist, my daughter is studying Hinduism, I imagine there is room there for a holy war in my living room, but we practice live and let live." - Harry<br />
<br />
"Harry: Well, you're finally fulfilling one prophecy about the millennium, John. <br />
John Oldman: What's that? <br />
Harry: Here you are again."<br />
<br />
"Dr. Will Gruber: I still don't believe you, of course. You need help. <br />
John Oldman: Everybody needs help." <br />
<br />
"Dr. Will Gruber: When did you begin to believe you were Jesus? <br />
John Oldman: When did you begin to believe you were a psychiatrist? <br />
Dr. Will Gruber: Since I graduated from Harvard Medical School and finished my residency, I've had that feeling. Why I sometimes dream about it. <br />
John Oldman: Have you acted upon this belief?"<br />
<br />
==Connection to Atheism==<br />
Many have drawn parallels in the movie to atheism and anti-religion, including the apparent blasphemous talk about Jesus (John Oldman reveals that he learned under the Buddha, and that Jesus was almost totally mythical), the mention of other Gods, and many other plot details.[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=72]<br />
As such, many atheist organizations have rightly embraced it as a crowning achievement of science fiction and a great debate tool.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT: Man from Earth, The}}<br />
[[Category: Indie Films]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Linkin_Park&diff=814088Linkin Park2010-08-27T14:44:09Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Linkin Park''' is a popular [[nu-metal]] band that have achieved mainstream success, having sold over 40 million albums<ref name="mwire">Marketwire.com, [http://new.marketwire.com/2.0/rel.jsp?id=734264 Linkin Park on top of the charts]</ref> and produced several hit singles. The band employs a hard rock type of sound incorporating catchy choruses, rap-style vocals and various electronic effects, but have undergone noticeable changes in their latest album, ''Minutes to Midnight''. The band has been around since 1996, when it was known as [[Xero]]; Xero later changed their name to Linkin Park before signing a contract with Warner Brothers Records in 1999.<ref>[http://www.askmen.com/men/entertainment_150/196c_linkin_park.html Linkin Park – Biography]</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
==Members==<br />
<br />
*Chester Bennington - Vocals<br />
*Mike Shinoda - Vocals<br />
*Brad Delson - Guitar<br />
*Joe Hahn - DJ<br />
*Phoenix Farrell - Bass Guitar<br />
*Rob Bourdon - Drummer<br />
<br />
==Discography==<br />
<br />
===Albums===<br />
<br />
*'''Xero Sampler Tape''' (1997)<br />
*'''Hybrid Theory''' (2000)<br />
*'''Reanimation''' (2002)<br />
*'''Meteora''' (2003)<br />
*'''Collision Course''' featuring [[Jay Z]] (2004)<br />
*'''Minutes to Midnight''' (2007)<br />
<br />
===Singles===<br />
*'''One Step Closer''' from the album '''Hybrid Theory''' (2001)<br />
*'''Crawling''' from the album '''Hybrid Theory''' (2001)<br />
*'''Papercut''' from the album '''Hybrid Theory''' (2001)<br />
*'''In the End''' from the album '''Hybrid Theory''' (2001)<br />
*'''It's Goin' Down''' featuring The X-Ecutioners and Wayne Static of Static-X (2002)<br />
*'''Somewhere I Belong''' from the album '''Meteora''' (2003)<br />
*'''Faint''' from the album '''Meteora''' (2003)<br />
*'''Numb''' from the album '''Meteora''' (2003)<br />
*'''From the Inside''' from the album '''Meteora''' (2004)<br />
*'''Lying from You''' from the album '''Meteora''' (2004)<br />
*'''Breaking the Habit''' from the album '''Meteora''' (2004)<br />
*'''Numb/Encore''' featuring Jay Z from the album '''Collision Course''' (2004)<br />
*'''What I've Done''' from the album '''Minutes to Midnight''' (2007)<br />
*'''Bleed It Out''' from the album '''Minutes to Midnight''' (2007)<br />
*'''Shadow of the Day''' from the album '''Minutes to Midnight''' (2007)<br />
*'''Given Up''' from the album '''Minutes to Midnight''' (2008)<br />
*'''We Made It''' featuring Busta Rhymes (2008)<br />
*'''Leave Out All the Rest''' from the album '''Minutes to Midnight''' (2008)<br />
*'''New Divide''' from the '''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen''' OST (2009)<br />
<br />
===Music Videos===<br />
*'''In the End'''<br />
*'''Crawling'''<br />
*'''Papercut'''<br />
*'''One Step Closer'''<br />
*'''It's Goin' Down'''<br />
*'''Somewhere I Belong'''<br />
*'''Faint'''<br />
*'''Breaking the Habit'''<br />
*'''Numb'''<br />
*'''From the Inside'''<br />
*'''Numb/Encore'''<br />
*'''Live in Texas'''<br />
*'''What I've Done'''<br />
*'''Bleed It Out'''<br />
*'''Shadow of the Day'''<br />
*'''Given Up'''<br />
*'''We Made It'''<br />
*'''Leave Out All the Rest'''<br />
*'''New Divide'''<br />
<br />
==iTunes Holdout==<br />
<br />
Linkin Park, along with other Warner Brother Music group artists like [[Green Day]], had an infamous [[iTunes]] holdout refusing to sell their content on the iTunes music store. Despite Apple trying to persuade the label to go digital, they had refused. The label finally gave in about a year ago, being one of the last influential artists to join the iTunes music store. The process began with the band offering music videos, then their 3 top albums. They now are in close relations with iTunes and have been featured artists on the homepage on several occasions.<ref>[http://www.mp3.com/news/stories/6086.html Linkin Park iTunes Holdout]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|3}}</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Islamofascism&diff=813848Islamofascism2010-08-26T16:27:12Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Islamofascism''' is a term, popularized by [[Christopher Hitchens]], to refer to the [[Fascism|fascist]] ideologies of some [[Islam|Muslim]] countries and individuals.<br />
<br />
The basic tenets are an establishment of a new Caliphate in the Middle East, through the use of terrorism, revolutions, and the extermination of [[Israel]]. Islamofascism is very common among Muslim populations and is the ideology behind many of the enemies of the [[United States]], like the [[Taliban]], the government of [[Iran]], and [[Palestine|Palestinian]] nationalists.<br />
<br />
{{Terrorism}}</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Glossary_of_espionage_terms&diff=813847Glossary of espionage terms2010-08-26T16:26:24Z<p>BryanT: /* MICE */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Agent handler''' is a generic term common to many intelligence organizations which can be applied to Case Officers, those who aspire to be Case officers, "controllers", contacts, couriers and other assorted trainees.<br />
<br />
==The Business==<br />
<br />
'''Intelligence''' and '''Counterintelligence''' actually are two entirely different fields. Many writings on the subject of [[espionage]] jumble the two together as the same thing; but they are different specialties, with different objectives, and a different mindset required of those working in the field. Like the offense and defense on a [[football]] team, the two fields have different approaches and different terminology.<br />
<br />
What can be learned from a successful espionage operation usually comes from counterespionage files, which may give a distorted or opaque view. For example, what is known about the [[Communist_Party_of_the_United_States_of_America|CPUSA's]] [[History_of_Soviet_espionage_in_the_United_States#Secret_apparatus|secret apparatus]], which operated a very large and successful organization in the United States from about 1921 to 1945, comes largely from [[FBI]] and [[Arlington Hall|SIS]] counterintelligence files. These files are fragmentary. While counterintelligence agents successfully identified perhaps a third of CPUSA and Soviet operatives between 1945 and 1950, only personal memoirs of the intelligence operatives in question, or successful testimony if it can be believed, or a peek into Soviet and [[Comintern]] archives, gives us a clue as to what the entire organization's mission was and how they set about it for two and a half decades. The FBI counterintelligence files typically contain only three weeks of direct surveillance on the subjects' activities, and those under surveillance learned their operation had been compromised and broke their usual pattern of conduct.<br />
<br />
==Counterintelligence==<br />
<br />
The objective of [[counterintelligence]] (CI) is to identify an intelligence operative. However, the intelligence operative's objective is not simply to evade detection; he has a more important mission to perform, and avoiding counterintelligence detection is just part of performing that mission. Once the identification has been made by counterintelligence, the operative is not just arrested, tried, and carted off to jail as in other crimes; a decision must be made, and he usually is temporarilly left in place so as not to tip off how he came to be identified, which would have the effect of compromising other counterintelligence operations. <br />
<br />
Nonetheless, an identified operative must be cut off from access to further secure information, without letting him know that his [[Cover_(intelligence)|cover]] is blown, then fed an elaborate stream of credible [[disinformation]]. Then an assessment must be made as to the extent of the damage and what information has been compromised. Eventually, the mole and his handlers will realize their operation has been compromised because of the useless disinformation being passed; but this step buys time for the difficult process of "walking the dog backwards" to determine what has been compromised within the target organization. That is the point at which an arrest is usually made. Sometimes, however, the process of feeding disinformation can be useful, so a discovered agent may be left in place for years.<br />
<br />
Occassionally attempts are made to "turn" a mole; that is, gain his cooperation without exposing to his controllers that his cover has been blown. Turning a mole can make him an unwilling agent of either side, either to continue the feed of disinformation, or being coerced at threat of imprisonment to betray his compatriot organization. In the famous case of [[Arkady Schevchenko]], a Soviet [[Diplomacy|diplomat]] to the [[United Nations]] who asked to [[defector|defect]], rather than accept his defection the CIA required he remain in place and engage in espionage. Schevchenko was a professional diplomat, not a spy, and he found the stressful work nerve-wracking.<br />
<br />
CI is similar to, and often confused with, HUMINT, as CI uses many of the same techniques for the information collection. CI obtains information by or through the functions of CI operations,investigations, collection and reporting, analysis, production, dissemination, and functional services. CI is not solely a collection discipline, however, and also acts upon information for both offensive and defensive purposes, in coordination with other intelligence disciplines, law enforcement and/or security elements.<br />
<br />
A). The function of CI is to provide direct support to operational commanders, program managers, and decision makers. This support includes: CI support to force protection during all types and phases of military operations; detection identification and neutralization of espionage; antiterrorism; threat assessments; counterproliferation actions; countering illegal technology transfer; acquisitions systems protection; support to other intelligence activities; information systems protection; and treaty support.<br />
<br />
B). Although CI is an activity separate and distinct from foreign intelligence, it supports the foreign intelligence disciplines through its contribution to the I&W function, by its collection, analysis, and production capabilities, and by maintenance of CI databases. <br />
<br />
===MICE===<br />
The concept of "[[Motives_for_spying#Motivations|MICE]]" was originated by American counterintelligence in an effort to understand what motivates a person to be willing to betray their own country. It can be regarded as one of America's contributions to the art and science of the business, now that both intelligence and counterintelligence agencies worldwide rely upon this simple [[mnemonic]], to spot potential recruits or identify potential agents in the service of a foreign organization. The concept is simple: it is either [[Money]], [[Ideology]], [[Coercion]], or Excitement, that causes a person to be willing to betray their friends and neighbours, or their whole country, and go into the service of a foreign espionage organization. Sometimes "intrigue" is substituted for ideology, or "[[ego]]" for excitment, but the end result is the same. It is claimed that no one has produced a better summary of traitors' motivations.<br />
<br />
Individuals who are motivated to betray their country for money, out of greed, tend to be persons who feel life has cheated them out of their just rewards, so they have no qualms about being fairly compensated, in their own eyes, for their worth. At the same they can get back at the society which has misunderstood and not appreciated their talents. When [[Aldrich Ames]] bought an $80,000 Jaguar, there was not the slightest pretence of hiding the fruit of his labors.<br />
<br />
Ideology, however is the opposite end of the spectrum. People with this motivation are deeply committed to a system of beliefs that they perceive sustains them, their families, communities, and their friends. Such people will risk their lives for no payment, service to the cause being their reward. Both [[Julius and Ethel Rosenberg]] were "patsies", or fall guys, for a much larger conspiracy, most of whom walked away unscathed. But the Rosenbergs were ''willing patsies'', martyrs to a cause for which Julius was willing to see his own wife executed rather than implicate others, and Ethel was willing to orphan her own children, in service to the cause. As to intrigue, [[Kim Philby]] rose to the number two spot in [[MI6|British intelligence]] and was poised to become head, and assisted the United States to establish a peacetime espionage organization, but in doing so compromised the [[CIA]] from its founding. He originally was recruited into Soviet intelligence to spy on his father, [[St. John Philby]].<br />
<br />
Coercion can be used against an unwilling participant, [[homosexuality]]-related blackmail and [[bribery]] being two of the most common forms. The classic example of homosexuality is [[Donald Duart Maclean|Donald Maclean]] who was compromised by [[Guy Burgess]]. As to bribery, once a government official takes a bribe, he is forever in the possession of those who paid him. He must continue taking money, whether he wants to or not, for fear of exposure. Coercion can also be used against a loved one, in forms ranging from fear of exposure to violence and even murder.<br />
<br />
[[Elizabeth Bentley]] is perhaps the classic study of excitement being the motivating factor. Bentley began her espionage career with a fascist organization, but quickly joined a communist entity, so ideology does not seem to apparent. Bentley then became the lover of a high-level CPUSA underground operative who had been a [[chekist]]. When he died and Bentley took over his operations, her personal loss was had a huge impact on her work. Excitement, romance, and sex was why she ever got involved originally. And when she lost those things, she defected back to her home country.<br />
<br />
==Intelligence==<br />
<br />
The objectives of the intelligence operatives, on the other hand, are many and bountiful. In fact, there is no one single job among operatives. Each has his or her own particular position within an organizatrion. At the high end, it may be to penetrate and infiltrate a target organization: either to infiltrate a target organization with one's own personnel, or to gain by [[MICE]] an "agent in place". If the job is to handle an agent in place, a Case Officer may be required to oversee the agent. Sometimes the oversight is done indirectly, through lower level "handlers", "controllers", contacts and such. The [[CIA]] is fond of using "''[[agent of influence|agents of influence]]''": secondary sources connected with a target, like the maid to an ambassador who digs through the trash for memoranda, because the CIA recognizes its weakness at the direct approach of recruitment. Such agents may be easier to recruit, but it is no substitution for having the actual target in your employ.<br />
<br />
Other positions among intelligence operatives are in support functions: maintainence and operation of "safehouses", couriers, etc.<br />
<br />
===Case Officer===<br />
<br />
The relationship between Case Officer and agent is very much akin to that of a [[psychiatrist]] and patient, because very often the person willing to become involved in espionage and the betrayal of his country, is someone with emotional problems, or may develop serious emotional problems from the stress of the work. The Case Officer is the complete intelligence professional in the operational field, always cool, level headed, in control of his emotions. Always ready to deal with a crisis, be it personal or imagined, or of the dreaded breach of security protocol type, sloppiness, laziness, stupidity, lack of motivation, carelessness. The Case Officer must constantly be looking after these concerns and be ready to mentor and exhort the bedraggled agent to carry on.<br />
<br />
However, real history shows that after a source (agent) has been exploited, he is often no longer handled well by many services e.g. BND, MI6 and others. In reality agents are given incentives and promises are made which then turn out to become broken. Many Case officers privately lack respect of the agent who is risking his life, viewing them as most societies view people who betray their own friends, as scum. Since probably every major service can be assumed to be penetrated by [[mole (espionage)|moles]], every agent runs the risk of being tipped off, which happens frequently after major defectors change sides. [[Norbert Juretzko]] of [[BND]], for example, got sacked after they found he did not file the real names of his Russian spies, keeping them from being shot after KGB received their filed names.<br />
<br />
===Agent===<br />
The term "agent" refers to "one who acts on behalf of another", the "another", in this case being an organization or government. Agents can be either witting or unwitting. They can also by willing of unwilling. Agents are almost always a foreign national who is under the direction of an agent handler or controller. In the case of the [[United States|U.S.]] [[Central Intelligence Agency]], this handler is known as a Case Officer.<br />
<br />
The spotting of potential recruit often is conducted through skimming of trade journals and professional proceedings for subject experts names and affiliations, vulnerable political and technical delegation members, trade conferences attendees, and foreign travellers whose activities make them potential subjects for [[blackmail|coersion]] or inducement.<br />
<br />
The assessment of a potential agent includes verification of their credentials and [[bona fide]]s or true identities. A [[risk analysis]] should be conducted to determine the dangers of approaching the target recruit with a 'pitch' for cooperation. This is either done 'cold,' where the recruiter has no prior contact with the target, or 'warm,' in which the handler and the target are prior acquaintances. Recruitment of an agent can take many months or even years to accomplish. <br />
<br />
===Recruitment===<br />
<br />
[[KGB]] recruiting practices provide an excellent example to study based upon their record of success. The Soviet Union recovered from a defeat in the [[Polish-Soviet War]] in 1920 to become one of the worlds' only two [[superpowers]] armed with [[nuclear weapons]] within 30 years based on their skilled use of espionage.<br />
<br />
The first step was obtaining permission from the Moscow (or 'the Center'). A subsequent step was the conduct of a formal recruitment interview by an experienced operative or officer. Topic number one in the interview was the person's motivation for spying for Russia, with the attendant issue of whether or not the person was a provocateur of another intelligence service. Often times the language of "contracts" is used, with reference to such things like "signing on". Following the recruitment meeting the recruiting officer submitted a comprehensive report to the Center.<br />
<br />
===Training===<br />
<br />
After recruitment, agents are given the training required to conduct espionage activities safely and effectively. CIA training often includes various [[tradecraft]] such as clandestine communications, elicitation, surveillance and countersurveillance, photographic and audio recording, concealment device construction, demolitions, use of small arms, all depending on the persons fitness and skills.<br />
<br />
In some forms of [[infiltration]], the agent may be provided with a false identity, which CIA calls a cover or legend, that might aid in their access and operability in regards to the target. Sometimes false or reproduced documentation, disguises, and other identity support techniques are used.<br />
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===Agent in place===<br />
<br />
An agent in place refers to a subject known within a society, known to his friends, who may even have a position inside a government, and is willing to cooperate or assist. Case handling in these instances require much more caution, security, and training. It is extremely dangerous for both the Case officer and agent to publicly meet and have face to face contact, though initially this may be necessary to establish bona fides and some training regarding contacts. Usually the agent in place is then handed off to an inoccuous cutout, or series of cutouts, who act as go-betweens and courier, delivering instructions and retrieving material.<br />
<br />
===Unwitting agent===<br />
<br />
Sometimes after a risk analysis, it is determined recruitment is unfeasible. Yet the target may be valuable and someone close to him is willing, hence useful information can be gained unwittingly. Two example are [[Stephen S. Attwood]] and [[Walter Lippmann]], in Attwoods case someone connected with the university he taught at was working Soviet intelligence; in Lippmann's case his personal stenographer had knoweldge of all his Washington D.C. contacts and their conversations. [[Wen Ho Lee]], it appears now, through sloppy work habits and carelessness on both his part and [[Los Alamos National Laboratory]], unwittingly passed vital information to the [[CCP|Chinese Communist Government]].<br />
<br />
===Fronts and cutouts===<br />
<br />
A [[front organization]] in espionage functions within a system of "cutouts". A "cutout" is intended to shield or isolate a higher level infiltrator who has "penetrated" the target organization (government bureau, for example). Once the Department penetration has been made, the higher level infiltrator may have any of three jobs: (1) to bring within the government agency, and to protect, lower level appointees who are also infiltrators; (2) to provide information from within the penetrated target organization to an outside intelligence organization; or (3) a combination of both.<br />
<br />
A "ring" within a penetrated bureau consists of several collectors of information from different areas within the penetrated bureau. The most valuable source must be protected; so often the least "productive" infiltrator, i.e. the person lowest on the totem pole within the penetrated target, whose knowledge and ability to collect information is second or third hand, functions as the head of the group. He carries the information from higher level gatherers to outside persons, so as to "cutout" contact between a high level infiltrator and a foreign intelligence organization.<br />
<br />
So the most valuable and productive members of the ring are isolated from contact with foreign Agent case officers, which is safest for both. One member gathers all the collected material from all infiltrators, then will pass the information to another cutout outside the government. That second cutout likewise is usually a natural citizen, though not employed by the target government, but who then can transmit the information directly to the foreign intelligence service. <br />
<br />
The extensive use of cutouts, so long as they are trusted and reliable persons, can become a long chain of individuals. This performs another purpose, similiar to the extensive use of "front organizations"; by their sheer number, it becomes a shell game with counterintelligence investigators, who have finite and limited resources. When suspicion arises, the large number of persons and organizations connected to the conspiracy can devour endless hours and cost, which has the effect of slowing down the process of exposing an espionage organization.<br />
<br />
===Human Intelligence===<br />
HUMINT is a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources. This includes all forms of information gathered by humans, from direct reconnaissance and observation to the use of recruited sources and other indirect means. This discipline also makes extensive use of biometric data (e.g., fingerprints, iris scans, voice prints, facial/physical features) collected on persons of interest.<br />
<br />
===Interrogation===<br />
Interrogation is the systematic effort to procure information to answer specific collection requirements by direct and indirect questioning techniques of a person who is in the custody of the forces conducting the questioning. Proper questioning of enemy combatants, enemy prisoners of war, or other detainees by trained and certified DOD interrogators may result in information provided either willingly or unwittingly.<br />
<br />
There are important legal restrictions on interrogation and source operations. Federal law and Department of Defense policy require that these operations be carried out only by specifically trained and certified personnel.<br />
<br />
===Walk-in===<br />
Walk-in sources, who without solicitation make the first contact with HUMINT personnel.<br />
<br />
== External link ==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.csus.edu/indiv/c/carrollt/Site/Welcome_files/Gov't%20139G%20class%20notes%20Fall%202006%20-%2024%20Oct.pdf ''Human Intelligence: From Sleepers to Walk-ins''], Thomas Patrick Carroll, Syllabus, 5 September 2006 - 24 October 2006 -- many good definitions with historic examples and timely discussion of problems; in outline form. <br />
<br />
[[Category:Espionage]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=The_Incredibles&diff=813846The Incredibles2010-08-26T16:23:01Z<p>BryanT: /* Anti-Egalitarian Themes */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox Film<br />
| name= The Incredibles<br />
| image=<br />
| caption=<br />
| director=Brad Bird<br />
| producer=John Lasseter<br>John Walker<br />
| writer=Brad Bird<br />
| narrator=<br />
| starring=Craig T. Nelson<br>Holly Hunter<br>[[Samuel L. Jackson]]<br />
| music=Michael Giacchino<br />
| cinematography=Andrew Jimenez<br>Patrick Lin<br>Janet Lucroy<br />
| editing=Stephen Schaffer<br />
| distributor=Buena Vista Pictures<br />
| released=November 5, 2004<br />
| runtime=115 min.<br />
| country=[[USA]]<br />
| language=[[English]]<br />
| budget= $92,000,000<br />
| gross= $631,442,092<br />
| preceded_by=<br />
| followed_by=<br />
| website=http://adisney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/incredibles/<br />
| amg_id=<br />
| imdb_id=0317705<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''The Incredibles''' is a 2004 animated [[Disney]]/[[Pixar]] film about a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their superpowers, until a threat brings them out of hiding.<br />
<br />
==Plot==<br />
The film begins during a time when heroes, such as Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone, routinely saved the day. We focus especially on Mr. Incredible (alias Bob Parr), a superhero with amazing strength, who works strictly alone. Even on his wedding night, he takes time to intervene in car chases, save a suicidal man and thwart bomb-throwing villains. He is only hampered in his actions by a kid named Buddy, who is his would-be-sidekick, Incrediboy. Life seems perfect as he marries fellow superhero, Elastigirl and prepares to start a family. However, the public suddenly turns against superheroes in a series of frivolous lawsuits against them. All superheroes are forced to assimilate into the culture as regular citizens, keeping their powers hidden. <br />
<br />
Several years later into the future, we see Mr. Incredible working in a insurance company that rejects old ladies' for insurance thanks to loop-holes. Mr. Incredible usually angers his temperamental boss by helping customers instead of exploiting them. His wife is a stay-at-home mother of three children. The oldest, Violet, has the ability to become invisible and create "force-fields", but is socially insecure. The second, Dashiell or "Dash", can run super-fast, but is over-precocious and often ends up in the principal’s office. The youngest is the baby, Jack-Jack, who is completely normal. Mr. Incredible spends the occasional evening with his old super-friend, Frozone, listening to the radio for crises to secretly help save. Mrs. Incredible is disturbed with his night-time antics and believes it is tearing the family apart.<br />
<br />
Mr. Incredible finally looses his temper at work and seriously injures his boss, leaving himself jobless. However, when he empties his brief-case, he finds a mysterious offer from a woman named Mirage to return to super-work. Mr. Incredible lies to his wife, saying he’s going to a conference. Mirage acquaints him with his mission at a secret government facility on a volcanic island. Apparently, a unusually intelligent robot decided to assert it’s independence and is wrecking havoc on their island. Mr. Incredible fights the robot and only manages to defeat it by entering inside and having it destroy itself. Mr. Incredible returns home and enjoys life as usual with his family. On the side, he gets himself in shape and asks his old outfit-designer, Edna, to fix his suit. (Edna calls his old get-up a “hobo-suit” and makes a completely new one.) <br />
<br />
Mr. Incredible leaves for the facility for more work. Shortly after he arrives, he is attacked by a new and improved robot and its creator: Syndrome (a.k.a. Buddy.) Syndrome is bitter for how Mr. Incredible treated him and has become a clever weapons designer. He has spent his time exterminating superheroes. Mr. Incredible manages to escape him temporarily and even get to the computer files showing another of Syndrome’s mysterious plans. Meanwhile, Mrs. Incredible has noticed that Edna mended her husband’s old suit. Edna, encouraged by her work on the “new suit”, has created a suit for each member of the family. Mrs. Incredible realizes that her husband had returned to superhero work. Edna provides her with a homing device that allows her to know the location of Mr. Incredible. Unfortunately, the homing device allows Syndrome to capture Mr. Incredible. <br />
Mrs. Incredible, frustrated and even suspecting her husband of infidelity, decides to go to the island. Her children are surprised at her sudden action and discover the suits Edna custom-made for them. Mrs. Incredible boards a jet and heads to the island. When she hears no response she puts on Edna’s custom-made suit. She also finds that Violet and Dash stowed aboard the jet, leaving Jack-Jack with a baby sitter. Hearing their approach, Syndrome decides to shoot them down. While the jet is destroyed, the Incredibles manage to escape to the island alive. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Mr. Incredible is heart-broken by the news of his family’s death. Mr. Incredible manages to grab Mirage and threatens her across from Syndrome. However, he cannot actually bear to kill her. Mrs. Incredible sneaks into the factory and finds Mr. Incredible being released by Mirage. She assumes the worst, but Mr. Incredible is very happy to see her. In the meantime, Violet and Dash trigger the alarms and use their super-powers while running for their lives. However, even though the family is reunited, Syndrome still manages to capture them all and reveals his plan. He intends to become the new super-hero using the robot as a set-up “nemesis” to be defeated by him and his inventions. <br />
<br />
{{Spoiler}}<br />
While Sydnrome leaves to “save the day”, Mr. Incredible breaks down and apologizes for not valuing his family and not telling them the truth. The super-heroes family escapes and even manages to travel via a rocket and bus to the scene of chaos. Syndrome’s plan fails and the robot turns on him. The Incredibles and Frozone fight a long action sequence and manage to use one of the disconnected arms of the robot to de-capacitate it. Thanks to their actions the superheroes are welcomed back by the public. However, the Incredibles find Syndrome kidnapping Jack-Jack. However, Jack-Jack has the ability to turn into different things and stalls Syndrome’s escape long enough for them to get Jack-Jack back. Syndrome ends up getting sucked into his rocket engines because of his cape (an item Edna earlier insisted Mr. Incredible not wear.)<br />
<br />
The film closes as the supers feel adapted to life now, ready for whatever crisis comes next…<br />
<br />
==Voices Cast==<br />
Craig T. Nelson - Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible<br />
<br />
Holly Hunter - Helen Parr/Elastigirl<br />
<br />
[[Samuel L. Jackson]] - Lucius Best/Frozone<br />
<br />
Jason Lee - Buddy Pine/Syndrome<br />
<br />
Sarah Vowel - Violet Parr<br />
<br />
Spencer Fox - Dashiell 'Dash' Parr<br />
<br />
Eli Fucile/Maeve Andrews - Jack Jack Parr<br />
<br />
Elizabeth Pena - Mirage<br />
<br />
Wallace Shawn - Gilbert Huph<br />
<br />
Brad Bird - Edna 'E' Mode<br />
<br />
==Reception==<br />
The film was rated PG by the MPAA for action violence. The film was released on November 5th and became an instant hit, managing to gross $261,441,092 domestically and $631,442,092 worldwide. <ref> http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=incredibles.htm </ref><br />
<br />
==Awards==<br />
The film received two Oscar awards for Best Achievement in Sound Editing and Best Animated Feature film of the year. It was also nominated for Best Achievement in Sound Mixing and Best Writing, Original Screenplay. <ref> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/awards </ref><br />
<br />
==Anti-Egalitarian Themes==<br />
The movie ''The Incredibles'' contains what some have discerned to be anti-[[egalitarian]] themes. Part of the twist in the film is that the superheroes are sued for injuring victims while saving them. The Incredibles family takes on the alias "Parr" and be "live everybody else." Critic [[Roger Ebert]] noted, the film "has special qualities, especially in the subtle ways it observes its gifted characters trying to dumb down and join the crowd."<ref> http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041104/REVIEWS/41006004 </ref> [[New York Times]] film critic, A.O. Scott, noted that, "In the movie's view of things, this kind of misguided egalitarianism, enforced in petty ways at school and work, is not just stultifying but actively, murderously evil."<ref> http://movies.nytimes.com/2004/11/05/movies/05incr.html </ref><br />
<br />
The goal of the villain, Syndrome, is to destroy all the 'real' superheroes so that he can be one himself. When Mr. Incredible accuses him of not being a real superhero, Syndrome responds:<br />
{{Cquote|Oh, I'm real. Real enough to defeat you! And I did it without your precious gifts, your oh-so-special powers. I'll give them heroics. I'll give them the most spectacular heroics the world has ever seen! And when I'm old and I've had my fun, I'll sell my inventions so that everyone can have powers. Everyone can be super! And when everyone's super - [chuckles] -no one will}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT: Increbiles, The}}<br />
<br />
[[Category: Movies]]<br />
[[Category: Animated Movies]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Gulf_of_Mexico_oil_spill&diff=813845Gulf of Mexico oil spill2010-08-26T16:20:26Z<p>BryanT: /* U.S. Government dumps toxic dispersants into the Gulf of Mexico */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Dispersants spraying.jpg|right|300px|thumb|President Obama directed the [[United States Coast Guard]] to dump [[toxic]] disperants into the [[Gulf of Mexico]] despite known health hazards to humans and wildlife. [http://www.oilspillupdates.com/oil-spill-videos/obama-oil-spill-bill-on-bp-chem-spray-to-save-nature/http://www.oilspillupdates.com/oil-spill-videos/obama-oil-spill-bill-on-bp-chem-spray-to-save-nature/] ]]The '''Gulf of Mexico oil spill''' began on 20 April 2010 when the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil drilling rig operated by [[BP]] (known as British Petroleum until 2000) exploded and sank.<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/gulf-of-mexico-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-2010-4 Here's The Questions You Should Be Asking About The Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill]</ref> Oil began leaking at a rate eventually estimated at 2.5 million gallons per day, resulting in massive environmental degradation.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSaoIddZwUtk-BTcIDuy6AjaHwSgD9GBV0GO0 Scientists: Oil leaking up to 2.52M gallons daily]</ref> The federal government reports that 206 million gallons of crude oil leaked before the spill was stopped on July 15.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38557520/ns/disaster_in_the_gulf Disaster in the Gulf]</ref> The blowout also killed eleven workers. Despite the known [[toxic]]ity of the dispersant Corexit, the [[Obama administration]] dumped millions of gallons of the hazardous chemical into the [[Gulf of Mexico]] with C-130 aircraft provided by the [[U.S. Coast Guard]]<ref>http://vodpod.com/watch/3962219-confirmed-corexit-being-sprayed-from-coast-guard-planes</ref>and the [[Air Force]].<ref>http://bpoilslick.blogspot.com/2010/07/us-air-force-sprays-corexit-from-plane.html</ref> <br />
<br />
On 31 March 2010 [[President Obama]] announced a plan for exploitation of offshore oil reserves during a speech at Andrews Air Force Base outside [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/user/AssociatedPress#p/u/6/mA7RAfHN-wo Obama Lifts Ban on Offshore Drilling,] ''[[Associated Press]],'' 31 March 2010. Retrieved from [[Youtube]] 9 May 2010.</ref> The President's actions have been labeled, "a decision to endanger our coastal [[ecosystem]]s with the risk of catastrophic oil spills."<ref>[http://members.greenpeace.org/blog/greenpeaceusa_blog/2010/04/30/president_obama_committed_to_endangering President Obama must reinstate moratorium on offshore drilling,] [[Greenpeace]] USA blogs, 30 Apr 2010.</ref> Defending the decision, the President remarked,<br />
