The “great” O-scam-a arrived in a blaze of glory
Change was his only story
Clever words with no real meaning
Had the media in adulation screaming
One person in the media compared O-scam-a to a God
But, the media is notorious for being a fraud
Propaganda merchants beyond compare
They produce an abundance of hot air
Many of the masses were also overcome
Change was a magic word for some
O-scam-a spoke and many were fooled
Now the people will be ruled
“An empty vessel makes the most sound”
And the crowds bayed praise out loud
O-scam-a, O-scam-a our lord and master
But, others thought this guy was a disaster
But hey, at least he will bring change
And the peoples' lives he will arrange
They will pay for this political trauma
Because they elected the “great” O-scam-a
Stephen J. Gray
June 22, 2009.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
An Imaginary Letter From a Very Worried Politician
Dear honorable members of all parties,
Thank goodness no election was called. But, I keep hearing there will be an election in the fall and that some of you intend to bring down the government. Have you all gone quite mad? What is the matter with you all? We are paid around $150,000 a year plus perks and expenses to do it to the people, oops, I mean do the people’s business, and some of you want to give all this up for a fall election?! For what? Just so some party can have a seat or two more or a seat or two less; and who knows, some of you might not even have a seat after the election.
We are all sitting pretty right now and having the summer off. Why would any of you risk losing the nice, cushy, comfortable jobs you have? Some of you are making more money than you ever dreamed of. You never had it so good, as one former politician once told the people. Now for the sake of making silly political points some of you want a fall election! Come on, climb down off your platforms, forget your visions rhetoric, file your plans away, and stop gibbering. It’s too early to go to the people. Some of us are still trying to get our pension time in and you selfish ones with seniority want an election. Where is the political solidarity?
Politics is a game—as you all know, or should know. The different party labels are just choices for the people; it gives them an alternative. We are nearly all the same under our political skins, but the game is the thing. The people get to place an X in the ballot box at election time and this allows them to participate in the game; however, this game is still being played and we do not want it stopped just yet. It would be a political tragedy of mammoth proportions if some of us got voted out of the game. Surely none of you want to be voted off this political island just yet, right?!
Think about it like this: You win some arguments you lose some arguments in the House, but it’s all good fun. We even get to be on television during question period, asking each other silly questions for the benefit of the people who care to watch us. And we can let off steam by banging our desks at each other when some of us make stupid comments. It’s all good political fun. Some of us have even appeared on comedy shows and put on a good performance. Are we all clowns at heart? The show must go on, and we the performers are still on stage. The people are the audience and they pay for our performances, and some of you want to give all this up for a fall election?
Think about it: We all would have to go on the campaign trail promising the people goodies with their own tax money. We would have to have silly debates with each other over party policy differences, when we all know there are very few differences, if any. Only political scrooges would want an election.
A fall election, if it happened, might also bring a vote near Christmas and this would surely destroy our Christmas party on the Hill. There would be no turkeys around, except for you political turkeys who want an election. So do you birds get the message? Please no fall election. All our needs are met right now. If we want to cross the floor we do it. If we want to re-cross the floor we could do it. This house is our political home, and just like any home it has its arguments and differences of opinion. So please don’t go to the people for approval. Some of us don’t want to be evicted just yet.
This letter is respectfully submitted by a worried honorable member, who likes serving the people and needs the job.
Stephen J. Gray
June 21, 2009
Thank goodness no election was called. But, I keep hearing there will be an election in the fall and that some of you intend to bring down the government. Have you all gone quite mad? What is the matter with you all? We are paid around $150,000 a year plus perks and expenses to do it to the people, oops, I mean do the people’s business, and some of you want to give all this up for a fall election?! For what? Just so some party can have a seat or two more or a seat or two less; and who knows, some of you might not even have a seat after the election.
We are all sitting pretty right now and having the summer off. Why would any of you risk losing the nice, cushy, comfortable jobs you have? Some of you are making more money than you ever dreamed of. You never had it so good, as one former politician once told the people. Now for the sake of making silly political points some of you want a fall election! Come on, climb down off your platforms, forget your visions rhetoric, file your plans away, and stop gibbering. It’s too early to go to the people. Some of us are still trying to get our pension time in and you selfish ones with seniority want an election. Where is the political solidarity?
Politics is a game—as you all know, or should know. The different party labels are just choices for the people; it gives them an alternative. We are nearly all the same under our political skins, but the game is the thing. The people get to place an X in the ballot box at election time and this allows them to participate in the game; however, this game is still being played and we do not want it stopped just yet. It would be a political tragedy of mammoth proportions if some of us got voted out of the game. Surely none of you want to be voted off this political island just yet, right?!
Think about it like this: You win some arguments you lose some arguments in the House, but it’s all good fun. We even get to be on television during question period, asking each other silly questions for the benefit of the people who care to watch us. And we can let off steam by banging our desks at each other when some of us make stupid comments. It’s all good political fun. Some of us have even appeared on comedy shows and put on a good performance. Are we all clowns at heart? The show must go on, and we the performers are still on stage. The people are the audience and they pay for our performances, and some of you want to give all this up for a fall election?
Think about it: We all would have to go on the campaign trail promising the people goodies with their own tax money. We would have to have silly debates with each other over party policy differences, when we all know there are very few differences, if any. Only political scrooges would want an election.
A fall election, if it happened, might also bring a vote near Christmas and this would surely destroy our Christmas party on the Hill. There would be no turkeys around, except for you political turkeys who want an election. So do you birds get the message? Please no fall election. All our needs are met right now. If we want to cross the floor we do it. If we want to re-cross the floor we could do it. This house is our political home, and just like any home it has its arguments and differences of opinion. So please don’t go to the people for approval. Some of us don’t want to be evicted just yet.
This letter is respectfully submitted by a worried honorable member, who likes serving the people and needs the job.
Stephen J. Gray
June 21, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Your Words Are Killing Me: An Imaginary Letter from An Unborn Child
If the child in the womb could share her thoughts on the horrific killing and dismembering of millions of her fellow innocents, this surely would be what she might say:
“Dear fellow human beings, I know there are some people out there who want to be ‘non-confrontational’ about my fellow little innocents being slaughtered by abortionists. They believe they have a ‘new,’ ‘wise,’ and ‘strategic’ approach to this heinous crime. Their words sound nice and reassuring. But, of course, they are not the ones being killed. Don’t they realize that there is nothing ‘compassionate’ about killing us? And if they are ‘not concerned with the law,’ (there is no law) or any law prohibiting abortion, then they should be. And so, these murderous atrocities perpetrated on we the innocent continue unabated in depraved acts of lawlessness.
“There are some in the judiciary who call the killings ‘terminations’ and advocate that an abortionist should be paid for his bloody slaughter. They even honored this butcher, with his country’s top award, and some even called him a ‘hero.’ Then there are some in the media who are supposedly ‘searching for truth,’ but when it comes to the awful truth of the abortion slaughter they hide the truth with lies like ‘freedom of choice’ to make it look like killing us is acceptable.
“And while there are some courageous souls who expose the atrocities committed against us, they are vilified and criticized by abortion supporters. There are others who say they are against abortion, yet they describe those who expose this horrific injustice as acting ‘confrontationally.’ My question to them and their strategists is this: If you are against the murderous slaughter of we the innocent unborn who have committed no crime, why are you against the showing of the gory atrocities visited upon us? Are you afraid to show the truth? Why would you send a confused signal by keeping the facts vague, just like abortion supporters do?
“We the innocents in the womb have no choice. We are carved up, cut to pieces, torn apart and some of us have even been born alive and left to die. So how can a ‘low key’ approach to abortion, without showing the evidence of the crime, be an ‘exciting strategy?’ The killing needs to be exposed. Our massacred, bloodied, dismembered bodies cry out for justice. And justice always tries to show in truthful words and deeds the horror that the victims experienced. If you really care about the awful slaughter perpetrated against us, have some courage and publish these horrific atrocities being committed against us. Politically correct pablum does not cut it (no pun intended). Nor does, as has happened in some pro-life circles, approval from a former politician whose credibility is questionable. And for those who have money to burn, instead of simply handing over money to the pro-abortion media who will only publish politically-correct ads, why don’t you publish the truth about this atrocity committed in the name of ‘choice’?”
Sincerely,
An innocent unborn child hoping for justice, not for death by politically correct words
Note: See the killing of the innocents at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Stephen J. Gray
June 15, 2009.
“Dear fellow human beings, I know there are some people out there who want to be ‘non-confrontational’ about my fellow little innocents being slaughtered by abortionists. They believe they have a ‘new,’ ‘wise,’ and ‘strategic’ approach to this heinous crime. Their words sound nice and reassuring. But, of course, they are not the ones being killed. Don’t they realize that there is nothing ‘compassionate’ about killing us? And if they are ‘not concerned with the law,’ (there is no law) or any law prohibiting abortion, then they should be. And so, these murderous atrocities perpetrated on we the innocent continue unabated in depraved acts of lawlessness.
“There are some in the judiciary who call the killings ‘terminations’ and advocate that an abortionist should be paid for his bloody slaughter. They even honored this butcher, with his country’s top award, and some even called him a ‘hero.’ Then there are some in the media who are supposedly ‘searching for truth,’ but when it comes to the awful truth of the abortion slaughter they hide the truth with lies like ‘freedom of choice’ to make it look like killing us is acceptable.
“And while there are some courageous souls who expose the atrocities committed against us, they are vilified and criticized by abortion supporters. There are others who say they are against abortion, yet they describe those who expose this horrific injustice as acting ‘confrontationally.’ My question to them and their strategists is this: If you are against the murderous slaughter of we the innocent unborn who have committed no crime, why are you against the showing of the gory atrocities visited upon us? Are you afraid to show the truth? Why would you send a confused signal by keeping the facts vague, just like abortion supporters do?
“We the innocents in the womb have no choice. We are carved up, cut to pieces, torn apart and some of us have even been born alive and left to die. So how can a ‘low key’ approach to abortion, without showing the evidence of the crime, be an ‘exciting strategy?’ The killing needs to be exposed. Our massacred, bloodied, dismembered bodies cry out for justice. And justice always tries to show in truthful words and deeds the horror that the victims experienced. If you really care about the awful slaughter perpetrated against us, have some courage and publish these horrific atrocities being committed against us. Politically correct pablum does not cut it (no pun intended). Nor does, as has happened in some pro-life circles, approval from a former politician whose credibility is questionable. And for those who have money to burn, instead of simply handing over money to the pro-abortion media who will only publish politically-correct ads, why don’t you publish the truth about this atrocity committed in the name of ‘choice’?”
Sincerely,
An innocent unborn child hoping for justice, not for death by politically correct words
Note: See the killing of the innocents at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Stephen J. Gray
June 15, 2009.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Questions about the Bailouts of General Motors (GM)
Billions of taxpayers’ dollars have been handed over to GM by the Canadian and United States governments. Some reports have the figures totaling as high as $60.4 billion (see information below). This is a colossal amount of money being handed over to a multi- national corporation that had subsidiaries in offshore tax havens. The Huffington Post of January 16, 2009 stated this:
“General Motors Corp., which received $13.4 billion from the [U.S.] federal rescue package, had 11 offshore subsidiaries…” [1]
Meanwhile, here in Canada the Canadian government has also participated in this billion dollar bailout bonanza for a “free enterprise” multi-national corporation that had subsidiaries in offshore tax havens. In fact, the Canadian Government is on record as saying this about the handover of taxpayers dollars:
“Ottawa doesn't expect to get back the billions in taxpayers' dollars it's investing in General Motors… It's regrettable that public money is funding the $10.5-billion bailout of GM but the move is a necessary one amid a global recession, said [PM] Harper.”
(Source: Keith Leslie, THE CANADIAN PRESS, published 01 06 2009) [2]
One wonders if PM Harper’s government checked out how much money GM had in its “11 offshore subsidiaries” before it started doling out Canadian Taxpayers dollars? Surely, the taxpayers of Canada should be privy to how much money is in these “11 offshore subsidiaries” of GM. After all, he who pays the piper calls the tune, or so the saying goes. Or are the taxpayers of Canada not allowed this information from their own government?
The United States government’s taxpayers are also participants in this billion dollar delivery to a multi-national corporation of a tsunami of money. The Financial Post of June 1, 2009 stated:
“The U.S. government has already provided $19.8 billion U.S. to GM and will inject another $30.1 billion U.S. as the 100-year-old automaker works through its restructuring.” [3]
Meanwhile GM appears to be prospering in Communist China. An article in China Daily of June 2, 2009, stated this: “General Motors Corp.'s fast-growing China operation will be unaffected by the parent company's bankruptcy and plans to open a new factory within five years will not change even as the automaker closes US facilities, the unit's president said Tuesday.” [4]
GM has closed facilities in Canada and the United States, yet it plans to export cars from China and “import them into the United States” according to the Telegraph, U.K. Newspaper of May 14, 2009. In the same article a union lobbyist had this to say: “‘GM should not be taking taxpayer's money simply to finance the outsourcing of jobs to other countries,’ said Alan Reuther, a lobbyist for the United Auto Workers union.” [5]
There are, I believe, many unanswered questions regarding the billions of taxpayers’ monies handed over to GM. For instance, how much money did GM have in its “11 offshore subsidiaries”? Do we know for sure that the bailout billions of taxpayers’ dollars will stay in Canada and the United States? Are there any safeguards in place to make sure that none of this money goes offshore? Could any of this bailout money go to GM’s China operation? If GM in communist China is going to import their China made cars to the United States, how will this affect GM’s operations in North America that has been bailed out by taxpayers dollars? And finally is it in the public interest of taxpayers everywhere that offshore tax havens are used as places to conceal money? I believe answers are needed to these questions.
Stephen J. Gray
June 12, 2009.
Endnotes:
[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/16/over-8-in-10-corporations_n_158693.html
[2] http://www.autonet.ca/autos/news/2009/06/01/9639056-cp.html
[3] http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1652295
[4] http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-06/02/content_7963892.htm
[5] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/general-motors/5323274/GM-plans-to-export-cars-from-China-to-the-US.html
Other info at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/business/17tax.html
U.S. Subsidiaries in Offshore Tax Havens
By LYNNLEY BROWNING Published: January 16, 2009
…
“General Motors Corp., which received $13.4 billion from the [U.S.] federal rescue package, had 11 offshore subsidiaries…” [1]
Meanwhile, here in Canada the Canadian government has also participated in this billion dollar bailout bonanza for a “free enterprise” multi-national corporation that had subsidiaries in offshore tax havens. In fact, the Canadian Government is on record as saying this about the handover of taxpayers dollars:
“Ottawa doesn't expect to get back the billions in taxpayers' dollars it's investing in General Motors… It's regrettable that public money is funding the $10.5-billion bailout of GM but the move is a necessary one amid a global recession, said [PM] Harper.”
(Source: Keith Leslie, THE CANADIAN PRESS, published 01 06 2009) [2]
One wonders if PM Harper’s government checked out how much money GM had in its “11 offshore subsidiaries” before it started doling out Canadian Taxpayers dollars? Surely, the taxpayers of Canada should be privy to how much money is in these “11 offshore subsidiaries” of GM. After all, he who pays the piper calls the tune, or so the saying goes. Or are the taxpayers of Canada not allowed this information from their own government?
The United States government’s taxpayers are also participants in this billion dollar delivery to a multi-national corporation of a tsunami of money. The Financial Post of June 1, 2009 stated:
“The U.S. government has already provided $19.8 billion U.S. to GM and will inject another $30.1 billion U.S. as the 100-year-old automaker works through its restructuring.” [3]
Meanwhile GM appears to be prospering in Communist China. An article in China Daily of June 2, 2009, stated this: “General Motors Corp.'s fast-growing China operation will be unaffected by the parent company's bankruptcy and plans to open a new factory within five years will not change even as the automaker closes US facilities, the unit's president said Tuesday.” [4]
GM has closed facilities in Canada and the United States, yet it plans to export cars from China and “import them into the United States” according to the Telegraph, U.K. Newspaper of May 14, 2009. In the same article a union lobbyist had this to say: “‘GM should not be taking taxpayer's money simply to finance the outsourcing of jobs to other countries,’ said Alan Reuther, a lobbyist for the United Auto Workers union.” [5]
There are, I believe, many unanswered questions regarding the billions of taxpayers’ monies handed over to GM. For instance, how much money did GM have in its “11 offshore subsidiaries”? Do we know for sure that the bailout billions of taxpayers’ dollars will stay in Canada and the United States? Are there any safeguards in place to make sure that none of this money goes offshore? Could any of this bailout money go to GM’s China operation? If GM in communist China is going to import their China made cars to the United States, how will this affect GM’s operations in North America that has been bailed out by taxpayers dollars? And finally is it in the public interest of taxpayers everywhere that offshore tax havens are used as places to conceal money? I believe answers are needed to these questions.
Stephen J. Gray
June 12, 2009.
Endnotes:
[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/16/over-8-in-10-corporations_n_158693.html
[2] http://www.autonet.ca/autos/news/2009/06/01/9639056-cp.html
[3] http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1652295
[4] http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-06/02/content_7963892.htm
[5] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/general-motors/5323274/GM-plans-to-export-cars-from-China-to-the-US.html
Other info at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/business/17tax.html
U.S. Subsidiaries in Offshore Tax Havens
By LYNNLEY BROWNING Published: January 16, 2009
…
Monday, May 18, 2009
Is Butchering Humans by Abortion "Safe Medical Services"?
“Thank you for your correspondence concerning Canada’s abortion laws. It is the longstanding view of the Liberal Party of Canada that women must have the right to choose, and this party will take no step that limits, or opens the door to limiting, access to safe medical services for women across Canada.”
The Office of Michael Ignatieff, M.P. Leader of the Opposition
It would appear that the leader of the opposition in Canada believes that the “right to choose” to kill the innocents in the womb in Canada can be described as “safe medical services.” One wonders what is “safe” about cutting to pieces, tearing apart by powerful suction devices, beheading, poisoning [in the case of a saline abortion], and then disposing of these little innocents slaughtered by abortionists, like some kind of garbage? Surely calling this atrocity “safe medical services” is very unsafe and deadly for the innocent life in the womb? I believe that a more apt description would be legalized slaughter aided and abetted by those in Canada in positions of power, who would rather use politically correct words to disguise what “the right to choose” really means.
The Liberal party of Canada is not the only party to attempt to camouflage the horror of abortion by politically correct words. Stephen Harper, prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada is on record as saying this on abortion:
“Let me be very clear on the positions I’ve have taken on that. I want there to be no misunderstanding. I’ve said repeatedly, that I will not, that my Conservative government will not be tabling any legislation impacting in any way a woman’s right to choose” (June 27, 2006 LifeSiteNews.com http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jun/060627a.html).
And the leader of the NDP, Jack Layton, supports freedom of choice on abortion and had this to say about Canada’s foremost abortionist: “On behalf of the New Democratic Party of Canada, I salute Dr. Henry Morgentaler as one of the 2008 recipients of the Order of Canada” (July 2, 2008 http://www.ndp.ca/page/6561).
Canada today has no law on abortion. The little innocents in the womb can be killed right up to the moment of birth, and those in positions of power boast they are in favor of the “right to choose” to kill these innocents! Therefore the question has to be asked: Do we live in a sick society? Most certainly. The evidence for the humanity of the unborn child is irrefutable. We can see them on ultrasound; there are pictures of them sucking their thumbs in the womb, and we even operate on them (when they are "wanted," that is) to correct some medical problems. In fact, click here to see a picture of an unborn baby grasping his surgeon's finger:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/fetaldevelopment/samuel.html)
“A woman’s right to choose” rolling off the tongues of politicians makes this heinous act of slaughtering vulnerable unborn human beings sound like something on a menu. So what does it really mean? The politicians, being politicians, don’t like to go into detail about this slaughter by “choice,” so instead they would rather parrot political phrases about being in favor of “freedom of choice;” however, the reality is that supporting “choice” on abortion actually means cutting the unborn to pieces, suctioning their bodies apart, or injecting potassium chloride into their hearts. Other unborn children are murdered by having their skulls pierced by sharp scissors and their brains suctioned out (partial birth abortion). Some have been born alive but are left to die. Barbarity is being practiced and human sacrifices are made.
The “right to choose” spoken of by politicians of all political stripes is a political perversion of words for killing by choice on abortion. For any politician to describe the heinous act of abortion as “safe medical services” is surely to demonstrate a sick corruption of words. The Roman politician Seneca said it well when he said, “Where the speech is corrupted, the mind is also.”
Note: See the innocents slaughtered by “safe medical services” at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Stephen J. Gray
May 18, 2009.
The Office of Michael Ignatieff, M.P. Leader of the Opposition
It would appear that the leader of the opposition in Canada believes that the “right to choose” to kill the innocents in the womb in Canada can be described as “safe medical services.” One wonders what is “safe” about cutting to pieces, tearing apart by powerful suction devices, beheading, poisoning [in the case of a saline abortion], and then disposing of these little innocents slaughtered by abortionists, like some kind of garbage? Surely calling this atrocity “safe medical services” is very unsafe and deadly for the innocent life in the womb? I believe that a more apt description would be legalized slaughter aided and abetted by those in Canada in positions of power, who would rather use politically correct words to disguise what “the right to choose” really means.
The Liberal party of Canada is not the only party to attempt to camouflage the horror of abortion by politically correct words. Stephen Harper, prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada is on record as saying this on abortion:
“Let me be very clear on the positions I’ve have taken on that. I want there to be no misunderstanding. I’ve said repeatedly, that I will not, that my Conservative government will not be tabling any legislation impacting in any way a woman’s right to choose” (June 27, 2006 LifeSiteNews.com http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jun/060627a.html).
And the leader of the NDP, Jack Layton, supports freedom of choice on abortion and had this to say about Canada’s foremost abortionist: “On behalf of the New Democratic Party of Canada, I salute Dr. Henry Morgentaler as one of the 2008 recipients of the Order of Canada” (July 2, 2008 http://www.ndp.ca/page/6561).
Canada today has no law on abortion. The little innocents in the womb can be killed right up to the moment of birth, and those in positions of power boast they are in favor of the “right to choose” to kill these innocents! Therefore the question has to be asked: Do we live in a sick society? Most certainly. The evidence for the humanity of the unborn child is irrefutable. We can see them on ultrasound; there are pictures of them sucking their thumbs in the womb, and we even operate on them (when they are "wanted," that is) to correct some medical problems. In fact, click here to see a picture of an unborn baby grasping his surgeon's finger:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/fetaldevelopment/samuel.html)
“A woman’s right to choose” rolling off the tongues of politicians makes this heinous act of slaughtering vulnerable unborn human beings sound like something on a menu. So what does it really mean? The politicians, being politicians, don’t like to go into detail about this slaughter by “choice,” so instead they would rather parrot political phrases about being in favor of “freedom of choice;” however, the reality is that supporting “choice” on abortion actually means cutting the unborn to pieces, suctioning their bodies apart, or injecting potassium chloride into their hearts. Other unborn children are murdered by having their skulls pierced by sharp scissors and their brains suctioned out (partial birth abortion). Some have been born alive but are left to die. Barbarity is being practiced and human sacrifices are made.
The “right to choose” spoken of by politicians of all political stripes is a political perversion of words for killing by choice on abortion. For any politician to describe the heinous act of abortion as “safe medical services” is surely to demonstrate a sick corruption of words. The Roman politician Seneca said it well when he said, “Where the speech is corrupted, the mind is also.”
Note: See the innocents slaughtered by “safe medical services” at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Stephen J. Gray
May 18, 2009.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Exposing “Choice” Causes a Frenzy of Criticism
The greatest homage we can pay to truth is to use it. - Emerson
Showing the visual truth of the slaughtered innocents of abortion alongside victims of other genocides and atrocities upsets abortionists, they go into a frenzy when the truth of “choice” is exposed. [The disruption of a talk by a pro-life speaker at St. Mary’s University, Halifax is but one example of many. See videos: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Joerugby07&view=videos ] “Choice is about freedom,” scream the pro-abortionists! “We support ‘freedom of choice!’” has been the mantra of pro-abortionists, many politicians, many in the media, leaders of many trade unions and others in society. Now that “choice” is being exposed by the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP), the mounting frenzy can be heard across the land. After all, the pictures of bloodstained babies torn apart with severed limbs, headless torsos and small bloodied hands and feet show the atrocities of this heinous act of “choice” across our nation.
But hey, we are a “civilized nation” and the pictorial evidence of the GAP pictures are not for “intelligent” people. Journalist Barbara Kay states in the National Post of February 4, 2009,
“I am not opposed in principle to legal abortion.” She then goes on to say this: “I am here to offer the prospect of an alliance between pro-lifers and those, like myself, I would call cultural reformists. Abortion should be a serious moral decision, and undertaken with a heavy heart, with all options carefully weighed beforehand, rather than the rushed, banalized service of convenience it has become. Cultural reformists do not oppose legal abortion, but hope to see Canada become a more life-respectful society.”
Wow, is that a mixed message from Ms. Kay? On one hand she is “not opposed in principle to legal abortion,” but wants “a more life-respectful society.” Could this be called having your Kay, oops, I mean cake and eating it, as the saying goes? Could the slogan, “Cultural reformists” mean being nice about the horrendous act of abortion, so let’s all smile and be happy together and not show the disgusting truth of abortion?
Still, Ms. Kay is not the only journalist who does not like the GAP pictures showing the truth of abortion. Another journalist, Deborah Gyapong, who spent “12 years as a producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s [CBC] television news and current affairs programming” had this to say about GAP. “Frankly, I cringe when I see the pictures of aborted fetuses…”[1] She goes on to say about the GAP pictures. “I mean, talk about turning off the already converted. Barbara [Kay] is dead on.” So here we have a journalist, who, when she sees pictures of dead aborted babies, goes into “cringe” mode. And so she should “cringe,” as should other people who have turned a blind eye to the reality of “choice.”
This horrendous act called “choice” needs to be exposed visually and continually for what it is; premeditated slaughter of the innocent unwanted. Those who criticize the GAP exposure of the truth of the killing by abortionists should ask themselves a question:
Why the condemnation of courageous people for showing the truth, is it because the critics would rather be “nice” about abortion and they lack the courage to show its gory evidence? For in the words of Confucius: “To see what is right and not do it, is want of courage.”
Stephen J. Gray
February 12, 2009.