{{cquote|'''oil rigs today generally don’t cause spills. They are technologically very advanced."<ref>White House Press Release, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-a-discussion-jobs-and-economy-charlotte-north-carolina Remarks by the President in a Discussion on Jobs and the Economy in Charlotte, North Carolina,] Office of the Press Secretary, April 02, 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 3 May 2010.</ref><ref>Video: [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/04/29/flashback_obama_says_oil_rigs_today_dont_generally_cause_spills.html Obama Says "Oil Rigs Today Don't Generally Cause Spills"], 2 April 2010. Retrieved from RealClearPolitics.com 12 May 2010.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Since January 2009 the [[Obama administration]] approved 346 oil drilling plans without securing permits required by law from the [[federal]] agency that assesses environmental impacts.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/us/14agency.html?partner=rss&emc=rss U.S. Said to Allow Drilling Without Needed Permits,] Ian Urbina, ''New York Times'', 13 May 2010. Retrieved 28 May 2010.</ref> [[President Barack Obama]] has been widely criticized for an unprepared and bungled response, most notably from former supporters.<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
As of 15 July 2010 BP announced that the gushing well had been successfully capped, although to avoid a pressure build-up, a relief well will have to be drilled. As of 4 August the government reported that only 26% of the originally leaked oil could be located in the Gulf.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38557520/ns/disaster_in_the_gulf Disaster in the Gulf]</ref><br />
<br />
==The Obama plan ==<br />
[[File:OCS Eastern Gulf of Mexico Strategy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Map of expanded areas of offshore oil drilling authorized by President Obama on 31 March 2010.<ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/2010/04/01/obama-offshore-oil-drilling-details.htm Obama Offshore Oil Drilling Details,] 1 April 2010. Retrieved from About.com Guide to US Government Info 16 May 2010.</ref><br>''Source: United States Department of Interior.'']]<br />
Obama called for expanded development and production throughout the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. The [[Department of Interior]]'s [[Minerals Management Service]] (MMS) estimates that the Gulf of Mexico contains 36-41.5 billion barrels of oil and 161-207 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources. According a DOI press release, Obama's plan would "expand oil and gas development and exploration" while "protecting fisheries, [[tourism]], and places off U.S. coasts that are not appropriate for development."<ref>[http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/2010_03_31_release.cfm Department of Interior Press Release,] 31 March 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
The ''[[Associated Press]]'' has reported on the role ex-government regulators play in [[lobby]]ing and influence; the chief of staff of the MSS's Gulf of Mexico region once stated that deep water drilling had "few or no regulations or standards."<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/a-2649320~INFLUENCE_GAME__Govt_regulators_hired_by_companies.html INFLUENCE GAME: Govt regulators hired by companies,] Frederic J. Frommer, ''Associated Press'', 26 May 2010. Retrieved from examiner.com 26 May 2010.</ref> Two years later the senior official left his job in the MMS to work for BP.<ref>Ibid.</ref> During President Obama's first year in office, as BP's regulatory compliance and environmental manager, the ex-MMS official lobbied the U.S. Ocean Policy Task Force to "carefully weigh policies that may establish exclusionary zones" or "disrupt the MMS leasing program," according to a statement posted at whitehouse.gov.<ref>Influence Game, Frederic J. Frommer, ''Associated Press'', 26 May 2010.</ref> He further stated that BP wanted access to off-limit areas such as the eastern [[Gulf of Mexico]]<ref>Ibid.</ref> which President Obama approved in March 2010.<br />
<br />
Total U.S. offshore [[crude oil]] production in 2009 was 1.7 million barrels a day, of which 1.6 million barrels a day came from the U.S. section of the Gulf of Mexico.<ref>[http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/info_glance/petroleum.html Energy Information Administration.]</ref><br />
<br />
According to the ''New York Times'', President Obama "said several times during his [[Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign|presidential campaign]] that he supported expanded offshore drilling. He noted in his [[State of the Union]] address<ref>[http://www.c-span.org/Executive/State-of-the-Union.aspx Barack Obama State of the Union Address 2010]. Retrieved from [[C-SPAN]].org 15 May 2010.</ref> in January [2010] that weaning the country from imported oil would require “tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development.”<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/science/earth/31energy.html Obama to Open Offshore Areas to Oil Drilling for First Time,] John M. Broder, ''[[New York Times]]'', March 30, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/03/obama_clears_way_for_oil_drill.html Obama clears way for oil drilling off U.S. coasts], Associated Press, March 31, 2010, Retrieved from nola.com 8 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
Nobel Laureate in Economics, Dr. [[Paul Krugman]],<ref>[http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economics/laureates/2008/ Economics 2008.] Retrieved from Nobel.org 10 May 2010.</ref> who has been highly critical of Obama [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|economic policy]]<ref>[http://www.businessandmedia.org/articles/2009/20090331151429.aspx Krugman Garners Newsweek Cover for Left-Wing Criticism of [[Obamunism|Obamanomics,]] ] Julia A. Seymour, ''Business & Media Institute'', 3/31/09.</ref> in his regular ''New York Times'' column, ''Conscience of a Liberal'' wrote a piece entitled "The oil spill is Obama's fault," and stated "that’s not what I believe....The only question is what the story will be."<ref>[http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/the-oil-spill-is-obamas-fault/?src=twt&twt=NytimesKrugman The Oil Spill Is Obama’s Fault,] Paul Krugman, ''New York Times '' Op-Ed, 30 April 2010.</ref> When questioned about the Obama regulators "cozy relationship" with oil companies the president responded, "absolutely I take responsibility for that."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-gulf-oil-spill Remarks by President Obama on the Gulf Oil Spill,] Office of the Press Secretary, 27 May 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 29 May 2010.</ref> <br />
=== Obama administration asks Court to allow BP drilling in the Gulf of Mexico ===<br />
<br />
Less than four months after [[President Barack Obama]] took office a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. found that the U.S. Government was unprepared for a major spill at sea, relying on an "irrational" environmental analysis of the risks of offshore drilling. The Obama administration urged the court to revisit the decision. In its arguments to the court, the Obama administration said that the loss of royalties on the oil, estimated at almost $10 billion, "may have significant financial consequences for the federal government." <br />
<br />
Among the existing leases was the Lease Sale #206. That deal included BP's acquisition, for $34 million, of the acreage encompassing the Deep Water Horizons well.<br />
<br />
A day after the administration's petition, the industry's main lobbying group, the American Petroleum Institute, made its own case echoing the government's arguments. "The significance of [Gulf of Mexico] activities under the five-year program cannot be overstated," the API argued.<br />
<br />
Secretary [[Ken Salazar]] expressed confidence that problems within the [[Minerals Management Service]] that led to poor oversight of offshore drilling were resolved. In September 2009, in testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee, Salazar listed steps he had taken to make sure problems "don't occur in the future."<br />
<br />
In [[Senate]] hearings held in mid-November 2009, Obama MMS Deputy Director Walter Cruickshank assured the Committee panel fears of containing a catastrophic blowout were misplaced, saying the U.S. had "what we believe is the most aggressive oil spill contingency planning...in the world."<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704699604575342843359124882.html</ref><br />
<br />
=== Approval of BP's response plan ===<br />
The [[Obama administration]] accepted and approved BP's regional oil spill response plan for the [[Gulf of Mexico]] dated 30 June 2009<ref>[http://www.peer.org/news/news_id.php?row_id=1351 Did anyone actually read BP's oil spill response plan?] Walruses and Seals, Non-Existent Equipment Lists and Other Fanciful References, 27 May 2010. Retrieved from peer.org 19 June 2010.</ref> and covered all the company’s operations in the Gulf. The plan lists <br />
:*“Sea Lions, Seals, Sea Otters [and] [[Walrus]]es” as “Sensitive Biological Resources” in the Gulf, suggesting that portions were cribbed from previous [[Arctic]] exploratory planning;<br />
:* Gives a web site for a [[Japan]]ese home shopping site as the link to one of its “primary equipment providers for BP in the Gulf of Mexico Region [for] rapid deployment of spill response resources on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis;” and<br />
:* Directs its media spokespeople to never make “promises that [[property]], [[ecology]], or anything else will be restored to normal.”<ref>http://www.mms.gov/DeepwaterHorizon/BP_Regional_OSRP_Redactedv2.pdf</ref><br />
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The government approved plan made no mention about tracking sub-surface oil plumes from deepwater blowouts or preventing [[disease]] ([[virus]]es, [[bacteria]], etc.) transmission to captured [[animal]]s in rehabilitation facilities.<br />
<br />
=== British Petroleum ===<br />
During the first 100 days of the [[Obama administration]], the Minerals Management Service ([[MMS]]) of the [[Department of the Interior]] granted a “categorical exclusion” from a detailed environmental impact statement required under [[law]]<ref>[http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/nepa/nepaeqia.htm The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.]</ref> to BP's Deepwater Horizon drilling operation, according to the ''[[Washington Post]].''<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/04/AR2010050404118.html U.S. exempted BP's Gulf of Mexico drilling from environmental impact study,] Juliet Eilperin, ''Washington Post,'' 5 May 2010.</ref> BP's exploration plan received in the Administration's MMS field office on 23 March 2009 states "no mitigation measures other than those required by regulation and BP policy will be employed to avoid, diminish or eliminate potential impacts on environmental resources." It declared any spill would have only "sub-lethal" effects on fish and marine [[mammal]]s but it was "unlikely that an accidental oil spill would occur from the proposed activities."<ref>http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/documents/initial_exploration_plan050410.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
As Senator, and while running for president, [[Barack Obama]] received a total of $77,051 from BP<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/BP?view=detail&siteid=nwhwk</ref> and has taken more money from BP's [[Political Action Committee]] and individuals connected with BP over the past 20 years than any other candidate, according to [[FEC]] disclosure records.<ref>[http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0505/obama-biggest-recipient-bp-political-action-money-20-years Obama is biggest recipient of BP’s political action cash in the last 20 years,] John Byrne, 5 May 2010. Retrieved from rawstory.com 9 May 2010.</ref> Likewise, the independent watchdog Center for Responsive Politics noted, "the “top recipient of BP-related donations during the 2008 cycle was President Barack Obama himself.”<ref>Jake Tapper, Political Punch, [[ABC News]], 5 May 2010. [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/05/white-house-idea-that-bp-given-special-exemption-because-of-campaign-cash-to-obama-silly-and-ridiculous.html?cid=6a00d8341c4df253ef0134807669a3970c]</ref><ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2010/04/on-thursday-oil-giant-bp.html</ref> <br />
[[File:Bp-obama-logo.jpg|right|225px|thumb|Obama approved drilling permits for BP without the statutory requirement to file an environmental impact assessment,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/us/14agency.html?partner=rss&emc=rss U.S. Said to Allow Drilling Without Needed Permits,] Ian Urbina, ''New York Times'', 13 May 2010.</ref> the handling of spills in a worst-case scenario,<ref>[http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2010/bp-exempted-05-05-2010.html Interior Department Exempted BP Drilling From Environmental Review]: In Rush to Expand Offshore Oil Drilling, Interior Secretary Salazar Abandoned Pledge to Reform<br />
Industry-dominated Mineral Management Service. Press Release, Center for Biological Diversity, 5 May 2010. Retrieved from www.biologicaldiversity.org, 30 May 2010.</ref> and fostered a cozy relationship between government and the oil industry.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=10745153 Govt Regulators Hired by Companies, Influence Game: Drilling regulators move from government to industry through revolving door,] Frederic J. Frommer, ''Associated Press'', 26 May 2010. Retrieved from abcnews.go.com 30 May 2010.</ref> No other candidate took more money from BP in the past two decades than Obama received in only six years.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0510/36783.html Obama biggest recipient of BP cash,] Erika Lovley, 5 May 2010. Retrieved from Politico.com 30 May 2010.</ref>]]<br />
Talk show personality Ed Schultz of [[MSNBC]] reiterated a call for campaign finance reform as a result of Barack Obama's ties to BP and the government's response.<ref>[http://www.mrc.org/biasalert/2010/20100602102656.aspx MSNBC's Schultz Draws Bizarre Connection Between Oil Spill and Campaign Finance Reform.] Alex Fitzsimmons, Media Research Center, 2 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
Transocean, owner of the Deepwater Horizons drilling rig leased to BP, was the recipient of the Obama [[Mineral Management Service]]'s, ''Safety Award for Excellence''.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=66303 Democratic Leader Hoyer Doesn’t Know Whether Obama Administration was Prepared for Oil Spill,] Matt Cover, CNSNews.com, May 20, 2010.</ref><ref>MMS Thought Deepwater Horizon was Award-Winningly SAFE, The Project on Government Oversight, Exposing Government Corruption, 29 April 2010.</ref> On 30 April 2010 Transocean's stock fell after [[President Obama]]’s chief strategist, [[David Axelrod]], made comments nine days into the disaster and the [[government]] raised estimates to more than fives times of what had previously been reported about how much oil was leaking into the [[Gulf of Mexico]].<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-30/transocean-drops-after-axelrod-comments-on-drilling-update2-.html Transocean Drops After Axelrod Comments on Drilling,] Edward Klump, ''Bloomberg Business Week'', 30 April 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2010.</ref> <br />
<br />
It has been reported in the [[finance|financial]] press that among owners of BP<ref>[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/obama-aims-at-bp-hits-state-pensions-2010-06-09 President Obama's ramped up rhetoric over the BP oil spill is beginning to have an effect,] ''MarketWatch, 9 June 2010.</ref> are <br />
*New Jersey Division of Investment (51 million shares)<br />
*California Public Employees Retirement System (36 million shares)<br />
*Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System (7.1 million shares)<br />
*Teachers Retirement System of Alabama (4.5 million shares)<br />
*Employees Retirement System of Texas (4.1 million shares)<br />
*Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (1.1 million shares)<br />
*Illinois State Board of Investment (1.1 million shares)<ref>In 1990 Barack Obama took a job with the Law Firm of Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland ([http://articles.latimes.com/2008/apr/06/nation/na-obamalegal6 Obama's lawyer days: brief and not all civil rights,] Dan Morain, ''Los Angeles Times'' 2008-04-06). Allison S. Davis, a senior partner in the firm, went into business with [[Chicago]] slumlord [[Tony Rezko]]. Davis was appointed to the Illinois State Board of Investment by Governor [[Rod Blagojevich]] at Rezko's request in 2003. ([http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/644511 How reform-minded City Hall critic became a cozy insider,] Tim Novak, ''Chicago Sun-Times'', 2007-11-11).</ref><br />
*Indiana Public Employees' Retirement Fund (0.7 million shares)<br />
*Washington State Investment Board (1.2 million shares)<br />
*United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (21.9 million shares). <br />
<br />
BP was found [[Negligence|wilfully negligent]] during the [[Bush administration]] in a [[Texas]] refinery explosion incident, and was assessed $108 million in fines - the highest workplace safety fines in U.S. history.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/16/60minutes/main6490197_page5.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody Blowout: The Deepwater Horizon Disaster,] ''[[60 Minutes]]'', 16 May 2010. Retrieved from cbsnews.com, 2 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Nalco and Corexit ===<br />
[[File:Dermatitis4.jpg|right|375px|thumb|Dermatitis is one immediate health concern<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/28/bp-gulf-oil-spill-pollution Gulf oil spill is public health risk, environmental scientists warn,] Suzanne Goldenberg, ''[[Guardian (uk)]]'', 28 May 2010.</ref> of the [[Obama administration]]'s decision to use [[toxic]] substances to disperse the visibility of the spill. <br />
[http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CB4QFjAD&url=http://www.chemie.uni-regensburg.de/Physikalische_Chemie/Kunz/student/Uebung_Formulierung/Clark_presentation.pdf&rct=j&q=photo+dermatitis+corexit&ei=qn0ITPGEM-qXlAfeo8TSAQ&usg=AFQjCNHp_FTjbxFEzZI4o9iMcapG_kFO3Q&sig2=zxmIoVnIi2vekrq3WB6ztA]Residents, cleanup workers, and tourists alike may be affected. [http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_health_news_details.asp?news_id=31005&news_channel_id=145&channel_id=145] ]]<br />
Nalco of Naperville, Illinois formed a joint venture with Exxon Chemical in 1994 and the company's current leadership includes several executives from BP. Nalco reported it sold in excess of $40 million to BP of its dispersant, Corexit, shortly after the [[Gulf of Mexico]] oil spill disaster.<br />
<br />
Of 18 dispersants approved by the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA), 12 were found to be more effective on southern [[Louisiana]] crude than Corexit, EPA data show.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/business/energy-environment/13greenwire-less-toxic-dispersants-lose-out-in-bp-oil-spil-81183.html Less Toxic Dispersants Lose Out in BP Oil Spill Cleanup,] <br />
Paul Quinlan, ''Greenwire'', May 13, 2010. Retrieved from nytimes.com 25 May 2010.</ref> Two of the 12 were found to be 100 percent effective on [[Gulf of Mexico]] crude, whereas two Corexit products rated only 56 percent and 63 percent effective.<ref>Ibid.</ref> The [[toxic]]ity of the other 12 was shown to be in some cases 10 or 20 times less than Corexit, according to the EPA.<ref>Ibid.</ref> "It's a chemical that the oil industry makes to sell to itself, basically," said Richard Charter, a senior policy adviser for Defenders of Wildlife.<ref>Ibid.</ref><br />
<br />
Corexit was found to be one of the most toxic dispersal agents ever developed.<ref>''Acute Aquatic Toxicity of Three Corexit Products: An Overview'', Anita George-Ares and James R. Clark. Report prepared for Exxon Biomedical Sciences.</ref> With seasonal warming of water temperature the toxicity grows. Corexit is banned in the [[United Kingdom]] due to [[environment]]al concerns.<ref>[http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/05/epa-bp-dispersants Why Is the EPA Letting BP Use Dirty Dispersants?], Kate Sheppard, ''Mother Jones'', 19 May 19 2010.</ref> The Obama EPA gave BP the green light to apply Corexit to the spill.<ref>Ibid.</ref> At the Congressional hearing investigating the Gulf oil spill disaster, [[Democratic]] Representative Jerrold Nadler of [[New York]] raised the prospect of "thousands and thousands of people getting sick or dying" as a result of the administration's sanctioned use of the dispersant.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/science/earth/28workers.html Worry About Dispersant Rises as Men in Work Crew Complain of Health Problems,] Leslie Kaufman and Elizabeth Rosenthal, ''New York Times'', 27 May 2010.</ref> Critics allege use of dispersants like Corexit are largely for cosmetic purposes. Nalco has been a frequent contributor to the campaign of Sen. [[Mary Landrieu]]<ref>http://saveourwetlands.org/index-landrieu.html/</ref> of Louisiana.<ref>http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/fec/?id=273&cycle=2007-2008</ref><br />
<br />
== Deepwater Horizon ==<br />
[[File:Deepwater Horizon Fire.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Fire boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of the off shore oil rig Deepwater Horizon, April 21, 2010 (U.S. Coast Guard)]]<br />
On [[Earth Day]] 2010, a BP-leased oil drilling rig sank to the bottom of the [[Gulf of Mexico]] two days after it exploded, creating what has been described as the "worst environmental disaster in [[American History Lectures|US history]]."<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/x-33986-Political-Spin-Examiner~y2010m4d29-Worst-environmental-disaster-in-US-history-Oil-slick-in-Gulf-of-Mexico-is-set-on-fire Worst environmental disaster in US history,] Maryann Tobin, ''Examiner'', April 29, 2010.</ref> [[Secretary of the Interior]] [[Ken Salazar]] told [[CNN]] "It potentially is catastrophic," and "I think we have to prepare for the worst."<ref>[http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/gulf-oil-spill:-impossible-to-measure-impact-of-%22unprecedented-environmental-disaster%22-477603.html?tickers=BP,HAL,CAM,RIG,XLE,OIL,USO Gulf Oil Spill: Impossible to Measure Impact of "Unprecedented Environmental Disaster",] Aaron Task, May 03, 2010. Retrieved from Yahoo Finance 12 May 2010.</ref><ref>[http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/02/salazar-oil-spill-massive-and-a-potential-catastrophe/ Salazar: Oil spill 'massive' and a potential catastrophe,] [[CNN]], 3 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
Congressional investigators think they have identified the rigs blowout preventer as the cause of the explosion. <ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703339304575240323493707434.html Congress Homes In on Rig's Blowout Preventer,] Ben Casselman and Jennifer Levitz, ''Wall Street Journal Online,'' 13 May 2010.</ref> The blowout preventer was leaking hydraulic fluid, had a dead battery,<ref>Ibid.</ref> and was inspected by the Obama [[Minerals Management Service]] (MMS) only two weeks before to the explosion<ref>White House Press Office, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/press-briefing-bp-oil-spill-gulf-coast Press Briefing on the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf Coast,] 29 April 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 12 May 2010.</ref> which killed 11 people. [[Amy Goodman]], a [[leftist]] radio talk show host, has suggested those responsible should be [[prosecute]]d for [[manslaughter]].<ref>[http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/law_order_corporate_crime_unit_20100518/ Law & Order,] Amy Goodman, 18 May 2010. Retrieved from truthdigg.com 30 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
Blowout preventers are meant to shut off the well, and the last line of defense is a set of shear rams which cut the pipe and seal off the well.<ref>Congress Homes In on Rig's Blowout Preventer, Ben Casselman and Jennifer Levitz, ''WSJ Online,'' 13 May 2010.</ref> The MMS, the [[Obama administration]] agency that regulates offshore drilling along with the Coast Guard, is supposed to require proof that shear rams are powerful enough to shut the well. Michael Saucier, MMS's regional supervisor testified before Congress that the MMS did not require BP to file a "scenario for potential blowout."<ref>Ibid.</ref> The MMS certified that BP "has the capacity to respond, to the maximum extent practicable, to a worst-case discharge, or a substantial threat of such a discharge."<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/29/gulf-oil-spill-exceeds-bp_n_556798.html</ref><br />
<br />
A May 2010 Inspector General's report revealed at least two MMS regulatory inspectors admitted to being under the influence of the [[illegal drug]] [[methamphetamine]] while on the job.<ref>[http://www.wusf.usf.edu/news/2010/05/25/drugs_free_football_tickets_and_porn_at_minerals_management_service Drugs, Free Football Tickets and Porn at Minerals Management Service,] 25 May 2010. Retrieved from wusf.usf.edu 26 May 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.tgdaily.com/business-and-law-features/49932-us-bureaucrats-smoked-crystal-meth-watched-porn-as-bp-oil-rig-blew US bureaucrats smoked crystal meth, watched porn as BP oil rig blew,] Starr Keshet, 25 May 2010. Retrieved from tgdaily.com 26 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
==Environmental disaster ==<br />
[[File:Oil slick map.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Projections of the flow of the spill over the summer of 2010. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37497578/ns/local_news-new_york_ny/] ]]<br />
On 29 April 2010 oil began washing ashore in Plaquemines Parish, [[Louisiana]]; four weeks later local leaders still were begging [[President Obama]] for federal assistance in responding to the disaster which was overtaking hundreds of miles of shoreline.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/26/gulf.oil.spill.plaquemines/index.html Plaquemines Parish president blasts federal response to oil spill,] CNN, 26 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
Crude oil has washed into marshes, estuaries and onto beaches in [[Mississippi]] and [[Alabama]]. Wildlife has been killed and efforts are underway to save oil-coated<br />
birds. Without capping the well [[Florida]]'s Everglades may be turned into a "dead zone." Scientists expect currents to carry the oil slick to the eastern seaboard of the [[United States]], fouling beaches and estuaries like the [[Chesapeake Bay]] and fishing grounds of the Grand Banks off [[Newfoundland]].<br />
<br />
=== Silverfish ===<br />
<br />
Most scientists agree that Corexit 9500 will have a much larger biological effect when it reaches coastal areas teeming with wildlife.<ref>Toxic Oil Dispersant Used in Gulf Despite Better Alternative, Brandon Keim, ''Wired Science,'' 5 May 2010.</ref> Many species are being threatened at a crucial time in their life cycle.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2818588720100428 FACTBOX-Possible environmental impact of Gulf oil spill,] ''[[Reuters]]'', 28 April 2010.</ref> In testing done by the U.S. [[Environmental Protection Agency]] the dispersant Corexit 9500 was found to be extremely lethal to silverfish, a benchmark [[organism]] in [[toxic]]ity testing.<ref>Toxic Oil Dispersant Used in Gulf Despite Better Alternative, Brandon Keim, ''Wired Science,'' 5 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Gulf menhaden ===<br />
<br />
Gulf menhaden are a [[specie]]s harvested mostly for fish meal and fish oil. Menhaden could be badly affected<br />
by the spill.<br />
<br />
=== Coral, oyster and shrimp ===<br />
<br />
Corals, oyster and shrimp likewise are critically affected. Richard Charter, a foremost expert on marine biology and oil spills who is a senior policy advisor for Marine Programmes for Defenders of Wildlife and is chairman of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council has said, “There is a [[chemical]] [[toxic]]ity to the dispersant compound that in many ways is worse than oil,” which "in so doing you may be more seriously damaging the ecosystem offshore.”<ref>Chemical dispersants seem to be keeping oil from Gulf shore, but results may range from simply cosmetic to very toxic. Retreived from Belona.org 15 May 2010.</ref> Shrimp were found to be extremely vulnerable to the lethal effects of the chemical dispersant Corexit 9500 used by [[Obama administration]] disaster relief agencies and BP in testing done by the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA).<ref>Toxic Oil Dispersant Used in Gulf Despite Better Alternative, Brandon Keim, ''Wired Science,'' 5 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Brown pelican ===<br />
[[File:Dead birds and sea turtles.jpg|right|325px|thumb|Dead birds and sea turtles. ]]<br />
The [[Louisiana]] state bird, the Brown Pelican, was removed from protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2009. The Obama administration approved BP's Deepwater Horizon drilling rig without the proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) required by law. The disaster occurred just as breeding season commenced.<br />
<br />
=== Other bird species ===<br />
<br />
Other species endangered by the oil spill are American oystercatcher and Wilson's plover.<br />
<br />
=== Sea turtles ===<br />
<br />
As several species of sea turtles move through the Gulf during their spring nesting season, they need to surface to breathe.<br />
<br />
=== Toxic oil spill rain ===<br />
A report prepared by the [[Russia]]n Ministry of Natural Resources warned that the leaking [[crude oil]] into the [[Gulf of Mexico]] is about to become the worst [[environment]]al catastrophe in all of human history, threatening the entire eastern half of [[North America]] with “total destruction.” Russian scientists based the assessment on the use of millions of gallons of the government approved chemical dispersant Corexit. <br />
<br />
The Russian scientists outlined that Corexit, with its 2.61ppm [[toxic]]ity level, combined with the seasonal warming of Gulf of Mexico waters, the [[molecule]]s will be able to “phase transition” from their present [[liquid]] to a gaseous state allowing them to be absorbed into clouds and released as “toxic rain” upon all of Eastern North America.<br />
<br />
The scientists warned should a [[Hurricane Katrina]] like storm form in the Gulf while tens of millions of gallons of Corexit are floating on or near the surface, the resulting “toxic rain” falling upon the North American continent could “theoretically” destroy all microbial life to any depth it reaches resulting in an “unimaginable environmental catastrophe” destroying all kinds of life forms.<ref>[http://www.eutimes.net/2010/05/toxic-oil-spill-rains-warned-could-destroy-north-america/ Toxic oil spill rains warned could destroy North America,'] EUTimes, 24 May 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
== The response ==<br />
<br />
Initially [[Department of Homeland Security]] and the [[U.S. Coast Guard]] reported on 23 April 2010 there was no leak from the sunken oil rig.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-04-23-deepwater-horizon_N.htm Coast Guard: No oil leaking from sunken rig,] Rick Jervis, ''[[USA TODAY]]'', 23 April 2010.</ref> The next day the [[Obama administration]] officially estimated a leak from the sunken well at 1000 barrels per day.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/24/oil-rig-deepwater-horizon_0_n_550849.html Oil Rig, Deepwater Horizon, Leaking Into Gulf Of Mexico,] Cain Burdeau, 4 April 2010. Retrieved from the ''[[Huffington Post]],'' 15 May 2010.</ref> The ''[[Associated Press]]'' reported it took nine days after the explosion and loss of life before President Obama made his first comments on the disaster.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100509/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_gulf_oil_spill_obama_s_response Obama oil response: aggressive as crisis unfolded,] ,H. Josef Hebert and Erica Werner, ''Associated Press'', 9 May 2010. Retrieved from news.yahoo.com 2 June 2010.</ref> BP's stock fell<ref>[http://in.reuters.com/article/idINLDE63S0HR20100429 European shares turn negative; BP falls,] ''Reuters'' 29 April 2010.</ref> on news of the "the worsening oil spill" and administration estimates were raised to 5000 barrels per day.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/us/29spill.html Size of Spill in Gulf of Mexico Is Larger Than Thought,] Campbell Robertson and Leslie Kaufman, ''New York Times,'' 28 April 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.</ref> and appointed a national incident commander.<ref>http://wallstcheatsheet.com/breaking-news/a-timeline-of-the-bp-oil-spill-crisis-pics/?p=10743/</ref><br />
<br />
=== U.S. Government dumps toxic dispersants into the Gulf of Mexico ===<br />
[[File:Bp-oil-spill-cam234234.jpg|left|275px|thumb|After President Obama's approval of the Deepwater Horizon's drilling rig permit and regulatory failures costing 11 workers their lives, the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico continued unabated for 86 days.]]<br />
''Wired Science'' reports the [[Obama administration]] disaster-relief agencies are using a toxic chemical to disperse oil in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster. Use of dispersants are said to be a public relations strategy.<ref>[http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/05/gulf-dispersants/ Toxic Oil Dispersant Used in Gulf Despite Better Alternative,] Brandon Keim, 5 May 2010. Retrieved from ''Wired Science'' 15 May 2010.</ref> Secretary [[Janet Napolitano]] of the [[Department of Homeland Security]] acknowledged<ref>[http://www.oilspillupdates.com/oil-spill-videos/obama-oil-spill-bill-on-bp-chem-spray-to-save-nature/ Obama: Oil spill bill on BP, Chem spray to save nature,] Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Updates, 04th May 2010. Retrieved from oilspillupdates.com 29 May 2010.</ref> the U.S government was dumping toxic chemicals from [[C-130]] cargo aircraft onto the spill.<ref>[http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-05-02/news/os-oil-disaster-chemical-cleanup-20100502_1_dispersant-spill-crude Oil-spill disaster: Chemicals used in cleanup add to toxic mix,] Kevin Spear, ''Orlando Sentinel,'' 2 May 2010.</ref> Jackie Savitz of the ocean-conservation group Oceana stated the use of dispersants is only slightly less horrendous than the Gulf oil spill itself. "You're basically pouring chemicals into the ocean, which is never a good thing."<ref>Ibid.</ref> According to a 2009 [[Environmental Protection Agency]] report dispersants have not been used in the United State prior to the Obama administration's approval at BP'S request "because of possible long-term environmental effects, difficulties with timely and effective application, disagreement among [[scientist]]s and research data about their environmental effects, effectiveness, and [[toxic]]ity concerns" and the effects "are still unknown."<ref>Ibid.</ref> Residents in areas close to the oil spill have reported odors and symptoms such as [[headache]]s, dizziness, [[nausea]], eye irritation, and respiratory problems.<ref>[http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/gsolomon/gulf_oil_spill_air_quality_upd.html Gulf Oil Spill Air Quality,] Gina Solomon, 24 May 2010. Retrieved from Natural Resources Defense Council Staff Blog, 3 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Disregard for worker safety ===<br />
[[File:Cleaup300.jpg|right|275px|thumb|Cleanup workers exposed to the Obama adminsitration's decision to use known [[toxic]] substances to disperse the spill. Critics allege dispersants are ineffective and largely for cosmetic purposes. ]]<br />
The ''[[Guardian (uk)]]'' has reported the controversy over Corexit exposes the [[Obama administration]] to criticism that its scientific agencies have been too accommodating to BP's strategy. In addition to the use of Corexit, the Obama [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) came under fire for withholding test results on the toxicity of the water close to shore.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/20/gulf-oil-spill-chemical-dispersant</ref><br />
<br />
The dispersant 2-BE is known to cause heath dangers to clean up workers<ref>http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/gsolomon/oil_spill_clean-up_workers_get.html</ref> and wildlife alike.<ref>[http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2010/chem_dispersants_work_at_cost Chemical dispersants seem to be keeping oil from Gulf shore, but results may range from simply cosmetic to very toxic.] Retrieved from Belona.org 15 May 2010.</ref> 2-BE has been documented to cause the breakdown of [[red blood cell]]s, leading to blood in urine and feces, and can damage the kidneys, liver, spleen and [[bone marrow]] of humans – effects not included on the information sheet for workers.<ref>Ibid.</ref> The dispersant Corexit 9500 is associated with headaches, vomiting and reproductive problems as sides effects to clean-up workers.<ref>Ibid.</ref> Lawrence Duffy of the University of Alaska claims dispersants "are more a public relations measure than a preventive one. It has an effect on our psychology because we don't see the oil slick,"<ref>Ibid.</ref> though oil particles continue to do damage.<ref>Oil-spill disaster: Chemicals used in cleanup add to toxic mix, Kevin Spear, ''Orlando Sentinel,'' 2 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Government mismanagement of relief efforts ===<br />
<br />
Three weeks into the disaster [[National Public Radio]] reported the [[Obama administration]]'s official figures were still grossly underestimated<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126809525 Gulf Spill May Far Exceed Official Estimates,] Richard Harris, ''National Public Radio,'' 14 May 2010.</ref> and after the first month it was finally admitted the spill was nearly three times larger than earlier thought.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/us/28flow.html Estimates Suggest Spill Is Biggest in U.S. History,] Tom Zeller, Jr., ''New York Times'', 27 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
Federal officials did not begin burning the leaking oil off the surface of the water until one full week after the rig collapsed.<ref>[http://blog.al.com/live/2010/04/burning_should_have_started_a.html Burning should have started a week ago, former NOAA official says,] Ben Raines, ''Mobile Press-Register'', 29 April 2010.</ref> Louisiana Governor [[Bobby Jindal]] criticized [[President Obama]] for his slow response.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzEntQPr9OA</ref> ''The New York Times'' castigated the [[White House]] for delays and not moving quick enough, calling the evidence "damning" and declaring the Gulf oil spill a "huge disaster whose consequences might have been minimized with swifter action" from the [[Obama administration]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/opinion/01sat1.html Unanswered Questions on the Spill,] ''New York Times'' Editorial, 30 April 2010.</ref> One month into the spill, [[Democrat]]ic stalwarts [[James Carville]],<ref>[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2521614/posts Is James Carville racist?], 26 May 2010. Retrieved from freerepublic.com 30 May 2010.</ref> [[Chris Matthews]],<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0510/37632.html#ixzz0om46RhGH</ref> and Donna Brazile<ref>http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/99375-donna-brazile-calls-obamas-oil-spill-response-not-tough-enough</ref> criticized the inept and bungled response to the spreading catastrophe.<br />
[[File:Finalisttransoce.jpeg|left|250px|thumb|Chris Oynes (left) of the Mineral Management Service presents Keelan Adamson (right) of Transocean the MMS's,<br> ''Safety Award for Excellence'' (SAFE),<ref>http://www.mms.gov/awards/SAFEcriteria.htm</ref> at the MMS National Award luncheon, 7 May 2009.<ref>http://www.beaconmag.com/gomrigteamswinmm.html</ref><br>''Source: Beacon magazine'']]<br />
The [[White House]] lacked any type of plan to combat the disaster. [[U.S. House of Representatives|House]] Democratic Majority Leader [[Steny Hoyer]] publicly admitted that the [[Obama Administration]] was ill-prepared to deal with the situation. <ref>[http://pogoblog.typepad.com/pogo/2010/04/mms-thought-deepwater-horizon-was-awardwinningly-safe.html MMS Thought Deepwater Horizon was Award-Winningly SAFE,] The Project on Government Oversight, Exposing Government Corruption, 29 April 2010.</ref> While the disaster steadily grew, Obama did not discuss the crisis at length until he appeared at a photo op at Venice, Louisiana on 3 May 2010.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126467960 Obama Says Oil Spill Damage Could Be Unprecedented,] Scott Horsley, [[NPR]], 3 May 2010.</ref> He would order a moratorium on all future deep sea oil platforms until they determine the problems associated with the current situation. As to be expected, Obama tries to remove himself from blame saying "the system failed", this despite the fact the he heads the system. Then he pointed fingers of blame at oil companies while taking an indirect jab at the Bush administration. <ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20005039-503544.html Angry Obama Seeks to Deflect Blame for Gulf Oil Spill Crisis, CBS, May 14, 2010]</ref><br />
{{cquote|For too long, for a decade or more, there has been a cozy relationship between the oil companies and the federal agency that permits them to drill. It seems as if permits were too often issued based on little more than assurances of safety from the oil companies. That cannot and will not happen anymore.}}<br />
White House spokesman [[Robert Gibbs]] did his best to put a good spin on the disaster claiming the response was "comprehensive and fast." Meanwhile, the [[Democrat]]-led Congress ordered public hearings from oil executives. President Obama blamed others saying the answers from oil executives were a "ridiculous spectacle," "You had executives of BP and Transocean and Halliburton falling over each other to point the finger of blame at somebody else." <ref>[http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/burning_rig_of_fire_VkeuMCffwTUd9IBS7gUV7K?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=#ixzz0oWm4u9zQ New look at Gulf oil spill as cleanup continues, NYPost, May 15, 2010]</ref> As the disaster progressed and questions arose over the government's misreporting and withholding<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/bp-feds-withheld-videos-showing-massive-scope-oil/story?id=10819367 BP and Feds Withheld Videos Showing Massive Scope of Oil Spill:] Coast Guard Told Public Not to 'Fixate' On Rate of Spill While Sitting On Video, Brian Ross, Matthew York, and Avni Patel, ABC News, 3 June 2010.</ref> of information from the [[public]] about the true dimensions of the calamity, the ''[[Associated Press]]'' noted, <br />
{{cquote|First [Obama] was going to make BP pay for the Gulf oil mess. Then he declared himself in charge. Now he's trying to find out 'whose ass to kick' and making clear he'd fire BP's chief if only he could.<ref>http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100608/D9G7C5U00.html</ref>}}<br />
[[File:Energy Tax bill.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Estimated impact of Obama Energy Tax in job losses.<br> Total job loss: 2.2 million.<br>''Source: National Black Chamber of Commerce'' [http://www.nationalbcc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=750:nbcc-study-generates-concerns-about-waxmanmarkey-climate-change-bill-costs-are-high-but-benefits-are-uncertain&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=7] ]]<br />
=== Revitalizing cap and trade energy tax ===<br />
:''Main article:'' '''[[Cap and trade]]'''<br />
[[President Obama]] has been roundly criticized by [[Democrat]]s and [[Republican]]s alike for attempting to use the [[nation]]al tragedy to revitalized his failed Cap and Trade energy proposals. The Obama proposal, widely perceived as a job-killer tax increase, has stalled in the [[U.S. Senate]]. [[California]] Senator [[Dianne Feinstein]] has stated the climate bill "isn't going to stop the oil leak."<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/06/15/obamas-pitch-energy-speech-gulf-crisis-infuriates-republicans/ Obama Draws Bipartisan Criticism for Using Oil Spill to Push Energy Policy,] [[FOXNews]].com, 16 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
[[Environmentalist]]s want the President to push the program. Fred Krupp of the Environmental Defense Fund calls the opportunity "a political moment" to pass a carbon tax estimated to cost the average U.S. household $4300 per year.<ref>[http://blog.heritage.org/2009/05/15/the-4300-energy-tax/ The $4300 Energy Tax,] Nicolas Loris, 15 May 2009. Retrieved from Heritage.org, 19 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
Joel Benenson, who conducted polling for Obama’s presidential campaign, thinks the tax increase could pass, but wary Senate Democrats say otherwise. “There’s not a great call for it" said [[West Virginia]] Democratic Senator [[Jay Rockefeller]]. “It’s unrelated” to the immediate crisis in the Gulf noted Senator [[Ben Nelson]], Democrat from [[Nebraska]].<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-16/democrats-say-climate-bill-lacks-momentum-after-spill-update3-.html Democrats Say Climate Bill Lacks Momentum After Spill,] Lisa Lerer and Simon Lomax, ''Bloomberg'', 16 June 2010. </ref><br />
<br />
<br />
=== Assistance of foreign governments ===<br />
Nearly two-months after the disaster took place, the Obama administration decides to utilize the assistance offered by 17 countries, the U.N and the European Union. <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/13/AR2010061304232.html After delays, [[U.S.]] begins to tap foreign aid for gulf oil spill, WaPo, June 14, 2010]</ref> International aid offers already accepted include two skimmers and 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) of boom from [[Mexico]], three sets of sweeping arm systems from the Netherlands and 1.86 miles (3.0 kilometers) of boom from Canada, the State Department said. The State Department noted that it has assisted BP in directly sourcing equipment and technical experts from around the world, including from Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, [[Brazil]], [[Canada]], China, Denmark, Latvia, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the [[United Kingdom]]. <ref>[http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100615-275709/US-taps-into-foreign-assistance-for-Gulf-oil-spill US taps into foreign assistance for Gulf oil spill, Agence France-Presse, June 15, 2010]</ref><br />
<br />
===Public relations offensive===<br />
Faced with declining poll numbers and a public relations calamity, [[President Obama]] took to the airwaves nearly 60 days into the spill. A ''New York Times'' Op-ed commented,<br />
{{cquote|All we got from President Obama was a vague call for some sort of new energy policy. Plus a Gulf Coast Restoration Plan, an oil spill study commission, a reminder that the secretary of energy won a Nobel Prize in physics and 17 references to God, prayer, blessings or faith.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/opinion/17collins.html The Boring Speech Policy,] Gail Collins, ''New York Times'' Op-ed, 16 June 2010.</ref><ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2010/06/17/behar-laments-shocking-bush-obama-garofalo-slams-anti-intellectual-pr Behar Panel Sees '[[Bush]]-Like' and '[[Corporatist]]' [[Obama]], [[Janeane Garofalo|Garofalo]] Slams 'Anti-Intellectual' [[Prayer]],] Joy Behar Show, [[CNN]]. Retrieved from newsbusters.org, 20 June 2010.</ref>}}<br />
Former speechwriter for President [[Jimmy Carter]], [[Chris Matthews]], chided the President after his address to the nation,<br />
{{cquote|Ludicrous that he keeps saying [Secretary of Energy] [[Steven Chu|Chu]] has a [[Nobel prize]]. I'll barf if he does it one more time.<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/06/15/msnbc_trashes_obamas_address_compared_to_carter_i_dont_sense_executive_command.html MSNBC Trashes Obama's Address: Compared To Carter, "I Don't Sense Executive Command,"]. Retrieved from RealClearPolitics.com, 20 June 2010.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
==Economic impacts==<br />
[[File:Oilslick.png|right|275px|thumb| Oil slick map as of May 30, 2010.]]<br />
The economic impact of the [[Gulf of Mexico]] oil drilling disaster will be large and devastating to several key industries, including fishing, tourism, and transportation.<ref>[http://www.ihsglobalinsight.com/Perspective/PerspectiveDetail18638.htm Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Gulf Coast Oil Spill,] Nariman Behravesh, 4 May 2010. Retrieved from ihsglobalinsights.com 8 May 2020.</ref><br />
<br />
The top commercial species in terms of value are shrimp ($367 million), menhaden ($64 million), oysters ($59 million), and blue crab ($38 million).<ref>National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Fisheries Economics of the United States, Silver Spring, MD, 2008.</ref> As of 25 May 2010, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) closed 54,096 square miles to commercial and recreational fishing.<ref>http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill.htm</ref> These areas are some of the richest fishing grounds in the Gulf of Mexico for major commercial species such as white shrimp, blue crab, and oysters.<br />
<br />
===Employment in fishing===<br />
The most immediate economic impact of the oil spill has been on the Gulf fishing<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/fishing-industry-hammered-by-gulf-oil-spill/41612D0E-B338-464D-A15E-5885B1D227D6</ref> industry. The number of [[job]]s at stake, which includes seafood processing and related wholesale and retail, is over 200,000 with related [[economic]] activity of $5.5 billion.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41262.pdf Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Selected Issues for Congress,] Curry L. Hagerty and Jonathan L. Ramseur, Congressional Research Service, 27 May 2010. (pdf p. 2.).</ref><br />
<br />
Dockside sales in [[Louisiana]] are approximately $660 million.<ref>National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Departtment of Commerce, [http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st5/publication/econ/2008/FEUS%202008%20ALL.pdf Fisheries Economics of the United States,] Silver Spring, MD, 2008. (pdf).</ref> Loses to the Louisiana fishing could be as high as $2.5 billion.<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/insurers-brace-for-liability-hit-from-oil-spill-2010-05-05</ref><br />
<br />
===Employment in tourism===<br />
<br />
The tourist industry employs 620,000 people who earn over $9 billion in wages in the Gulf of Mexico region. Analysts say [[Florida]] alone could lose $3 billion in tourism.<ref>[http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7da532730030019&sectionId=65 Insurance industry concern grows over oil spill liability,] Alistair Barr, ''Royal Press Gazette'', 6 May 2010.</ref> <br />
<br />
In 2008, recreational anglers took 25.4 million fishing trips and spent over $12 billion on equipment and trips in the Gulf region.<ref>National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Fisheries Economics of the United States, Silver Spring, MD, 2008.</ref> Some of the most popular recreational species include snappers, several types of drum, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel. Recreational fisheries support businesses such as charters, bait and tackle, and services such as restaurants and hotels. <br />
<br />
In 2000, 21.9 million people visited Gulf beaches and accounted for 177.2 million beach days.<ref>Brent Ache, David Bylsma, and Kristen Crossett, et al., The Gulf of Mexico at a Glance, National Ocean Service, NOAA, A Tool for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and the American Public, Washington, DC, 2008. [http://gulfofmexicoalliance.org/pdfs/gulf_glance_1008.pdf pdf].</ref><br />
<br />
===Transportation===<br />
The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA),<ref>[http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMIX/2010jun00034.html OMSA slams offshore drilling moratorium,] 3 June 2010. Retrieved from Marinelog.com, 19 June 2010.</ref> the national trade association for U.S. flag vessels in the energy sector, criticized the [[Obama administration]]'s moratorium on offshore drilling projects. 100,000 jobs were immediately affected by the president's decision as companies began cancelling contracts to carry supplies, forcing layoffs. "The industry has struggled to climb out of a severe economic downturn. The moratorium threatens any hope of recovery and creates the potential for economic hardship that could last a decade or longer," remarked OMSA President Ken Wells.<br />
<br />
OMSA estimates that for every mariner who works on-board a vessel, there are nine other Americans working in shore-side jobs that support vessel operations. Beyond the vessel crew, the negative consequences of the moratorium could impact everyone from service technicians supporting everything from diesel engines to the air condition systems to the local grocer who supplies food for the boat's galley.<br />
<br />
Offshore vessels are a major part of the tax base in many coastal communities. Gulf Coast state and local government revenues will also decrease due to lower [[income tax]] and [[sales tax]] collections.<br />
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Disruption of shipping traffic in and out of the Port of [[New Orleans]] will impact barge, container, and tanker traffic in the Mississippi Delta and along the [[Mississippi River]]. Prices of all types of commodities would affected.<br />
<br />
=== Insurance industry ===<br />
<br />
BP, the operator on the oil drilling lease with a 65% stake, insured itself, rather than buying coverage from insurance companies. Industry analysts estimate total costs related to the oil spill cleanup and damages could exceed $14 billion. <ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE6410IJ20100502 U.S. oil spill could bill could exceed $14 billion,] Tom Bergin, ''Reuters,'' 2 May 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Lost revenue to state and local governments ===<br />
:'''Louisiana'''<br />
A Greater New Orleans study indicates the [[Obama administration]]'s moratorium could cost [[Louisiana]] as many as 22,000 jobs and more than $782 million in revenues.<br />
<br />
With the average deepwater rig employing 230 workers with an average salary of $98,000, the study puts the tax revenue impact at $151 million if drilling were to resume within 18 months. Greater New Orleans President and CEO Michael Hecht says it’s difficult to be optimistic based on President Obama’s [[Oval Office]] address on 15 June 2010. President Obama's action “has the potential to turn an ecological tragedy into an economic calamity,” Hecht said.<ref>[http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2010/06/16/study-moratorium-could-cost-up-to-22000-jobs-782m-in-lost-revenue/ Study: Moratorium could cost up to 22,000 jobs, $782M in lost revenue,] Greg LaRose, ''New Orleans City Business'', 16 June 2010.</ref> The study foresees in a worse case scenario the loss of more than 22,000 jobs, 3,450 of them directly tied to the operating rigs and 18,945 with indirect ties such as catering firms and other companies that serve U.S energy producers.<br />
<br />
Fearing that the drilling moratorium "could exacerbate, rather than alleviate, the impacts of this spill upon both our [[economy]] and our [[environment]]," U.S. Senator [[Mary Landrieu]] wrote to President Obama on 11 June 2010.<ref>http://landrieu.senate.gov/mediacenter/pressreleases/06-11-2010-1.cfm</ref> Landrieu stated, <br />
{{Cquote|more than 300,000 Louisianians are employed either directly or indirectly by the oil and gas industry. ..The immediate impacts to the economy are devastating enough: idling the 33 rigs currently permitted to drill in the deepwater Gulf would immediately impact [[employment]] for roughly 38,000 crewmen, deck hands, engineers, welders, ROV operators, caterers, helicopter pilots, and others who operate and service these vessels. That's like closing 12 large motor vehicle assembly plants in one state, all at once.}}<br />
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Lost state and local tax revenues will accrue at a rate between $8 million and $15 million a month. Federal royalty losses will be substantial and a significant drop in tolls collected for the Louisiana Highway 1 bridge at Leeville, the main artery to the Port Fourchon energy port is projected as well.<br />
:'''Texas'''<br />
The [[Texas]] state comptroller’s office reported collection of $2.3 billion in oil and natural gas production taxes in fiscal year 2009 and $4.1 billion in 2008. The tax revenue is used to repair roads and fund schools, among other state services. Although no official analysis of President Obama's decision to place a moratorium on offshore production has been compiled yet, the Texas comptroller’s office said it’s unclear how much of an impact the president's decision will have on state services. Experts warn the president's decision could threaten tens of thousands of jobs in the [[Houston]] area.<ref>[http://www.kvue.com/news/state/Deepwater-drilling-moratorium-threatens-Texas-tax-revenue-95848579.html Deepwater drilling moratorium threatens Texas' tax revenue,] Gabe Gutierrez, 8 June 2010. Retrieved from kvue.com, 20 June 2010.</ref><br />
:'''Alabama'''<br />
Manufacturing jobs in [[Alabama]] are at risk as a result of [[President Obama]]'s actions, as no new orders for equipment are coming in.<ref>[http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=94652 NOIA Member Cos Feel Drilling Moratorium Impacts,] National Ocean Industries Association, 11 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
=== Increased dependency on foreign oil ===<br />
<br />
[[New Jersey]] Democrat Senator [[Robert Menendez]] proposed a ban on new offshore drilling permits and submitted a bill that would retroactively raise the financial liability of BP from $75 million to $10 billion. <ref>[http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2010/05/senator-menendez-on-oil-spill-no-new-drilling-permits.html Senator Menendez on Oil Spill: No New Drilling Permits, ABCNews, May 12, 2010]</ref> Oklahoma [[Republican]] Senator [[James Inhofe]] successfully killed the bill saying it would reduce competition and shut down smaller independent oil companies in favor of larger companies.<br />
<br />
=== Too big to fail ===<br />
An oil industry trade publication<ref>[http://oilprice.com/Environment/Oil-Spills/The-Cover-up-BP-s-Crude-Politics-and-the-Looming-Environmental-Mega-Disaster.html The Cover-up: BP's Crude Politics and the Looming Environmental Mega-Disaster,] Wayne Madsen, 06 May 2010. Retrieved from oilprice.com 6 June 2010.</ref> reports [[President Obama]] and senior White House staff, as well as Interior Secretary [[Ken Salazar]], are working with BP on [[legislation]] that would raise the cap on [[liability]] for damage claims from those affected by the oil disaster from $75 million to $10 billion. However the disaster has the real potential of costing nearly $1 trillion. Critics point out that in the deal between Obama and BP, $10 billion is a drop in the bucket for a trillion dollar disaster. Talk is noted in government circles, including [[FEMA]], of the need to nationalize BP in order to compensate those who will ultimately be affected by the worst oil disaster in the history of the world, and BP would, if its assets were nationalized, be credited with almost a trillion dollars for compensation purposes.<ref>[http://www.infowars.com/the-cover-up-bps-crude-politics-and-the-looming-environmental-mega-disaster-2/ The Cover-up: BP's Crude Politics and the Looming Environmental Mega-Disaster,] Wayne Madsen, 06 May 2010. Retrieved from infowars.com 6 June 2010.</ref><ref>[http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/05/31/why_obama_should_put_bp_under_temporary_receiversh/ Why Obama Should Put BP Under Temporary Receivership,] [[Obama_doublespeak#Change|Robert Reich]], 31 May 2010. Retrieved from talkingpointsmemo.com, 6 June 2010.</ref><br />
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After Obama charged [[Attorney General]] [[Eric Holder]] to investigate the disaster, BP establish a $20 billion extrajudicial fund managed by an Obama appointee.<ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=37574 Obama's Latest Shakedown,] David Limbaugh, ''Human Events'', 06/20/2010.</ref> Former [[CNN]] news writer and radio talk show host Mike Malloy suggested Holder is beholden to [[corporatist]] interests.<ref>[http://www.mrc.org/biasalert/2010/20100603042451.aspx The AG vs. BP: Little Skepticism on ABC and NBC, While Lefty Talker Blasts Holder as 'Corporatist' Pretender], Rich Noyes, Media Research Center, 3 June 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
== Criticism of the Obama administration's handling of the disaster ==<br />
[[File:Memorial for oil workers.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Memorial service for the 11 workers killed in the explosion.<br>''Reuters'' [http://www.daylife.com/photo/00nya1C9URdAy?q=Mississippi] ]]<br />
Former top adviser to President [[Bill Clinton]], [[James Carville]], turned visibly emotional in a interview with [[George Stephanopoulos]] on [[ABC]]'s ''[[Good Morning America]]'' over [[President Barack Obama]]'s "lackadaisical" response to the Gulf oil spill disaster. <br />
{{Cquote|The political [[stupid]]ity is unbelievable. ... The President of the United States could have come down here. He could have been involved with the families of these 11 people...... He could have implemented a plan in anticipation of this... He could be commandeering tankers and making BP bring tankers in and clean this up.... He could be deploying people to the coast. He could be with the corps of engineers and the Coast Guard with these people in Plaquemines Parish, doing something about these regulations. These people are crying. They're begging for something down here. And it just looks like he's not involved in this! Man, you have got to get down here and take control of this! Put somebody in charge of this and get this thing moving! We're about to die down here!<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Politics/bp-oil-spill-political-headache-obama-democrats-slam/story?id=10746519 'Political Stupidity': Democrat James Carville Slams Obama's Response to BP Oil Spill; Democratic Strategist Said White House Should've Acted Quickly: 'We're About to Die Down Here',] Jake Tapper and Huma Khan, ''Good Morning America,'' 26 May 2010. Retrieved from abcnews.go.com 28 May 2010.</ref><ref>[http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0526/unhinged-carville-obama-gulf/ Unhinged Carville goes off on Obama on oil spill, The Raw Story, May 26, 2010]</ref><ref>http://www.mediaresearch.org/biasalert/2010/20100526121155.aspx</ref>}}<br />
Carville also said in a separate interview on [[CNN]] with [[Anderson Cooper]],<br />
{{Cquote|They are risking everything by this ‘go along with BP’ strategy they have. They seem, like, lackadaisical on this...they seem like they’re inconvenienced by this, this is some giant thing getting in their way and somehow or another, if you let BP handle it, it’ll all go away. It’s not going away. It’s growing out there. It is a disaster of the first magnitude...the government thinks that they are partnering with BP. I think they actually believe that BP has some kind of a good motivation here. That’s one of the, sort of, whole flaws is they're naïve.<ref>[http://archives.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1005/23/sotu.01.html State of the Union with Candy Crowley,] CNN, 23 May 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2010.</ref><ref>http://www.mediaite.com/tv/james-carville-obama-administration-seems-inconvenienced-by-bp-oil-spill/</ref>}} <br />
Obama acknowledged the criticism days later in a televised press conference:<br />
{{Cquote|Where I was wrong was in my belief that the oil companies had their act together when it came to worst-case scenarios.<ref>Remarks by President Obama on the Gulf Oil Spill, Office of the Press Secretary, 27 May 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 29 May 2010.</ref>}}<br />
[[File:Day12 comedyskit1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Day 12 of the Disaster: Obama enjoys an evening of levity and banter with the Washington Press Corps at the White House Correspondent's Dinner.]] <br />
[[MSNBC]] talk show host [[Chris Matthews]]<ref>Matthews said of Obama during the Potomac Primaries, "it's part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama's speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often." [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/13/chris-matthews-i-felt-thi_n_86449.html]</ref> said on [[Jay Leno]]'s ''Tonight Show'',<br />
{{Cquote|The president scares me. He's been acting a little like a Vatican Observer here. When is he actually going to do something? And I worry. I know he doesn't want to take ownership of it. I know politics. He said the minute he says, 'I'm in charge,' he takes the blame.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100524/pl_ynews/ynews_pl2219 White House seeks to fend off growing chorus of critics on handling of Gulf spill,] ''Yahoo News'', 24 May 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2010.</ref>}} <br />
<br />
[[Secretary of State]] [[Hillary Rodham Clinton]]'s presidential campaign manager in 2008 questioned if [[Democratic]] primary [[voter]]s had <br />
{{Cquote|underestimated the value of experience and crisis management as important attributes for their president.<ref>[http://topics.npr.org/article/04M3gpJa4p92Z?q=NPR Did 2008 Democratic primary voters underestimate value of experience?] Alex Pappas, ''The Daily Caller'', 06/06/10. Retrieved from npr.org, 6 June 2010.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Donna Brazile, who managed the presidential campaign of Democratic [[candidate]] [[Al Gore]] in 2000 said on [[ABC]]'s ''[[This Week]]'',<br />
{{Cquote|One of the problems I have with the administration is that they're not tough enough. They are waiting for BP to say, ‘oh, we've got a new plan to stop the oil leak.’ They need to stop it, contain it, clean it up, and try to help us conserve our coastal wetlands.<ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/99375-donna-brazile-calls-obamas-oil-spill-response-not-tough-enough Donna Brazile calls Obama’s oil spill response ‘not tough enough’,] Ben Geman, ''The Hill'', 23 May 2010.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
[[Dick Morris]], an intimate adviser to President [[Bill Clinton]] observed,<br />
{{Cquote|these failings show that Obama is in over his head. But to the [[left]], which bleeds for each drop of water in the gulf and cries over every turtle or shrimp or sea bird, it is an unpardonable sin...Obama's incompetence and inexperience is causing [[liberal]]s to see him as arrogant, aloof, removed, conceited, suspicious of outside advice and even lazy...these character defects will haunt the president until 2012 and beyond.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/DickMorrisandEileenMcGann/2010/06/19/dems_turn_on_obama?page=full&comments=true Dems Turn On Obama,] Dick Morris and Eileen McGann, 19 June 2010. Retrieved from Townhall.com 19 June 2010.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
David Gergen worked in the [[Reagan]], [[George H.W. Bush]], and Clinton White House remarked,<br />
{{Cquote|If our government had fought [[WWII]] like the way we’re fighting the oil spill, there’s a good chance many of us would be speaking [[German]] today.<ref>[http://www.ihatethemedia.com/david-gergen-rips-obama-oil-spill-response Another Democrat turns on Obama: David Gergen rips Obama’s oil spill response, Ihatethemedia.com, May 27, 2010]</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Republican Chairman [[Michael Steele]] criticized the president for golfing while the oil crisis worsened. <ref>[http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/08/06/cincinnati-billboard-serves-boehner-political-water-hazard?test=latestnews#ixzz0vt9Ojx4N Cincinnati Billboard Serves As Boehner Political Water Hazard, FOXNews, August 6, 2010</ref> {{cquote|Until this problem is fixed, no more golf outings.}} <br />
<br />
[[Peggy Noonan]], a speech writer for President's Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, summed up public perceptions with,<br />
{{Cquote|The president, in my view, continues to govern in a way that suggests he is chronically detached from the central and immediate concerns of his countrymen.... he has not, almost from the day he was inaugurated, been in sync with the [[Centrist|center]]....The American people have spent at least two years worrying that high government spending would, in the end, undo the republic. They saw the dollars gushing night and day...And now we have a videotape metaphor for all the public’s fears: the well gushing black oil into the [[Gulf of Mexico]] ...His philosophy is that it is appropriate for the federal government to occupy a more burly, significant and powerful place in America—confronting its problems of need, injustice, inequality. ... Then the oil spill came and government could not do the job, could not meet the need ...[[Hurricane Katrina|Katrina]] illustrate[d] that even though the federal government in our time has continually taken on new missions and responsibilities, the more it took on, the less it seemed capable of performing even its most essential jobs. [[Conservative]]s got this point—they know it without being told—but [[liberal]]s and [[progressive]]s did not. They thought Katrina was the result only of [[George W. Bush]]’s incompetence and conservatives’ failure to “believe in government.” But Mr. Obama was supposed to be competent....It’s not good to have a president in this position—weakened, polarizing and lacking broad public support—less than halfway through his term. That it is his fault is no comfort.<ref>[http://www.peggynoonan.com/article.php?article=524 He Was Supposed to Be Competent]: The spill is a disaster for the president and his political philosophy., Peggy Noonan, ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', 29 May 2010.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
''[[New York Times]]'' columnist [[Liberal_hate_speech#Against_the_disabled|Maureen Dowd]] wrote,<br />
{{Cquote|Obama and top aides who believe in his [[divinity]] make a mistake to dismiss complaints of his aloofness as Washington white noise. He treats the press as a nuisance rather than examining his own inability to encapsulate Americans’ feelings.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/opinion/30dowd.html Once More, With Feeling,] Maureen Dowd, ''New York Time'' Op Ed, 29 mMay 2010.l</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Actor Robert Redford demanded action from the [[Obama administration]]. The liberal special interest group [[Natural Resources Defense Council]] has Redford in a new ad decrying the lackluster response.<ref>[http://biggovernment.com/jmeath/2010/05/25/obamas-katrina-in-the-gulf/ Obama’s ‘Katrina’ in the Gulf, BigGovernment.com, May 25, 2010]</ref> Redford made an appearance on MSNBC and said there is no one manning this ship,<br />
{{Cquote|In this case, we don’t need a disaster manager, we need a leader.}}<br />
<br />
[[Hollywood values|Liberal Hollywood]] director [[James Cameron]] says;<br />
{{cquote|Over the last few weeks I've watched, as we all have, with growing horror and heartache, watching what's happening in the Gulf and thinking those morons don't know what they're doing. <ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/cameron-titanic-spill-morons/2010/06/03/id/361007 'Titanic' Director Cameron: 'Morons' Directing Spill Efforts, NewsMax, June, 2010]</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Obnoxious Hollywood liberal [[Rosie O'Donnell]] said, "We broke the womb of freaking mother Earth." <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2010/06/08/rosie-odonnell-wants-bps-assets-seized-we-broke-freakin-womb-mother-eart Rosie O'Donnell Wants BP's Assets Seized, NewsBusters.org, June 8, 2010]</ref> In addition, O'Donnell accused BP of<br />
{{cquote|willful homicide, willful mass murder" and demanded BP be nationalized immediately: "I say seize their assets. Right now. Seize their assets today. Take over the company.}}<br />
<br />
===Foreign reaction===<br />
Relations between allies the [[U.K.]] and U.S. are now at historic lows thanks to Barack Obama's mishandling of the oil spill. Britain had been repeatedly mocked by Obama prior to the spill<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/mar/06/obama-dvd-brown Obama's DVD gift to Brown - it's the thought that counts,] ''Guardian UK,'' March 6, 2009.</ref> <ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/4623148/Barack-Obama-sends-bust-of-Winston-Churchill-on-its-way-back-to-Britain.html Barack Obama sends bust of Winston Churchill on its way back to Britain,] ''Telegraph UK,'' February 14, 2009.</ref> <ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/03/obama_disses_brit_pm.html Obama disses Brit PM, American Thinker,] March 5, 2009.</ref> but now find themselves subjected to endless [[propaganda]]. Prominent foreign dignitaries have expressed the public's growing frustration with the administration's posturing and hunt for scapegoats. The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who supported Obama in 2008, decried "anti-British rhetoric, buck-passing and name-calling" while Lord Tebbit branded Mr Obama's conduct “despicable” and the president's rhetoric <br />
{{cquote|a crude, [[bigot]]ed, [[xenophobic]] display of [[partisan]] political Presidential petulance."<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1285467/BP-OIL-SPILL-Lord-Tebbit-Boris-Johnson-attack-Obamas-anti-British-rhetoric.html#ixzz0rK7zthtN</ref><ref>[http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23843524-boris-johnson-tells-barack-obama-stop-bashing-britain.do Boris Johnson tells Barack Obama: Stop bashing Britain,] London Evening Standard, June 6, 2010.</ref>}}<br />
The atmosphere Obama created in Britain is so toxic that the British press has labelled Barack Obama the most unpopular man in England. <ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/06/17/2010-06-17_president_barack_obama_is_the_most_hated_man_in_england_says_british_reporter.html Barack Obama: the most unpopular man in Britain?,] Telegraph UK, June 17, 2010.</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Obama Administration]]<br />
[[Category:Obama Presidency]]<br />
[[Category:Disasters]]<br />
[[Category: Environment]]<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
* [http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23oilspill Twitter Feed: #Oilspill (warning vulgar comments left)]<br />
* [http://www.bp.com/bodycopyarticle.do?categoryId=1&contentId=7052055&nicam=USCSBaselineCrisis&nisrc=Google&nigrp=Non_Branded Official BP Global Oil Spill News Website]<br />
* [http://dailybail.com/slideshows/bp-disaster-dying-birds/5613601 Photos of Gulf birds covered in oil]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Van_Jones&diff=813843Van Jones2010-08-26T16:18:32Z<p>BryanT: /* Did STORM think it was the Vanguard? */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:VanJones.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Self-proclaimed [[communist]] and [[Obama administration]] "Green Czar" Van Jones]]<br />
'''Van Jones''' is a self-proclaimed [[radical]] [[communist]] activist who was appointed by [[Barack Obama]] to serve as the [[Obama administration]]'s "Green Czar".<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=94771 Will a 'red' help blacks go green?, White House appoints 'radical communist' who sees environment as racial issue], ''[[WorldNetDaily.com]]'', April 12, 2009.</ref> He announced his resignation at midnight, September 6, 2009 after a series of controversies over past inflammatory statements. <ref>http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5itKcwMMlf6EtyLvYW9VjF2xcVK7gD9AHJII00</ref> <br />
<br />
Jones previously served on the board of an environmental activist group at which a founder of the [[Weather Underground]] [[terrorist]] organization is a top director.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106653 ''Obama's 'green jobs czar' worked with terror founder]Van Jones served on board of activist group where Weatherman co-founder [[Jeff Jones]] serves as top director'', By Aaron Klein, [[WorldNetDaily]], August 13, 2009.</ref> <br />
<br />
==Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement==<br />
===Roots predate Jones claim when he became a communist===<br />
Jones was a founding organizer and leader<ref>[http://machete408.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/revolutionaries-in-high-places-van-jones/ Revolutionaries in High Places- Van Jones], by adamfreedom March 23, 2009.</ref> of the communist revolutionary organization, Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement (STORM). The organization had its roots in a group protesting "U.S. Imperialism" during the [[Persian Gulf War]] of 1991. The leftist blog Machete 48 identifies STORM's influences as "[[third-world]]ist [[Marxism]] (and an often vulgar [[Mao]]ism)."<ref><br />