Note: See the innocents slaughtered by abortion at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Endnote:
[1]
http://deborahgyapong.blogspot.com/2009/02/barbara-kay-on-genesis-awareness.html
Showing the visual truth of the slaughtered innocents of abortion alongside victims of other genocides and atrocities upsets abortionists, they go into a frenzy when the truth of “choice” is exposed. [The disruption of a talk by a pro-life speaker at St. Mary’s University, Halifax is but one example of many. See videos: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Joerugby07&view=videos ] “Choice is about freedom,” scream the pro-abortionists! “We support ‘freedom of choice!’” has been the mantra of pro-abortionists, many politicians, many in the media, leaders of many trade unions and others in society. Now that “choice” is being exposed by the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP), the mounting frenzy can be heard across the land. After all, the pictures of bloodstained babies torn apart with severed limbs, headless torsos and small bloodied hands and feet show the atrocities of this heinous act of “choice” across our nation.
But hey, we are a “civilized nation” and the pictorial evidence of the GAP pictures are not for “intelligent” people. Journalist Barbara Kay states in the National Post of February 4, 2009,
“I am not opposed in principle to legal abortion.” She then goes on to say this: “I am here to offer the prospect of an alliance between pro-lifers and those, like myself, I would call cultural reformists. Abortion should be a serious moral decision, and undertaken with a heavy heart, with all options carefully weighed beforehand, rather than the rushed, banalized service of convenience it has become. Cultural reformists do not oppose legal abortion, but hope to see Canada become a more life-respectful society.”
Wow, is that a mixed message from Ms. Kay? On one hand she is “not opposed in principle to legal abortion,” but wants “a more life-respectful society.” Could this be called having your Kay, oops, I mean cake and eating it, as the saying goes? Could the slogan, “Cultural reformists” mean being nice about the horrendous act of abortion, so let’s all smile and be happy together and not show the disgusting truth of abortion?
Still, Ms. Kay is not the only journalist who does not like the GAP pictures showing the truth of abortion. Another journalist, Deborah Gyapong, who spent “12 years as a producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s [CBC] television news and current affairs programming” had this to say about GAP. “Frankly, I cringe when I see the pictures of aborted fetuses…”[1] She goes on to say about the GAP pictures. “I mean, talk about turning off the already converted. Barbara [Kay] is dead on.” So here we have a journalist, who, when she sees pictures of dead aborted babies, goes into “cringe” mode. And so she should “cringe,” as should other people who have turned a blind eye to the reality of “choice.”
This horrendous act called “choice” needs to be exposed visually and continually for what it is; premeditated slaughter of the innocent unwanted. Those who criticize the GAP exposure of the truth of the killing by abortionists should ask themselves a question:
Why the condemnation of courageous people for showing the truth, is it because the critics would rather be “nice” about abortion and they lack the courage to show its gory evidence? For in the words of Confucius: “To see what is right and not do it, is want of courage.”
Stephen J. Gray
February 12, 2009.
Note: See the innocents slaughtered by abortion at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Endnote:
[1]
http://deborahgyapong.blogspot.com/2009/02/barbara-kay-on-genesis-awareness.html
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Power and The Money
The Power and The Money
The monied and powerful elites who use the world’s tax free havens were all together at their luxury retreat for a meeting. Opening the meeting was the esteemed Mr. Power one of the world’s richest and most powerful. Mr. Power ambled up to the podium and commenced his speech.
“Another year has gone by and we continue to bask in our ever increasing wealth. Governments are receptive to our input in their economies and listen when we speak, and talking about governments, we have a former government leader with us today. Stand up Mr. Tony and let us see you.” Mr. Tony stands up, and smiles and bows to the assembled.
Mr. Power continues, “ Let me just say a few words about Mr. Tony. He took his country to war to preserve our freedoms and some of us made money and continue to make money in the weapons industry. There is no recession in the business of war! But, more on Mr. Tony, his party was called the New Socialist Party; however, we all know labels are for the ordinary people so that they can have somebody to vote for in our managed democracies. Political labels really mean nothing, but, I digress. Mr. Tony is no longer in government, his country is in a shambles after years of his government’s New Socialist policies. Mr.Tony’s useless, oops pardon me, I mean useful work continues. He is now an emissary for peace, has got religion and has become a self imposed expert on theology. He is also on the board of one of our biggest financial institutions. He is now an esteemed person and hopefully one day a Nobel Peace Prize could be in the works. So, lets all give a big hand to Mr. Tony for services rendered.”[ A huge round of applause entails, and Mr. Tony once again bows, waves, and smiles to the assembled.]
Mr. Power continues:
“ I see some leaders of governments amongst our invited guests. Let me just say to them, if you all follow the example of Mr. Tony, there could be a place for you in our inner sanctum. Some of you are doing great work and have used your countries taxpayers monies to bail out some of our operations due to that nasty ‘toxic paper’ oops I mean ’troubled assets’ fiasco. Still, it did help that we had our financial experts ready to give you advice on this important matter. Anyway, thank you for your trillions of taxpayers money, it was a great help and we still have our profits intact in these lovely offshore tax havens.
“ I would also like to give praise to one of the world’s communist governments. It has opened up its country to our investments, it is making money, and we are making money. There are no strikes, no trade unions, there is no democracy, and no freedom in this country, but that is the price that must be paid if we are to have free market communism. Of course this communist country did put on the Games for it’s people and the world participated in this orgy of excess in an un-free country. But hey, sports are the thing to keep the masses happy, the mad Nero of ancient Rome knew this, and I always say we can learn from history. Though these days we don’t feed Christians to the lions. [much laughter ensues] We feed them to Human Rights Commissars instead. But, I am digressing again, still, it is good to give the people some enjoyment, and of course we make big profits playing our Games, and the taxpaying people will pay for any losses.
“ I would also like to recognize an elder statesman amongst us today. Mr. K has been adviser to governments and saw the possibilities of operating in a communist country many years ago. He led the way one might say and now we are all ensconced there making big dollars. But, I digress, he has also been a security strategist and I believe was the instigator of a mass bombing of another communist country a number of years ago. He later received a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts and I am sure the arms dealers amongst us look on him with fondness. He and his associates do business world wide. A great planner and schemer he is always available to sound off on the state of the world. Let’s hear it for our esteemed colleague Mr. K. [All stand and give Mr. K a standing ovation.]
Mr. Power continues:
“On another matter, we drove the price of oil ever upward and we made big dollars. The people complained of course but every now and then they have to be taught a lesson on who is really running the show. They were getting too comfortable so we thought it was time to bring them down to earth, as the saying goes. We have brought the price back down for now while we take a breather and count our excess profits. Meanwhile mass layoffs are occurring everywhere around the world, and the people are subject to and subjects of our planned recession. But hey, Mr. Change has arrived, and who better to bring change than Mr. Change, the latest addition to our ranks. He could not be here today, as he is very busy spreading the word of change. He is very clever with words and makes them sound good. I am sure he will be another worthy ally to our plans.
Finally, before closing my speech there is one more important matter that has to be addressed, it is the world wide internet. The people are using this much too freely, they seem to think that this type of freedom can continue. Many of them are bypassing our own corporate media outlets and the managed news and voicing and publishing their own opinions. This is not good for our society, and I would emphasize the word our. It is we who are the movers and shakers. It is we who control and promote the free markets, therefore our next advice to governments will be to help them control the internet so that our democracy can continue as we know it. Thank you all for coming as we continue our journey in managing the world towards our New World Order.
Stephen J. Gray
May 4, 2009.
The monied and powerful elites who use the world’s tax free havens were all together at their luxury retreat for a meeting. Opening the meeting was the esteemed Mr. Power one of the world’s richest and most powerful. Mr. Power ambled up to the podium and commenced his speech.
“Another year has gone by and we continue to bask in our ever increasing wealth. Governments are receptive to our input in their economies and listen when we speak, and talking about governments, we have a former government leader with us today. Stand up Mr. Tony and let us see you.” Mr. Tony stands up, and smiles and bows to the assembled.
Mr. Power continues, “ Let me just say a few words about Mr. Tony. He took his country to war to preserve our freedoms and some of us made money and continue to make money in the weapons industry. There is no recession in the business of war! But, more on Mr. Tony, his party was called the New Socialist Party; however, we all know labels are for the ordinary people so that they can have somebody to vote for in our managed democracies. Political labels really mean nothing, but, I digress. Mr. Tony is no longer in government, his country is in a shambles after years of his government’s New Socialist policies. Mr.Tony’s useless, oops pardon me, I mean useful work continues. He is now an emissary for peace, has got religion and has become a self imposed expert on theology. He is also on the board of one of our biggest financial institutions. He is now an esteemed person and hopefully one day a Nobel Peace Prize could be in the works. So, lets all give a big hand to Mr. Tony for services rendered.”[ A huge round of applause entails, and Mr. Tony once again bows, waves, and smiles to the assembled.]
Mr. Power continues:
“ I see some leaders of governments amongst our invited guests. Let me just say to them, if you all follow the example of Mr. Tony, there could be a place for you in our inner sanctum. Some of you are doing great work and have used your countries taxpayers monies to bail out some of our operations due to that nasty ‘toxic paper’ oops I mean ’troubled assets’ fiasco. Still, it did help that we had our financial experts ready to give you advice on this important matter. Anyway, thank you for your trillions of taxpayers money, it was a great help and we still have our profits intact in these lovely offshore tax havens.
“ I would also like to give praise to one of the world’s communist governments. It has opened up its country to our investments, it is making money, and we are making money. There are no strikes, no trade unions, there is no democracy, and no freedom in this country, but that is the price that must be paid if we are to have free market communism. Of course this communist country did put on the Games for it’s people and the world participated in this orgy of excess in an un-free country. But hey, sports are the thing to keep the masses happy, the mad Nero of ancient Rome knew this, and I always say we can learn from history. Though these days we don’t feed Christians to the lions. [much laughter ensues] We feed them to Human Rights Commissars instead. But, I am digressing again, still, it is good to give the people some enjoyment, and of course we make big profits playing our Games, and the taxpaying people will pay for any losses.
“ I would also like to recognize an elder statesman amongst us today. Mr. K has been adviser to governments and saw the possibilities of operating in a communist country many years ago. He led the way one might say and now we are all ensconced there making big dollars. But, I digress, he has also been a security strategist and I believe was the instigator of a mass bombing of another communist country a number of years ago. He later received a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts and I am sure the arms dealers amongst us look on him with fondness. He and his associates do business world wide. A great planner and schemer he is always available to sound off on the state of the world. Let’s hear it for our esteemed colleague Mr. K. [All stand and give Mr. K a standing ovation.]
Mr. Power continues:
“On another matter, we drove the price of oil ever upward and we made big dollars. The people complained of course but every now and then they have to be taught a lesson on who is really running the show. They were getting too comfortable so we thought it was time to bring them down to earth, as the saying goes. We have brought the price back down for now while we take a breather and count our excess profits. Meanwhile mass layoffs are occurring everywhere around the world, and the people are subject to and subjects of our planned recession. But hey, Mr. Change has arrived, and who better to bring change than Mr. Change, the latest addition to our ranks. He could not be here today, as he is very busy spreading the word of change. He is very clever with words and makes them sound good. I am sure he will be another worthy ally to our plans.
Finally, before closing my speech there is one more important matter that has to be addressed, it is the world wide internet. The people are using this much too freely, they seem to think that this type of freedom can continue. Many of them are bypassing our own corporate media outlets and the managed news and voicing and publishing their own opinions. This is not good for our society, and I would emphasize the word our. It is we who are the movers and shakers. It is we who control and promote the free markets, therefore our next advice to governments will be to help them control the internet so that our democracy can continue as we know it. Thank you all for coming as we continue our journey in managing the world towards our New World Order.
Stephen J. Gray
May 4, 2009.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Giving Help and Encouragement to Abortionists
“Truth never contradicts truth” ( Leo X, page 85, “The Wisdom of the Popes” )
Despite all the evidence of the humanity of the innocent child in the womb most of the media, some “catholic” media, many politicians, some religious leaders and some in the religious bureaucracies criticize courageous pro-life people for showing the gory evidence of the heinous crime of abortion.
The media:
They show pictures of atrocities happening around the world. In the nightly news, we have seen bodies lying in the street covered in blood after bombs have gone off. We have seen pictures of children terribly burned after phosphorous and clusters bombs have been dropped in their villages. (Vietnam war) (Lebanon war). The pictures the media will not show is the dismembered and bloody bodies of the innocents murdered by abortionists. The double standard of the so-called “investigative media” is a curse on society and a prime reason why this killing by “choice” is rampant around the world.
The politicians:
Many of them are hypocrites who condone this atrocity called “choice.” They all talk big about “human rights” and the need to be vigilant to protect them. But, when it comes to the human rights of the innocents in the womb, they boast they are for “freedom of choice.” (The killing of the child in the womb.)
The Religious Leaders:
Some of these religious leaders are supporters of killing by “choice.” Others have criticized courageous pro-lifers for daring to show pictures of the horror of abortion alongside other atrocities. Some of them say they are “pro-life” and are opposed to the killing of the child in the womb. But, when it comes to showing these innocent victims carved up and cut to pieces by this abominable act some of them retreat into politically correct platitudes. To show these bodies terribly abused is “misguided” and “offensive.” The horrific evidence must be concealed, and thus these “shepherds” give help to the abortionists by saying the plight of the victims must be hidden. No wonder this crime against the innocents continues when some of those who are supposed to be shepherds turn into wolves. Meanwhile, the graphic image of the crucified and bloodstained Jesus looks down upon their hypocrisy.
The Religious Bureaucracies:
There are some in these bureaucracies who claim to be “pro-life” but they also use their “comfortable pew” to criticize the courageous pro-life people who are not afraid to show the truth about abortion. Why is this? Could it be that the people who are out there showing the atrocities committed by abortionists make these religious bureaucrats feel guilty about their pathetic efforts over the years? Therefore, they lash out at the decency and courage of real pro-life activists.