[http://newzeal.blogspot.com/2009/04/obama-file-72-obama-appoints-former.html Obama File 72 Obama Appoints "Former" Communist To White House "Green Job"], Trevor Louden, April 06, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:9UyDTPx6dGEJ:machete408.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/revolutionaries-in-high-places-van-jones/+van+jones+demos&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nz Machete 48]</ref> <br />
<br />
===Maoist influence===<br />
STORM's own literature describes it's "Maoist orientation"<ref>[http://www.capitalresearch.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/stormsummation.pdf ''Reclaiming Revolution]: history, summation & lessons from the work of Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement (STORM)'', Spring 2004, p. 23 pdf.</ref> which conducted "a group reading of Mao's ''On Practice'' and ''On Contradiction.''"<ref>Ibid, p. 25 pdf.</ref> The group studied [[Lenin]]'s theories of the state, revolution, the party, and "the political ideas of Mao Tse-tung."<ref>Ibid, p.15 pdf.</ref> STORM's own history further states, "We also pushed at or went beyond the limits of the traditional Marxist canon, studying such topics as revolutionary feminism, the Palestinian [[National liberation movement|liberation struggle]], transgender liberation, methods of evaluation, self-care for cadre and revolutionary mass [community] organizing."<ref>Ibid, p. 25 pdf.</ref> STORM was extensively involved in the [[community organizing]] movement.<ref>Ibid, pp. 8, 10, 15 pdf.</ref><br />
<br />
===Affiliation with left-wing hate groups===<br />
In the early 2000s, Jones and STORM were co-sponsors of the anti-[[Iraq War]] demonstrations organized by [[International ANSWER]], a [[left wing]] [[anti-Semitic]]<ref>[http://www.adl.org/Israel/answer.asp ANSWER, Antiwar Rallies and Support for Terror Organizations], ''Anti-Defamation League'', August 22, 2006</ref> front group for the [[Marxist-Leninist]] [[Workers World Party]] (WWP).<br />
<br />
===Did STORM think it was the Vanguard?===<br />
:''Main article : [[Revolutionary vanguard]]''<br />
In ''Reclaiming Revolution'', STORM editors discussed their self critical evaluation of accusations other groups made <ref>''Reclaiming Revolution, p. 10.''</ref> that STORM considered itself the revolutionary vanguard of Marxism. They write, <br />
{{Cquote|We did not understand clearly enough the distinction between cadre organization, revolutionary parties, revolutionary organization and vanguard organization.<ref>''Reclaiming Revolution, p. 40.</ref>}}<br />
STORM repented of this grievious Marxist error as a "lesson learned,"<br />
{{Cquote|We were a cadre organization that was working to build revolutionary mass organizations and to lay the groundwork for a future revolutionary party (or parties) by building a broad revolutionary internationalist trend.<ref>Ibid. Also p. 42.</ref>}}<br />
STORM's error was not being clear to members that they were an "advance guard" organization, and not a "vanguard organization."<ref>Ibid, p. 33.</ref><br />
<br />
===Blame America===<br />
<br />
On the night after the [[September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks]] STORM held a vigil in [[Oakland]], [[California]], "mourning the victims of U.S. imperialism around the world." In a document entitled, ''Reclaiming Revolution: history, summation & lessons from the work of Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement'', Jones is quoted as saying,<br />
{{Cquote|Anti-Arab hostility is already reaching a fever pitch as pundits and common people alike rush to judgment that an Arab group is responsible for this tragedy...We fear that an atmosphere is being created that will result in official and street violence against Arab men, women and children.}}<br />
<br />
''Reclaiming Revolution'' also blamed the U.S. for 9/11. A passage on page 45 (27 of the PDF file) reads: [[File:Van Jones and Barack Obama.JPG|thumb|400px|left|Van Jones and [[Barack Obama]] ]]<br />
{{Cquote|That night, STORM and the other movement leaders expressed sadness and anger at the deaths of innocent working class people. We were angry, first and foremost, with the U.S. government, whose worldwide aggression had engendered such hate across the globe that working class people were not safe at home. We honored those who had lost their lives in the attack -- and those who would surely lose their lives in subsequent U.S. attacks overseas. <ref>[http://spectator.org/blog/2009/08/29/van-jones-and-his-stormtrooper Van Jones and His STORMtroopers Denounced America the Night After 9/11], By Matthew Vadum, AmSpecBlog, 8.29.09.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
===9/11 Truthers===<br />
<br />
In 2004 Jones signed a petition sponsored by the conspiratorial 9/11 Truthers.org alleging President [[George W. Bush]] and high-level government officials may have been behind 9/11. <ref>http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20041026093059633</ref><ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/back-story/2009/sep/03/green-jobs-czar-signed-truther-statement-in-2004/?feat=home_blogs</ref><br />
<br />
==Apollo Alliance==<br />
In 2004, Jones became a founding board member of the Apollo Alliance for "clean energy and green-collar jobs." [http://apolloalliance.org/blog/?tag=van-jones] [http://www.fundersnetwork.org/files/Looking_Forward_PDF_for_Viewing.pdf p.87] [[Jeff Jones]] of the [[Weather Underground]] is the New York State director of Apollo Alliance.<br />
<br />
==Role in the Rodney King riots==<br />
[[File:Reginald-denny-brick.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The 1992 L.A. riots left 58 people dead. A [[Mao]]ist group was instrumental in fomenting the violence. Van Jones traveled across the United States to be on hand when tensions in the city erupted, and was arrested in the aftermath. [http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e8c_1251337698 Video] ]]<br />
<br />
On April 29, 1992, more than a year after the founding of STORM, members of the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) looted and trashed the downtown and government districts of [[Los Angeles]], triggering the infamous [[Rodney King]] riots. The RCP is known as the premier Maoist party in the United States.<ref>[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6197 Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP).] Retrieved from dicoverthenetworks.org, March 8, 2010. In 1962 a group of Maoist radicals split with the [[Soviet]] spnosored [[CPUSA]] and formed the Progressive Labor Movement (PLM). By 1966, the PLM renamed itself the [[Progressive Labor Party]] (PLP) and joined forces with the [[Students for a Democratic Society]] (SDS). PLP tried unsuccessfully to take over SDS's National Office, thereby pushing SDS even further to the left toward hard-line Maoism. Opposition to PLP tactics led to the formation of another Maoist faction, the Revolutionary Youth Movement (RYM). The RYM eventually split into two factions, one the notorious terrorist group [[Weatherman]]; the other spawning a 1969 splinter group called the Bay Area Revolutionary Union (RU), co-founded by H. Bruce Franklin, Robert Avakian, and Charles Hamilton, which became the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) in 1974.</ref> During the days immediately preceding the violence, RCP, which maintained close ties to the L.A. gangs known as the Crips and the Bloods, circulated throughout South Central Los Angeles a leaflet featuring a statement by RCP National Spokesman Carl Dix, titled ''It's Right To Rebel,'' a quote popularized by [[Mao Zedong]]. Encouraged by Dix, RCP activists helped lead the riots that would leave 58 people dead and more than 2,300 people injured.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/19/national/19king.html ''12 Years After the Riots, Rodney King Gets Along''], J. Emilio Flores, ''[[The New York Times]]'', September 19, 2004.</ref><br />
<br />
While studying law at [[Yale]], Van Jones traveled to San Francisco in the spring of 1992 when the [[leftist]] Lawyers Committee for Human Rights hired several organizers to be on hand for the trial of policemen charged with the beating of Rodney King. Jones was arrested in the aftermath of the riots. While in jail Jones is said to have experienced a jailhouse conversion to communism although the record shows Jones founded STORM a year earlier as a communist organization. The truthout.org site gave this cover story:<br />
{{Cquote|I met all these young radical people of color - I mean really radical, communists and [[anarchist]]s. And it was, like, 'This is what I need to be a part of.'...I spent the next ten years of my life working with a lot of those people I met in jail, trying to be a [[revolution]]ary.... I was a rowdy nationalist on April 28th, and then the verdicts came down on April 29th. By August, I was a communist.<ref>Eliza Strickland, [http://www.truthout.org/article/eliza-strickland-the-new-face-environmentalism ''The New Face of Environmentalism''], November 2005.</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Like other associates of [[Barack Obama]], [[Bernardine Dohrn]] for example, Van Jones is a lawyer, avowed communist, associated with [[communist front]] organizations, and arrested in the aftermath of a deadly riot.<br />
<br />
==Eco-apartheid==<br />
<br />
{{Cquote|I'm willing to forgo the cheap satisfaction of the radical pose for the deep satisfaction of radical ends....Our question is: Will the green wave lift all boats? That's the moral challenge to the people who are the architects of this new, ecologically sound economy. Will we have eco-equity, or will we have eco-apartheid? Right now we have eco-apartheid.}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Ward Churchill]]<br />
*[[Communist Party of the United States]]<br />
*[[Prairie Fire Organizing Committee]]<br />
*[[National Lawyers Guild]]<br />
*[[Chip_Berlet#Eco-racism|Eco-racism]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Van}}<br />
<br />
==External link==<br />
*[http://www.therightperspective.org/2009/09/02/obama-green-czar-blames-white-polluters/ Obama “Green Czar” Van Jones blames “White Polluters” for steering poison into minority communities]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Communists]]<br />
[[Category:Obama Administration Czars]]<br />
[[Category:Obama Administration]]<br />
[[Category:Conspiracy theorists]]<br />
[[Category:Maoists]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Bernardine_Dohrn&diff=813842Bernardine Dohrn2010-08-26T16:17:50Z<p>BryanT: /* Brinks robbery */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Bernardine Dohrn.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Domestic Terrorist, Bernardine Dohrn, [[booking]] photo]]<br />
'''Bernardine Rae Dohrn''', purportedly born in [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] <ref>The FBI file states Dohrn was born in Chicago, Illinois. [http://foia.fbi.gov/weather/weath2a.pdf p.13]</ref> in January 12, 1942 and grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, an affluent suburb with a median family income nearly double of the United States average. Dohrn is a convicted domestic [[terrorist]]. As a disbarred attorney, Dohrn sits on important committees and boards of the [[American Bar Association]], [[American Civil Liberties Union]] and is an Associate Professor of Law at [[Northwestern University]], allegedly teaching children's legal rights. She is also the Director of the Legal Clinic's Children and Family Justice Center. Dohrn has been a prominent fundraiser for [[Barack Obama]]<ref>[http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=3432 Meet Some More of Barack Obama’s Political Mentors: Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn], Traditional Values Coalition, October 8, 2008</ref> and close family friend.<ref>[http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1278532,bill-ayers-barack-obama-book-111308.article Ayers: Obama was 'family friend'], Kara Spak and Abon Pallasch, Chicago SunTimes, November 13, 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
==Terrorist Career==<br />
<br />
In the 1960s, Dohrn was a leader of the [[Students for a Democratic Society]]'s "[[Weatherman]]" faction, which in 1969 went underground to become America's first terrorist cult. The intention of the group was to shed their "white skin privilege" and launch a violent race war on behalf of Third World People. <br />
<br />
A [[Chicago]] district attorney named Richard Elrod was seriously injured in the Weatherman riot that erupted during the Chicago "Days of Rage" in October 1969, and he was paralyzed for life as a result. Dohrn later led a celebration of Elrod's paralysis by leading her comrades in a parody of a [[Bob Dylan]] song -- "Lay, Elrod, Lay." Law-enforcement is still investigating a bombing in [[San Francisco]] that killed a policeman, for which Dohrn is one of the suspects. <ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE6D7123BF93BA25752C1A965958260 NY Times: "AT HOME WITH: Bernadine Dohrn"]</ref><br />
<br />
Dohrn was hired by the [[National Lawyers Guild]] as National Student Organizer in 1967. While still an NLG representative she traveled to Budapest, Hungary in September 1968 to meet with representatives of [[North Vietnam]] and the [[Vietcong]] terrorists. In July 1969 Dohrn and other SDS Weatherman leaders traveled to [[Cuba]] for more meetings with the Vietnamese Communists. ''New Left Notes'' (August 29, 1969) provided an eight-page special supplement describing what took place and stating that the Vietcong wanted the Weathermen to organize violent protests in the United States against support of South Vietnam.<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/capitolhill/senate/1777/nlgterr.htm National Lawyers Guild & its Terrorist Network]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:3308630148 d44e7e71a0.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Dohrn was an admirer of Charles Manson and the Manson group's methods. Manson sought to ignite an all-out race war in the United States. [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3259228742503720963]]]<br />
At a 1969 "War Council"<ref>Foreign Influence - Weather Underground Organization (WUO). FBI Chicago Field Office Report, August 20, 1976. Section V. Appendix I. [http://foia.fbi.gov/weather/weath2c.pdf ''WUO "Flint, Michigan War Council",''] Pages 382-383 in Original (pp. 48-49 pdf).</ref> in [[Flint]], [[Michigan]], Dohrn gave her most memorable and notorious speech to her followers. Holding her fingers in what became the Weatherman "fork salute," she spoke of the bloody murders recently committed by the [[Charles Manson|Manson Family]] in which the actress Sharon Tate, at the time nine months pregnant, was murdered and her unborn child died. Abigail Folger, heiress of Folgers Coffee heiress and several other victims at two crime scenes were all brutally stabbed to death.<ref>[http://www.crimeshots.com/Carnage69.html Manson Family Carnage]</ref> The words "Death to Pigs" were written on a wall in the victims blood.<br />
{{cquote|'''Dig it! First they killed those pigs and then they put a fork in pig Tate's belly. Wild!"'''}} <br />
This was a references to Leno LaBianca, found with 12 knife wounds and 14 additional wounds caused by a large fork. The word "war" was then carved into his flesh with a knife. When police arrived, the fork was still protruding from his body.<ref> http://www.franksreelreviews.com/shorttakes/sharontate.htm</ref>Dohrn continued: <br />
{{cquote|'''Offing those rich pigs with their own forks and knives, and then eating a meal in the same room, far out! The Weathermen dig Charles Manson!"'''}}<ref>Bugliosi, Vincent, Helter Skelter, 1994 page 296</ref>I<br />
<br />
The "War Council" concluded with a communique condemning "AmeriKKKa," always spelled with three K's to signify the United States' allegedly ineradicable white racism. Dohrn was responsible for issuing communiqués to the public. On May 20 1970 the Weather Underground's formal Declaration of War against the United States<ref>FBI file, [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Weather_Underground_Declaration_of_a_State_of_War Weather Underground Declaration of a State of War]</ref> was broadcast on radio, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbpTvkpZluk] authored and read by Dohrn. The text reads in part,<br />
{{cquote|'''Revolutionary violence is the only way!'''}} and concluded with{{cquote|'''Within the next fourteen days we will attack a symbol or institution of Amerikan injustice.'''}}<br />
<br />
This was followed up with a communique on June 6 1970 taking credit for bombing the San Francisco Hall of Justice; however, no explosion took place. Months later, workmen in this building located an unexploded device which had apparently been dormant for some time. On June 9 1970 the WUO bombed the New York City Police Headquarters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dohrn has said of her Weatherman past, "We rejected terrorism. We were careful not to hurt anybody." Both statements are 100% false. Weatherman's twofold agenda was terrorism (which is why [[Charles Manson]] was Dohrn's hero) and war (the organization's very existence was launched with a formal "declaration of war"),<br />
<br />
Dohrn spent most of the 1970s with her accomplices running from the [[FBI]], who placed her on its "Ten Most Wanted List." During the final years of their underground life, Dohrn and her husband [[Bill Ayers]] resided in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood where they used the aliases Christine Louise Douglas and Anthony J. Lee. In 1980 Dohrn and her fellow terrorists surrendered, but all charges against them were dropped on the grounds that the fugitives had been under an illegal surveillance. Dohrn eventually plead guilty to charges of aggravated battery and bail-jumping, paid a fine of $1,500 and only received probation. <ref>[http://www.nndb.com/people/343/000132944/ NNDB, Bernardine Rae Dohrn] </ref> <br />
<br />
Dohrn and her domestic terrorist husband, [[William Ayers]] are both close political and personal confidantes of President [[Barack Obama]]<br />
<br />
==Brinks robbery==<br />
<br />
Dohrn was jailed for seven months for refusing to cooperate with a Federal grand jury investigating the 1981 Brink's armored-car robbery in Rockland County, New York. The robbery and assault left two Nyack, New York police officers, Police Sgt. Edward O'Grady and Patrolman Waverly Brown, and a security guard, Peter Paige, dead. WUO members [[Kathy Boudin]] and [[David Gilbert]] received long prison sentences their roles in that assault.<br />
<br />
M.A. Färber of the ''[[New York Times]]'' reported on February 16, 1982, that,<br />
{{cquote|in two of the armored car robberies, in early 1980, the police are studying an apparent connection between the rental of the vehicles and personal identification supplied several months earlier by unsuspecting customers at Broadway Baby, an Upper West Side children's wear shop that was managed by Bernadine Dohrn, a former Weather Underground leader.}}<br />
Färber added that, "Miss Dohrn has not been publicly linked to the Brink's case or any of the other robberies," but questions remain.<br />
<br />
Shortly after surrendering to police, Dohrn and Ayers adopted and raised Chesa Boudin while the child's parents, Kathy Boudin and David Gilbert, served out their terms at Attica State Prison in New York in connection with the Brinks robbery.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE6D7123BF93BA25752C1A965958260 NY Times:"AT HOME WITH: Bernadine Dohrn"]</ref><br />
<br />
==Sidley Austin==<br />
<br />
Dohrn, a disbarred arttorney, was employed by the Chicago law firm of Sidley-Austin in the 1980s. At Sidley-Austin Dohrn met and became friendly [[Michelle Obama]] in 1988, where the future First Lady also was employed.<br />
<br />
==Open Society Institute==<br />
<br />
Dohrn has made several appearances at events sponsored by [[George Soros]]'s Open Society Institute.<br />
<br />
== Education/Professional ==<br />
*High School: Whitefish Bay High School, Whitefish Bay, WI<br />
*University: BA Political Science, [[University of Chicago]] (1963)<br />
*Law School: JD, [[University of Chicago Law School]] (1967)<br />
*Professor: Associate Professor of Law, [[Northwestern University]] (1991-)<br />
*Professor: Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice, [[University of Illinois]] at Chicago (2000-)<br />
<br />
==Also See==<br />
*[[Prairie Fire Organizing Committee]]<br />
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== References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dohrn, Bernardine}}<br />
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==External link==<br />
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbpTvkpZluk Weather Underground Declaration of War], [[ABC News]] Anchorman Frank Reynolds; audiotape of Bernadine Dohrn. 1970.<br />
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[[Category:Communists]]<br />
[[Category: Terrorists]]<br />
[[Category:Weather Underground]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Financial_Crisis_of_2008&diff=813841Financial Crisis of 20082010-08-26T16:17:06Z<p>BryanT: /* Auto stimulus */ spelling</p>
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<div>The '''Financial Crisis of 2008''', continuing into 2009, is an ongoing worldwide financial crisis that is the worst the world has seen since 1933 with the [[Great Depression]]. Drastic measures to confront seemingly insurmountable financial calamity resulted in the creation of '''TARP''' (Troubled Assets Relief Program), $700 billion safety net by the U.S. Government. The National Bureau of Economic Research<ref>NBER is a private organization that follows its own standards as set by eminent economists such as [[Milton Friedman]]; its dating of business cycles is widely accepted by conservatives.</ref> has identified the peak of the last expansion in December 2007; the U.S. economy has been in decline ever since.<ref>See "Text of the NBER's statement on the recession and FAQ's" [http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-12-01-recession-nber-statement_N.htm ''USA Today'' Dec 1, 2008]. "The U.S. economy entered a recession in December 2007, a committee of economists at the private National Bureau of Economic Research said," at [http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/US-recession-began-December-2007/story.aspx?guid={7DCF90E4-D61A-4014-83CE-45E938CD632C} Rex Nutting] - MarketWatch</ref> [[Image:CRASH08.JPG|thumb|330px|Oct 11, 2008 editorial; cartoon by Horsey stresses the global collapse]] The crisis has caused the [[Recession of 2008]], which reached bottom in summer 2009, causing a worldwide economic decline that is the most severe since the 1930s. Proponents of [[free market]] capitalism declare that [[Federal Reserve]] Chairman [[Ben Bernanke]] should not have bailed out failing firms and instead should have allowed free market capitalism to quickly recover as it did in the depression of 1920 without government intervention (free market capitalists assert that government intervention merely drags out recessions and depressions).<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzTXaAXusiI</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czcUmnsprQI</ref> A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources allocated using purely business considerations.<ref>http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905</ref><br />
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The [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF) calculates that the global financial crisis will produce $3.4 trillion in losses for financial institutions around the world between 2007 and 2010.<ref> Peter Dattels and Laura Kodres, "Global Financial System Shows Signs of Recovery, IMF Says," [http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2009/RES093009A.htm ''IMF Survey Magazine'' Sept. 30, 2009]</ref><br />
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==Overview==<br />
Negative economic news has spread outward from financial institutions to depress housing, construction, office buildings, automobiles, retail sales, state and local government, and vitually every other sector of the economy. Consumer spending has plunged, and banks have been very reluctant to loan money. Major banks and corporations have gone bankrupt. <br />
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The recession is worldwide. In recent months governments across the world have spent huge sums of money to reverse the crisis, but thus far the results have been inconclusive and the declines continue. The U.S. government provided cash bailouts of several hundred billion dollars and long-term loan guarantees of over $7 trillion dollars (compared to a GDP of $15 trillion a year in the U.S.). Conservatives have been as dismayed and baffled by the crisis as everyone else. Rush Limbaugh, for example, blames Obama. <br />
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Unlike crises in the mid 1970s and early 1980s, this one began in the financial sector with devastating effects on many very large financial companies worldwide, especially in September 2008. The negative effects by October 2008 began spreading to all other sectors of the economy, and forecasts for the next year show little likely of a quick recovery anywhere. For the effects on the broader economy (outside of finance and autos) see [[Recession of 2008]].<br />
The crisis originated in the United States and Western Europe, and has impacted every country in the world. Banks and financial companies have reported losses of over one trillion dollars; investors have suffered [[paper loss|"paper losses"]] of many trillions. U.S. stocks are down 50% from their peak in 2007.<ref> For most people the loss is a "paper" loss because they still own the stock and it might go up, or down. If they bought stock in 2003 for $1000, watched it go to $1500 in 2008, then drop to $1000 again in 2008, their "paper loss" is $500 but their real loss is zero since they are back where they started. People who bought at $800 still have made a $200 paper profit. People who bought at $1200, say, have a paper loss of $200. The paper loss or gain becomes real when they finally sell the stock. See [[Paper loss]] for more details</ref> Paper losses for owners of stock in major financial institution have been over 70%, and owners of some have lost 99% as major [[bank]]s closed down. The [[stock market]] has declined 50-70% in major countries and [[pension]] funds have large paper losses. Paper losses in real estate have been in the trillions; the average price of American houses fell 20%, with 30% and higher declines in California and Florida. However, thus far ordinary depositors with cash in the bank have suffered no losses. Owners of stocks in the 5000 largest U.S. corporations have paper losses of $10 trillion dollars in 2008, dropping to $10 trillion in October from $20 trillion in late 2007. <br />
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In late September the crisis focused on liquidity--financial companies owned hundreds of billions of dollars of "toxic" securities, mostly based on U.S. [[mortgage]]s; they could not sell the toxic securities because no one knew how much they were worth, and large scale loans between major institutions stopped flowing as the system lost liquidity and froze up. A $800 billion rescue plan became law in the U.S. October 3, but its impact will not be clear for a while. Meanwhile Europe's economic crisis continues to deteriorate, as trillions of dollars in losses accumulate there and in Russia, China and India and in many smaller countries. International agencies such as the International Monetary Fund are arranging emergency bailouts for medium-sized countries, like Pakistan and Ukraine. All around the world people are sending their money to the U.S. and Japan because the banks there are safer than their own banks. The price of oil, which reached $145 a barrel in the summer, plunged to under $50. That plunge eased the gasoline crisis, helped commuters, and helped the airline industry.<br />
[[Image:BRIDGE.JPG|thumb|400px|Tom Toles cartoon lampoons Federal bailout efforts as a badly designed [[bridge to nowhere]], Dec. 1, 2008]]<br />
Both parties have expressed anger at the crisis, and have promised extensive new regulations of the financial industry. However the Republicans have blocked additional bailout aid to General Motors, which is on the verge of bankruptcy.<ref> Treasury Secretary Paulson told Congress on Nov. 18 that the Bush administration remains "firmly opposed" to using any of the $700 billion financial bailout fund to help rescue Detroit's Big Three, "no matter how badly they need the help." [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/11/18/paulson-rejects-bailout-money-automakers-senate-considers-legislation/ Fox news report] </ref> Democratic Congressional leaders and President-elect [[Barack Obama]] have pushed for a [[bailout]] of the auto industry and are expected to move it forward in January, 2009.<br />
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The Bush administration undertook a program in which it took control of several of the largest financial institutions (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG insurance), forced the mergers of others, purchased $125 billion of ownership in the 9 largest banks in the U.S., and provided relief to the largest bank, Citigroup.<br />
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Until October the crisis had little impact on the non-financial sectors of the world economy, but then negative impacts started appearing. Companies could not borrow money for expansion or in some cases for routine operations, and had to cut back. Consumer spending fell and unemployment started to rise sharply. By November pessimistic reports were coming in daily from practically every sector of the American economy. There were no bright spots, and with tax revenues down, state governments began large-scale cutbacks, especially in New York and California.<br />
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By late October it appeared the financial crisis was slowing down the economies of all countries of the world, leading perhaps to a serious recession with widespread unemployment and loss of business. The major countries have been taking aggressive steps to dissolve the liquidity freeze and get money flowing again, and to stimulate economies that are headed downward.<br />
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==Causes==<br />
As hundreds of billions of dollars poured into the U.S. from abroad, financiers looked for imaginative ways to make a profit. They turned to [[real estate]], with the philosophy "Buy high--sell higher!" The higher price paid for a house the more profit would be made when it was resold ("flipped") in six or 12 months; prices were certain to keep going up and up. Salesmen made big money by phoning prospective buyers, promising to get them Bog Money Quick. People who owned a house whose value had doubled could and did refinance their mortgage for the higher amount, and keep the difference. In the early 2000s, U.S. interest rates were low and demand for housing was high, as housing prices soared, especially in California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona. Mortgage companies and banks were very eager to lend, especially to people with mediocre [[credit]] who would not previously have been eligible for mortgages and to speculators. Speculators were ordinary people who already had a house and who were hoping to make a large profit on the purchase and quick resale ("flip") of another house or condominium, which no one ever lived in.<ref> The only money the speculators had at risk was a down payment; sometimes the construction company paid for the down payment and closing costs, so the risk to the speculator was zero. Mortgages in the U.S. are "non-recourse" which means that borrowers cannot be sued for stopping payments.</ref> The expectation was that continuously rising house prices would cover the mortgage payments through refinancing. Many of the mortgages involved very low down payments and low monthly payments for the first year or two, after which the payments would start soaring. Sometimes the monthly payment at first was zero. <br />
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Both the Bush and Clinton administrations made it a national priority to encourage more people to buy houses, assuming this social engineering would be good for everyone. In 2000 [[Howard Husock]] warned that the [[Community Reinvestment Act]] of 1977 and its expansion in 1995 would prove expensive; but President Bush strongly endorsed the program. Despite widespread misunderstanding they did not cause the great crisis since CRA loans to poor neighborhoods comprised only about 6% of the toxic mortgages. <ref>[http://www.city-journal.org/html/10_1_the_trillion_dollar.html The Trillion-Dollar Bank Shakedown That Bodes Ill for Cities], Howard Husock, ''City Journal'', Winter 2000; Governor Randall S. Kroszner, "The Community Reinvestment Act and the Recent Mortgage Crisis," (December 3, 2008) [http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/kroszner20081203a.htm online]</ref> <br />
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"Option adjustable rate mortgages" (nick-named "Pick-A-Pay") allowed borrowers to vary their monthly payments; they could be so so small they did not cover their interest charges. That meant the total principal grows over time, compared to normal mortgages where the debt owed shrinks over 30 years to zero and the borrower owns the house free and clear. By 2008 banks sold these dangerous "option adjustable rate" mortgages to two million customers. They made sense if and only if the price of houses kept going up and the borrower could sell it in a year ot two at a huge profit. But if house prices declined, the borrower could stop paying and the bank was left with the loss.<br />
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Timeline video showing Democrats opposing regulating housing market financing. President Bush, Senator McCain and Alan Greenspan all predicting financial collapse and offering regulation. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMnSp4qEXNM&NR=1 See video]<br />
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The [[NYTimes]] says Senator [[Charles Schumer]] D-NY, is the most responsible for Wall Street's collapse. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/business/14schumer.html A Champion of Wall Street Reaps Benefits] NYTimes, December 13, 2008</ref> Schumer as a member of the Banking and Finance Committees, led efforts to regulate credit-rating agencies, shield financial institutions from government oversight and tougher regulations, and saved key industry players billions of dollars in taxes and fees.<br />
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===Selling mortgage packages to big investors===<br />
Americans owed some $10 trillion on their mortgages, most of which were sound with payments made on time. However financiers bundled the mortgages into very complicated packages called "'''collateralized debt obligations''''<ref> That is, homeowners were obligated to pay the debts and the collateral behind them was the physical house.</ref> or CDOs. Hundreds of billions of dollars worth of CDO's were sold to banks, pension funds and financiers in the U.S. and Europe. Generally they borrowed cash to buy the CDOs. The risk was that if the CDO's declined in value, they would not be able to repay those loans. The CDOs were especially attractive because they were not regulated by the government; experts are not sure how many trillions of dollars are involved.<br />
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Many mortgages were held by mortgage companies like [[Countrywide]] and [[Washington Mutual]], as well as investment banks such as [[Bear Stearns]], [[Merrill Lynch]], [[Lehman Brothers]], [[Morgan Stanley]] and [[Goldman Sachs]], as well as commercial banking chains like [[Wachovia]] and [[Bank of America]], which have thousands of local offices.<br />
===Commercial real estate===<br />
The speculative real estate bubble went far beyond individual homes, it infected as well as kinds of commercial real estate, such as office buildings, shopping centers, apartment complexes, hotels, casinos and even and empty lots. People bought high expecting to sell higher, and were stunned when the market collapsed. People who loaned money to real estate firms were confident of a 20% return, but more likely lost 25%. The value of office buildings plunged 43% after the peak in Nov. 2007. Most investors who bought in 2007 probably lost all their investment.<br />
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For example, in 2006 at the top of the market Tishman Speyer Properties and BlackRock Realty invested $5.4 billion to buy the largest apartment complex in the country, in downtown New York City. Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, with 110 buildings and 11,227 apartments housed middle class families. The plan was to spend billions in upgrades and as tenants moved out to raise the rents. The plan was wildly overoptimistic and the monthly rent did not cover the debt payments. In Jan. 2010 Tishman Speyer and BlackRock turned over the property to creditors, taking a 100% loss.<ref>Charles V. Bagli, "Huge Housing Complex in N.Y. Returned to Creditors," [http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/nyregion/25stuy.html?hp ''New York Tomes'' Jan. 25, 2010] </ref><br />
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===Misuse of Credit Default Swaps===<br />
Another key contributing factor to the credit market meltdown was the misuse of Credit Default Swaps, or CDSs, which are contracts between entities designed to mitigate against risk of a credit default. A CDS is essentially an insurance policy designed to protect the insured party against excessive losses in a separate financial transaction. However, by structuring the contract as a derivative swap instead of a traditional insurance policy, companies other than regulated insurers could offer them. This created two critical risk exposures to the insured companies, and collectively to the overall market. First, traditional insurers are required to maintain a sufficient level of capital to pay on losses, while companies issuing CDSs were not. Since investments in pooled mortgages were viewed as unlikely to devalue or fail, major issuers of CDSs like AIG and Lehman Brothers found themselves over-exposed to losses. The second risk was that CDSs issued by one firm were typically hedged, or backed up financially, by CDSs with other companies. The strategy of minimizing risk by dividing it into collections of smaller exposures with other companies is a sound practice, but when the original risk is overexposed that overexposure is then spread across the companies that participate in the secondary risk markets. <br />