Just about every other activist group shows the results of the cause they are promoting. Be it environmentalists showing pictures of clear cutting. Animal rights activists showing the cruelties done to animals and baby seals being clubbed to death on the ice floes. Anti-smoking ads by various governments showing blackened and diseased lungs over the results of smoking. Drunk driving ads showing the carnage committed by drunk drivers. The reason for showing these pictures is that these organizations know: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
The media will show all this in glowing color, and the politicians accept the information on these issues, but when it comes to the grisly crime of abortion the pictorial evidence is suppressed. But, what is even worse is that there are some religious leaders and their sycophants in some religious bureaucracies and some who write for “catholic’ newspapers who criticize those who display the truth about the slaughter of the innocents by abortion. They would rather the crimes of the abortionists remain hidden to public view. And thus they give help and encouragement to the crimes of the abortionists by their hypocritical behaviour.
"If you don't behave as you believe, you will end by believing as you behave."
(Bishop Fulton Sheen)
Note: To see the truth about abortion go to: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Note: See some more info at:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2000/oct/001019a.html
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/feb/09021205.html
http://catholicinsight.com/online/controversy/article_689.shtml
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090309.html
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09040611.html
Stephen J. Gray
April 14, 2009.
Despite all the evidence of the humanity of the innocent child in the womb most of the media, some “catholic” media, many politicians, some religious leaders and some in the religious bureaucracies criticize courageous pro-life people for showing the gory evidence of the heinous crime of abortion.
The media:
They show pictures of atrocities happening around the world. In the nightly news, we have seen bodies lying in the street covered in blood after bombs have gone off. We have seen pictures of children terribly burned after phosphorous and clusters bombs have been dropped in their villages. (Vietnam war) (Lebanon war). The pictures the media will not show is the dismembered and bloody bodies of the innocents murdered by abortionists. The double standard of the so-called “investigative media” is a curse on society and a prime reason why this killing by “choice” is rampant around the world.
The politicians:
Many of them are hypocrites who condone this atrocity called “choice.” They all talk big about “human rights” and the need to be vigilant to protect them. But, when it comes to the human rights of the innocents in the womb, they boast they are for “freedom of choice.” (The killing of the child in the womb.)
The Religious Leaders:
Some of these religious leaders are supporters of killing by “choice.” Others have criticized courageous pro-lifers for daring to show pictures of the horror of abortion alongside other atrocities. Some of them say they are “pro-life” and are opposed to the killing of the child in the womb. But, when it comes to showing these innocent victims carved up and cut to pieces by this abominable act some of them retreat into politically correct platitudes. To show these bodies terribly abused is “misguided” and “offensive.” The horrific evidence must be concealed, and thus these “shepherds” give help to the abortionists by saying the plight of the victims must be hidden. No wonder this crime against the innocents continues when some of those who are supposed to be shepherds turn into wolves. Meanwhile, the graphic image of the crucified and bloodstained Jesus looks down upon their hypocrisy.
The Religious Bureaucracies:
There are some in these bureaucracies who claim to be “pro-life” but they also use their “comfortable pew” to criticize the courageous pro-life people who are not afraid to show the truth about abortion. Why is this? Could it be that the people who are out there showing the atrocities committed by abortionists make these religious bureaucrats feel guilty about their pathetic efforts over the years? Therefore, they lash out at the decency and courage of real pro-life activists.
Just about every other activist group shows the results of the cause they are promoting. Be it environmentalists showing pictures of clear cutting. Animal rights activists showing the cruelties done to animals and baby seals being clubbed to death on the ice floes. Anti-smoking ads by various governments showing blackened and diseased lungs over the results of smoking. Drunk driving ads showing the carnage committed by drunk drivers. The reason for showing these pictures is that these organizations know: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
The media will show all this in glowing color, and the politicians accept the information on these issues, but when it comes to the grisly crime of abortion the pictorial evidence is suppressed. But, what is even worse is that there are some religious leaders and their sycophants in some religious bureaucracies and some who write for “catholic’ newspapers who criticize those who display the truth about the slaughter of the innocents by abortion. They would rather the crimes of the abortionists remain hidden to public view. And thus they give help and encouragement to the crimes of the abortionists by their hypocritical behaviour.
"If you don't behave as you believe, you will end by believing as you behave."
(Bishop Fulton Sheen)
Note: To see the truth about abortion go to: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Note: See some more info at:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2000/oct/001019a.html
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/feb/09021205.html
http://catholicinsight.com/online/controversy/article_689.shtml
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090309.html
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09040611.html
Stephen J. Gray
April 14, 2009.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
An Important Message for Concerned Bankers and Financiers
This message is for all of you, but especially for those of you who may have been visiting your tax-free and offshore banking subsidiaries when the latest bailout news was announced. Therefore, some of you may have missed the good news of more taxpayers' money. Somehow I don’t think so! But, we have your welfare at heart.
As you know, the government has handed over billions of dollars, or was it trillions, to bail out a number of you with taxpayers' dollars. And some of these taxpayers' billions were given back to some of you by one of your own who also received billions of taxpayers' dollars. In fact, this financial conglomerate also gave billions of taxpayers' money to other financial establishments outside the country. Very generous of them, eh! What? Oh well, I guess you people like to spread the taxpayers' money around in your financial families. I guess that old saying holds true, "The financial family that preys together, stays together." Just kidding, of course. You guys know what you are doing with taxpayers' billions. Now we are going to bail you out some more. How will this be done?
We have set up a ‘Public Private Partnership’ with mostly taxpayers' money that hopefully will invest in all your ‘toxic assets,’ oops I mean ‘legacy assets’ that you all have on your books. The taxpayers money, oops, I mean the ‘Public Private Partnership,’ will hopefully bring a profitable conclusion to your financial situation. The government will also be giving out loans and hiring investors to facilitate the disposal of taxpayers money into the ‘Public Private Partnerships.’ At first we called this dumpster for ‘toxic assets’ a ‘bad bank’ but after much discussion with our marketing expert we decided to call it a ‘Public Private Partnership,’ this certainly sounds more business like. And the always available taxpaying stiffs, oops, I mean public will pick up the tab should the partnership fail.
But even if it fails, at least we will have tried and the broad shoulders of the taxpayers will once again be there for you to cry on. But right now this is not a time for tears. This is a time for joy in the marketplace of money, thanks once again to those taxpaying stiffs, oops, I mean the ‘Public, Private Partnerships.’
Partnerships with the public are important in the situation you all find yourselves in. And you all know public money is easily obtainable when you have governments sympathetic to your financial problems. And of course, I must mention that some of the corporate media, and of course governments, are saying that this latest bonanza of taxpayers' money into the ‘Public, Private Partnership’ is a panacea for all of your financial ills.
In closing, the government hopes that this information will alleviate all your concerns and that you can all get back to business as usual in the free markets.
Important note:
To those reading this message who are not Bankers and Financiers: Bailouts of taxpayers' money only applies to the aforementioned. The ordinary taxpayer who is hurting and has lost their job, or has debts, mortgages or other financial liabilities, do not qualify for these bailouts. If any of you taxpayers need any money, go to your financial institution and ask for a loan. After all, it is your money.
Sincerely,
Your Government Spokesperson
Stephen J. Gray
April 2, 2009
As you know, the government has handed over billions of dollars, or was it trillions, to bail out a number of you with taxpayers' dollars. And some of these taxpayers' billions were given back to some of you by one of your own who also received billions of taxpayers' dollars. In fact, this financial conglomerate also gave billions of taxpayers' money to other financial establishments outside the country. Very generous of them, eh! What? Oh well, I guess you people like to spread the taxpayers' money around in your financial families. I guess that old saying holds true, "The financial family that preys together, stays together." Just kidding, of course. You guys know what you are doing with taxpayers' billions. Now we are going to bail you out some more. How will this be done?
We have set up a ‘Public Private Partnership’ with mostly taxpayers' money that hopefully will invest in all your ‘toxic assets,’ oops I mean ‘legacy assets’ that you all have on your books. The taxpayers money, oops, I mean the ‘Public Private Partnership,’ will hopefully bring a profitable conclusion to your financial situation. The government will also be giving out loans and hiring investors to facilitate the disposal of taxpayers money into the ‘Public Private Partnerships.’ At first we called this dumpster for ‘toxic assets’ a ‘bad bank’ but after much discussion with our marketing expert we decided to call it a ‘Public Private Partnership,’ this certainly sounds more business like. And the always available taxpaying stiffs, oops, I mean public will pick up the tab should the partnership fail.
But even if it fails, at least we will have tried and the broad shoulders of the taxpayers will once again be there for you to cry on. But right now this is not a time for tears. This is a time for joy in the marketplace of money, thanks once again to those taxpaying stiffs, oops, I mean the ‘Public, Private Partnerships.’
Partnerships with the public are important in the situation you all find yourselves in. And you all know public money is easily obtainable when you have governments sympathetic to your financial problems. And of course, I must mention that some of the corporate media, and of course governments, are saying that this latest bonanza of taxpayers' money into the ‘Public, Private Partnership’ is a panacea for all of your financial ills.
In closing, the government hopes that this information will alleviate all your concerns and that you can all get back to business as usual in the free markets.
Important note:
To those reading this message who are not Bankers and Financiers: Bailouts of taxpayers' money only applies to the aforementioned. The ordinary taxpayer who is hurting and has lost their job, or has debts, mortgages or other financial liabilities, do not qualify for these bailouts. If any of you taxpayers need any money, go to your financial institution and ask for a loan. After all, it is your money.
Sincerely,
Your Government Spokesperson
Stephen J. Gray
April 2, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Money Promoter
Mr. Avaricious Greed, the chief executive of Money Promotions Inc., was taking some of his clients around his office. His financial clients were looking for new products to sell within the monopoly money system.
“I have two great products for you today,” said Mr. Greed. “These two great products were touted as investments in sub-prime mortgages. But sub-primes have turned into a financial debacle. But, I believe they still have value.
“The first one is Asset Backed Commercial Paper (ABCPs). It is, or was, all the rage at one time, but it still has value, even though its value has diminished (or to put it bluntly: tanked). It is still a good buy and of course the “assets” are fully backed with the great unwashed, oops, I mean taxpayers’ dollars. I recommend ABCPs highly and though there have been a lot of losses, profits have also been made. In fact, one financial promotion oops I mean institution made billions in profits selling this ‘investment.’ as a ‘good deal’ while selling itself out of it at the same time. That was good market planning at work! Eh! Well done, I say. Where there is greed there is money, and money can be made out of manure if it is packaged properly. Of course there were massive losses in ABCPs but the financial system will always be stable as long as there are governments out there with taxpayers’ monies to bear the burden of our financial losses in these great ‘assets.’ This is the fall back strategy of the ‘free markets,’ government bailouts. Now on to 'our next great investment vehicle.
“Here we have Structured Investment Vehicles (SIVs). These are vehicles that do not need to be gassed up, just lots of promotional gas. Just kidding, of course. This is a fine product dreamed up by the finest financial minds in the marketplace of ideas. They are monied vehicles—without tires, that’s just a silly joke of course [much laughter ensues]—which borrow in low value paper currencies and then lend out in higher value paper currencies, the profit can be made in the spread, it’s a sort of paper-chase. Some buy, some sell, just like playing monopoly and of course there are bankers involved so it has great respectability. There have been massive losses in SIVs, but never fear they are still safe. In fact, it has been reported that a ‘bailout fund’ was proposed of billions and this would be known as the ‘Super SIV’ or ‘Master Liquidity Enhancement Conduit’ (MLEC). So you see, if these ‘investment’ vehicles are properly named, there will still be an incentive to buy. I mean, you would not call any of these funds names like, ‘Fantastic Resources Accumulated Under Debt,’ or FRAUD for short. They just would not sell. So remember, it’s all in the packaging and promotion. And as I said earlier, should you lose out on this one, governments will use the working stiffs, oops, I mean the taxpayers’ funds, to bail you all out. This, as I said earlier, is the wonder of ‘market competition.’
“I have showed you today our two biggest money spinners. Billions have changed hands over ABCPs and SIVs so you can see these are money makers and money takers. You have to be a ‘risk taker’ to make money. Just look at many of the CEOs who were involved in ABCPs and SIVs, they got severance packages in the millions even though their paper ‘losses’ were in the billions. What promoter could beat that, I ask you? But all power to the CEOs, they are ahead of the game and still in the money. Therefore, all is not lost, and it has been reported that: ‘The Federal Reserve, in concert with the European Central Bank and the central banks of Canada, the U.K and Switzerland, in December put in place a number of extraordinary measures to make sure that the financial markets had sufficient funding’ [emphasis added].
“This looks like a buy signal to me for the commercial paper market, so how can one lose? Get in there and buy, buy, buy. Government money is a boon to any promoter. I guess what I am trying to tell you, or sell you, is this: load up on these ABCPs and SIVs, just keep shuffling that paper out there, keep passing the buck as the saying goes. For the buck does not stop here. It only stops at the door of the taxpaying public who will pick up the tab for keeping the ‘financial markets’ working. But, that’s what governments are for isn’t it?”
Stephen J. Gray
January 7, 2008.
“I have two great products for you today,” said Mr. Greed. “These two great products were touted as investments in sub-prime mortgages. But sub-primes have turned into a financial debacle. But, I believe they still have value.