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[[AIG]], the world's largest insurance company, was a major player in the financial crisis because it sold $441 billion in unhedged and undercapitalized insurance on securitized debt, much of it tied to mortgage values. Normally an insurance company "lays off" some of the risk by taking out insurance with another company. AIG neglected to do this because it never expected the securities to turn toxic, which they did. Either someone paid the insurance or the nation's financial system would colapse, so the government stepped in, seized AIG, and paid the insurance. <br />
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The effect of these risks manifested themselves in two key ways. First, when major players in the CDS market like Bear Sterns and AIG were found to be insolvent, or failed outright like Lehman Brothers, the default conditions that were tied to the risk-spreading CDS's were triggered, and many companies found themselves obligated to pay out on contracts they never expected to. These sudden exposures led to capital and liquidity shortages at scores of firms involved in the secondary credit markets, and the default pattern started repeating on itself in an echo-like manner. Since the complex, interdependent nature of the CDS market made it difficult for firms to assess their true exposure to loss in this unprecedented market, they refrained from both short-term and long-term lending to guard against further losses. This essentially led to a freezing up of credit in the marketplace, as lenders refusing to give credit to other lenders translated into businesses and consumers being unable to get short-term operating loans, or borrow for homes, autos, student loans or credit-card accounts as before. <br />
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This freezing of the markets to avoid loss was the primary incentive for the U.S. government's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), which injected billions of dollars of government-backed funds into the credit markets to restore trust and liquidity.<br />
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==Bubble bursts==<br />
[[File:Houses$.jpg|thumb|300px|Left|Crash of U.S. housing prices in 2007-09]]<br />
The housing "bubble" burst in 2006-07, as prices plunged downward in the Sunbelt. Many speculators and homeowners could not meet their payments, especially those who had "[[sub-prime]]" mortgages because their income was too low to support the eventual monthly payments, or who had adjustable rate mortgages where the monthly payments started small then escalated. [[Foreclosure]]s skyrocketed. With housing prices falling few people risked buying a new house (because it would soon be worth less than they paid for it). Construction firms had built millions of new houses that could not be sold but which glutted the market. By late 2008 half the home sales in the U.S. were by banks selling houses they had foreclosed on at low prices. <br />
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The problem was that no one could figure out what CDOs were now worth, so very few were willing to buy them. One major investment bank, Merrill Lynch, sold its CDOs for 22 cents on the dollar--a "[[fire sale]]" price that was less than they were worth in the long run, because in the long run the great majority of people will make their scheduled mortgage payments.<br />
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==2008 crises==<br />
Multiple crises started pulling down major financial players. Countrywide, which originated 20% of all American mortgages in 2006, collapsed and was bought up by Bank of America. Bear Stearns, a large investment bank, went under; the government arranged a sale to JPMorgan Chase; stock holders lost about 90% of their investment, and the confidence in other banks was undermined.<br />
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On September 7, 2008, the government took control of the two largest mortgage holders, "[[Fannie Mae]]"<ref> Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)</ref> and "[[Freddie Mac]]"<ref>Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) </ref>. The two had lost $15 billion on the $5.4 trillion in mortgages they owned, and their notes were widely held in [[China]] and many other countries. The fear was that if the Treasury did not act the world's confidence in the US financial system would collapse. However the rest of the world was in trouble too. The stock markets in China and [[Russia]] plunged 50%, and the [[United Kingdom|British]] Treasury had to take over its largest mortgage company, [[Northern Rock]]. Vast sums of money flowed into the US because it was safer there than anywhere else.<br />
[[Image:PANIC08.jpg|thumb|300px|Panic in Wall Street, Sept. 2008; the "bull" is the symbol of optimism on Wall Street and the "bear" is the symbol of pessimism. Here the bull panics.]]<br />
By September the major banks were no longer lending money and most reported huge losses as they wrote down the value of the CDOs and other assets. Short sellers sold large amounts of stock in threatened companies, causing further panic and driving down share prices.<ref>The short sellers did not own the shares; the practice was stopped on Sept. 19, 2008, by the [[Securities and Exchange Commission]] because it destabilized markets.</ref> [[Lehman Brothers]], one of the oldest and largest banks in New York, went bankrupt on Sept. 15 with no one to rescue it. The collapse of Lehman with its $639 billion in assets had a multiplier effect worldwide, severely weakening other big banks and sharply increasing the level of fear and distrust inside the system that caused bankers to sharply reduce their lending. Many large firms and hedge funds had borrowed billions of dollars from lenders and had pledged assets they owned as collateral. When the value of their collateral plummeted, the lenders demanded more collateral to make up the difference, so the borrowers had to sell assets to raise emergency cash. The price of the assets they sold was falling, and large additional sales further depressed prices, creating a downward spiral. <br />
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Merrill Lynch was sold to Bank of America for $50 billion, about half its value a few months before. Investors realized that AIG could no longer honor the insurance policies it wrote. It lost $13 billion in the first half of 2008 and its shares fell 95% in value. AIG was "too big" to be allowed to fail, so it was given an $85 billion loan from the government; in return the government received 80% of its stock. The government had to add another $38 billion to the AIG rescue in October.<ref> Barry Meier and Mary Williams Walsh, "A.I.G. to get Additional $37.8 Billion," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/09/business/economy/09insure.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin ''New York Times,'' Oct. 8, 2008] </ref> In effect AIG, along with GSE (government-sponsored enterprises) Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac were nationalized. The Federal Reserve, with $800 billion in assets, was assisted by the Treasury, which gave it more funds.<ref> See [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/business/02crisis.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1222952525-cWL0bOgQjxNvxNo+OH1qAw Joe Nocera, "36 Hours of Alarm and Action as Crisis Spiraled," ''New York Times'' (Oct. 1, 2008)]</ref> <br />
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===European crises===<br />
Heavy borrowing by European banks meant the crisis immediately affected Britain and other countries as well, as the British housing bubble burst about the same time as the U.S. The British government had to take over major mortgage lenders, including Northern Rock in February, 2008. Northern Rock's loans (£25 billion) and guarantees (£30 billion) extended by the Bank of England, together with the value of the company's mortgages (£55 billion), or £100 billion in all, were added to the British national debt. Bradford & Bingley, half the size of Northern Rock, held £40 billion in toxic mortgages, and was nationalized in late September. <br />
====Fortis====<br />
In late September, the Fortis bank, the world's 20th largest business, was partially nationalized by three governments who injected $16 billion in emergency funds. In 2007 Fortis borrowed heavily for its $100 billion takeover of rival bank ABN Amro; the deal came at the market’s peak, and Fortis now cannot pay its debts. The [[Belgium|Belgian]], [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and [[Luxembourg]] governments tried to inject capital but as consumer confidence plunged, Netherlands nationalized the Dutch wing of the company and the rest was sold in early October to the French bank BNP Paribas for €14.5 billion euros ($19 billion dollars). <br />
====Germany====<br />
In [[Germany]] Hypo Real Estate was given €50 billion euros ($68 billion dollars) bailout by the government. The government of [[Iceland]] took over its large banks, as the entire island economy verged on bankruptcy because it depended so much on large foreign loans. Most of the European countries hurriedly announced guarantees of personal bank deposits to avert further drop in consumer confidence and runs on the banks. Stock markets around the world continue to decline as pessimism worsens.<br />
====Central banks====<br />
The European Central Bank aggressively lent money to banks trying to ensure that banks would have adequate cash. The moves have not reassured savers or investors, and European stock markets have fallen even further than the American stock markets, as have the stock markets in China and Russia. <br />
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On October 13, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Austria committed €1.3 trillion euros ($1.8 trillion dollars) to guarantee bank loans and take stakes in banks, in an emergency effort to head off the collapse of their financial systems. <ref>Carter Dougherty, Nelson Schwartz and Floyd Norris, "Financial Crises Spread in Europe," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/business/06markets.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin ''New York Times,'' Oct 6, 2008]; Gregory Viscusi, [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=azerJ573HcbI&refer=home "EU Nations Commit 1.3 Trillion Euros to Bank Bailouts," ''Bloomberg.com'' Oct. 13. 2008]</ref><br />
====Britain====<br />
Britain on October 8 announced a gigantic £400 billion ($680 billion) rescue plan for its banks; the government would partially own them. Prime Minister [[Gordon Brown]] said banks would still be run by their old managers, but that the government would have to be "satisfied" on matters of salaries, [[dividend]]s and lending activities. The money involved is about a third of Britain's annual [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] (comparable to $5 trillion in the U.S. economy.)<br />
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On October 13, Britain announced it would spend £50 billion ($85 billion) to nationalize two of the five largest banks, HBOS (Halifax Bank of Scotland) and RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland), while taking partial ownership of a third, Lloyds TSB. A fourth, Barclays will remain private if it can raise an additional £7 billion. The fifth, HSBC is based in Hong Kong and will remain private.<ref>"Financial crisis: HBOS and RBS 'to be nationalised' in £50 billion state intervention," [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/3185120/Financial-crisis-HBOS-and-RBS-to-be-nationalised-in-50-billion-state-intervention.html?source=EMC-new_12102008 London ''Telegraph'' Oct 13, 2008] The existing stockholders were not bought out. They will continue to hold shares in the banks, but they will be outvoted by the new stock owned by the government.</ref><br />
====Switzerland====<br />
In October 2008, the Swiss central bank and the big UBS bank reached an agreement to transfer as much as $60 billion of troubled securities and other assets from UBS’s to a separate entity. UBS will put up $6 billion in equity. The Swiss central bank will control the new entity and loan it $54 billion.<br />
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===Asia===<br />
The crisis swept across the Middle East and Asia as well, with South Korea especially hard hit. China, which had been the world's major growth machine in recent years, seemed to slow down. In November China's government announced it would spend 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) through the end of 2010 to stimulate its economy. It specifically targeted people's livelihood in an effort to offset the impact of slowing global demand for its exports and unlock the spending power of its vast population.<br />
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==Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) ==<br />
"We're in the midst of a serious financial crisis," [[George W. Bush|President Bush]] warned the nation on Sept. 25, 2008.:<br />
{{QuoteBox|Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending. Credit markets have frozen. And families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money....without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic, and a distressing scenario would unfold: More banks could fail, including some in your community. The stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. The value of your home could plummet. Foreclosures would rise dramatically. And if you own a business or a farm, you would find it harder and more expensive to get credit. More businesses would close their doors, and millions of Americans could lose their jobs. Even if you have good credit history, it would be more difficult for you to get the loans you need to buy a car or send your children to college. And ultimately, our country could experience a long and painful recession.<ref>see [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080924-10.html Bush speech online]</ref>}}<br />
On September 19, 2008, the Treasury and Federal Reserve proposed a major rescue plan--the largest government intervention in the economy since [[World War II]]. The plan was for the Treasury to purchase $700 billion of the CDOs. The buyout was needed, Bush said, to avert a major disaster for the economy. Most (but not all) Democrats signed on to the plan, adding provisions for Congressional oversight and caps on CEO compensation; but at the last moment on Sept 25, 2008 House Republicans said no, and GOP presidential nominee [[John McCain]] held off endorsement. <br />
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Conservatives were split on what to do. Many agreed with Bush that the program proposed by Treasury Secretary [[Henry M. Paulson]] was urgently needed. Large banks and corporations strongly endorsed the it. The [[American Bankers Association]] and the [[Mortgage Bankers Association]] are fighting against any amendment that would reduce mortgage obligations for people in bankruptcy, while directing all the government funds to the banking industry.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, normally an outspoken advocate of big corporate interests, instead stressed the crisis's impact on small and midsize businesses. "We're looking at an economy that was slipping toward recession even before this crisis culminated in a market lockup last week," said Chamber economist Martin Regalia. The debate in Congress, he said, "is costing every American taxpayer money, directly."<ref>Elizabeth Williamson, "Big Business Wants Deal, Setbacks and All," [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122238988380577457.html ''Wall Street Journal'' Sept. 26, 2008]</ref> Democratic nominee Senator [[Barack Obama]] endorsed the plan, as amended by Congressional Democrats. On the other hand, ordinary taxpayers and "Main Street", that is businessmen who operated at the local level, were highly suspicious of [[Wall Street]]. McCain, blaming the crisis on "the corruption and manipulation of our home mortgage system", rejected the bailout as a favor for Wall Street and little help to Main Street. Advocates of the market economy insisted that the market should run its course, and opposed the government intervention.<ref> See comments from a range of economists at [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/business/26assess.html?ref=business Peter S. Goodman, "Credit Enters a Lockdown," ''New York Times'' Sept. 25, 2008]</ref><br />
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A compromise was agreed to by leaders of both parties but the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008" (EESA) was voted down in the House on Sept. 29. Democrats favored the Bush bill 60%-40%, but Republicans voted no by 65-35%. The stock market lost a trillion dollars in value in one day as uncertainty reigned. Finally a large majority passed a more expensive bill, that added $100 billion in new subsidies to the original $700 billion, plus tax breaks and a rise in FDIC insurance to $250,000 from $100,000, intended to reassure ordinary depositors. Both Obama and McCain voted for this version of the bill. <br />
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The Treasury TARP program proved erratic and had to be radically modified several times. The Treasury dropped the original plan to buy toxic securities and instead has used $250 billion to prop up major banks. In October Paulson and Bernanke used their new powers to take an ownership stake in the nine largest U.S. banks, of $7 to $25 billion each. These banks are now partly owned and controlled by the government. However those banks are keeping the money and not lending it out. The price of bank stocks has fallen sharply since the relief program was passed. The world's largest bank, Citigroup, was on the verge of collapse in late November and received a second loan of $20 billion (in addition to $25 billion in October), and a federal guarantee to cover most of its toxic investments.<br />
<br />
In mid-December Bush announced that $17.4 billion of TARP funds would be given to the automobile industry in the form of bridge loans<ref name=bushremarksautobailout>http://blogs.wsj.com/autoshow/2008/12/19/bushs-remarks-on-the-auto-rescue-plan/ Wall Street Journal, "Bush’s Remarks on the Auto Rescue Plan", December 19, 2008</ref>, just enough to prevent the companies from going bankrupt for a few weeks<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122969367595121563.html Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Throws Lifeline to Detroit", December 20, 2008</ref>. Bush defended the move by saying "if we were to allow the [[free market]] to take its course now, it would almost certainly lead to disorderly bankruptcy and liquidation for the automakers."<ref name=bushremarksautobailout /><br />
<br />
By mid-November the market had lost confidence in Treasury Secretary Paulson, who indicated he was baffled and would let the incoming Obama administration handle the unspent $450 billion. The stock market jumped 6% on the news that Obama had picked New York banker [[Timothy Geithner]] to replace Paulson.<ref>Theo Francis, "Obama to Nominate New York Fed Chief Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary," [http://www.businessweek.com/election/2008/blog/archives/2008/11/obama_to_nomina.html?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_top+story ''Business Week'' Nov. 21, 2008]</ref> In late November the Federal Reserve announced it will buy up to $600 billion in mortgage-related assets from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, hoping to restart the housing and credit markets. Under the new "Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility", or '''TALF''', the Federal Reserve will loan up to $200 billion to financial companies that hold securities backed by consumer and small-business loans. <br />
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Hedge funds are private investment companies with a combined $1.7 trillion in assets. They have lost $180 billion since July and some are near collapse. Investors are demanding their money back, and Wall Street in late October is bracing for a shake-out in the industry.<ref> Louise Story, "Citadel Chief denies rumors of trouble" [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/25/business/25hedge.html?ref=business ''New York Times,'' Oct 24, 2008]</ref><br />
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In late November the government announced an $800 billion plan to boost consumer credit and the market for mortgage-related securities. Plans call for the Federal Reserve in early 2009 to extend up to $200 billion in non-recourse loans to holders of asset-backed securities backed by highly-rated consumer and small business loans.<ref> "Non-recourse" loans means that if they are not paid back the borrowers cannot be sued for their other assets. Mortgages fall in this category, so that if people default they just walk away from the debt and never have to repay it. However it damages their credit rating.</ref> Treasury will contribute $20 billion in funds through its Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The Federal Reserve also announced it will purchase up to $100 billion in GSE (government-sponsored enterprises, especially Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac) debt through a series of competitive auctions starting in December, 2008. The Federal Reserve starting in December will purchase up to $500 billion in mortgage-backed securities backed by GSEs such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the Fed is preparing to launch new liquidity programs to support the economy in addition to further slashing interests rates. The total commitments by the government in relief and loan guarantees exceeded $7 trillion dollars, but the economy nevertheless continued to slip downward.<ref>Maya Jackson Randall, "Paulson Says Treasury Actively Mulling New Rescue Programs," [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122816189458369851.html?mod=rss_Politics_And_Policy ''Wall Street Journal'' Dec. 1, 2008]</ref><br />
===Deepening recession===<br />
By early December the entire economy was heading downward with no bright spots. The recession that began in Dec. 2007 intensified, as retail sales plunged. In November 2008 Americans, their confidence shaken, saved their money and sharply reduced their credit card purchases. Auto sales were down 37% in November (compared to Nov. 2007) to the lowest rate in 26 years. GM sales fell 41% Ford fell 31% and the foreign cars were down just as much, with Toyota down 34%, Nissan down 42% and Honda down 32%.<ref> Stephanie Rosenbloom, "In November, Shoppers Cut Spending Even More," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/business/economy/03shop.html?ref=business ''New York Times'' Dec. 2, 2008]; Nick Bunkley, "Another Month of Miserable Auto Sales," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/business/03sales.html?ref=business ''New York Times'' Dec. 2, 2008].</ref> Retailers rang up the lowest November sales in more than 30 years, as holiday shopping not only failed to lift the economy but showed that the crisis is further distressing everyday consumers. Thirty major companies -- including Macy's, Sears, Abercrombie & Fitch and Target -- posted sales declines; Wal-Mart, anchoring the bottom of the price chain, sawincreased sales. Retail sales in November fell 2.7 percent compared with the same month last year.<ref> Ylan Q. Mui, "Retailers Report a Crisis in All Aisles: November Sales Slump as Shoppers Stow Credit Cards," [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/04/AR2008120404347.html?hpid=topnews ''Washington Post'' Dec. 5, 2008]</ref><br />
[[Image:Jobloss.jpg|thumb|300px]]<br />
<br />
The Federal Reserve reported on Dec. 3, 2008, that every region reported sales declines, drops in manufacturing activity, weakening real estate markets, tighter lending, and deteriorating labor marketsThose sectors that had been strong until recently -- especially as agriculture and energy -- also softened as commodity prices declined. November saw 533,000 jobs disappear in the worst one-month decline in 34 years.<br />
<br />
==Collapse of #6 and #4 largest banks, rescue of #1==<br />
===Washington Mutual collapses===<br />
On Sept. 25, Washington Mutual, the 6th largest bank in the US with $310 billion in assets, went [[bankrupt]] after a run in which depositors withdrew $17 billion in a few days. Its stockholders lost all their money, the US government took it over (through the [[FDIC]], which insures ordinary bank deposits), and resold it the same day to the biggest New York bank, JPMorgan Chase. It was the largest commercial bank failure in American history, by far.<ref>In the [[Great Depression]], only one major bank failed (New York's Bank of United States, in late 1930), although over 6000 small neighborhood and rural banks went under; depositors eventually received on average 85% of their deposits.</ref> <br />
===Wachovia collapses===<br />
Meanwhile the #4 U.S. bank, Wachovia, burdened by $120 billion in toxic securities,<ref> At the height of the bubble in 2006 Wachovia purchased Golden West Financial, a California lender specializing in "pay-option" mortgages that enabled speculators to buy houses and pay very little a month for a year or two (at which time they expected to sell it for a profit). [http://www.brokeroutpost.com/reference/22657.htm explanation of pay-option loans]</ref> was bought out by Citigroup on Sept. 29 in a deal engineered by the FDIC. However Wachovia then broke its deal and merged into Wells Fargo. The result is that four major banks now dominate the American economy (Bank of America, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo), along with dozens of regional chains and thousands of small local banks.<br />
===Bank of America renegotiates mortgages===<br />
In early October, Bank of America, the new owner of Countrywide, reached a settlement with 11 states that sued it over fraudulent practices. The state of Illinois accused Countrywide of relaxing underwriting standards, structuring loans with risky features, and misleading consumers with hidden fees and fake marketing claims, like a false promise of a "no closing costs loan." Countrywide gave special incentives to its brokers for selling impossible loans by paying higher commissions on them. In reviewing one Illinois mortgage broker’s sales, the Illinois complaint said the "vast majority of the loans had inflated income, almost all without the borrower’s knowledge." Bank of America did not deny the charges and instead agreed to pay out $8.4 billion to 400,000 Countrywide customers. Countrywide will reduce principal balances for some people and cut interest rates for others. Rates for some people could decline to as low as 2.5% and remain at that level for five years. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and IndyMac, now all owned by the federal government, have begun their own programs to modify mortgage terms for some hard-pressed borrowers.<br />
<ref> Gretchen Morgenson, "Countrywide to Set Aside $8.4 Billion in Loan Aid," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/business/06countrywide.html?ref=business ''New York Times'' Oct. 6, 2008]</ref> <br />
===Largest bank rescued===<br />
Citigroup, the world's largest bank was tottering in late November despite its receipt of $25 billion in TARP funding. Its value on the stock market plunged to $21 billion, down from $244 billion two years ago. Round after round of layoffs have ended 75,000 jobs in 2008 out of 375,000 employees a year ago. Very heavy exposure to toxic mortgages is the main culprit. The government stepped in with the largest relief effort yet, including $20 billion in new cash, and guarantees of toxic assets by the Treasury, FDIC and Federal Reserve.<br />
<br />
At all times Citigroup used elaborate mathematical risk models that looked at mortgages in particular geographical areas, but never included the possibility of a national housing downturn, or the prospect that millions of mortgage holders would default on their mortgages. The prevailing approach at Citigroup and the other big banks was to make money as fast as possible (generating annual bonuses of $10 to $30 million for senior executives), which assigning zero to the risk of a system-wide downturn. Such a downturn came with disastrous consequences for Citigroup and its rivals on Wall Street. Even after Bear Stearns ran into serious trouble in summer 2007, Citigroup decided the possibility of trouble with its CDO’s was so tiny (less than 1/100 of 1%) that they excluded them from their risk analysis. <br />
<br />
Despite two federal efforts Citigroup is still wobbly. It holds $20 billion of mortgage-linked securities that have been marked down to between 21 cents and 41 cents on the dollar. It has billions of dollars of giant buyout and corporate loans of dubious value. And it also faces a potential massive losses on auto, mortgage and credit card loans as the economy worsens.<ref>Eric Dash and Julie Creswell, "Citigroup Pays for a Rush to Risk," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/business/23citi.html?ref=business&pagewanted=all ''New York'' Times,’’ Nov. 22, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
By the end of 2009 most big banks were in much better shape and the Treasury expects to recover all but $42 billion of the $370 billion it lent to ailing companies, with the portion lent to banks actually showing a slight profit. Meanwhile over 120 small and medium banks have been shut as insolvent; in most cases the FDIC picks up the losses and another bank takes over the operations and branches.<ref>Jackie Calmes, [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/business/07tarp.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1260187849-MV96Nnjzom3OwAchzjIqrg "U.S. Forecasts Smaller Loss From Bailout of Banks," ''New York Times'' Dec. 6, 2009] </ref><br />
<br />
==Auto stimulus==<br />
In 2008 a series of damaging blows drove the "Big Three" (GM, Ford and Chrysler) to the verge of bankruptcy. Part of the cause was very high labor costs (much higher than the foreign plants in the U.S.), and lack of consumer demand for their products. The Big Three had in recent years stressed expensive, fuel-guzzling SUVs and large pickups. They were much more profitable than smaller, fuel-efficient cars. When gasoline prices shot past $4 in 2008, Americans stopped buying the big cars, and the Big Three saw their sales plummet. The Financial Crisis played a role as no one was willing to loan GM the money to buy Chrysler. Consumer credit has tightened and it became much harder for people with average or poor credit to obtain a bank loan to buy a car, so sales fell further. Stock prices plummeted as shareholders worried about bankruptcy; GM's shares fell to 1946 levels. Intense debate ensued about a massive bailout, that would be in addition to a $25 billion loan Congress passed in September 2008 to assist in increasing fuel efficiency. President Bush proposed changing the terms of that loan so it could be used to cover daily operating expenses, but Congress rejected that. Republicans in Congress in mid-November blocked Democratic proposals to underwrite a new bailout of the auto industry, as industry leaders made an unconvincing case before Congress. President Obama and Democrats in Congress have demanded the Big Three come up with a highly specific plan with some chance of long-term viability. Critics claimed the proposals would lead to unnecessary job loss.<br />
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In addition to the Big Three hundreds of large suppliers of parts are in financial crisis as well; most would go under if the Big Three go bankrupt.<br />
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Intense debate in December 2008 focused on allowing bankruptcy or injecting billions more of federal aid; it would be in addition to a $25 billion loan Congress passed in September 2008 to assist in increasing fuel efficiency. The Democrats in Congress supported president Bush's proposal to use the fuel-efficiency loans to help with the immediate problem. It passed the House but Senate Republicans broke with Bush and it failed. The opponents called for a bankruptcy that would allow GM to get out of its contracts to pay union members high wages, as well as generous pensions and medical benefits to retired workers. Bush then acted unilaterally and decided to make TARP loans to GM and Chrysler, on December 19. GM and Chrysler will get $13.4 billions in loans they can use to pay their suppliers.<ref> GM and Chrysler will receive $4 billion each when they sign the loan agreements with the Treasury. GM will have access to an addition $5.4 billion on Jan. 16 and another $4 billion on Feb. 17 provided that Congress has released the remaining $350 billion for the Treasury’s TARP rescue program. </ref> GM can receive another $4 billion in February, but by then the Obama administration will be in charge, and it is emphasizing the need for a long-range solution.<ref>David E. Sanger, David M. Herszenhorn and Bill Vlasic, “Bush Aids Detroit, but Hard Choices Wait for Obama,” [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/business/20auto.html?hp ''New York Times'' Dec. 19, 2008]</ref> <br />
<br />
===Bankruptcy scenario===<br />
Bankruptcy of Chrysler and GM took place in the second quarter of 2009. Chrysler's sale to Italian automaker Fiat has been finalized. GM received billions more dollars to prevent bankruptcy but fell none-the-less. In addition, GM will require $30 billion in the first stage of bankruptcy. The Obama Administration is the single largest shareholder with the UAW second at 17% ownership. Also, many auto dealerships have been shuttered, thousands of workers have been [[laidoff]], assembly plants closed, and product lines dissolved or sold.<br />
<br />
==Obama Administration==<br />
[[Image:Geithner1.jpg|thumb|330px|Critics feared Geithner's vague plans would crash]]<br />
<br />
The [[Obama Administration]], taking office on Jan. 20, 2009, moved to handle the crisis on two fronts. Working with Democrats in Congress (and three moderate Republican Senators), it passed the "[[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]]", calling for $500 billion of new spending and nearly $300 billion in new tax cuts. The new law began operations in mid-February, 2009, and supporters hoped it would slow and turn around the nosediving economy. Conservative critics feared it would be ineffective in the short run and add to the national debt and tax burdens in the long run. As of late March no results are visible.<br />
<br />
With major banks on the verge of failure, Treasury Secretary [[Timothy Geithner]] unveiled yet another massive [[bailout]] program in mid-February. Trillions would be spent to move toxic assets out of the banks, but few details were provided. The widespread reaction was very negative, and Geithner lost more of his credibility as a problem solver. Geither finally came back with a plan on March 23 that will not need additional funding or approval by Congress. The Treasury will use $100 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), as well as new capital from private investors, in order to generate $500 billion in purchasing power to buy toxic loans and assets. The program could potentially expand to $1 trillion over time.<br />
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===Criticisms===<br />
:The nations banks now lend 25% less than when the financial bailout was announced. <br />
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: The USA relies on China to buy our U.S. Treasury bonds to fund the increased spending. <br />
<br />
:America is a debtor nation, we spend more than we save. The dollars value has plummeted against world currencies. Gold prices remain at record levels.The money that we don't have, but spend, will be a debt that future generations will have to worry about. This has brought rise to the term 'Generational Theft' in describing Obama policies.<br />
<br />
:"It's time to terminate the TARP program," Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, told reporters on Monday. "TARP is increasingly not being a vehicle for economic stability and taxpayer protection but is evolving into 700 billion dollar revolving slush fund that the administration can use to advance economic, social and political agenda items far and apart from what Tarp was ever designed to do." <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/08/house-republican-moves-terminate-tarp/ House Republican Moves to 'Terminate the TARP'] Fox News, June 08, 2009</ref><br />
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In the view of 51 mostly conservative economists polled by the ''Wall Street Journal'' in July 2009, the Obama administration's performance is problematic. President Obama and Treasury Secretary Geithner both got an average grade of 70 out of 100 for their handling of the financial crisis, but those grades varied widely. Former President Bush and ex-Treasury chief Paulson got average grades of 50 and 60, respectively, when economists were asked how they handled the crisis while in office. By contrast, Fed chairman Bernanke scores much better, with an average grade of 85; in addition 93% of respondents said he should be reappointed by Obama when Bernanke's term expires early next year.<ref>Phil Izzo, "Few Economists Favor More Stimulus," [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124708099206913393.html ''Wall Street Journal'' July 10, 2009] </ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Recession of 2008]]<br />
*[[Henry M. Paulson]]<br />
*[[Paper loss]]<br />
*[http://ow.ly/3klF The Bailout In Images]<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*John Samples, [http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa660.pdf Lawless Policy:TARP as Congressional Failure], ''Policy Analysis'' No. 660, [[CATO Institute]], February 4, 2010.<br />
*[http://baselinescenario.com/2010/03/15/senator-kaufman-fraud-still-at-the-heart-of-wall-street/ Senator Kaufman:Fraud Still At The Heart Of Wall Street]<br />
*[http://baselinescenario.com/2010/04/18/john-paulson-needs-a-good-lawyer/ The Baseline Scenario]<br />
*[http://www.chartingstocks.net/2009/02/great-depression-quotes-1929-vs-2008-have-we-learned-anything/ Great Depression Quotes 1929 vs 2008: Have We Learned Anything?]<br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
* Posner, Richard. ''A Failure of Capitalism: The Crisis of '08 and the Descent into Depression'' (2009), by a leading conservative<br />
* Taylor, John B. ''Getting Off Track: How Government Actions and Interventions Caused, Prolonged, and Worsened the Financial Crisis'' (2009), 92pp; by a leading conservative<br />
<br />
====References====<br />
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[[Category:Finance]]<br />
[[Category:Business]]<br />
[[Category:Economic history]]<br />
[[Category:Obama Administration]]<br />
[[Category:Obama Presidency]]<br />
[[Category:Featured articles]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Separatists&diff=813840Separatists2010-08-26T16:16:22Z<p>BryanT: spelling/copyedit</p>