“The first one is Asset Backed Commercial Paper (ABCPs). It is, or was, all the rage at one time, but it still has value, even though its value has diminished (or to put it bluntly: tanked). It is still a good buy and of course the “assets” are fully backed with the great unwashed, oops, I mean taxpayers’ dollars. I recommend ABCPs highly and though there have been a lot of losses, profits have also been made. In fact, one financial promotion oops I mean institution made billions in profits selling this ‘investment.’ as a ‘good deal’ while selling itself out of it at the same time. That was good market planning at work! Eh! Well done, I say. Where there is greed there is money, and money can be made out of manure if it is packaged properly. Of course there were massive losses in ABCPs but the financial system will always be stable as long as there are governments out there with taxpayers’ monies to bear the burden of our financial losses in these great ‘assets.’ This is the fall back strategy of the ‘free markets,’ government bailouts. Now on to 'our next great investment vehicle.
“Here we have Structured Investment Vehicles (SIVs). These are vehicles that do not need to be gassed up, just lots of promotional gas. Just kidding, of course. This is a fine product dreamed up by the finest financial minds in the marketplace of ideas. They are monied vehicles—without tires, that’s just a silly joke of course [much laughter ensues]—which borrow in low value paper currencies and then lend out in higher value paper currencies, the profit can be made in the spread, it’s a sort of paper-chase. Some buy, some sell, just like playing monopoly and of course there are bankers involved so it has great respectability. There have been massive losses in SIVs, but never fear they are still safe. In fact, it has been reported that a ‘bailout fund’ was proposed of billions and this would be known as the ‘Super SIV’ or ‘Master Liquidity Enhancement Conduit’ (MLEC). So you see, if these ‘investment’ vehicles are properly named, there will still be an incentive to buy. I mean, you would not call any of these funds names like, ‘Fantastic Resources Accumulated Under Debt,’ or FRAUD for short. They just would not sell. So remember, it’s all in the packaging and promotion. And as I said earlier, should you lose out on this one, governments will use the working stiffs, oops, I mean the taxpayers’ funds, to bail you all out. This, as I said earlier, is the wonder of ‘market competition.’
“I have showed you today our two biggest money spinners. Billions have changed hands over ABCPs and SIVs so you can see these are money makers and money takers. You have to be a ‘risk taker’ to make money. Just look at many of the CEOs who were involved in ABCPs and SIVs, they got severance packages in the millions even though their paper ‘losses’ were in the billions. What promoter could beat that, I ask you? But all power to the CEOs, they are ahead of the game and still in the money. Therefore, all is not lost, and it has been reported that: ‘The Federal Reserve, in concert with the European Central Bank and the central banks of Canada, the U.K and Switzerland, in December put in place a number of extraordinary measures to make sure that the financial markets had sufficient funding’ [emphasis added].
“This looks like a buy signal to me for the commercial paper market, so how can one lose? Get in there and buy, buy, buy. Government money is a boon to any promoter. I guess what I am trying to tell you, or sell you, is this: load up on these ABCPs and SIVs, just keep shuffling that paper out there, keep passing the buck as the saying goes. For the buck does not stop here. It only stops at the door of the taxpaying public who will pick up the tab for keeping the ‘financial markets’ working. But, that’s what governments are for isn’t it?”
Stephen J. Gray
January 7, 2008.
Monday, March 23, 2009
An Ecstatic Money Man and a “Bad Bank”
An emergency meeting has been called by a powerful money man to break the good news to his cohorts about more financial help from taxpayers. The meeting opens:
“Thank you all for coming at this short notice. I have great financial news. This news is even better than all the billions or trillions we have received in bailout money of taxpayers' dollars. It has been reported that the government will create a new financial entity with taxpayers' dollars called a 'bad bank.' This bank will buy up all the rotten, lousy, useless paper we called 'derivatives' that we have on our books, so make sure you get rid of all your crap, oops, I mean 'troubled assets.' This means the taxpayers are going to bat for us once again; so take advantage of it. Even though some of us made massive profits and received huge fees for selling these 'derivatives' all over the place, the taxpayers are now going to be owners of the 'bad bank.' Whoever thought that name up is surely right on the money. No pun intended, of course. [Much laughter ensues] And, the way things are going nowadays, perhaps a Nobel Prize for Economics could be in the offing for the inventor of the "bad bank" terminology? But hey, it’s all in the packaging as we all know."
[Some applause takes place and there is more laughter as someone says: “Thank goodness there is a financial Tooth Fairy out there.”]
“Anyway, that’s how we sold all this financial garbage in the first place. We used names like 'super investment vehicles' and 'collaterized debt obligations' and they surely sounded good, even though they turned out to be crap. And this is the type of crap, oops, I mean assets, the taxpayers are now paying for. But hey, where would the taxpayers be without us? After all, we will still be lending them money from their own money and charging them a fee for the service. Now isn’t that good business? But I digress.
“To put the ‘bad bank’ terminology in perspective, here is how I understand it will work. Some of us who have been bailed out by billions or trillions of taxpayers' dollars will now be able to sell our rotten, useless, lousy paper, that nobody in their right mind will buy, to this ‘bad bank.’ This ‘bad bank’ will then give us taxpayers' dollars for our lousy, useless paper. The ‘bad bank’ will then ask investors to sell this rotten, lousy, useless paper called 'derivatives,' and they will receive big fees for doing so. The government will lend these 'investors' huge amounts of taxpayers' monies to buy this toxic garbage, oops I mean ‘ troubled assets.’ The government will also hire some financial firms to facilitate this movement of crap, oops I mean ’troubled assets.’ Some cynical people are saying this crap, oops, I mean assets, is financial toilet paper and should be flushed away. But at least we are flush again thanks to the taxpayers--and it was all done within the free market system. It's a great example of ‘public, private partnerships,’ I would say, and a victory for free market forces everywhere.
“Still, there is some negativity out there and much criticism of us. But we must not stoop to the level of our critics; we must rise above it all and take the high road. Without our expertise, governments could not function properly. After all, who advises them but us? And who gives some politicians jobs when their careers are over? Us, of course! And who lends the people their own money? Us of course!
[A thunderous wave of applause ensues and there is much cheering and back-slapping amongst the assembled money men.]
"I will close now my friends, but I must say that I am ecstatic about the ‘bad bank’ idea. The taxpayers are now its bankers and God help, oops I mean bless, the taxpayers. ”
[A standing ovation ensues and some voices are heard shouting, "Public private partnerships have saved the free market system!”]
Stephen J. Gray
March 23, 2009
“Thank you all for coming at this short notice. I have great financial news. This news is even better than all the billions or trillions we have received in bailout money of taxpayers' dollars. It has been reported that the government will create a new financial entity with taxpayers' dollars called a 'bad bank.' This bank will buy up all the rotten, lousy, useless paper we called 'derivatives' that we have on our books, so make sure you get rid of all your crap, oops, I mean 'troubled assets.' This means the taxpayers are going to bat for us once again; so take advantage of it. Even though some of us made massive profits and received huge fees for selling these 'derivatives' all over the place, the taxpayers are now going to be owners of the 'bad bank.' Whoever thought that name up is surely right on the money. No pun intended, of course. [Much laughter ensues] And, the way things are going nowadays, perhaps a Nobel Prize for Economics could be in the offing for the inventor of the "bad bank" terminology? But hey, it’s all in the packaging as we all know."
[Some applause takes place and there is more laughter as someone says: “Thank goodness there is a financial Tooth Fairy out there.”]
“Anyway, that’s how we sold all this financial garbage in the first place. We used names like 'super investment vehicles' and 'collaterized debt obligations' and they surely sounded good, even though they turned out to be crap. And this is the type of crap, oops, I mean assets, the taxpayers are now paying for. But hey, where would the taxpayers be without us? After all, we will still be lending them money from their own money and charging them a fee for the service. Now isn’t that good business? But I digress.
“To put the ‘bad bank’ terminology in perspective, here is how I understand it will work. Some of us who have been bailed out by billions or trillions of taxpayers' dollars will now be able to sell our rotten, useless, lousy paper, that nobody in their right mind will buy, to this ‘bad bank.’ This ‘bad bank’ will then give us taxpayers' dollars for our lousy, useless paper. The ‘bad bank’ will then ask investors to sell this rotten, lousy, useless paper called 'derivatives,' and they will receive big fees for doing so. The government will lend these 'investors' huge amounts of taxpayers' monies to buy this toxic garbage, oops I mean ‘ troubled assets.’ The government will also hire some financial firms to facilitate this movement of crap, oops I mean ’troubled assets.’ Some cynical people are saying this crap, oops, I mean assets, is financial toilet paper and should be flushed away. But at least we are flush again thanks to the taxpayers--and it was all done within the free market system. It's a great example of ‘public, private partnerships,’ I would say, and a victory for free market forces everywhere.
“Still, there is some negativity out there and much criticism of us. But we must not stoop to the level of our critics; we must rise above it all and take the high road. Without our expertise, governments could not function properly. After all, who advises them but us? And who gives some politicians jobs when their careers are over? Us, of course! And who lends the people their own money? Us of course!
[A thunderous wave of applause ensues and there is much cheering and back-slapping amongst the assembled money men.]
"I will close now my friends, but I must say that I am ecstatic about the ‘bad bank’ idea. The taxpayers are now its bankers and God help, oops I mean bless, the taxpayers. ”
[A standing ovation ensues and some voices are heard shouting, "Public private partnerships have saved the free market system!”]
Stephen J. Gray
March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
From "1984" to 2004 [Or 2009? ]
From "1984" to 2004 [or 2009?]
Harry was heading home. Work had been exceptionally busy that day. He had been working on the new government programme that was issuing compulsory identity cards to all the citizens of The Land. He paused for a moment and picked up the national newspaper from a news stand. There were many papers in The Land, but all of them adhered to the politically correct line of the courts and the government, so one was as "good" as the other. There was a picture on the front page of the New Leader of the party. He was smiling and shaking hands with a couple called Willie and Billy; they were celebrating the first anniversary of their marriage. Harry thought how in past times this picture of two men celebrating a "wedding anniversary" would have been classed as a sign of insanity or a silly joke, but now it was no laughing matter. This was a land of "equality" and male couplings were a cause for celebration.
Harry stood at the bus stop waiting for his bus. There were other persons waiting; men, women and The Others. The Others were, as yet, unrecognized in the country’s system of "rights." Some of them loved animals. Others believed in multiple partners, some had other peculiarities and other "nice" habits that at one time had been classed as criminal and obscene. Now they were just waiting for the go-ahead to legalize their relationships or declarations permitting their conduct. It was expected any day now that a decision would come down from the courts giving The Others the same "equality" rights as everyone else. Then The Land’s government would declare their relationships and behaviours as a given, for the courts were the supreme arbiters.
Harry was careful to keep his eyes averted from all at the bus stop. Looking at people could cause one to be accused of a crime and dragged before the Persons Rights Committees. So Harry was careful not to look. He did not want to be accused of "lookism." He was also careful not to smile as this could get you into trouble as well. In fact, there had been a new dictum handed down in The Land that there was to be no more smiling pictures in anyone’s passport. So just to be on the safe side many people had given up smiling.
The bus arrived and Harry boarded. He showed his pass to the seeing eye machine, which said, "pass okay." He then sat down. Two persons next to him were discussing the latest government decree from the ruling party. Compulsory I.D cards must be carried at all times. These two persons thought this was a great decision by the government and were speaking out loudly in praise of it. Harry, out of the corner of his eye, could see a Master of Politics (MP) from the ruling party on the bus and wondered cynically if their comments were for the MP’s benefit. Harry shook his head to erase these unpatriotic thoughts from his mind. One never knew if the government of The Land was able to read a person’s thoughts.
Harry was worried he owed the Ministry of Taxes some money and did not know how he could pay. He thought of writing the New Leader to ask for his help. After all, it was said that some persons could get favoured status from the Ministry of Taxes. So Harry thought perhaps he would try. The New Leader was an expert on money and taxes and knew the system well. It was said of the New Leader that he was able to answer any question to everyone’s satisfaction and that he had no negative views. In fact some people called him The Straddler because he could be on both sides of the fence at the same time. Give him a question and he’d give any answer that could mean anything but pleased almost everyone. That was why he was the leader. In fact The Land’s motto was "Tell the people anything as long as it is something."
Harry got off the bus, and hurried towards his apartment two blocks away. A parade was passing by in the middle of the street. Leading it were some Masters of Politics (MP’s) and a Police Chief. Some of the people in the parade were naked others were dressed in various costumes that it was hard to tell who was male or female. Harry stopped and joined other people in applauding the parade. He would have rather carried on walking but was afraid that he might be accused of "offensive" behaviour or of not being "tolerant" if he did not applaud. So he did the wise thing and cheered as well. One could not be too careful in The Land these days, "hate crimes" could be leveled on the slightest whim.
A huge cheer went up and Harry could see the reason. A media contingent was passing by. These were known as the "Purveyors of Propaganda" and they were indispensable to The Land and its rulers. Another cheer went up. A loudspeaker had announced a message from The Land’s Old Leader, which said: "Da bad is good and da good is bad and da proof is a proof for now it is proven." Harry thought: The Old Leader is still passing along his wisdom, whatever that is!!!
Suddenly there are more cheers and a huge amount of screaming, this was The Lands’ warrior class passing by. These were the radical, gender equality, womyns’ and patriarchal- hating womyns’ intelligentsia. Most of them taught womyns studies in The Land’s educational establishments. Some had even issued a list of dangerous writers. They were also adept at inventing new words. The word history, was now herstory. One of their big projects was to erase the word man from all words. These were people of power so Harry cheered until he was hoarse and applauded loudly till his hands hurt.
Then another group passed by in the parade. These were called Mascfems or Femmascs - both words were allowed - because they believed in gender neutrality- and did not believe in the words masculine or feminine. They rode bikes with placards saying: "Dikes on Bikes."
The armed forces of The Land was next in the parade. This consisted of 10 persons, five males and five females an equal gender split that passed the "equality" test of The Land. They carried toy weapons, for this was a peaceful land and the government had reduced them to this. They were known as the Ten Abandonments.
Next came the union bosses, the brothers and sisters of the Workers Movement. They were all singing loudly their song of praise which was called "Give us your dues, for the union to misuse. For in The Land, it is allowed, for us to make the workers proud." Harry cheered and cheered for he was a compulsory member of the Workers Movement and knew the shop stewards were watching. And so they were. A big burly steel toed female shop steward, clapped him on the shoulder, and said: "Well done brother."
Harry climbed the stairs to his apartment and sighed with relief. There was so much going on in The Land and in the government that just to make it home without offending anyone was a godsend. Harry broke into a sweat. Why did I think "godsend." Certain words could get you into trouble and "godsend" was one of them. He immediately purged the word "godsend" from his mind and made a mental note never to think of this word again.
Home at last. Harry bowed to a copy of The Land’s Charter, which was mandatory on all household walls. He then shouted out the words, "Freedom, Justice, Equality, Tolerance, Diversity and Inclusivity are a human right" just in case his place was bugged, as it surely was. Harry collapsed into a chair and turned on the T.V. The New Leader was giving a speech. He had a "vision" and a "plan" for The Land. Harry stood up and applauded the T.V. screen, better to be safe than sorry. It was said that the party monitored those whose T.V’s were on. The New Leader was talking about a "democratic deficit" Harry didn’t know what he meant but thought it sounded good.
Next up on T.V was the parade Harry had just passed. The T.V. announcer said: "Next up we will have special coverage of The Land in all its wonderful glory, The Parade is next so please stay with us while we take a commercial break." Harry thought that was a good statement. "Why would I dare leave." he asked himself. "They monitor everything." The commercial was quite brief but extolled the message that: "The Land was your land. A land of equality, diversity, tolerance and freedom. A home of peace order and good government." Harry thought to himself: I read a book once called "1984" and it is amazing how similar the book is to The Land of 2004.[or 2009?]
Stephen J. Gray
Sept. 4, 2003.
Harry was heading home. Work had been exceptionally busy that day. He had been working on the new government programme that was issuing compulsory identity cards to all the citizens of The Land. He paused for a moment and picked up the national newspaper from a news stand. There were many papers in The Land, but all of them adhered to the politically correct line of the courts and the government, so one was as "good" as the other. There was a picture on the front page of the New Leader of the party. He was smiling and shaking hands with a couple called Willie and Billy; they were celebrating the first anniversary of their marriage. Harry thought how in past times this picture of two men celebrating a "wedding anniversary" would have been classed as a sign of insanity or a silly joke, but now it was no laughing matter. This was a land of "equality" and male couplings were a cause for celebration.
Harry stood at the bus stop waiting for his bus. There were other persons waiting; men, women and The Others. The Others were, as yet, unrecognized in the country’s system of "rights." Some of them loved animals. Others believed in multiple partners, some had other peculiarities and other "nice" habits that at one time had been classed as criminal and obscene. Now they were just waiting for the go-ahead to legalize their relationships or declarations permitting their conduct. It was expected any day now that a decision would come down from the courts giving The Others the same "equality" rights as everyone else. Then The Land’s government would declare their relationships and behaviours as a given, for the courts were the supreme arbiters.
Harry was careful to keep his eyes averted from all at the bus stop. Looking at people could cause one to be accused of a crime and dragged before the Persons Rights Committees. So Harry was careful not to look. He did not want to be accused of "lookism." He was also careful not to smile as this could get you into trouble as well. In fact, there had been a new dictum handed down in The Land that there was to be no more smiling pictures in anyone’s passport. So just to be on the safe side many people had given up smiling.
The bus arrived and Harry boarded. He showed his pass to the seeing eye machine, which said, "pass okay." He then sat down. Two persons next to him were discussing the latest government decree from the ruling party. Compulsory I.D cards must be carried at all times. These two persons thought this was a great decision by the government and were speaking out loudly in praise of it. Harry, out of the corner of his eye, could see a Master of Politics (MP) from the ruling party on the bus and wondered cynically if their comments were for the MP’s benefit. Harry shook his head to erase these unpatriotic thoughts from his mind. One never knew if the government of The Land was able to read a person’s thoughts.
Harry was worried he owed the Ministry of Taxes some money and did not know how he could pay. He thought of writing the New Leader to ask for his help. After all, it was said that some persons could get favoured status from the Ministry of Taxes. So Harry thought perhaps he would try. The New Leader was an expert on money and taxes and knew the system well. It was said of the New Leader that he was able to answer any question to everyone’s satisfaction and that he had no negative views. In fact some people called him The Straddler because he could be on both sides of the fence at the same time. Give him a question and he’d give any answer that could mean anything but pleased almost everyone. That was why he was the leader. In fact The Land’s motto was "Tell the people anything as long as it is something."
Harry got off the bus, and hurried towards his apartment two blocks away. A parade was passing by in the middle of the street. Leading it were some Masters of Politics (MP’s) and a Police Chief. Some of the people in the parade were naked others were dressed in various costumes that it was hard to tell who was male or female. Harry stopped and joined other people in applauding the parade. He would have rather carried on walking but was afraid that he might be accused of "offensive" behaviour or of not being "tolerant" if he did not applaud. So he did the wise thing and cheered as well. One could not be too careful in The Land these days, "hate crimes" could be leveled on the slightest whim.
A huge cheer went up and Harry could see the reason. A media contingent was passing by. These were known as the "Purveyors of Propaganda" and they were indispensable to The Land and its rulers. Another cheer went up. A loudspeaker had announced a message from The Land’s Old Leader, which said: "Da bad is good and da good is bad and da proof is a proof for now it is proven." Harry thought: The Old Leader is still passing along his wisdom, whatever that is!!!
Suddenly there are more cheers and a huge amount of screaming, this was The Lands’ warrior class passing by. These were the radical, gender equality, womyns’ and patriarchal- hating womyns’ intelligentsia. Most of them taught womyns studies in The Land’s educational establishments. Some had even issued a list of dangerous writers. They were also adept at inventing new words. The word history, was now herstory. One of their big projects was to erase the word man from all words. These were people of power so Harry cheered until he was hoarse and applauded loudly till his hands hurt.
Then another group passed by in the parade. These were called Mascfems or Femmascs - both words were allowed - because they believed in gender neutrality- and did not believe in the words masculine or feminine. They rode bikes with placards saying: "Dikes on Bikes."
The armed forces of The Land was next in the parade. This consisted of 10 persons, five males and five females an equal gender split that passed the "equality" test of The Land. They carried toy weapons, for this was a peaceful land and the government had reduced them to this. They were known as the Ten Abandonments.
Next came the union bosses, the brothers and sisters of the Workers Movement. They were all singing loudly their song of praise which was called "Give us your dues, for the union to misuse. For in The Land, it is allowed, for us to make the workers proud." Harry cheered and cheered for he was a compulsory member of the Workers Movement and knew the shop stewards were watching. And so they were. A big burly steel toed female shop steward, clapped him on the shoulder, and said: "Well done brother."
Harry climbed the stairs to his apartment and sighed with relief. There was so much going on in The Land and in the government that just to make it home without offending anyone was a godsend. Harry broke into a sweat. Why did I think "godsend." Certain words could get you into trouble and "godsend" was one of them. He immediately purged the word "godsend" from his mind and made a mental note never to think of this word again.
Home at last. Harry bowed to a copy of The Land’s Charter, which was mandatory on all household walls. He then shouted out the words, "Freedom, Justice, Equality, Tolerance, Diversity and Inclusivity are a human right" just in case his place was bugged, as it surely was. Harry collapsed into a chair and turned on the T.V. The New Leader was giving a speech. He had a "vision" and a "plan" for The Land. Harry stood up and applauded the T.V. screen, better to be safe than sorry. It was said that the party monitored those whose T.V’s were on. The New Leader was talking about a "democratic deficit" Harry didn’t know what he meant but thought it sounded good.
Next up on T.V was the parade Harry had just passed. The T.V. announcer said: "Next up we will have special coverage of The Land in all its wonderful glory, The Parade is next so please stay with us while we take a commercial break." Harry thought that was a good statement. "Why would I dare leave." he asked himself. "They monitor everything." The commercial was quite brief but extolled the message that: "The Land was your land. A land of equality, diversity, tolerance and freedom. A home of peace order and good government." Harry thought to himself: I read a book once called "1984" and it is amazing how similar the book is to The Land of 2004.[or 2009?]
Stephen J. Gray
Sept. 4, 2003.
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Speculators
“The hedge fund managers made money from investing in overseas stock markets and betting that prices of oil, wheat and other commodities would rise.” (Daily Mail U.K. April 16, 2008)
We are seeing the “rise” and the continued rising of food prices, oil prices and other commodities. The people hardest hit are in the poorer countries of the world - though poor people and the middle class in the so-called rich countries are also feeling the pinch. But, there is a certain class of people who are profiting from the misfortunes of the majority. These people are the speculators who feed off the labor of ordinary people. While many people labor by the sweat of their brow, these speculators “labor” from computer terminals, cell phones, and stock exchanges, “betting” on the very commodities that most people need to exist. They bet on the price of food and some are making massive profits off the hunger and starvation of people in third world countries. A hedge fund manager had this to say:
"Unfortunately, I think when people are trading commodities, I don't think they are even caring about social impact." (International Herald Tribune April 2, 2008 )
The “social impact” on the world by some of these paper shufflers is getting worse by the day. These financial vultures are somehow hailed as “successful money managers.” Yet, according to some reports these managers are responsible for deaths and famine in some countries. “Hedge funds played their part in the violent rise in spot prices early this year. To that extent they can be held responsible for the death of African and Asian children…” (Daily Telegraph U. K. April 14, 2008).
What kind of persons would take and make profits off the “death” of innocent children? Surely these people must know that their manipulation and speculation on the necessities of life for all people would result in misery and deprivation for many people. These “people” speculators are making a killing - no pun intended - in the “market” while some people are being killed off by their “market success.” And this is “legal”? Oh, I forgot this is “free enterprise" at "work!"
This kind of “work” was criticized by one principled businessman. An article in the Times U.K. of March 12, 2008 had this to say:
“The managing director of Greggs, the high street baker, has attacked speculators for driving up the price of wheat and fuelling famine in Africa. Sir Michael Darrington, who yesterday announced that he would be stepping down after 24 years in charge, said commodity traders were more to blame for spiralling food price inflation…”
Inflated prices are affecting us all. We are seeing the result when we fill our car with gas. When we go to the grocery store, we see the cost of food rising. Most people work hard for their money and they see its purchasing power depreciating. Meanwhile, many of the speculators “investing” in the “commodities markets” are seeing their profits appreciating. This is done by manipulating the markets. The Telegraph U.K. newspaper of April 17, 2008, said this “…hedge funds pour money into commodity futures as a way to exploit the collapse of the dollar.” And the Economic Times of India, April 6, 2008, stated: “Large global hedge and index funds are continuously pulling up agricultural futures in the hope of a killing in the coming months….These gold diggers need to [be] driven away before they destroy more lives through hunger and social unrest.”
There is already “social unrest” and riots in the poorer countries of the world over food prices. Some people are dying of starvation and hunger while speculators profit from their deaths. I believe it is time that those we elect to public office took action against these speculators. These manipulators of the “markets” need to be held accountable for their greed at the expense of the rest of humanity.
Stephen J. Gray
April 18, 2008.
We are seeing the “rise” and the continued rising of food prices, oil prices and other commodities. The people hardest hit are in the poorer countries of the world - though poor people and the middle class in the so-called rich countries are also feeling the pinch. But, there is a certain class of people who are profiting from the misfortunes of the majority. These people are the speculators who feed off the labor of ordinary people. While many people labor by the sweat of their brow, these speculators “labor” from computer terminals, cell phones, and stock exchanges, “betting” on the very commodities that most people need to exist. They bet on the price of food and some are making massive profits off the hunger and starvation of people in third world countries. A hedge fund manager had this to say:
"Unfortunately, I think when people are trading commodities, I don't think they are even caring about social impact." (International Herald Tribune April 2, 2008 )
The “social impact” on the world by some of these paper shufflers is getting worse by the day. These financial vultures are somehow hailed as “successful money managers.” Yet, according to some reports these managers are responsible for deaths and famine in some countries. “Hedge funds played their part in the violent rise in spot prices early this year. To that extent they can be held responsible for the death of African and Asian children…” (Daily Telegraph U. K. April 14, 2008).
What kind of persons would take and make profits off the “death” of innocent children? Surely these people must know that their manipulation and speculation on the necessities of life for all people would result in misery and deprivation for many people. These “people” speculators are making a killing - no pun intended - in the “market” while some people are being killed off by their “market success.” And this is “legal”? Oh, I forgot this is “free enterprise" at "work!"