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<div>'''Separatists''' are people who want to separate themselves from the mainstream establishment. In American history, it often refers to the [[Protestant]]s who wanted to cut all ties from the [[Church of England]], unlike the [[Puritans]], who wanted the Church to conform to their standards.<br />
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The [[Pilgrims]] were Separatists who wanted to isolate from England, so they came to America to start a colony ([[Plymouth Colony]]) where their own religion was mainstream.<br />
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[[Category:Religion]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Menopause&diff=813839Menopause2010-08-26T16:15:30Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
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<div>'''Menopause''' is the onset of the loss of [[fertility]] in women due to the cessation of the [[menses]]. Generally, women begin to show signs of menopause (also called peri-menopause) in their late 30's and early 40's. Most women whose cycles are not regulated chemically, begin to skip their cycles for longer and longer periods of time. Formal definition of "menopause" is when a woman has gone without her monthly cycle for at least 1 year.<br />
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Menopause is caused by a natural change in the production of female hormones. <br />
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Menopause is not limited to the lack of a monthly cycle, but involves changes in the body including: dryer skin, changes in the sexual drive, hot flashes, changes in sleep cycles, and other minor changes. Though women throughout history have noted that menopause can be liberating, it is demanding on the physical body.<br />
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==Menopause and religion==<br />
Many cultures throughout the world have held special places in their community for women who have gone through menopause. They are often treated by the culture as "elders" at that point, acting as guides (in some cases for both men and women) about natural questions in life and community governance. Women in Native American tribes often become healers at this time in their life, and can sit on the various councils along side the men.<br />
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In Judaism, only a woman who has gone through menopause may touch the Torah.<br />
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Sites like [http://christianwomentoday.com/health/menopause.html|Christain Women Today] help women find connections for "The Change" with both spiritual study from the Bible as well as support groups. When looked at the right way, and when done in an environment of support and love, Menopause can be seen - not as a loss or a curse - but as a gift from [[God]] which would allow a woman to shift focus to different aspects of her life, like her extended family, her community, or her grandchildren.<br />
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[[Category:Health]][[Category:Human Development]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Anna_Louise_Strong&diff=813838Anna Louise Strong2010-08-26T16:14:12Z<p>BryanT: /* Association with violent New Left terrorist organizations */ spelling</p>
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<div>[[Image:FrankCoegroup.jpg|frame|right<br />
|'''CCP Chairman [[Mao Zedong]] with [[Israel Epstein]] (first left), [[Anna Louise Strong]] (third left), Soviet spies and [[New Deal]] economists [[Frank Coe]] (second right), and [[Solomon Adler]] (first right).]]<br />
'''Anna Louise Strong''' was a [[radical]] [[journalist]] who championed the [[Soviet]], [[Chinese Communist]] and [[New Left]] revolutions. Strong wrote for ''[[The Atlantic Monthly]]'', ''[[Harper's]]'', ''[[The Nation]]'', the ''[[Guardian (NY)|Guardian]]'' of New York, and ''[[Amerasia]]''.<br />
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==Defends Moscow show trials during the Great Purge==<br />
In 1936 Strong reported on the Moscow show trials of [[Trotsky]]ite dissenters during the [[Great Purge]]s for ''[[Soviet Russia Today]]''. Strong wrote,<br />
{{cquote|Each of the defendants refused the assistance of attorneys; they were seasoned orators, able to speak for themselves. Nor were they subject to any brow-beating by the prosecution; a prominent British barrister who was present commented on the extreme correctness of the court procedure, the clearness and restraint with which [[Andrey Vyshinsky|Prosecutor Vyshinsky]] put his questions....they went to death under the storming hate of 170,000,000 people in the Soviet Union and tens of millions more throughout the world. They became history's supreme examples of the logic of counterrevolutionary struggle...Once these men were [[Marxist]]s, believers in [[socialism]], leaders in [[revolution]]....Self-love, not the love of comrades or of the revolution, drove them steadily further towards destruction....Thus onetime socialists who might have gone down in history among the builders of the first socialist republic chose, not in one act of will, but through a long process of degeneration, to go down as arch traitors of the Revolution.<ref>[http://neworleans.media.indypgh.org/uploads/2007/02/the_terrorists___trial_15feb07.pdf ''The Terrorists' Trial'',] Anna Louise Strong, Soviet Russia Today, Vol. 5 No. 8, October 1936. Transcribed by Red Flag Magazine, February 15, 2007.</ref>}}<br />
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==Identified as KGB operative in Venona decrypts==<br />
===Assists Lublin Committee===<br />
:''For full article see [[Yalta_conference#Western_betrayal|Western Betrayal]]''<br />
In 1944 Strong was assigned to do a job on behalf of the Soviet sponsored Lublin Committee (PKWN), in Poland.<ref>Jack Brad, ''How Mao Conquered China,'' Edited by Hal Draper. [http://www.workersliberty.org/print/13169 ''9. Peking versus Moscow: the case of Anna Louise Strong, part 1.''] Compilation originally published in ''Labor Action'' between September 1948 and October 1949. Reprinted in ''Workers Liberty'' Volume 3 No. 24, October 2009, p. 8 (pdf). Retrieved from WorkersLiberty.org February 27, 2010.</ref> The establishment of the PKWN by the Soviet Union contradicted the terms and spirit of the [[Atlantic Charter]] and public statements made by [[President Roosevelt]] about agreements at the [[Yalta Conference]]. A [[Venona]] message reveals the covert relationship Strong had with the [[KGB]]. The San Francisco KGB arranged with her a password that would allow her to identify her Moscow KGB contact. Strong's cover name is Lira and is referenced in the following [[Venona]] decrypts: Venona 132 KGB San Fransisco to Moscow, 18 March 1944; Venona 257 KGB San Fransisco to Moscow, 7 June 1944; Venona 270 KGB San Fransisco to Moscow, 22 June 1944.<br />
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In 1946 Strong published a book about her experiences witnessing the birth of the Soviet-backed regime in Poland entitled, ''I Saw the New Poland''.<ref>[http://www.archive.org/stream/isawthenewpoland010833mbp#page/n5/mode/2up ''I Saw the New Poland''], Anna Louise Strong, Little Brown and Company, 1946.</ref><br />
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==Accused of Maoist deviationism==<br />
<br />
In 1949 the official Soviet news information bureau [[TASS]] announced "Mrs. Strong is accused of espionage and [[subversive]] activity directed against the Soviet Union" and described her as "the notorious intelligence agent."<br />
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After the Soviet occupation of [[Manchuria]] in 1945, Strong was the only reporter allowed to roam about Manchuria freely. From 1945 up until [[Mao]]'s victory in the Chinese Revolution, Strong was the only reporter to be granted public interviews with Mao<ref>[http://www.marx2mao.com/Mao/TALS46.html ''Mao Tse-tung: Talk with the American Correspondent Anna Louise Strong,''] August 1946. Retrieved from the website, From Marx to Mao, February 28, 2010. Mao put forward his famous thesis here, "All reactionaries are paper tigers." This thesis is a "fundamental strategic concept;" "revolutionaries must despise the enemy, dare to struggle against him and dare to seize victory; at the same time, tactically, with regard to each part, each specific struggle, they must take the enemy seriously, be prudent, carefully study and perfect the art of struggle and adopt forms of struggle suited to different times, places and conditions in order to isolate and wipe out the enemy step by step." </ref> and most of the other top [[Chinese Communist Party]] (CCP) leaders. Strong became the chief external [[propagandist]] for Mao. A [[Trotsky]]ite observer noted, in her book ''Tomorrow’s China'', and in an essay published in the magazine, ''[[Amerasia]]'', Strong wrote of Mao and of the CCP leadership with the adulation usually reserved for [[Stalin]] alone.<ref>Jack Brad, [http://www.workersliberty.org/system/files/wl3-24.pdf ''How Mao Conquered China,''] Edited by Hal Draper. Compilation originally published in ''Labor Action'' between September 1948 and October 1949. Reprinted in ''Workers Liberty'' Volume 3 No. 24, October 2009, p. 8 (pdf). Retrieved from WorkersLiberty.org February 27, 2010.</ref> Strong attributed to Mao the distinction of being the sole new contributor to Marxism-Leninism-Stalinism and of having developed a uniquely felicitous programme for China which "extends" these theories to the special situation of that "backward country." In an essay, ''The Thought of Mao Tse-tung'', Strong wrote, "since the leadership of Mao Tse-tung developed, the Chinese Communists do not consider that they have made any profound mistakes."<ref>Jack Brad, ''How Mao Conquered China'', p.7.</ref> Former [[CPUSA]] General Secretary [[Earl Browder]] quoted extensively from this essay which only facilitated him being fully deposed as a party functionary.<br />
<br />
== Association with violent New Left terrorist organizations ==<br />
In the late 1960s the [[Students for a Democratic Society]] (SDS) split over the role of black Americans in the revolutionary processes in the United States. Two factions of the WUO, the Action Faction led by [[Bernardine Dohrn]], [[Mark Rudd]], [[Jeff Jones]] and [[Bill Ayers]], and Revolutionary Youth Movement (RYM) II led by [[Mike Klonsky]] joined forces to oust the [[Progressive Labor Party]] from SDS leadership. RYM II and the Weatherman believed armed struggle was the key to black liberation and the establishment of a black nation-state in several states of the American South.<ref>In 1928 the 6th Congress of the Comintern in Moscow resolved that the black population of the American South was a subject nation, thus capable of engendering a "national revolutionary movement," and ordered the CPUSA to give high priority to mobilizing blacks. In ''Toward Soviet America'' [[William Z. Foster]] wrote, "the right of self-determination will apply to Negroes in the American Soviet system. In the so-called Black Belt of the South, where the Negroes are in the majority, they will have the fullest right to govern themselves." [http://www.archive.org/stream/towardsovietamer00fostrich#page/304/mode/2up ''Toward Soviet America,''] William Z. Foster, Coward-McCann, New York, 1932.</ref> This would constitute the first stage of a socialist revolution, to be followed by a white working class alliance with black Americans which together would complete the second stage, the socialist revolution.<ref>Foreign Influence - Weather Underground Organization (WUO). FBI Chicago Field Office Report, August 20, 1976. Section I. Ideology D. [http://foia.fbi.gov/weather/weath1b.pdf ''Influence of Marxism-Leninism-Mao Tse-tung Thought,''] Pages 55-62 in original (pp. 18-25 pdf).</ref><br />
<br />
[[Mike Klonsky]] who led the RYM II faction of the SDS introduced a letter from Strong at the June 1969 SDS National Convention claiming that the [[Black Panther Party]] (BPP) constituted the main force for revolution among American workers and that everything possible should be done to assist the Panthers in their "nationalist struggle." This claim was interpreted by many attendees as the official Maoist line, as Strong then residing in Beijing, had previously been expelled by Stalinists for [[deviationism]] from the Stalinist line. SDS factions were at the time competing to be recognized as the official purveyors of Maoist thought in America.<ref>Foreign Influence - Weather Underground Organization (WUO). FBI Chicago Field Office Report, August 20, 1976, ''Mao Tse-tung Influence on SDS Factions at the June 1969 National Convention,'' Page 58 in original (p. 21 pdf).</ref> [[Weather Underground]] (WUO) [[terrorist]] co-founder [[Bill Ayers]], a fundraiser, close friend and confidant of [[Barack Obama]], states in ''Fugitive Days,'' that Strong provided a printing press for the [[Black Panthers]] upon WUO's request.<ref>Quoted in [http://www.usasurvival.org/docs/chicago-obama.pdf ''Communism in Chicago and the Obama Connection''], Cliff Kincaid, America's Survival, Inc., pp. 11-12.</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Alger Hiss]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Strong, Anna Louise}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:KGB Agents and Sources]]<br />
[[Category:Propagandists]]<br />
[[Category:Maoists]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Firefox_(novel_and_film)&diff=813836Firefox (novel and film)2010-08-26T16:12:12Z<p>BryanT: /* A suprise re-activation */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox Film<br />
| name=Firefox<br />
| image=Firefox-clint-eastwood-movie-poster.jpg<br />
| caption=<br />
| director=Clint Eastwood<br />
| producer=Clint Eastwood<br />
| writer=Craig Thomas (novel)<br>Alex Lasker (script)<br />
| narrator= <br />
| starring=Clint Eastwood<br>Freddie Jones<br>Warren Clarke<br>Nigel Hawthorne<br>Kenneth Colley<br>Oliver Cotton<br>Kai Wulff<br>Stephan Schnabel<br />
| music=Maurice Jarré<br />
| cinematography=Bruce Surtees<br />
| editing=Ron Spang<br>Ferris Webster<br />
| distributor=Warner Brothers<br />
| released=June 18, 1982<br />
| runtime=136 min <br />
| country=USA<br />
| language=English<br />
| budget=<br />
| gross=<br />
| preceded_by=<br />
| followed_by=<br />
| website=<br />
| amg_id2=firefox-17421<br />
| imdb_id=0083943<br />
}}: ''This article describes the 1980s novel and film. For the [[web browser]], see [[Mozilla Firefox]]. For other uses, see [[Firefox (disambiguation)]].''<br />
<br />
'''Firefox''' was a [[Cold War]] era novel and 1982 [[motion picture|film]] about a shell-shocked [[Vietnam War]] veteran who must penetrate into the [[Soviet Union]] to steal the ultimate high-performance jet fighter-interceptor and fly it out through the Soviet air and naval defenses. In the process he must come to terms with a horrific memory of the death of a civilian that occurred during his rescue from his [[Communism|Communist]] captors in Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Plot ==<br />
{{spoiler}}<br />
=== A surprise re-activation ===<br />
A Huey helicopter flies over the [[Alaska]]n wilderness, its pilots looking for someone below. That someone, Major Mitchell Gant [[United States Air Force|USAF]] (Rtd) ([[Clint Eastwood]]), hears the helicopter approaching and instantly breaks into a dead run back toward his cabin, where he takes a shotgun off its rack and cocks it. As the helicopter lands, Gant lapses into a rehash of a nightmare that he lived through in [[Vietnam]]: shot down over the North in his [[A-4]], he was being taken to a prison camp when two Hueys machine-gunned his captors. But what made him upset was that an overflying A-4 dropped an incendiary on the site, killing a little girl who stood around too long, watching the battle. Back in the present, Captain Arthur Buckholz (David Huffman) greets him and apologizes for the surprise.<br />
<br />
The next several scenes are back-and-forth cuts between the conversation between Gant and Buckholz, and a briefing being run by Kenneth Aubrey ([[Freddie Jones]]) of the [[United Kingdom|British]] SIS concerning the [[Soviet Union]]'s latest fighter/interceptor: the Mikoyan-Gurevich Model 31, given the codename "Firefox" by [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]]. Its capabilities seem otherworldly: total stealth capability, twin engines each delivering 50,000 pounds of thrust, combat ceiling 100,000-feet-plus, speed in excess of Mach 5 or even Mach 6 (and able to maintain it, no small feat), and a weapons and defense system able to read the pilot's thoughts and allow him to aim and fire his weapons without even having to press a button, thus affording him a 3- to 5-second reaction-time advantage over any opponent. NATO's decision: send Gant in to steal a Firefox prototype right off the Soviet development base at Bilyarsk.<br />
<br />
Gant resents the operation, because he is being, quite simply, blackmailed, in that he has been allowed to live on government land which now will be sold out from under him if he does not agree to the mission. The NATO Air Force attache (Thomas Hill) resents it, too, because Gant has no experience as a spy and, worse yet, is subject to post-traumatic stress disorder and may crack at any time. They use Gant for two reasons only: he speaks Russian like a Russian, and happens to be a perfect fit for the pressure suit worn by the MiG-31's prime test pilot, Lt. Col. Yuriy Voskov (Kai Wulff).<br />
<br />
=== Training ===<br />
Gant goes through several weeks of retraining, both in flying and in aerial combat, and briefings on his first required impersonation--as a corrupt businessman named Leon Sprague, known to be smuggling heroin into the Soviet Union. After his training is over, he is sent to [[London]], where Aubrey gives him his final briefing on his objectives, and also hands him a one-way homing device disguised as a cheap transistor radio. What his handlers don't tell him, though, is that if anything compromises the mission, Gant will be left on his own.<br />
<br />
=== Insertion ===<br />
Gant lands at [[Sheremetyevo Airport]] in [[Moscow]], blusters his way through an unannounced customs search, and manages to leave the airport--with the "radio." He takes a taxi to his rooms at the Hotel Moscow, puts the "radio" into his pocket, and waits.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, at KGB Moscow Center on Dzherzhinskiy Square, Colonel Kontarsky (Kenneth Colley) of the KGB finalizes his plans to safeguard the MiG-31 prior to its trials the next day in front of the Soviet First Secretary. He also orders his second-in-command, Dmitri Priabin (Oliver Cotton), to arrest some underground members at dawn, but not to move before then. Kontarskiy in fact knows all about the spy network funnelling information from Bilyarsk out of Russia--but even he does not know what the CIA and the SIS really have planned.<br />
<br />
=== Change of identity ===<br />
That night Gant walks out to the Krasnokholmskiy Bridge, under instructions to be there at precisely 10:30 Moscow time with the KGB shadowing him. There he meets the real Leon Sprague (George Orrison), plus his Moscow network escort, Pavel Upenskoy (Warren Clarke), and two of his confederates. Upenskoy orders Sprague to take Gant's cigar away from him and start smoking it--and then, before Gant's horrified eyes, whips out a pipe and clubs Sprague to death. He then demands that Gant surrender his false papers, which he plants on Sprague before throwing him into the Moscow River. The four men then race to the Paveletskaya Metro station, where Upenskoy hurriedly briefs Gant on his next impersonation: as Michael Lewis, American tourist registered at the Hotel Warsaw. The four then board a subway, though Gant nearly misses it, because his bad dream of the burning girl returns at just that moment.<br />
<br />
The four ride the train to another station, but when they arrive, the KGB is all over it. A KGB plainnclothesman challenges Gant for identification, and Gant barely manages to convince him that he is who he says he is, and has to feign illness on account of the "rich food" at the Warsaw Hotel. Upenskoy, dissatisfied, sends the flustered Gant into a nearby men's room to "get yourself together." But another KGB plainclothesman (Eugene Lipinski) follows Gant into the restroom, challenges him again, and then says that his papers are not in order. The plainclothesman reaches for his gun and Gant reacts instinctively, ultimately killing him.<br />
<br />
Upenskoy, rushing in at the last minute, is horrified. He now tells Gant to move quickly to the exit and angrily assures Gant this papers are, indeed, in order. Gant manages to leave the station, but only by cutting in line and acting like a clueless American. He, Upenskoy, and Upenskoy's colleagues barely manage to get to street level before whistles blow below, indicating that the KGB have found their dead detective.<br />
<br />
=== Depart from Moscow ===<br />
Upenskoy takes Gant to a warehouse belonging to a light-delivery service, where Upenskoy gives Gant yet another identity: that of Boris Glazunov, resident of the Mira Prospekt and employed as "driver's mate" to Upenskoy. The next morning, a telephone rings--just once--and Upenskoy tells Gant that they must leave at once, because "KGB assigned to the plane" are coming for Upenskoy. Upenskoy gives Gant a gun with orders not to use it unless absolutely necessary.<br />
<br />
Kontarskiy, meanwhile, has word that Priabin has already picked up the real Boris Glazunov (Barrie Houghton) at his apartment. Therefore, the man in the van with Upenskoy is an impostor. Curious, Kontarskiy orders a KGB tail team not to arrest Upenskoy but to tail him at a distance.<br />
<br />
Upenskoy and Gant manage to get through a checkpoint, where they know that they must "pose" for a photograph that will be sent to Moscow Center. Afterward, Upenskoy tells Gant that Boris Glazunov was picked up, and that Gant needs to realize that he is now a man of mystery. Upenskoy has decided to assume that the KGB will merely wait to see what develops as they try to identify Gant, who to them is simply someone who pretended to be a Russian driver's mate for some reason still unknown to them.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, Sprague's former business associate identifies the body of Sprague but notes that he was badly beaten, almost as though his assailant wanted to obscure his identity, a thing that Police Inspector Aleksei Tortyev (Hugh Fraser) is very curious about indeed. Kontarskiy is also curious, and demands to know who the mystery man is with Upenskoy, and why an old man (Czeslaw Grocholski) arrested at the warehouse took a poison and the others are "holding out." Kontarskiy still refuses simply to arrest Upenskoy, because he wants every member of the spy network, no matter what--this although his officers now suspect that the mystery man is a foreign agent. Priabin is also present, and voices his suspicion that Boris Glaznov, now their prisoner, is totally ignorant of the identity of his substitute and perhaps even of the substitution.<br />
<br />
Upenskoy reaches Gant's next rendezvous point and orders Gant to jump from the van while it is in motion as soon as they round a curve. Gant thus succeeds in getting onto the ground while Upenskoy leads the tail car away. Gant jogs down an incline and meets his next contact: a Dr. Semelovskiy (Ronald Lacey), project scientist assigned to the MiG-31 program. Semelovskiy hides Gant in his trunk and prepares to drive in to Bilyarsk.<br />
<br />
At Moscow Center, Boris Glazunov, refusing to the end to talk (or perhaps, as Priabin suspects, not knowing what to say or even what the KGB wants), dies under torture. Kontarsky, monumentally chagrined, now orders Upenskoy's van stopped.<br />
<br />
=== Penetration of Bilyarsk ===<br />
Oblivious to any of this, Semelovskiy gets Gant inside the Bilyarsk compound (excusing his tardiness by pretending to have a dirty engine) and drives him to the scientists' quarters, where Gant now meets Dr. Pyotr Baranovich (Nigel Hawthorne) and his significant other, Natalya (Dimitra Arliss), who offer him his first meal of the day. Meanwhile, Upenskoy gets into a gunfight with the KGB tail team and manages to kill them--but not before they wound him. He crashes his van, abandons it, and sets out on foot, knowing that his life is forfeit.<br />
<br />
Baranovich outfits Gant as a Soviet Air Police officer and briefs him on how to bluff his way through a security gate, and on the location of the hangar and its facilities. He also tells Gant that he knows that he will die after Gant escapes with the plane--but any resentment he might feel toward the British SIS for ordering him to sacrifice himself, pales before his resentment of the KGB for making that sacrifice necessary, and for denying him his freedom.<br />
<br />
At Moscow Center, Aleksei Tortyev asks Priabin to do him a favor: to ask for an identification of the man who landed at Sheremetyevo Airport posing as the dead Sprague. Tortyev thinks that this man is a foreign agent who substituted himself for Sprague. The technicians then surprise Tortyev and Priabin by saying that the man at Sheremetyevo is the same as the man who posed as Boris Glazunov and got out of Moscow on the way to Bilyarsk!<br />
<br />
Natalya brings word that the guards at the gate have been reinforced--and almost has a heart attack to see Gant outfitted as a Soviet Air Policeman. Baranovich reveals more dire information: that the program has not merely one prototype, but two, and Baranovich intends to sacrifice himself by destroying the second prototype. Gant must, therefore, get the first prototype out of the hangar as soon as he hears the fire alarm. Baranovich also briefs Gant on the directions that he must fly in, and the Firefox' weapons (four air-to-air missiles, two 50-millimeter cannons, and two flak layers, called "rearward defense pods" or "drone tail units") and thought-activated control systems--but also says that in order to work it, he must "think in Russian" and not try to think in English and translate.<br />
<br />
Dmitri and Tortyev continue to discuss their lead. Tortyev then suggests that Dmitri look, not for a seasoned spy, but for "a young fit man with brains"--i.e., an astronaut or a pilot. Dmitri agrees and commences a systematic search of their thousands of files on astronauts, Air Force pilots, etc.<br />
<br />
Gant manages to get inside the security gate and even takes it on himself to order an extra K-9 patrol to search the forest bordering the fence. He then walks through the hangar and sees the Firefox for the first time. A colonel (actually Kontarsky, though neither man knows the other) accosts him, and Gant apprizes him of his orders to the K-9 unit to search the forest. Gant then moves to the pilot's dressing room, and waits there for Voskov, whom he knocks senseless, binds, gags, and stuffs into a locker, having decided not to kill him because he, Voskov, "didn't do anything." Gant then goes into the showers and waits, at one point having to demand that he not be disturbed when other security personnel challenge him for identification. Gant is, of course, now impersonating Voskov. (Kontarsky has in fact realized that his mystery man has penetrated the installation and ordered a search.)<br />
<br />
=== Take-off ===<br />
Back at Moscow Center, Priabin has now identified Gant from the pilot archive. He warns Kontarsky, who then orders the arrest of Baranovich and the others--but just then the fire alarm rings, because Baranovich and Semelovsky have started the fire that they hope will destroy the second prototype. The fire is put out before it can do any such damage. Semelovsky is shot down at once, and Baranovich mnanages to get off one round with an automatic before he and Natalya are also gunned down. The last thing that Baranovich sees, however, is a black pressure-suited figure making its way to the first prototype.<br />
<br />
That figure is Gant, who, like a man knowing what he is doing, walks over to the waiting plane, climbs aboard, hooks up, and starts going through a very accelerated pre-flight checklist. Someone challenges him for identification, and Gant first waves him off, and then, with a hand over the man's face, throws him off the small ladder leading to the cockpit. Gant hurriedly completes his checklist--but when he raises his visor, Kontarsky recognizes him at once and orders the doors shut. Too late--Gant starts the engines and taxis out of the hangar at high speed. As the First Secretary's car arrives, Gant taxis to the end of the runway, and then takes off. Upenskoy watches Gant fly overhead and then, with the K-9 patrols ready to apprehend him, shoots himself.<br />
<br />
=== Misdirection ===<br />
Gant first makes a deliberate close pass at an Aeroflot Ilyushin-model airliner (apparently a close copy of the Boeing 727). He then proceeds to dictate a cockpit monologue--which turns into a dialogue with the First Secretary (Stefan Schnabel), who tries to persuade Gant to turn back and surrender, which Gant will not do. Gant finishes his conversation and then turns eastward, toward the Ural chain. The Soviet chiefs of staff, meanwhile, scramble all their air assets on the northern and southern borders and alert the Red Banner Fleets Northern and Southern. And in a NATO war room, Aubrey and Buckholz realize, with great joy, that Gant has achieved liftoff.<br />
<br />
=== First Battles ===<br />
Gant reaches the Urals, and then makes his first mistake: impelled by insatiable curiosity, he test-flies the Firefox at supersonic speeds, seeking to test the power of the plane and its Terrain-Following Radar system. This allows the Soviets to realize that he has misled them, as the Air Force chief-of-staff, General Vladimirov, has already realized, knowing that Gant was simply too good to blunder into an Aeroflot's flight path by accident. Vladimirov then orders an elaborate plan to trap Gant at the northern end of the Urals, over the Gulf of Kara. The Soviets think they have succeeded when they detect explosions over the Gulf (and so do Aubrey and Buckholz), but in fact Gant has merely tricked the Soviets into downing one of their own planes, using the thought-controlled arsenal for the first time, and to good effect.<br />
<br />
But Gant wastes his advantage by overflying an ELINT trawler. Vladimirov now sets up an ambush with a Soviet guided-missile cruiser--but Gant defeats that ambush, too, destroying two MiL-24 Hind helicopter gunships, knocking out two missiles with one of his flak layers, and simply outracing two more missiles until they fall into the sea.<br />
<br />
Voskov, now recovered, takes a final briefing from the First Secretary before taking off after Gant. Word comes that Gant has defeated the Russians yet again, and now Vladimirov plans to intercept Gant just short of the polar ice pack.<br />
<br />
=== Refueling ===<br />
Gant now has another problem: he is running out of fuel, though he at least knows where his refueling point will be, since the homing device activated before he engaged the cruiser.Gant gains altitude and proceeds to glide in--and barely makes it to an ice floe before a US Navy Ohio-class submarine breaks through it. That, then, is his refueling point. He lands on the floe and taxis to the submarine, whose crew proceed to refuel him and replace the two missiles he has used.<br />
<br />
Two Hinds make radar contact with the Americans and fly in to investigate. The Americans hurriedly finish the refueling and rearmament, steam a runway, and see Gant off before they then set up a mock weather station for the Soviets to reconnoiter. But what they don't know is that Vladimirov, loudly insistent, has prevailed upon his colleagues to send the second MiG after the radar contact.<br />
<br />
=== Final battle ===<br />
And so, after Gant takes off, he finds himself having to avoid two missiles that seemed to come out of nowhere--and then spots the second Firefox in his mirror. The two aircraft then get into a dogfight, using missiles and cannon and trying to fly a slalom race through ice canyons. At one point, Gant goes into a flat tailspin and barely manages to pull out of it--and Voskov, out of respect, salutes Gant one last time before dropping in behind Gant. Voskov is by now out of missiles and tries to shoot Gant down with his 50-millimeters. Gant, having to remind himself to "think in Russian," manages to introduce one final order: to lay flak. Voskov's plane sucks the flak in through its jet intakes, and blows up. Gant, relieved, sets a course for the nearest NATO base in Western Europe.<br />
<br />
== Cast ==<br />
*The [[United States Air Force]]<br />
**[[Clint Eastwood]] as Major Mitchell Gant USAF (retired), former member of the Aggressor Squadron, and former attack pilot in the [[Vietnam War]].<br />
**[[David Huffman]] as Captain Arthur Buckholz, his handler.<br />
**[[Thomas Hill]] as General Brown, who directs Gant's retraining in aerial combat<br />
<br />
The [[United States Navy]]<br />
* Michael Currie as Captain Seerbacker, commanding an unnamed US ballistic-missile submarine<br />
* James Staley as Lt. Cmdr. Fleischer, his executive officer<br />
* John Ratzenberger as MCPO Peck, his chief-of-the-boat<br />
<br />
The Secret Intelligence Service of the [[United Kingdom]]<br />
*[[Freddie Jones]] as Kenneth Aubrey, chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service.<br />
<br />
The [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics]]<br />
* [[Stefan Schnabel]] as (presumably) [[Leonid Brezhnev]], First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (never specifically identified)<br />
* The Soviet Army Air Forces:<br />
** Alan Tilvern as Kutuzov, Chief Air Marshal<br />
** Klaus Löwitsch as General Vladimirov, officer-in-charge of trying to stop Gant from escaping<br />
** Kai Wulff as Lt. Col. Yuriy Voskov, chief test pilot<br />
* The [[KGB|Committee for State Security]]<br />
** Wolf Kahler as [[Yuri Andropov|Yuriy Andropov]], Chairman<br />
** Kenneth Colley as Col. Kontarsky, officer-in-charge of security for the MiG-31 development project<br />
*** Oliver Cotton as Lt. Col. Dmitri Priabin, his second-in-command<br />
*** Eugene Lipinski as a KGB agent who challenges Gant and gets himself killed for his trouble<br />
*The [[Moscow]] Militia (i.e., police):<br />
** Hugh Fraser as Chief Inspector Aleksei Tortyev, investigating the murder of Leon Sprague<br />
<br />
The Anti-Soviet resistance:<br />
* Nigel Hawthorne as Dr. Pyotr Baranovich, chief project scientist for the MiG-31<br />
** Dmitra Arliss as Natalya, his significant other and assistant chief project scientist<br />
** Ronald Lacey as Semelovskiy, another project scientist<br />
* Warren Clarke as Pavel Upenskoy, a delivery-van driver<br />
** Barrie Houghton as Boris Glazunov, his regular driver's mate, for whom Gant is substituted to get him out of Moscow<br />
** Czeslaw Grocholski as an old man who ultimately commits suicide to avoid interrogation-under-torture<br />
** George Orrison as Leon Sprague, an American businessman whose identity Gant steals to get into Russia<br />
<br />
{{endspoiler}}<br />
<br />
== Themes ==<br />
=== The Cold War ===<br />
The [[Cold War]] is the foremost theme, as is the long-held suspicion that the Soviet Union was quite capable of developing advanced weapons. In point of fact, the Soviet Union did develop what might best be called a preponderance of familiar weapons. But in 1976, with the defection of Lieutenant [[Viktor Belenko]] at the controls of his [[MiG-25]] Foxbat, a dedicated interceptor, the [[United States]] learned that the Soviets, while clever in the use of the technology that they commanded, were scarcely capable of developing advanced weapons. This might have inspired overconfidence and led the Defense Department under President [[James Earl Carter]] to announce, rather rashly, their intention to develop [[Stealth]] weapons. The fictive Firefox is the ultimate stealth weapon&mdash;generating no radar return even when extremely close at hand&mdash;and is also faster, and has a higher combat ceiling, than any aircraft that the Soviet Union (or the United States, for that matter) ever designed and developed.<br />
<br />
By way of explanation of how the Soviets could develop such an aircraft, at least a generation ahead of the Americans, Stefan Schnabel's First Secretary tells his air chief marshal that<br />
<br />
{{cquote|the Americans are simply paying the price for too many years of softness&mdash;paying with an act of desperation, such as this one...They know the potential of this aircraft; they know what it means. I would imagine that, had our positions been reversed, we might have acted similarly.}}<br />
<br />
The character is correct: the Soviets did attempt to act similarly, and their successors, the leaders of the Russian Federation (whose current chief is a former KGB ''apparatchik''), continue to do so at the time of this writing (July 14, 2010). However, the film also illustrates the innate Russian paranoid ideation about being invaded, in that Air Chief Marshal Kutuzov expresses his suspicion that<br />
<br />
{{cquote|this could all be an elaborate bluff by the Americans to distract us from looking to the north, while this single aircraft attempts to escape to the south.}}<br />
<br />
Furthermore, Barron<ref name=Barron>Barron J, ''MiG Pilot: The Final Escape of Lieutenant Belenko'', New York: Bantam Books, 1980.</ref> points out that the MiG-25 (which Thomas used as his inspiration) was very well-designed, given the limitations of Soviet technology. It was also desgined for a specific mission: to intercept [[B-70]] bombers. Congress canceled the B-70 program, but the MiG-25 remained (and was redesigned to become a two-seater, which is the actual [[MiG-31]]).<br />
<br />
The only true flaw in this film, regarding the notion that the Soviets could so outpace the West in weapons development, is that it specified no time frame. It does suggest that Firefox was three years in the making, and Aubrey gives this indication of how complacent the West had become:<br />
<br />
{{cquote|When the first rumors began to filter out of the Soviet Union some three years ago, our theoretical weapons strategists stood before NATO command to explain, with much confidence, that it would take the Soviets a minimum of ten years to develop a Mach 5 aircraft with thought-controlled weapons systems. I stand before you today to explain, with much regret, that they were wrong.}}<br />
<br />
True enough, the Soviets could never have built anything like Firefox in the year of the film's release, let alone the novel's release. But that does not mean that the Soviets would not be capable of building an aircraft like Firefox today, did the Soviet Union still exist. The world perhaps has [[Ronald Reagan]] to thank that no such project as Project Firefox ever began, much less came to fruition.<br />
<br />