This kind of “work” was criticized by one principled businessman. An article in the Times U.K. of March 12, 2008 had this to say:
“The managing director of Greggs, the high street baker, has attacked speculators for driving up the price of wheat and fuelling famine in Africa. Sir Michael Darrington, who yesterday announced that he would be stepping down after 24 years in charge, said commodity traders were more to blame for spiralling food price inflation…”
Inflated prices are affecting us all. We are seeing the result when we fill our car with gas. When we go to the grocery store, we see the cost of food rising. Most people work hard for their money and they see its purchasing power depreciating. Meanwhile, many of the speculators “investing” in the “commodities markets” are seeing their profits appreciating. This is done by manipulating the markets. The Telegraph U.K. newspaper of April 17, 2008, said this “…hedge funds pour money into commodity futures as a way to exploit the collapse of the dollar.” And the Economic Times of India, April 6, 2008, stated: “Large global hedge and index funds are continuously pulling up agricultural futures in the hope of a killing in the coming months….These gold diggers need to [be] driven away before they destroy more lives through hunger and social unrest.”
There is already “social unrest” and riots in the poorer countries of the world over food prices. Some people are dying of starvation and hunger while speculators profit from their deaths. I believe it is time that those we elect to public office took action against these speculators. These manipulators of the “markets” need to be held accountable for their greed at the expense of the rest of humanity.
Stephen J. Gray
April 18, 2008.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Firm of Plunder, Pillage and Loot
The respected financial firm of Plunder, Pillage and Loot was holding its annual meeting. First to speak was Mr. Plunder, one of the owners and founders.
Mr. Plunder: “First of all, a big welcome to our esteemed clients. You are the crème de la crème of the world’s investors. [All of the assembled burst into applause in praise of themselves.] I see all kinds of nationalities from various countries represented here, and that is how it should be. We all know money owes no allegiance to any country. But, I digress. This year, once again, we have made huge amounts of money for all of you assembled here today. Even though the market is in what we call a ‘downturn,’ we remain unscathed. It helps when you are a mover and a shaker of the system, which we all are. The good news is that your investments and profits with us are safely offshore in the tax-free money and banking havens.
"On another note, our trading in the world’s currencies continues to show massive profits as we manipulate the world’s money systems to our mutual benefit. A touch of a button and our and your profits are whisked away to our offshore subsidiaries. This is the beauty of financial globalization. Offshore havens are places where privacy is paramount. And we at this firm know how you all love your privacy. [A round of applause takes place.] I would say that some issue of worry is starting to surface. There have been reports that a number of governments wish to clamp down on many of these offshore money and tax havens. [Cries of shame and bloody socialists are heard from the assembled.] But, not to worry, many of the powerful elites have also been known to use these wonderful offshore money laundering, oops, I mean legitimate facilities, so I am sure it will not come to pass. And anyway, if some of the politicians want positions in our financial system, after politics, they will learn who butters their bread, as the saying goes, and let the matter die. Still, I believe it is only a political diversion to let the masses think they are doing something about the state of their economies. After all, re-election is the politician’s game, while ours is financial gain. Now, I will hand you over to our esteemed colleague and financial wizard Mr. Pillage.”
Mr. Pillage takes the podium.
Mr. Pillage: “Nice to see you all here today. I won’t speak too long as I know many of you have important meetings at other places directing the affairs and direction of the world. As you know my expertise in the firm is commodities. It has been an up and down year for some, but for us it has been up all the way. [More polite applause is heard.] Our speculation, oops, I mean investments, in the commodity food systems of the world has made us ever increasing profits. One commodity, rice, made us a bundle of money. As you know, people have to eat, and investing in food commodities is always a sure winner. There are some who say that manipulating the commodities markets causes hunger, starvation, and death in poor countries, as well as losses of jobs in others; they believe this type of speculation should be banned and considered a crime. But, the free market must reign supreme even though some losers don’t like it. [A number of "hear, hears" are heard.] Another commodity where we made big profits was oil. A well-placed word in the right ears and reported in the corporate media that it would go to over $200 dollars a barrel propelled and manipulated it upward, and we cashed in before bringing the price back down. Manipulating prices in the free market is what I like to call our forte. I will now hand the podium over to our esteemed partner Mr. Loot.”
Mr. Loot: “Let me first say that the free market system is the greatest system in the world, and offshore banking and tax havens are great places to let our money rest. [A standing ovation ensues and many more "hear, hears" are heard.] The world today is in a financial crisis, but in our world I call it opportunity. Why do I call it opportunity? Because I see more financial opportunities for us in the market. Yes, I know the market is down, and some say we brought it down. All we did was sell off our investments at the top of the market and we sent the profits offshore to our subsidiaries. This has always been a practice of our firm and always will be. Mind you, it helps when you have a corner on the market and have the clout to do it. But hey, all power to the powerful, I say. [A massive thunder of applause takes place and much nodding of heads can be seen.]
"Mind you, the pension funds and investments of the proletariat took a hit; but hey, the masses have to learn there is risk in the free market. Now the market is in the doldrums and job losses are huge, but our jobs are secure and our money too; that is the beauty of offshore banking. Speaking about banking, I see governments are bailing out, with taxpayers' dollars, many banks and financial conglomerates with subsidiaries offshore. I believe there is a huge opportunity here. We must get involved in this; after all, governments are not too good at handling money and our expertise in advising them will probably be much sought after, especially as some of our alumni work for the central banks of various countries. This should bring us huge fees with no risk to our firm, and a good ‘stimulus package’ for our bottom line.
"Another opportunity I see in the future, for the firm, will be the depressed real estate market. We are holding massive amounts of tax-free cash in our offshore subsidiaries. This huge cash goldmine came from our successful selling of packaged debt, which some call ‘toxic paper’ or ‘lousy debts.’ But we at the firm like to call this selling the un-sellable, and we did--and got huge fees for doing so. I am always amazed at the ingenuity of the market; one can sell manure if it's packaged properly--and we did. [Much laughter ensues.] Anyway, as I said earlier, there are bargains waiting for us in the real estate market. We made big dollars in it at the top, now it has crashed back to earth as the saying goes. What an awful pun! [More laughter from the assembled.] Still, at the appropriate time we should be able to pick up this depressed real estate at bargain prices, and sell it all over again. You have heard of two-time losers; well, we are two-time winners. This, I believe, will be another win-win situation for us. Anyway, I have talked long enough. Thank you all for coming, and no doubt we will be meeting some of you in the glorious sunshine offshore as we continue our never ending journey of maximizing our money in the free market systems, and putting it safely offshore.”
[A standing ovation ensues along with shouts of, “Three cheers for the firm of Plunder, Pillage and Loot."]
Stephen J. Gray
March 16, 2009
Mr. Plunder: “First of all, a big welcome to our esteemed clients. You are the crème de la crème of the world’s investors. [All of the assembled burst into applause in praise of themselves.] I see all kinds of nationalities from various countries represented here, and that is how it should be. We all know money owes no allegiance to any country. But, I digress. This year, once again, we have made huge amounts of money for all of you assembled here today. Even though the market is in what we call a ‘downturn,’ we remain unscathed. It helps when you are a mover and a shaker of the system, which we all are. The good news is that your investments and profits with us are safely offshore in the tax-free money and banking havens.
"On another note, our trading in the world’s currencies continues to show massive profits as we manipulate the world’s money systems to our mutual benefit. A touch of a button and our and your profits are whisked away to our offshore subsidiaries. This is the beauty of financial globalization. Offshore havens are places where privacy is paramount. And we at this firm know how you all love your privacy. [A round of applause takes place.] I would say that some issue of worry is starting to surface. There have been reports that a number of governments wish to clamp down on many of these offshore money and tax havens. [Cries of shame and bloody socialists are heard from the assembled.] But, not to worry, many of the powerful elites have also been known to use these wonderful offshore money laundering, oops, I mean legitimate facilities, so I am sure it will not come to pass. And anyway, if some of the politicians want positions in our financial system, after politics, they will learn who butters their bread, as the saying goes, and let the matter die. Still, I believe it is only a political diversion to let the masses think they are doing something about the state of their economies. After all, re-election is the politician’s game, while ours is financial gain. Now, I will hand you over to our esteemed colleague and financial wizard Mr. Pillage.”
Mr. Pillage takes the podium.
Mr. Pillage: “Nice to see you all here today. I won’t speak too long as I know many of you have important meetings at other places directing the affairs and direction of the world. As you know my expertise in the firm is commodities. It has been an up and down year for some, but for us it has been up all the way. [More polite applause is heard.] Our speculation, oops, I mean investments, in the commodity food systems of the world has made us ever increasing profits. One commodity, rice, made us a bundle of money. As you know, people have to eat, and investing in food commodities is always a sure winner. There are some who say that manipulating the commodities markets causes hunger, starvation, and death in poor countries, as well as losses of jobs in others; they believe this type of speculation should be banned and considered a crime. But, the free market must reign supreme even though some losers don’t like it. [A number of "hear, hears" are heard.] Another commodity where we made big profits was oil. A well-placed word in the right ears and reported in the corporate media that it would go to over $200 dollars a barrel propelled and manipulated it upward, and we cashed in before bringing the price back down. Manipulating prices in the free market is what I like to call our forte. I will now hand the podium over to our esteemed partner Mr. Loot.”
Mr. Loot: “Let me first say that the free market system is the greatest system in the world, and offshore banking and tax havens are great places to let our money rest. [A standing ovation ensues and many more "hear, hears" are heard.] The world today is in a financial crisis, but in our world I call it opportunity. Why do I call it opportunity? Because I see more financial opportunities for us in the market. Yes, I know the market is down, and some say we brought it down. All we did was sell off our investments at the top of the market and we sent the profits offshore to our subsidiaries. This has always been a practice of our firm and always will be. Mind you, it helps when you have a corner on the market and have the clout to do it. But hey, all power to the powerful, I say. [A massive thunder of applause takes place and much nodding of heads can be seen.]
"Mind you, the pension funds and investments of the proletariat took a hit; but hey, the masses have to learn there is risk in the free market. Now the market is in the doldrums and job losses are huge, but our jobs are secure and our money too; that is the beauty of offshore banking. Speaking about banking, I see governments are bailing out, with taxpayers' dollars, many banks and financial conglomerates with subsidiaries offshore. I believe there is a huge opportunity here. We must get involved in this; after all, governments are not too good at handling money and our expertise in advising them will probably be much sought after, especially as some of our alumni work for the central banks of various countries. This should bring us huge fees with no risk to our firm, and a good ‘stimulus package’ for our bottom line.
"Another opportunity I see in the future, for the firm, will be the depressed real estate market. We are holding massive amounts of tax-free cash in our offshore subsidiaries. This huge cash goldmine came from our successful selling of packaged debt, which some call ‘toxic paper’ or ‘lousy debts.’ But we at the firm like to call this selling the un-sellable, and we did--and got huge fees for doing so. I am always amazed at the ingenuity of the market; one can sell manure if it's packaged properly--and we did. [Much laughter ensues.] Anyway, as I said earlier, there are bargains waiting for us in the real estate market. We made big dollars in it at the top, now it has crashed back to earth as the saying goes. What an awful pun! [More laughter from the assembled.] Still, at the appropriate time we should be able to pick up this depressed real estate at bargain prices, and sell it all over again. You have heard of two-time losers; well, we are two-time winners. This, I believe, will be another win-win situation for us. Anyway, I have talked long enough. Thank you all for coming, and no doubt we will be meeting some of you in the glorious sunshine offshore as we continue our never ending journey of maximizing our money in the free market systems, and putting it safely offshore.”
[A standing ovation ensues along with shouts of, “Three cheers for the firm of Plunder, Pillage and Loot."]
Stephen J. Gray
March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
In the Final Days of the Human Race
In the final days of the human race
Chaos reigned in the marketplace
The money system was in a state of collapse
And any morality had long since lapsed
The killing of children by abortion and wars
Was commonplace amongst the ruling curs
The slaughter explained as “legitimate choices”
And they called this “democracy” with hypocrisy voices
Politicians spread their meaningless nonsense
Do these political hypocrites lack any conscience?
Vote for me is their cry
And all their promises are pie in the sky
The arms dealers were no longer heard
They had no place to hide and justice was served
Finally they were getting what was their due
Now they know the meaning of, “you reap what you sow”
The money changers could not buy or sell
And that to them was a living hell
They profited from death and bloody destruction
Is there a price to pay for evil and corruption?
Capitalism and communism
Were birds of a feather
And both of them had thought
They could rule forever
“There was weeping and wailing
And gnashing of teeth”
And nothing to eat
And no relief
The poisoned earth was all aflame
And nothing would ever be the same
Filth and corruption had run rampant
Degenerate behavior has brought extinction
Only those who prayed and had repented
Would find themselves fairly represented
The day of judgement had finally come
And it was over; because God had won
Stephen J. Gray
March 15, 2009.
Chaos reigned in the marketplace
The money system was in a state of collapse
And any morality had long since lapsed
The killing of children by abortion and wars
Was commonplace amongst the ruling curs
The slaughter explained as “legitimate choices”
And they called this “democracy” with hypocrisy voices
Politicians spread their meaningless nonsense
Do these political hypocrites lack any conscience?
Vote for me is their cry
And all their promises are pie in the sky
The arms dealers were no longer heard
They had no place to hide and justice was served
Finally they were getting what was their due
Now they know the meaning of, “you reap what you sow”
The money changers could not buy or sell
And that to them was a living hell
They profited from death and bloody destruction
Is there a price to pay for evil and corruption?
Capitalism and communism
Were birds of a feather
And both of them had thought
They could rule forever
“There was weeping and wailing
And gnashing of teeth”
And nothing to eat
And no relief
The poisoned earth was all aflame
And nothing would ever be the same
Filth and corruption had run rampant
Degenerate behavior has brought extinction
Only those who prayed and had repented
Would find themselves fairly represented
The day of judgement had finally come
And it was over; because God had won
Stephen J. Gray
March 15, 2009.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Marketland and the Gang of 20
There was doom and gloom in Marketland
The money was not there
Had persons robbed and pillaged the system?