In addition, producer and director Clint Eastwood wished to illustrate the reason for the Cold War, and the evil nature of the "evil empire," the characterization given the USSR by then-President [[Ronald Reagan]]. The scenes involving the customs search, the walk to the bridge, Gant and the dissidents evading the KGB in the Metro station, the no-knock arrest and ultimate beating death of Boris Glazunov, and especially the testimonies and ultimate deaths of Upenskoy and Baranovich provide ample evidence.<br />
<br />
=== Dealing with shell shock and self-doubt ===<br />
Eastwood's use of the subplot involving Mitchell Gant's post-traumatic stress disorder, and its manifestation at unpredictable times, may have begun as a plot device to excuse a disastrous incident (i.e., Gant killing the agent in the restroom of the Metro station) and a near-disaster at the Bilyarsk base (i.e., almost failing to escape with the aircraft when the base personnel are distracted with the execution of Baranovich, Natalya, and Semelovsky). This theme could have been developed much more than it actually was. (Rumors have it that Eastwood blamed the budget overruns for the special effects for the compromises in quality in other aspects of the film, and swore never to produce and/or direct a special-effects film ever again. But perhaps Eastwood ought to have laid the blame with screenwriter Lasker, who neglected to expand upon Thomas' original material as much as he might have.)<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, Mitchell Gant is a typical Clint Eastwood hero&mdash;a man wrestling with inner demons and who learns to conquer them in order to do the job at hand. Furthermore, Gant does develop signficantly as a man, in that his personal demon&mdash;the memory of the burning girl&mdash;pales in comparison, not only to the job he has to do, but also to the sacrifices that Pavel Upenskoy and Drs. Baranovich, Natalya, and Semelovskiy are willing to make. Baranovich impresses Gant the most, willing as he is to give Gant a successful send-off knowing that he will surely die afterward, if not in the process.<br />
<br />
{{Cquote|Mr. Gant, you are an American. You are a free man. I am not. There is a difference. If I resent the men in London, then that is a small thing compared to my resentment of the [[KGB]].}}<br />
<br />
Furthermore, Gant is a metaphor for the West itself. ''Firefox'' is set in a world that includes a West monumentally consumed with collective self-doubt, and doubt even about its proper place in the world. For reasons having to do with proper narrative economy, Craig Thomas never explores this as he might, because he creates no character who would be fully in touch with the kind of collective self-doubt that might cause voters to elect governments, in the USA and the UK, that would allow the West to come to the pass of having to steal a major prototype from the Soviet Union, instead of worrying about the Soviets stealing an American or British prototype. In short, Thomas did not bother to write in an analog of the late [[Jack Anderson]], or the present-day [[Maureen Dowd]], [[E. J. Dionne]], or [[Anthony Lewis]]&mdash;and perhaps Thomas could never have imagined a [[Markos Moulitsas]]. Instead, all of Thomas' characters are drawn from the ranks of "those who know what needs to be done," and the settings take place either in Gant's Alaskan wilderness retreat, various training bases, the hotel in which Aubrey gives Gant his final briefing&mdash;and the Moscow and Bilyarsk sets and every set in between. In short, ''Firefox'' takes place on the battlefield or in the training facility, and not on the roiling college campus or in the [[liberal]] [[coffee]] shop.<br />
<br />
And thus Gant himself must be the sole metaphor for an American, or other Westerner, who wonders whether the Cold War was worth fighting. Gant is uniquely qualified for this: shot down over [[Vietnam]] and taken prisoner, he witnesses the horrific death of an underage civilian in the course of his rescue. He spends years running away from this memory, feeling that he cannot possibly justify his own continued existence, if such a death was required to ensure its continuance. Gant must get past this attitude, just as the West must turn aside from the attitude of self-flagellation that pervades it today.<br />
<br />
And that the Soviets know this is made obvious. The First Secretary, of course, highlights American softness. Their problem is that they think that ''all'' Americans are soft. For example, the First Secretary sarcastically says,<br />
<br />
{{cquote|Mister Gant, as you will be aware, I am not interested in the life of one rogue pilot with a poor health record.}}<br />
<br />
Such arrogance will, of course, cost the Soviets dearly by film's end. The reason: the only officer to appreciate fully that Gant is a much better pilot than anyone is giving him credit for is Vladimirov, who first realizes, to his regret, that he himself underestimated Gant with his first stratagem. Vladimirov spends the rest of the film playing a desperate game of catch-up, which he ultimately loses.<br />
<br />
== Feasibility ==<br />
=== Firefox as an aircraft ===<br />
==== Terminology ====<br />
The Soviet Union actually did build a [[MiG-31]], but it was not such an otherworldly craft at this. This aircraft, codenamed "Foxhound," was an updated version of the [[MiG-25]] Foxbat.<ref name=fan>MiG-31 Firefox Online Resource, 2001-2010. <http://thinkinrussian.org/index.cfm></ref><br />
<br />
==== Airworthiness ====<br />
The elevation views of Firefox resembled those of the American [[F-15]] Eagle, but the plan reveals a delta-wing configuration with a pair of forward canards. Warner Brothers built nine models of the Firefox to various scales. Two of these, which were radio-controlled scale models, were actually airworthy, though no one attempted to build or fly a Firefox model at supersonic speeds.<ref name=fan/> The actual airworthiness of the Firefox airframe design was initially a matter of no small controversy&mdash;but the commercial availability of a radio-controlled scale model settles all doubt that such an aircraft would have been not only airworthy, but at least as maneuverable as it was depicted in the film.<ref name=rcpowers>[http://www.rcpowers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=725 RCPowers MiG-31 Firefox model]. Has an embedded video of a demonstration flight.</ref><br />
<br />
==== Stealth technology ====<br />
Firefox was, in theory, the Soviets' only attempt at developing a stealth weapon. The actual theory of stealth weaponry is to use an airframe with an absorptive surface and a shape designed to reflect as few radio waves as possible. But Firefox appears to use a highly sophisticated radar jamming system that somehow gives Firefox absolutely no radar signature. That would probably have been beyond even an American aerospace contractor at the time, or even today.<br />
<br />
==== Hypersonic flight ====<br />
Firefox would also have been the first [[hypersonic]] aircraft. Such an aircraft would almost certainly have required a [[superconducting ramjet]] or SCRAMjet engine. Such engines are only now under test by [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]] and were not even contemplated in 1982--and almost certainly, the Soviets could never have developed such an engine. Their previous attempt to develop a super-fast rocket engine, for the MiG-25, resulted in an engine that could at best propel the aircraft at Mach 3.2, at the cost of the total wrecking of those engines, requiring replacement.<ref name=Barron/><br />
<br />
Moreover, if Firefox did fly at hypersonic speeds, it would leave no sound trace at all. Yet the depiction, including the special effects, are more consistent with ordinary supersonic flight, with its sonic-boom effect, not to mention the compromise of Gant's position when he foolishly test-flies the Firefox at supersonic speeds while in a region that he had been told would be thick with listening posts.<br />
<br />
==== Weapons and defense ====<br />
Firefox's weapons were conventional enough: four air-to-air missiles, two 50-millimeter cannons, and two flak layers of undetermined type. In fact, the missiles are described as compatible, and thus interchangeable, with those carried by the [[MiG-25]] Foxbat. Since the story suggests that the same design bureau designed both aircraft, such a substitution is feasible.<br />
<br />
Firefox's main defense, aside from the flak layers, is its unrivaled stealth capability and tremendous speed. In fact, MiG-25 missiles would probably be inferior to Firefox missiles, for this reason: according to Barron<ref name=Barron/>, the combat ceiling of a MiG-25's missiles is 27,000 meters, and the combat ceiling of the Firefox would be nearly 33,000 meters.<br />
<br />
On one occasion, a guided-missile cruiser fires four heat-seeking missiles at Firefox. Gant destroys two by laying flak and simply outruns the other two, which lack the speed to catch Firefox in a tail chase. Barron<ref name=Barron/> reports that Viktor Belenko, the Soviet pilot who escaped with his MiG-25, told the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] that a MiG-25 would not be able to intercept an [[SR-71]] Blackbird recon plane (maximum speed: Mach 3) for the same reason: its ceiling was higher than the combat ceilings of the MiG-25 and its missiles, and the missiles lacked the speed to catch an SR-71 in a tail chase (and lacked the guidance capability to compensate for a high closing speed if fired head-on).<br />
<br />
==== Thought-controlled weapons ====<br />
Firefox also carried what would best be described as an Electroencephalographic Decision Estimate system for the arming, targeting, and deployment of its weapons. ''Visual'' Decision Estimate systems are now under development, designed to read a pilot's iris contractions and eye movements in order to determine which target to shoot at and when to shoot. But no contractor, as far as is known, is currently working on an Electroencephalographic Decision Estimate system. (The description in the film of "sensors in [the pilot's] helmet" can only refer to an [[electroencephalogram]].) However, scientists experimenting with monkeys were first able to train one to operate a candy dispenser with its thoughts alone, after first training it to move a triggering lever while recording an EEG trace, and then setting the dispenser to operate in response to the EEG impressions alone, while disconnecting the lever. (In fact, the subject learned quickly that the dispenser was operating before it had the chance to touch the lever, and thereafter it left off moving the lever and grew accustomed to triggering the dispenser by merely making a decision.) More recently, scientists at the University of Pittsburgh trained a monkey to operate a simple crane with its thoughts alone. Last month, that same team trained their monkey to operate an even more sophisticated crane with its thoughts, and perform tasks as complex as retrieving an object with this crane.<ref name=Riddle>Riddle W, "Monkey Mind Control Evolves with Elaborate New Robotic Arm", Switched.com, 4 June 2010. Accessed 13 July 2010. <http://www.switched.com/2010/06/04/monkey-mind-control-evolves-with-elaborate-new-robotic-arm/> </ref> More recently, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency announced their intention to test human-worthy prosthetic limbs designed to integrate fully with the patient's brain.<ref name=drummond>Drummond K, "Human trials next for DARPA's mind-controlled artificial arm," ''Wired'', 15 July 2010. <http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/07/human-trials-ahead-for-darpas-mind-controlled-artificial-arm/></ref> The interface involved is actually a physical connection of a microprocessor array with the central nervous system, but a noninvasive interface, involving a helmet rigged to take a continuous EEG, would also be suitable to control a prosthetic limb&mdash;or the weapons aboard a high-performance fighter-interceptor.<br />
<br />
Thus the concept of a "thought-controlled arsenal," while clearly ahead of its time in 1982, is well within the realm of possibility today. Such a system would indeed grant its pilot/operator a 3 to 5 second reaction-time advantage over any opponent not similarly equipped. And, as is depicted in the film, the pilot would not need to press a button. He would need merely to form a thought, in the form of a command, and instantly activate a monitor, select a missile and its target, and fire that missile in less time than the pilot would take to utter the phrase "Fox One" or any similar tactical catch-phrase when pressing a firing switch today. Nor would a designer necessarily have to limit an EDE system to fire-control alone; he could also link the engine throttles, flight controls, and autopilot to the EDE system, thus making the entire aircraft an extension of the pilot in every sense of the word.<br />
<br />
Whether the pilot would necessarily have to think in his accustomed language is an open question. One could as easily train a pilot to visualize pictographic symbols that could substitute for natural-language commands. In that manner the EDE system would be instantly usable, with no required pilot-specific adaptation, by any pilot, no matter what language he spoke. That Clint Eastwood's character was required to "think in Russian" was merely a plot device, though it was perhaps used to better effect in the motion picture than in the novel. (Gant tries to think in English to give the order to lay flak, and the system stubbornly refuses to respond until Gant remembers Baranovich's advice to him&mdash;just in time.) However, the EDE system could also have a deliberate feature requiring pilot-specific interpretation, in order to secure the aircraft against theft. But that would have created an untenable situation for Gant, because Voskov, the test pilot, would be the only man alive who could have flown either prototype.<br />
<br />
=== A delicate intelligence operation ===<br />
Craig Thomas, the original author, obviously theorized that a large-enough organization would be slow to realize that a major penetration was under way, and would also be overconfident and careless. Many people say that this was the exact posture of the United States intelligence apparatus on the occasion of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]].<br />
<br />
{{cquote|Remember that you are playing on their only real weakness. Because of its sheer size, the KGB is sometimes slow to awaken. It is like a [[monster]]&mdash;if you walk by it quietly enough, it will only lift an eyelid and sniff at you. But if you awaken it...!}}<br />
<br />
Gant succeeds because the police do not regularly communicate with the KGB (which is why they do not realize until far too late that the man who flew into Sheremetyevo Airport as "Leon Sprague" is the same man who departed Moscow as "Boris Glazunov" the next morning), and also because Kontarsky, his principal opponent on the ground, is determined to round up everyone himself and does not take definitive action until suddenly Gant is taxiing the Firefox out of the hangar faster than he can get the door shut on him. As strange as Gant's success might seem, one can never forget the success that nineteen Arab terrorists had in killing 3000 people in four airliners, seven commercial buildings, and the very headquarters of the US [[Department of Defense]]. (That they failed to destroy the [[Capitol]] or perhaps the [[White House]] is only because a group of passengers sacrificed themselves in an attempt to re-commandeer their own flight when they knew that it had been hijacked and was on a deadly errand.)<br />
<br />
Pavel Upenskoy succeeds in delivering Gant to Bilyarsk because he is as ruthless as any [[Arab]] terrorist has been shown to be, quite willing to kill a colleague when called for, and in the end, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Indeed his ruthlessness is a match for that of Kontarsky, the more remarkable because he is a civilian. Gant perhaps demonstrates a similar ruthlessness: he orders a [[Dog|K-9]] patrol in the very area of the forest where Upenskoy is likely to be skulking about and trying to stay ahead of the authorities, knowing that he might thereby be the instrument of Upenskoy's death.<br />
<br />
Baranovich also demonstrates a willingness to lay down his life in order to ensure freedom for an entire world&mdash;and also an almost [[Don Quixote|Quixotic]] desire to take down as many of his enemies as he can on the occasion of his inevitable death. While he is no [[Samson]], he does succeed in his ultimate aim: getting Gant aboard Firefox so that Gant can steal it.<br />
<br />
== Novel v. film ==<br />
The film and the novel do differ in a number of minor points. Boris Glazunov is beaten to death by two interrogators instead of one, and originally Gant does kill Voskov, only to face a second prototype flown by Voskov's younger counterpart, a Lieutenant Tretsov. Obviously Alex Lasker, who wrote the script, sought to cut down on the excessive plethora of characters. Lasker also cut out a scene in which Gant's refueling stop on the ice floe is rammed, and Captain Seerbacker's crew must hack a runway out of a rille that the collision forms in the ice. That aside, Lasker follows Thomas' prose word-for-word except for some minor corrections in the interest of believability, perhaps reflecting knowledge that Thomas might not have had when he wrote the novel.<br />
<br />
According to the fan site, the publisher of the novel originally illustrated its cover with a drawing of a MiG-25, but subsequently changed the cover art to be in keeping with the design that the Warner Brothers art department and special-effects shop invented for the film.<ref name=fan/><br />
<br />
== Errors ==<br />
The correct title of what was once the most powerful office in the Soviet Union was General Secretary of the Communist Party, not First Secretary.<br />
<br />
== Awards ==<br />
The ''Firefox'' film won the [[Academy Award]] for Best Visual Effects for its year.<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
== Related links ==<br />
* [http://thinkinrussian.org/ MiG-31 Firefox Online Resource], a fan site devoted to the history and technical specifications of the Firefox aircraft, as if it had been a real project.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cold War]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Yes_Minister&diff=813835Yes Minister2010-08-26T16:11:36Z<p>BryanT: /* Portrayal of the British Government */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''''Yes Minister''''' is a [[British]] satirical television comedy about the workings of a fictional department of the British government; the Department of Administrative Affairs. Much of the humour is derived from the fact that Jim Hacker, despite being the Minister of the DAA is severely limited in his power; indeed, his Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby insists that it is his job to run the Department, and Hacker's is only to provide a public face for it.<br />
<br />
Through the course of three seasons of '''Yes Minister''', Hacker establishes himself in the DAA, and then in a Christmas episode "Party Games" succeeds in becoming the [[Prime Minister]], backed by Sir Humphrey and the Civil Service, who believe he will be easily manipulated. A sequel series, '''Yes, Prime Minister''' ran for a further two series.<br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
===James "Jim" Hacker===<br />
After backing the loser in a bid for the leadership of his party (it is deliberately ambiguous as to which one), James Hacker (Paul Eddington) is given the Department of Administrative Affairs after spending around seven years as Shadow Minister of Agriculture. Although considered around tenth highest in the Cabinet, it has a reputation for being a political graveyard, much like the Home Office. Hacker has never worked in government before, and is constantly surprised and frustrated that he holds little real power, and that regardless of his promises made in opposition, all policies tend towards maintaining the status quo thanks to the intervention of his Civil Servants. As the series goes on, he starts to become more politically skilled, and in a small number of episodes, succeeds in outwitting Sir Humphrey.<br />
Hacker has an unfortunate tendency to say things that are open to other, unintended interpretations. He mentions once that "ministers... are chosen expressly because they know nothing."<br />
Hacker can be seen as an exaggeration of the typical cabinet minister; he is initially concerned with doing what is right, but then avoids making any decision that can be seen as controversial in fear of losing votes. When asked whether, when he said he wanted to do something about local government, he meant "do" something or "appear to do" something, he hastily affirmed that he meant "appear to do".<br />
<br />
===Sir Humphrey Appleby===<br />
Just as Hacker is a caricature of a government minister, the Permanent Secretary of the DAA, Sir Humphrey (Nigel Hawthorne) is a satire of the civil servant. He is arrogant and elitist and considers it ''his'' job to run the department on a common ground, regardless of which party is in power or the minister's own policy. He is shown to have little understanding of the world outside his upper-class, grammar-school educated bubble, but believes that what is best for the Civil Service is honestly best for Britain. He constantly lampoons the fact that Hacker has an "inferior" education from London School of Economics (compared to his own degrees in Greek and Latin from Oxford) and generally talks down to Hacker (and often Bernard).<br />
A lot of Sir Humphrey's humour comes from the euphemisms he uses when advising the Minister:<br />
* "A controversial decision, Minister" ''(That'll cost you votes.)''<br />
* "A courageous decision, Minister" ''(That'll cost you the election.)''<br />
* "Have you considered all of the implications?" ''(That's a bad idea.)''<br />
Although Humphrey can be callous and overbearing, he is not without a form of respect towards Hacker and Bernard; in one episode he forces Hacker to protect Bernard from his mistakes, and occasionally helps Hacker to survive his ministerial career, usually in return for dropping a policy that Humphrey is against.<br />
<br />
Sir Humphrey explained the roles of Bernard Wooley and himself to Jim Hacker in the first episode:<br />
:'''Jim:''' Who else is in this department?<br />
:'''Sir Humphrey:''' Well briefly sir I am the Permanent Undersecretary of State known as the Permanent Secretary. Wooley here is your Principle Private Secretary. I too have a Principle Private Secretary, and he is the Principle Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary. Directly responsible to me are ten Deputy Secretaries, eighty-seven Undersecretaries and two hundred and nineteen assistant secretaries. Directly responsible to the Principle Private Secretaries are Plain Private Secretaries. The Prime Minister will be appointing two Parliamentary Undersecretaries and you will be appointing your own Parliamentary Private Secretary.<br />
:'''Jim:''' Can they all type?<br />
:'''Sir Humphrey:''' None of us can type Minister, Mrs McKay types, she's the secretary<br />
<br />
Sir Humphrey was big on verbosity:<br />
:'''Hacker:''' When you give your evidence to the Think Tank, are you going to support my view that the civil service is overmanned and feather-bedded, or not? Yes or no? Straight answer!<br />
:'''Sir Humphrey:''' Well Minister, if you ask me for a straight answer, then I shall say that, as far as we can see, looking at it by and large, taking one thing with another in terms of the average of departments, then in the final analysis it is probably true to say, that at the end of the day, in general terms, you would probably find that, not to put too fine a point on it, there probably wasn't very much in it one way or the other as far as one can see, at this stage.<br />
<br />
===Bernard Woolley===<br />
Hacker's Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley (Derek Fowlds) is trusted by both Hacker (who is supposed to be loyal to) and Sir Humphrey (who he depends on for his future in the Civil Service). This means that both characters confide in him, and thus the audience. Bernard is shown to be extremely pedantic, pointing out the shortcomings in Sir Humphrey's and Hacker's metaphors. For example, when Hacker announced that the idea was to "cut through red tape with a sledgehammer" he points out that it is not possible to "cut" tape with a sledgehammer. Bernard often acts very childlike; when Humphrey insists that an inert compound is one that doesn't "ert", Bernard adds that it "wouldn't ert a fly". However, Humphrey considers him to be a "high flyer" and the novelisations of the series reveal that he eventually becomes head of the Civil Service itself.<br />
Although sometimes ally of Humphrey, he also takes pleasure in conspiring with Hacker against him.<br />
<br />
:'''Bernard''': But, you only need to know things on a need-to-know basis. <br />
:'''Sir Humphrey''': I need to know ''everything''. How else can I judge whether or not I need to know it? <br />
:'''Bernard''': So that means you need to know things even when you don't need to know them. You need to know them not because you need to know them but because you need to know whether or not you need to know. If you don't need to know, you still need to know so that you know that there is no need to know. <br />
:'''Sir Humphrey''': Yes! <br />
:'''Bernard''': Good. That's very clear!<br />
<br />
==Department of Administrative Affairs==<br />
The (fictional) department that Hacker leads is the DAA, the Department of Administrative Affairs, whose job it is to help administer all the other departments and to reduce needless administration and red tape. Ironically, the idea of having a department whose sole purpose is to check up on other departments is itself needless administration. The DAA's unique purpose means that the programme can use ideas for episodes that would normally fall under the jurisdiction of various other ministries, such as the Foreign Office or the Home Office.<br />
The DAA was founded in 1964, when Sir Humphrey joined the department, but the forerunner of the department was founded by [[William Gladstone]] (so, presumably somewhere between 1868 and 1894).<br />
<br />
==Portrayal of the British Government==<br />
Within the programme, the elected officials and ministers are portrayed as being controlled almost exclusively by the civil servants, who have been in their posts for much longer as they are not elected. The Civil Service is portrayed as being hideously overstaffed and overpaid and resistant to change anything about itself. Virtually all of the [[civil servant]]s are upper-class with a grammar school/Oxford education but with little real understanding of the common people. <br />
Politicians in general, and in particular the Cabinet, are portrayed as being relatively ignorant and reliant on their Civil Servants.<br />
<br />
A running joke in the series in that the Foreign Office does not reflect the views of the British people, or even the government. At one point, after being told that the elaborate reception is to "show the Arab nations whose side we're on", Hacker replies that "this may come as a surprise to the Foreign Office, but you're supposed to be on '''our''' side. Later in the series, Hacker is told "they are on our side", and Hacker seeks clarification that he meant the Americans, adding that: "for a moment, I thought you meant the Foreign Office".<br />
<br />
Former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher]] commented that the portrayal of government was surprisingly accurate, and was a fan of the show even going so far as to write a script for the programme.<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
=== IMDB links to actors and characters ===<br />
* [http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0001329/ Nigel Hawthorne] ([http://us.imdb.com/character/ch0030014/ Sir Humphrey Appleby])<br />
* [http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0248844/ Paul Eddington] ([http://us.imdb.com/character/ch0030013/ James Hacker])<br />
* [http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0288621/ Derek Fowlds] ([http://us.imdb.com/character/ch0030015/ Bernard Woolley])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Television Shows]]<br />
[[Category:Comedy]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Mitigation&diff=813833Mitigation2010-08-26T16:10:31Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Mitigation''' is a reduction, abatement, or diminution of a penalty or punishment imposed by [[law]]. When a defendant has pleaded guilty or been found guilty the Defence Council may make a speech in mitigation arguing for a relatively light punishment. <br />
[[Category:Legal Terms]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Naval_Special_Warfare&diff=813832Naval Special Warfare2010-08-26T16:07:09Z<p>BryanT: spelling</p>
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<div>[[Image:USN SEAL trident.JPG|thumb|300px|right|Insignia of the Naval Special Warfare (SEALS)]]<br />
'''Naval Special Warfare''' consists of personnel of the [[United States Navy]] specially trained to conduct covert strike operations against military targets and other sites or groups deemed threats to the interests of the United States. The men within the NSW are known as '''SEALS''', an acronym based on the words '''SE'''a, '''A'''ir, and '''L'''and, referring to the fighters' multi-mission arena of operations as well as its maritime origins.<br />
<br />
==Commands==<br />
Naval Special Warfare Command was commissioned April 16, 1987, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, CA. As the Naval component to the United States Special Operations Command headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command provides vision, leadership, doctrinal guidance, resources and oversight to ensure component maritime special operations forces are ready to meet the operational requirements of combatant commanders. NSW provides a versatile, responsive and offensively focused force with continuous overseas presence. The major operational components of Naval Special Warfare Command include Naval Special Warfare Groups ONE and THREE in San Diego, CA, and Naval Special Warfare Groups TWO and FOUR in Norfolk, VA. These components deploy SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams, and Special Boat Teams world wide to meet the training, exercise, contingency and wartime requirements of theater commanders. With approximately 5,400 total active-duty personnel--including 2,450 SEALs and 600 Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC)--NSW forces are busier than ever answering "911 calls" from around the globe. NSW also calls upon a 1,200-person reserve of approximately 325 SEALs, 125 SWCC and 775 support personnel. <br />
<br />
==Mission==<br />
A tactical force with strategic impact, NSW mission areas include special reconnaissance (SR), direct action (DA), unconventional warfare, combating terrorism, foreign internal defense, information warfare, security assistance, counter-drug operations, personnel recovery and hydrographic reconnaissance. NSW core training is focused on SR and DA - critical skills needed to combat current and future terrorist's threats. <br />
<br />
Although NSW personnel comprise less than one percent of U.S. Navy personnel, they offer big dividends on a small investment. SEALs' proven ability to operate across the spectrum of conflict and in operations other than war in a controlled manner, and their ability to provide real time intelligence and eyes on target, offer decision makers immediate and virtually unlimited options in the face of rapidly changing crises around the world. <br />
<br />
The most important trait that distinguishes Navy SEALs from all other military forces is that SEALs are maritime Special Forces, as they strike from and return to the sea. SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) take their name from the elements in and from which they operate. Their stealth and clandestine methods of operation allow them to conduct multiple missions against targets that larger forces cannot approach undetected. <br />
<br />
==Training==<br />
From 1962 when the first SEAL teams were commissioned, to present day, Navy SEALs have distinguished themselves as an individually reliable, collectively disciplined and highly skilled maritime force. Because of the dangers inherent in NSW, prospective SEALs go through what is considered by many military experts to be the toughest training in the world. The intense physical and mental conditioning it takes to become a SEAL begins at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training which is conducted at the Naval Special Warfare Center in San Diego, CA. Candidates must complete a mentally and physically demanding 6-month basic training course, 3 weeks of parachute training and a 15-week advanced training period prior to becoming a SEAL and earning the Trident--the warfare pin insignia of all SEAL operators. <br />
<br />
Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) operate and maintain the inventory of state-of-the-art, high-performance boats and ships used to support SEALs and special operations missions. Individually, SEALs and SWCC go through separate, but similar, specialized training programs that emphasize special operations in the maritime environment. SWCC are trained extensively in craft and weapons tactics, techniques and procedures. Focusing on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where larger ships cannot operate. Like SEALs, SWCC must be physically fit, highly motivated, combat-focused and responsive in high stress situations. <br />
<br />
NSW forces can operate independently or integrate with other U.S. special operations forces or within U.S. Navy carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups. With half of the world¹s industry and population located within one mile of an ocean or navigable river, NSW forces have a proud history of mastering these vital littoral regions. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
Today's Naval Special Warfare operators can trace their origins to the Scouts and Raiders, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Operational Swimmers, Underwater Demolition Teams, and Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons of World War II. While none of those early organizations have survived to present, their pioneering efforts in unconventional warfare are mirrored in the missions and professionalism of the present Naval Special Warfare warriors. <br />
<br />
To meet the need for a beach reconnaissance force, selected Army and Navy personnel assembled at Amphibious Training Base, Little Creek, on 15 August 1942 to begin Amphibious Scouts and Raiders (Joint) training. The Scouts and Raiders mission was to identify and reconnoiter the objective beach, maintain a position on the designated beach prior to a landing and guide the assault waves to the landing beach. <br />
<br />
The first group included Phil H. Bucklew, the "Father of Naval Special Warfare," after whom the Naval Special Warfare Center building is named. Commissioned in October 1942, this group saw combat in November 1942 during OPERATION TORCH, the first allied landings in Europe, on the North African coast. Scouts and Raiders also supported landings in Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Normandy, and southern France. <br />
<br />
A second group of Scouts and Raiders, code-named Special Service Unit #1, was established on July 7, 1943, as a joint and combined operations force. The first mission, in September 1943, was at Finschafen on New Guinea. Later ops were at Gasmata, Arawe, Cape Gloucester, and the East and South coast of New Britain, all without any loss of personnel. Conflicts arose over operational matters, and all non-Navy personnel were reassigned. The unit, renamed 7th Amphibious Scouts, received a new mission, to go ashore with the assault boats, buoy channels, erect markers for the incoming craft, handle casualties, take offshore soundings, blow up beach obstacles and maintain voice communications linking the troops ashore, incoming boats and nearby ships. The 7th Amphibious Scouts conducted operations in the Pacific for the duration of the conflict, participating in more than 40 landings. <br />
<br />
The third Scout and Raiders organization operated in China. Scouts and Raiders were deployed to fight with the Sino-American Cooperation Organization, or SACO. To help bolster the work of SACO, Admiral Ernest J. King ordered that 120 officers and 900 men be trained for "Amphibious Roger" at the Scout and Ranger school at Ft. Pierce, FL. They formed the core of what was envisioned as a "guerrilla amphibious organization of Americans and Chinese operating from coastal waters, lakes and rivers employing small steamers and sampans." While most Amphibious Roger forces remained at Camp Knox in Calcutta, three of the groups saw active service. They conducted a survey of the Upper Yangtze River in the spring of 1945 and, disguised as coolies, conducted a detailed three-month survey of the Chinese coast from Shanghai to Kitchioh Wan, near Hong Kong <br />
<br />
In September of 1942, 17 Navy salvage personnel arrived at ATB Little Creek, VA for a one-week concentrated course on demolitions, explosive cable cutting and commando raiding techniques. On 10 November 1942, this first combat demolition unit succeeded in cutting a cable and net barrier across the Wadi Sebou River during Operation TORCH in North Africa. Their actions enabled the USS DALLAS (DD 199) to traverse the river and insert U.S. Rangers who captured the Port Lyautey airdrome. <br />
<br />
Plans for a massive cross-channel invasion of Europe had begun and intelligence indicated that the Germans were placing extensive underwater obstacles on the beaches at Normandy. On 7 May 1943, LCDR Draper L. Kauffman, "The Father of Naval Combat Demolition," was directed to set up a school and train people to eliminate obstacles on an enemy-held beach prior to an invasion. <br />
<br />
On 6 June 1943, LCDR Kaufmann established Naval Combat Demolition Unit training at Ft. Pierce. By April 1944, a total of 34 NCDUs were deployed to England in preparation for Operation OVERLORD, the amphibious landing at Normandy. <br />
<br />
On 6 June 1944, in the face of great adversity, the NCDUs at Omaha Beach managed to blow eight complete gaps and two partial gaps in the German defenses. The NCDUs suffered 31 killed and 60 wounded, a casualty rate of 52%. Meanwhile, the NCDUs at Utah Beach met less intense enemy fire. They cleared 700 yards of beach in two hours, another 900 yards by the afternoon. Casualties at Utah Beach were significantly lighter with 6 killed and 11 wounded. During Operation OVERLORD, not a single demolitioneer was lost to improper handling of explosives. <br />
<br />
In August 1944, NCDUs from Utah Beach participated in the landings in southern France, the last amphibious operation in the European Theater of Operations. <br />
<br />
NCDUs also operated in the Pacific theater. NCDU 2, under LTjg Frank Kaine, after whom the Naval Special Warfare Command building is named, and NCDU 3 under LTjg Lloyd Anderson, formed the nucleus of six NCDUs that served with the Seventh Amphibious Force tasked with clearing boat channels after the landings from Biak to Borneo. <br />
<br />
Some of the earliest World War II predecessors of the SEALs were the Operational Swimmers of the Office of Strategic Services, or OSS. Many current SEAL missions were first assigned to them. <br />
<br />
British Combined Operations veteran LCDR Wooley, of the Royal Navy, was placed in charge of the OSS Maritime Unit in June 1943. <br />
<br />
Their training started in November 1943 at Camp Pendleton, moved to Catalina Island in January 1944, and finally moved to the warmer waters in the Bahamas in March 1944. Within the U.S. military, they pioneered flexible swim fins and facemasks, closed-circuit diving equipment, the use of swimmer submersibles, and combat swimming and limpet mine attacks. <br />
<br />
In May 1944, GEN Donovan, the head of the OSS, divided the unit into groups. He loaned Group 1, under LT Choate, to ADM Nimitz, as a way to introduce the OSS into the Pacific Theater. They became part of UDT-10 in July 1944. Five OSS men participated in the very first UDT submarine operation with the USS BURRFISH in the Caroline Islands in August 1944. <br />
<br />
Admiral Chester Nimitz's "Granite Plan" for central Pacific operations required an efficient amphibious force. Many of the targeted islands were coral atolls with reefs that acted as natural obstacles to landings. During early November 1943, SeaBees engaged in experimental underwater blasting work were assembled at Waipio Amphibious Operating Base on Oahu to begin training in underwater demolition. <br />
<br />
On 23 November 1943, the U. S. Marine landing on Tarawa Atoll emphasized the need for hydrographic reconnaissance and underwater demolition of obstacles prior to any amphibious landing. <br />
<br />
After Tarawa, 30 officers and 150 enlisted men were moved to Waimanalo Amphibious Training Base to form the nucleus of a demolition training program. This group became Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) ONE and TWO. <br />
<br />
The UDTs saw their first combat on 31 January 1944, during Operation FLINTLOCK in the Marshall Islands. FLINTLOCK became the real catalyst for the UDT training program in the Pacific Theater. In February 1944, the Naval Combat Demolition Training and Experimental Base was established at Kihei, Maui, next to the Amphibious Base at Kamaole. <br />
<br />
Eventually, 34 UDT teams were established. Wearing swim suits, fins, and facemasks on combat operations, these "Naked Warriors" saw action across the Pacific in every major amphibious landing including: Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Angaur, Ulithi, Pelilui, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, Zambales, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Labuan, Brunei Bay, and on 4 July 1945 at Balikpapan on Borneo which was the last UDT demolition operation of the war. <br />
<br />
The rapid demobilization at the conclusion of the war reduced the number of active duty UDTs to two on each coast with a complement of 7 officers and 45 enlisted men each. <br />
<br />
The Korean War began on 25 June 1950, when the North Korean army invaded South Korea. Beginning with a detachment of 11 personnel from UDT 3, UDT participation expanded to three teams with a combined strength of 300 men. <br />
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As part of the Special Operations Group, or SOG, UDTs successfully conducted demolition raids on railroad tunnels and bridges along the Korean coast. <br />
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On 15 September 1950, UDTs supported Operation CHROMITE, the amphibious landing at Inchon. UDT 1 and 3 provided personnel who went in ahead of the landing craft, scouting mud flats, marking low points in the channel, clearing fouled propellers, and searching for mines. Four UDT personnel acted as wave-guides for the Marine landing. <br />
<br />
In October 1950, UDTs supported mine-clearing operations in Wonsan Harbor where frogmen would locate and mark mines for minesweepers. On 12 October 1950, two U.S. minesweepers hit mines and sank. UDTs rescued 25 sailors. The next day, William Giannotti conducted the first U.S. combat operation using an "aqualung" when he dove on the USS PLEDGE. <br />
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For the remainder of the war, UDTs conducted beach and river reconnaissance, infiltrated guerrillas behind the lines from sea, continued mine sweeping operations, and participated in Operation FISHNET, which severely damaged the North Korean's fishing capability. <br />
<br />
Responding to President Kennedy's desire for the Services to develop an Unconventional Warfare (UW) capability, the U.S. Navy established SEAL Teams ONE and TWO in January of 1962. Formed entirely with personnel from Underwater Demolition Teams, the SEALs mission was to conduct counter guerilla warfare and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. <br />
<br />
SEAL involvement in Vietnam began immediately and was advisory in nature. SEAL advisors instructed the Vietnamese in clandestine maritime operations. SEALs also began a UDT style training course for the Biet Hai Commandos, the Junk Force Commando platoons, in Danang. <br />
<br />
In February 1966, a small SEAL Team ONE detachment arrived in Vietnam to conduct direct-action missions. Operating out of Nha Be, in the Rung Sat Special Zone, this detachment signaled the beginning of a SEAL presence that would eventually include 8 SEAL platoons in country on a continuing basis. Additionally, SEALs served as advisors for Provincial Reconnaissance Units and the Lien Doc Nguoi Nhia, or LDNN, the Vietnamese SEALs. The last SEAL platoon departed Vietnam on 7 December 1971. The last SEAL advisor left Vietnam in March 1973. <br />
<br />
The UDTs again saw combat in Vietnam while supporting the Amphibious Ready Groups. When attached to the riverine groups the UDTs conducted operations with river patrol boats and, in many cases, patrolled into the hinterland as well as along the riverbanks and beaches in order to destroy obstacles and bunkers. Additionally, UDT personnel acted as advisors. <br />
<br />
On May 1, 1983, all UDTs were redesignated as SEAL Teams or Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT). SDVTs have since been redesignated SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams. <br />
<br />
Special Boat Units can also trace their history back to WWII. The Patrol Coastal and Patrol Boat Torpedo are the ancestors of today's PC and MKV. Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE rescued General MacArthur (and later the Filipino President) from the Philippines after the Japanese invasion and then participated in guerrilla actions until American resistance ended with the fall of Corregidor. PT Boats subsequently participated in most of the campaigns in the Southwest Pacific by conducting and supporting joint/combined reconnaissance, blockade, sabotage, and raiding missions as well as attacking Japanese shore facilities, shipping, and combatants. PT Boats were used in the European Theater beginning in April 1944 to support the OSS in the insertions of espionage and French Resistance personnel and for amphibious landing deception. While there is no direct line between organizations, NSW embracement is predicated on the similarity in craft and mission. <br />
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The development of a robust riverine warfare capability during the Vietnam War produced the forerunner of the modern Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman. Mobile Support Teams provided combat craft support for SEAL operations, as did Patrol Boat, Riverine (PBR) and Swift Boat sailors. In February 1964, Boat Support Unit ONE was established under Naval Operations Support Group, Pacific to operate the newly reinstated Patrol Torpedo Fast (PTF) program and to operate high-speed craft in support of NSW forces. In late 1964 the first PTFs arrived in Danang, Vietnam. In 1965, Boat Support Squadron ONE began training Patrol Craft Fast crews for Vietnamese coastal patrol and interdiction operations. As the Vietnam mission expanded into the riverine environment, additional craft, tactics, and training evolved for riverine patrol and SEAL support. <br />
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SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams historical roots began during WWII, however with Italian and British combat swimmers and wet submersibles. Naval Special Warfare entered the submersible field in the 1960's when the Coastal Systems Center developed the Mark 7, a free-flooding SDV of the type used today, and the first SDV to be used in the fleet. The Mark 8 and 9 followed in the late 1970's. Today's Mark 8 Mod 1 and the soon to be accepted for fleet use Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS), a dry submersible, provide NSW with an unprecedented capability that combines the attributes of clandestine underwater mobility and the combat swimmer. <br />
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Post-Vietnam War operations that NSW forces have participated in include URGENT FURY (Grenada 1983); EARNEST WILL (Persian Gulf 1987-1990); JUST CAUSE (Panama 1989-1990) and DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM (Middle East/Persian Gulf 1990-1991). Additionally, NSW conducted missions in Somalia, Bosnia, Haiti, Liberia. <br />
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In response to the attacks on America Sept. 11, 2001, Naval Special Warfare forces put operators on the ground in Afghanistan in October. The first military flag officer to set foot in Afghanistan was a Navy SEAL in charge of all special operations for Central Command. Additionally, a Navy SEAL captain commanded Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) South. Commonly referred to as Task Force K-BAR, the task force included U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Coalition SOF forces. During Operation Enduring Freedom, NSW forces carried out more than 75 special reconnaissance and direct action missions, destroying more than 500,000 pounds of explosives and weapons; positively identifying enemy personnel and conducting Leadership Interdiction Operations in the search for terrorists trying to escape by sea-going vessels. <br />
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Naval Special Warfare has played a significant role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, employing the largest number of SEALs and SWCC in its history. NSW forces were instrumental in numerous special reconnaissance and direct action missions including the securing of the southern oil infrastructures of the Al Faw peninsula and the off-shore gas and oil terminals; the clearing of the Khawr Abd Allah and Khawr Az Zubayr waterways that enabled humanitarian aid to be delivered to the vital port city of Umm Qasr; reconnaissance of the Shat Al Arab waterway; capture of high value targets, raids on suspected chemical, biological and radiological sites; and the first POW rescue since WWII. Additionally, NSW is also fighting the war on terrorism in other global hot spots including the Philippines and the Horn of Africa. <br />
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NSW is committed to combating the global terrorist threats. In addition to being experts in special reconnaissance and direct action missions, the skill sets needed to combat terrorism; NSW is postured to fight a dispersed enemy on their turf. NSW forces can operate from forward-deployed Navy ships, submarines and aviation mobility platforms as well as overseas bases and its own overseas units.<br />
<br />
==Famous SEALs==<br />
Famous Navy Seals include [[Theodore Roosevelt IV]], the grandson of President [[Theodore Roosevelt]]; [[Gary Jackson]], the president of [[Blackwater]]; and [[Roy Boehm]], the inspiration for [[Marlon Brando]]'s character in ''[[Apocalypse Now]]''.<br />
<br />
==Links==<br />
*[http://www.sealchallenge.navy.mil/seal/default.aspx Official U.S. Navy website]<br />
*[http://www.specwarnet.net/americas/SEALs.htm Special Warfare.net]<br />
<br />
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[[Category:United States Navy]]</div>BryanThttps://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Anti-Semitism&diff=813831Anti-Semitism2010-08-26T16:06:33Z<p>BryanT: /* Modern anti-Semitism */ spelling</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Aldershot Cemetery.jpg|right|thumb|Community Security Trust. <br> Nov. 2004: The Aldershot Cemetery.]]<br />
'''Anti-Semitism''' (or '''antisemitism''') is [[discrimination]], [[Hate|hatred]], or criticism of [[Jews]], Jewish culture, or the state of [[Israel]]. As a word it is first recorded in the English language in 1882<ref>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antisemitism</ref>, but as an idea and argument of hatred examples exist from much earlier times. It was Wilhelm Marr (1819 – 1904), a German agitator who coined the term ''"anti-semitism"'' in 1879 .<br />
<br />
==Origins of Anti-Semitism==<br />
The first Christians were Jews, including Jesus Christ. The story of Jesus was remembered and retold in the synagogues. Splits appeared very soon after the death of Jesus between the [[Pharisees]] and the Revisionist Jews. The [[Gospel of John]] was written quite soon after he and other revisionist Jews were barred from the [[synagogue]] by the Orthodox party. The references to Jews in the Gospel according to St John does not refer to Jews as a whole, but to the Pharisees. However, this was not well understood by later readers, and once the early generations of Jews had died out John's gospel was often used to justify acts of anti-Semitism.<br />
<br />
==Blood Libel==<br />
One of the oldest instances of anti-Semitic claims was made in the first century AD by Apion who claimed Jews sacrificed Greeks in their temple in a ritual known as a "blood libel". <br />
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The "Blood libel" myth reappeared in England in 1144, after [[William of Norwich]] was found murdered. William was called a martyr and created a second wave of anti-semitism, this time in Europe. It was mostly popularized with the story of Little Saint Hugh of Lincoln, and was even present in the [[Canterbury Tales]]. This continued on for many centuries until modern times. This "blood libel" accusation has survived the centuries and is today seen in [[Muslim]] anti-Semitic propaganda.<br />
==Middle Ages==<br />
In the [[Middle Ages]], Catholics blamed Jews for the death of Jesus Christ. This fueled Christian antipathy against Jews in most of Europe. This also led to rumors that Jews "desecrated the host" (tortured communion bread as per the [[Catholic]] doctrine of [[transubstantiation]], and that they "poisoned the wells", leading to the [[Black Death]]. Professing Jews were expelled from England in 1290, from France in 1306, and from Spain in 1492 and Portugal in 1496. (Those who converted to Christianity could remain.) Many went to Holland. Napoleon removed most of the restrictions that kept Jews in ghettoes in Germany.<br />
==1800-1914==<br />
===New nationalism===<br />
Anti-semitism was transformed in the 19th century from a matter of religion to a matter of language and culture. Each "nation" rediscovered its historic languahe and culture and tried to establish a national homeland. In most cases Jews were excluded or distrusted, and were not treated as part of the cultural center but as part of the periphery. Anti-Semitic references were common in the popular literature of both the 19th and early 20th centuries. It became more "scientific", and often connected with psuedo-scientific racial theories. <br />
===Germany===<br />
In Germany, leading 19th-century anti-Semites include composer [[Richard Wagner]] and his son-in-law writer [[Houston Stewart Chamberlain]].<br />
<br />
Historians have long debated whether or not the Anti-Semitism of imperial Germany directly prepared the ideological climate for Nazism. One way of testing the thesis of direct continuity is to examine how Judeophobes proposed to solve the "Jewish problem" in the Second Reich, 1870-1914. At that time, most anti-Semites stopped short of calling for the exclusion of Jews from German society, and in fact many advocated full integration. A handful of exclusionists, believing in the preordained struggle with the Jews and being pessimistic about getting them to leave Germany, did, however, plant the seeds of genocide.<ref> Donald L. Niewyk, "Solving The 'Jewish Problem': Continuity and Change in German Antisemitism, 1871-1945." ''Leo Baeck Institute. Year Book'' 1990 35: 335-370. </ref> <br />
===Socialism===<br />
Leftist scholars examining the connection between socialism and anti-Semitism before 1914 generally have assumed that capitalist exploitation of the workers was responsible for the "Jewish question," and that the labor movement was largely immune to anti-Semitism. At a deeper level, factors such as retarded economic development in Central and Eastern Europe, Christian cultural traditions, the fragility of political liberalism outside Western Europe, the intensity of national conflicts, and the quality of leadership and class consciousness among the proletariat led to anti-Semitism in Germany, Russia, France, and Britain before 1914. <br />
===Austria===<br />
The national government of the Austro-Hungarian Empire deliberately protected Jews from violent Anti-Semitism. However, popular antipathy toward Jews was more deeply rooted and stubborn in Austria than in most European countries. Reasons included slow development of a secular, pluralist society based on individual rights and open career opportunities; survival of corporatist ideas of economic organization; replacement of the multinational ideal of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by political division and ethnic antagonism; and the conspicuous role of individual Jews in finance capitalism, mass media, arts, and radical politics.<br />
<br />
Karl Lueger, the popular mayor of Vienna (1897-1910) and routinely used high powered Anti-Semitic rhetoric. It caught the attention of one young resident, Adolf Hitler. But there was no action takes against Jews, who played a major role in Vienna’s cultural and business life. Lueger operated within a strong national government that tolerated Jews. The Habsburg dynasty did not allow significant ant-jewish actions in its domains. The inviolate character of the Rechtsstaat and of a political culture based on law still existed. Mass violence within this political system was rare, and economic life was not yet caught up in the disastrous economic cycles of the post-1918 era. All these structural factors were serious barriers to the translation of anti-Semitic rhetoric in Vienna from words into deeds during the Habsburg era. In the 1930s, however, Vienna became increasingly hostile and many Jews fled before the Nazis marched in and took over in 1938.<br />
<br />
Anti-Semitism was an integral part of the political platform of the Austrian Socialist Left before 1914. Given the depths of anti-Jewish feelings among the Austrian masses, the Socialists endeavored to woo the working class from right-wing political parties through employing the latter's anti-Semitic arguments concerning Jewish control of the Austrian economy. This approach was even utilized by such Socialists of Jewish background as Victor Adler. Once Lueger's anti-Semitic party gained control of the Vienna municipal government in 1897, the Socialist press attacked him and his associates for their alleged lack of fidelity to their anti-Semitic principles through covert dealings with the Jewish upper class.<br />
<br />
===Russia===<br />
Alone among the major European nations, Russia in the 19th century did not emancipate its Jewish subjects. Popular anti-Semitism (which had an anticapitalist bias) proceeded from, and flourished with the support of, anti-Jewish laws and official policies that tried either to forcibly integrate Jews into or to segregate them from the rest of Russian society - especially rural society. Pogroms –systematic slaughters of thousands of Jews in certain areas--happened in clusters, as in 1881-82 and 1905-06, and were related to severe political crises involving the issue of Jewish emancipation. Anti-Semitism increased during World War I with the need for scapegoats, but after the February Revolution of 1917 was no longer sustained by discriminatory legislation.<br />
===Italy===<br />
Anti-Semitism played a far smaller role in Italy than in other European countries. One possible explanation is the high degree of assimilation achieved by the Italian Jewish community. However, assimilation elsewhere in Europe was not a bar to anti-Semitism. A more plausible reason is the lateness of industrialization, which meant that the lower middle classes did not fall victim to the economic and social anxieties experienced by the petite bourgeoisie of Germany and France. Other factors are the extremely small numbers of Italian Jews, the ethnically homogeneous nature of the Italian population, which meant that the Italians did not suffer from the paranoid insecurity of Germans who were confronted by large minorities within their borders, and Italy's long history of not succumbing to xenophobia and its weak race consciousness.<br />
<br />
===France===<br />
[[Alfred Dreyfus]] (1859-1935) was a Jewish officer in the French Army falsely accused of spying in the 1890s. The Dreyfuss Affair became a central issue in French politics, with critics like Émile Zola --who creed "[[J'accuse]]"--insisting it was a miscarriage of justice brought by a conspiracy of Catholic army officers. Dreyfuss was proven innocent and released in 1899.<br />
<br />
==1914-1945==<br />
Anti-Semitism was the core belief of [[Adolf Hitler]] and the Nazis, helping them gain power in Germany in 1933 and leading to their murder of 6 million Jews during the [[Holocaust]] of World War II.<br />
<br />
In the 1920s [[Henry Ford]]'s newspaper, ''The Dearborn Independent'', reprinted the false ''[[The Protocols of the Elders of Zion]]''. Ford publicly apologized to Jews.<br />
<br />
<br />
American aviator [[Charles Lindbergh]] disparaged Jews at a critical debate over intervention in the war in Europe in 1940. He led the "[[America First]]" movement opposed to war. He suggested the drive to war was orchestrated by Jews and would hurt the U.S.<br />
<br />
==Post 1945==<br />
Following World War II there was a steady decline of anti-Semitism, and a virtual disappearance of discrimination against Jews, in North America and Western Europe. Despite an apparent resurgence in Russia and Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism and occasional outbreaks elsewhere, anti-Semitism outside the Middle East by the early 1990's was only one - and a relatively minor - type of the xenophobia found in multiethnic, multicultural societies. <br />
<br />
Anti-Semitism was in total disrepute after the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945. After 1945 Anti-Semitism was not significantly greater in Germany than in Britain or France. For some years after 1945 the overwhelming majority of Jews in Germany were refugees and displaced persons from the East. Most of them emigrated to Palestine, Israel, North and South America, or Australia, leaving behind small numbers who would not or could not leave. Some German Jews had "assimilated" and were criticized by Eastern Jews as being too lax in their religious observance, but all Jews faced problems arising from questions of reparations and remembrances of the Holocaust. [[West Germany]] admitted its guilt and made large scale financial reparations to Israel. [[East Germany]], however, denied everything, opposed Israel and promoted anti-Semitism. <br />
<br />
===United States===<br />
see [[American Jews]]<br />
<br />
Republican President [[Richard Nixon]] hurt his reputation after recordings of informal conversations laden with racial slurs and invective known as the [[Watergate Tapes]] were made public. These informal comments about Jewish control of the media and calling Robert Vesco "a cheap kike" among other comments suggested to Nixon critics that his views were informed by a mistrust of Jewish culture. <ref>http://hnn.us/articles/657.html</ref> Nixon defenders note his support of [[Israel]] during the [[Yom Kippur War]] and his many Jewish friends and associates such as [[Henry Kissinger]], [[Herb Stein]] and others. <ref>http://www.slate.com/id/1003783/ </ref><br />
<br />
In 1984 [[Democratic]] presidential candidate [[Jesse Jackson]] uttered anti-Semitic slurs to reporter for the ''Washington Post'' when discussing the state of African-American and Jewish relations, which had been a key [[New Deal Coalition]] for half a century. Jackson is reported to have referred to Jews as "Hymies", and to New York City as "Hymietown". Jackson apologized, but it was never forgotten.<ref>[http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=187440 Jesse and the Jews], Michael W. Hirschorn, ''The Harvard Crimson'', March 05, 1984.</ref> Mayor Ed Koch even said that any Jews who vote for Jackson in 1988 were "crazy".<br />
<br />
==Modern anti-Semitism==<br />
<br />
During the [[Gulf War]] of 1991 anti-Semites alleged the United States was being used to fight Israel's wars.<ref>[http://newint.org/features/2004/10/01/conspiracism/ ''Zog ate my brains''], [[Chip Berlet]], New Internationalist, October 2004.</ref><br />
<br />
The [[U.S. State Department]] ''Report on Global Anti-Semitism'' in 2005 said this about the current state of anti-Semitism worldwide:<br />
<br />
:Beginning in 2000, verbal attacks directed against Jews increased while incidents of vandalism... surged. Physical assaults including beatings, stabbings and other violence against Jews in Europe increased markedly, in a number of cases resulting in serious injury and even death. Also troubling is a bias that spills over into anti-Semitism in some of the [[leftist|left-of-center]] press and among some intellectuals. <br />
<br />
:The United States is frequently included as a target of such attacks, which often assert that U.S. foreign policy is made in Israel or that Jews control the media and financial markets in the United States and the rest of the world. ...Similarly, allegations that Jews were behind the [[9/11]] attacks were widely disseminated, especially in the Muslim world. <ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/40258.htm Report on Global Anti-Semitism], U.S. Department of State Report to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on International Relations, Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, January 5, 2005. </ref> <br />
<br />
In the United States, [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] Senator [[Ernest Hollings]] was recently ostracized for public criticism of the [[George W. Bush|Bush Administration]] <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20040506-20051231re_/http://hollings.senate.gov/~hollings/opinion/2004506A17.html Bush's failed Mideast policy is creating more terrorism], U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings, Charleston Post and Courier, 6 May 2004.</ref> considered to be anti-Semitic. <ref>[http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/4496_12.htm Anti-Semitism: USA, ADL Urges Senator Hollings to Disavow Statements on Jews and the Iraq War], ADL Press Release, New York, 14 May 2004. </ref> On March 3, 2003 Rep. [[James Moran]] (D-Va.) said, "If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing this". <ref>[http://judaism.about.com/library/2_antisemitism/bl_moran_iraq.htm Are Jews Behind the War on Iraq?] A Case of Classical Anti-Semitism. </ref> Moran has since made further anti-semitic comments. <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/16/AR2005061601570.html Democrats Play House To Rally Against the War], Dana Milbank, ''Washington Post'', June 17, 2005.</ref> <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/14/AR2007091402171.html</ref><br />
Some supporters of the anti-[[Iraq War]] movement have been accused of anti-Semitism, including a group known as ANSWER-[[Act Now to Stop War and End Racism]], one of the first organizations formed to protest the policies of the Bush administration after 9/11. <ref>[http://www.forward.com/articles/the-%E2%80%98answer%E2%80%99-question-poses-difficult-choices/ "The 'Answer' Question Poses Difficult Choices for Liberals"] by Gal Beckerman, ''The Forward'', September 30, 2005. </ref> <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20041019075845/http://www.tikkun.org/magazine/index.cfm/action/tikkun/issue/tik0305/article/030512a.html Authoritarianism and Anti-Semitism in the Anti-War Movement?]. ''Tikkun'', May/June 2003. Link is to page on the Internet Archive, archived Oct 19, 2004.</ref><br />
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Liberal activist [[Cindy Sheehan]], though she found popular support among [[leftist]]s and the mainstream media, was condemned for her outspoken anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. <ref>[http://www.davidduke.com/index.php?p=350 Why Cindy Sheehan is Right!], David Duke, 8/14/2005.</ref> Sheehan traveled to [[Venezuela]] <ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/40258.htm Report on Global Anti-Semitism] U. S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, January 5, 2005. </ref> to appear with Venezuelan dictator, [[Hugo Chavez]] to denounce U.S. foreign policy which she blames as responsible for the death of her son.<br />
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Former [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] [[Jimmy Carter]] has recently come under much criticism for his writings and comments that have been viewed as anti-semitic. In his book, "Palestine Peace Not Apartheid", Carter endorsed Islamic terrorism against Israel as a tactic to achieve political ends. The sentiment was widely criticized by people across the political spectrum. In early 2007, it was revealed that Carter once complained there were "too many Jews" on the U.S. government's Holocaust Memorial Council. The council's former executive director, Monroe Freedman, also revealed that a noted Holocaust scholar who was a Presbyterian Christian was rejected from the council's board by Carter because the scholar's name "sounded too Jewish." <ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/staticarticles/article53954.html</ref><br />
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While the contemporary American left's hatred for Jews and Jewish traditions has been documented, others who were on the right have been ostracized by conservative commentators. [[William F. Buckley]], Jr., founder and publisher of the ''National Review'' said of [[Reform Party]] presidential candidate and former Nixon speechwriter [[Patrick Buchanan]], "I find it impossible to defend Pat Buchanan against the charge that what he did and said during the period under examination amounted to anti-Semitism…" referring to comments Buchanan made regarding the U.S. involvement in the first [[Gulf War]] which lead to military action against [[Saddam Hussein]] and [[Iraq]]. <ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_n24_v43/ai_11810753 In search of anti-semitism], William F. Buckley, Jr., ''National Review'', Dec 30, 1991.</ref> <br />
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The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Britain increased by 34 percent in 2006. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290187,00.html Increase in Anti-Semitic Violence Troubles Jews in Britain] by Donald Snyder, Fox News, July 20, 2007</ref><br />
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[[Swastika]]s have been carved into several cornfields in the United States. A 130-foot-square swastika was carved into a field in July 1998. A bigger 600-by-600 foot version of the [[National Socialist German Workers Party|Nazi]] symbol was found in a nearby cornfield almost a year later. In September 2007, a giant swastika covering several acres was discovered. <ref><br />
[http://www.nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-8/1190695524193000.xml&coll=1 Police helicopter finds swastika cut into a Mercer County cornfield] The Star-Ledger, September 25, 2007</ref><br />
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===Anti-Semitism and the Left===<br />
Anti-semitism has been growing rapidly at a phenomenal rate in Liberal countries, especially European countries. <br />
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It has also been growing amongst liberals in the United States of America, The Institute for Jewish & Community Research, did a study of who is anti-semitic, and found that people who identify as Democrats are consistently more likely to believe any anti-semitic belief than are Republicans. The data from the survey also revealed a connection between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. This is important since liberals are more likely to be anti-Zionist than conservatives. The study found that the young, who are more likely to be liberal, are also more likely to be Anti-semites than people over age 35. The study found that more than 75% of Democrats hold at least one anti-semitic belief. According to the study 20% of Democrats believe Jews care only about themselves<ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=30503</ref><br />
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Recently, [[liberal]] [[atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] came under criticism for saying that the Religious Jews monopolize control over the American government.<br />
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==See also==<br />
*[[Wandering Jew]]<br />
*[[Blood libel|Blood Libel]]<br />
*[[Jules Isaac]]<br />
*[[Liberal Christianity#Liberal Christianity's Anti-semitism]]<br />
*[[Theory of Fundamentalist anti-Semitism]]<br />
*[[Suicide bomber: a personal account]]<br />
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==External Links==<br />
*[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/viewSubCategory.asp?id=86 DiscoverTheNetworks.org - Anti-Semitism in Academia]<br />
*[http://www.freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/antisemitism.html What’s in a Hyphen?] by Shmuel Almog.<br />
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==Further reading==<br />
*Arendt, Hannah. ''Antisemitism'', (1968)<br />
* Bellah, Robert N., and Frederick E. Greenspahn eds. ''Uncivil Religion: Interreligious Hostility in America'' (Part I: Jewish-Christian Tensions pp.1-37), (1987)<br />
* Beller, Steven. ''Antisemitism: A Very Short Introduction'' (2007) 132pp [http://books.google.com/books?id=pOgpsjWEAQkC&dq=intitle:antisemitism&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2000&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Bering, Dietz. ''The Stigma of Names: Antisemitism in German Daily Life, 1812-1933.'' (1992). 345 pp.<br />
* Bishop, Claire Huchet. ''How Catholics Look at Jews: Inquiries into Italian, Spanish, and French Teaching Materials'', (1974)<br />
* Chanes, Jerome A. ''Antisemitism: a reference handbook'' (2004) 347 pages; [http://books.google.com/books?id=ju7U83nRDt8C&dq=intitle:antisemitism&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2000&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search] <br />
* Flannery, Edward. '' The anguish of the Jews: twenty-three centuries of antisemitism'' (2004) 369 pages [http://books.google.com/books?id=r1ulI_N0zW8C&dq=intitle:antisemitism&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2000&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search] <br />
* Gager, John G. ''The Origins of Anti-Semitism: Attitudes Toward Judaism in Pagan and Christian Antiquity'', (1983)<br />
* Holmes, Colin. ''Antisemitism in British Society, 1876-1939'' (1979)<br />
* Laquer, Walter. '' The changing face of antisemitism: from ancient times to the present day'' (2006) 228 pages [http://books.google.com/books?id=xMGeXXBSY8wC&dq=intitle:antisemitism&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2000&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search] <br />
* Levy, Richard, ed. '' Antisemitism: a historical encyclopedia of prejudice and persecution'' (2005) 828 pages; a major scholarly resource [http://books.google.com/books?id=Tdn6FFZklkcC&dq=intitle:antisemitism+inauthor:richard+inauthor:levy&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search] <br />
* Levy, Richard S., ed. ''Antisemitism in the modern world: an anthology of texts'' (1990) 270 pages, primary sources <br />
===Holocaust and Nazis===<br />
* Burleigh, Michael. ''The Third Reich: A New History.'' (2000). 864 pp. Stress on antisemitism; [http://www.amazon.com/Third-Reich-New-History/dp/080909326X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198874312&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Dawidowicz, Lucy. ''The War against the Jews, 1933-45,'' (1977). <br />
* Friedlander, Saul. ''Nazi Germany and the Jews: Volume 1: The Years of Persecution 1933-1939'' (1998) <br />
* Friedlander, Saul. ''The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945'' (2007), the standard history [http://www.amazon.com/Years-Extermination-Nazi-Germany-1939-1945/dp/0060190434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195979435&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Gilbert, Martin. ''The Holocaust: A History of the Jews of Europe During the Second World War'' (1987) [http://www.amazon.com/Holocaust-History-Europe-During-Second/dp/0805003487/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195979238&sr=8-3 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Gilbert, Martin. ''The Routledge Atlas of the Holocaust'' (2002)[http://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Atlas-Holocaust-Historical-Atlases/dp/0415281466/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195979238&sr=8-6 excerpt and text search]<br />
* Gutman, Israel, ed. ''Encyclopedia of the Holocaust,'' 4 vol (1989) <br />
* Landau, Ronnie. ''The Nazi Holocaust'' (2002)<br />
* Niewyk, Donald, and Francis Nicosia. ''The Columbia Guide to the Holocaust.'' (2000) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=99854126&oplinknum=4 online edition]<br />
* Wachsmann, Nikolaus. "Looking into the Abyss: Historians and the Nazi Concentration Camps," ''European History Quarterly,'' 4 2006; vol. 36: pp. 247 - 278. fulltext in Sage; historiography<br />
* Wistrich, Robert S. ''Hitler and the Holocaust.'' 2001. 295 pp.<br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
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[[Category:culture]]<br />
[[Category:Judaism]]<br />
[[category:Anti-Semitism]]<br />
[[Category:Liberal Traits]]</div>BryanT