Are there thieves everywhere?
Where did all the money go?
Is some of it offshore?
Have villains robbed the system?
Are they now looking for much more?
“You must bail us out,” they cried
Amidst all the financial buzz
“For you see money talks and walks” (offshore perhaps?)
“And you don’t want to lose us”
Now the ones who crashed the system
Are now the “credible” advisers
For this is how marketland works
Populated by greedy shysters
Meanwhile the Gang of 20
Met to discuss the fix
They had a nice dinner
And some expensive wines for kicks
“We need another Bretton Woods,” said one
Pompously clearing his throat
“Let’s raise a glass to that,” said the gang
“Let’s issue a statement, saying, we are all for it”
So they all gathered together
On the final day of talks
Had their picture taken
And waved to all the cops (no peasants were allowed)
Then they climbed the steps of their aircraft
And once more waved again
Then they all headed home
After another nice taxpayers weekend
The moral of this story is:
There are robbers in a world of plenty
For this is how the system works
Welcome to Marketland and the Gang of 20
Stephen J. Gray
November 16, 2008.
The money was not there
Had persons robbed and pillaged the system?
Are there thieves everywhere?
Where did all the money go?
Is some of it offshore?
Have villains robbed the system?
Are they now looking for much more?
“You must bail us out,” they cried
Amidst all the financial buzz
“For you see money talks and walks” (offshore perhaps?)
“And you don’t want to lose us”
Now the ones who crashed the system
Are now the “credible” advisers
For this is how marketland works
Populated by greedy shysters
Meanwhile the Gang of 20
Met to discuss the fix
They had a nice dinner
And some expensive wines for kicks
“We need another Bretton Woods,” said one
Pompously clearing his throat
“Let’s raise a glass to that,” said the gang
“Let’s issue a statement, saying, we are all for it”
So they all gathered together
On the final day of talks
Had their picture taken
And waved to all the cops (no peasants were allowed)
Then they climbed the steps of their aircraft
And once more waved again
Then they all headed home
After another nice taxpayers weekend
The moral of this story is:
There are robbers in a world of plenty
For this is how the system works
Welcome to Marketland and the Gang of 20
Stephen J. Gray
November 16, 2008.
How to Corrupt, Pervert, and Subvert a Country “Legally”
How to Corrupt, Pervert, and Subvert a Country “Legally”
“…the Charter was a ruse. Trudeau wanted to consolidate power in the Supreme Court of Canada and weaken Parliament.” [1]
If political, judicial, and other elites wanted to impose their twisted agendas on a country, what would be the best way to do it? Their first objective would to be to find a way to deceive the people. How could this be done? Very easily. Tell the people that you are going to give them a Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Give the people some input on this by way of country wide hearings. (Doing this makes the people think that this is their Charter.) Then after all the hearings are over, in step the elites--the lawyers, the politicians, and the “eminent persons” who “know best” what is good for the country. They bend the charter into the shape they want. Then it is time for the big show of giving the people “freedoms” in the new “democracy.”
“Trudeau’s crime against democracy was monstrous….First, neither he nor any other of the first ministers had any mandate from the electorate to embark on constitutional reform.” [2]
Then the “reform”-minded political leaders at the time vote to accept the charter. (The people who will be ruled by it don’t get to vote on it. After all, they might be wise enough to see they had more freedoms before the imposition of the charter, and that would never do.) The politicians put what they call a “safety clause” into the charter, just in case the judiciary should subvert it. But this clause is really just a sham to make the people think the charter has a “safeguard.” Then the impression is created that to use this clause, called-the not-withstanding clause, would be a dangerous thing to do and that any politicians daring to use it would do so at their peril. And anyway, one must not imperil “the independence of the judiciary.”
Now the charter is in place. The media elites trumpet and propagandize that the “people love the charter.” The politicians pompously tell everyone “how great” the charter is, and that no one will be able to “cherry pick rights” from it. The judges say it is a “living tree” and the people have to live with the rotten fruit it produces.
Then from the “living tree” come the great new “rights” found in the charter.
An abortionist who consistently broke the law was finally given clearance to ply his abominable trade of killing the child in the womb, after a majority of judges struck down the abortion law. Now the country has no law on abortion and the killing of the innocents is declared a “choice.”
Another judge declares that anyone arriving on the shores of the country be they criminals, terrorists, drug dealers or whatever have “rights” under the charter.
Another judge states that criminals are “morally worthy” to vote.
Another “learned” judge has a hallucination and “reads in” words not written in the Charter.
A judicial threesome then “discovers” a “right” in the Charter that men can “marry” men and that women can “marry” women. The politicians then tell the people that under the charter “same-sex marriage” is a “right.” Of course this nonsense was never in the Charter, but what’s a big lie amongst the elites.
Another judge states that orgies are okay as long as no “harm” is done. And the country is now open for orgies everywhere. These are just some examples of the abominations imposed by judges and accepted by politicians as “normal” for the country.
The harm being done to this country by charter-happy non-elected judges is a disgrace. But what is even worse is that politicians of all political stripes have allowed this descent into filth and corruption to become “legitimized.” None of these so-called “representatives” of the people have the courage or principles to use the not-withstanding clause of the charter to restore decency and sanity. They are political sheep, and like sheep they have allowed these judicial shepherds to herd them into the charter stable, and so they wallow in the muck of the courts.
“… the Supreme Court of Canada was handed the ultimate power of determining the most fundamental rights of the country as the Charter outlined them. The loss of freedoms to Canadian society was beyond measure, equivalent only to military conquest.” [3]
As can be seen by the evidence shown in this article, there is no need for armies to take over a country and take away freedoms. The sophisticated way of doing this is by imposing a charter under the guise of Orwellian “rights” and “freedoms” then the country can be corrupted, subverted, and perverted and it is all done “legally.”
Stephen J. Gray
December 11, 2006.
Endnotes:
[1] Joe C.W. Armstrong, in his book “Farewell the Peaceful Kingdom” page 75.
[2] Joe C.W. Armstrong, in his book “Farewell the Peaceful Kingdom” page 78.
[3] Joe C.W. Armstrong in his book “Farewell the Peaceful Kingdom” page 206.
“…the Charter was a ruse. Trudeau wanted to consolidate power in the Supreme Court of Canada and weaken Parliament.” [1]
If political, judicial, and other elites wanted to impose their twisted agendas on a country, what would be the best way to do it? Their first objective would to be to find a way to deceive the people. How could this be done? Very easily. Tell the people that you are going to give them a Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Give the people some input on this by way of country wide hearings. (Doing this makes the people think that this is their Charter.) Then after all the hearings are over, in step the elites--the lawyers, the politicians, and the “eminent persons” who “know best” what is good for the country. They bend the charter into the shape they want. Then it is time for the big show of giving the people “freedoms” in the new “democracy.”
“Trudeau’s crime against democracy was monstrous….First, neither he nor any other of the first ministers had any mandate from the electorate to embark on constitutional reform.” [2]
Then the “reform”-minded political leaders at the time vote to accept the charter. (The people who will be ruled by it don’t get to vote on it. After all, they might be wise enough to see they had more freedoms before the imposition of the charter, and that would never do.) The politicians put what they call a “safety clause” into the charter, just in case the judiciary should subvert it. But this clause is really just a sham to make the people think the charter has a “safeguard.” Then the impression is created that to use this clause, called-the not-withstanding clause, would be a dangerous thing to do and that any politicians daring to use it would do so at their peril. And anyway, one must not imperil “the independence of the judiciary.”
Now the charter is in place. The media elites trumpet and propagandize that the “people love the charter.” The politicians pompously tell everyone “how great” the charter is, and that no one will be able to “cherry pick rights” from it. The judges say it is a “living tree” and the people have to live with the rotten fruit it produces.
Then from the “living tree” come the great new “rights” found in the charter.
An abortionist who consistently broke the law was finally given clearance to ply his abominable trade of killing the child in the womb, after a majority of judges struck down the abortion law. Now the country has no law on abortion and the killing of the innocents is declared a “choice.”
Another judge declares that anyone arriving on the shores of the country be they criminals, terrorists, drug dealers or whatever have “rights” under the charter.
Another judge states that criminals are “morally worthy” to vote.
Another “learned” judge has a hallucination and “reads in” words not written in the Charter.
A judicial threesome then “discovers” a “right” in the Charter that men can “marry” men and that women can “marry” women. The politicians then tell the people that under the charter “same-sex marriage” is a “right.” Of course this nonsense was never in the Charter, but what’s a big lie amongst the elites.
Another judge states that orgies are okay as long as no “harm” is done. And the country is now open for orgies everywhere. These are just some examples of the abominations imposed by judges and accepted by politicians as “normal” for the country.
The harm being done to this country by charter-happy non-elected judges is a disgrace. But what is even worse is that politicians of all political stripes have allowed this descent into filth and corruption to become “legitimized.” None of these so-called “representatives” of the people have the courage or principles to use the not-withstanding clause of the charter to restore decency and sanity. They are political sheep, and like sheep they have allowed these judicial shepherds to herd them into the charter stable, and so they wallow in the muck of the courts.
“… the Supreme Court of Canada was handed the ultimate power of determining the most fundamental rights of the country as the Charter outlined them. The loss of freedoms to Canadian society was beyond measure, equivalent only to military conquest.” [3]
As can be seen by the evidence shown in this article, there is no need for armies to take over a country and take away freedoms. The sophisticated way of doing this is by imposing a charter under the guise of Orwellian “rights” and “freedoms” then the country can be corrupted, subverted, and perverted and it is all done “legally.”
Stephen J. Gray
December 11, 2006.
Endnotes:
[1] Joe C.W. Armstrong, in his book “Farewell the Peaceful Kingdom” page 75.
[2] Joe C.W. Armstrong, in his book “Farewell the Peaceful Kingdom” page 78.
[3] Joe C.W. Armstrong in his book “Farewell the Peaceful Kingdom” page 206.
What does a civilized society do when democracy no longer exists?
What does a civilized society do when democracy no longer exists?
All democracies are supposed to exist with the consent of the people. Rules are drawn up that the people agree to, then the people elect representatives to represent them and this is called representative democracy. The rules that define our “democracy” today are written in The Constitution under the banner of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This Charter was imposed without an individual vote of the people. Surely if people are to live by a set of rules they should have the chance to vote on these rules? Instead we have a situation where this Charter is interpreted by appointed, non-elected judges, or to put it bluntly, ex-lawyers. These ex-lawyers, now judges, are appointed by the Prime Minister of whatever political party is in power. Any thinking person has to ask, “ How can non-elected judges rule the people from a document that was not given acceptance by the people?”
“The trouble with law and government is lawyers” Clarence Darrow
Government and their advisers, lawyers, imposed this Charter upon us. Oh sure, different groups were given input, but at the end of the day the most important part of this process, a referendum by all the people, did not take place. Now we have rule by the judiciary and instead of interpreting the law they are making the law.
Example 1: A judge “reads in” words not in the Constitution. The words the judge “reads in” have never been defined, yet this is considered a done deal. No explanation, the non-elected have spoken and the elected politicians succumb. So much for “democracy.”
Example 2: A judge declares the Constitution is a “living tree.” This then becomes a judicial excuse for judicial decisions to be planted in an imaginary judicial garden that negates all common sense and makes a mockery of law. If this Charter is a “living tree” then its fruit is rotten and diseased.
Example 3: A judge issues an ultimatum to parliament and gives it 2 years to bring in an absurdity called “same-sex marriage.” This judge cites the “equality” section of the Charter. Now we have a whole raft of judges declaring any objections to same-sex marriage are “unconstitutional.” What is going on? Is there a virus eating judicial brain cells that so called intelligent people can declare this claptrap a “constitutional right?” The non-elected dictate to the elected and the elected grovel before their judicial masters. Something smells in the political and judicial halls of power. A suspicious mind might even wonder at the speed these nonsensical judicial decisions are implemented. Though no one dare call this a conspiracy, it is certainly a form of judicial despotism and cannot be called “democracy.”
Unfettered judicial power now dictates to “democracy.” The politicians say, “The Charter is supreme and the Supreme Court has ruled,” yet parliament is supposed to be supreme as it gains its authority from the people through elections. Which raises the question, “If parliament is no longer supreme, why bother having elections?” Games are being played with “democracy” and the people are the pawns in the political and judicial games.
“The forms of law have always been the graves of buried liberties.” Tourgee
Decisions of judicial guff are hailed as “landmark decisions.” Any sane person knows or should know that these “landmark decisions” being handed down are anything but sensible and are ridiculous. The only “landmark” they bring to mind is a vision of an insane asylum inhabited by judges who are let out each day to proliferate their madness.
Can these judicial rulings that have become judicial ravings be allowed to continue? Surely there are some sane and decent politicians and judges left who have the courage to rebel and say out loud, “These political and judicial emperors have no clothes.” Something has to be done. Numerous articles and opinion pieces have been written exposing this incompetence on the Bench and in parliament, but nothing happens. Trite phrases like, “The independence of the judiciary,” are trumpeted aloud and we are all expected to live with this insanity in “law.” The not-withstanding clause in the Charter could be used to restore some sanity, but cowardly politicians would rather let this judicial farce continue than restore ethics, decency and liberty to the land.
Some people, still believing they live in a “democracy,” make reasoned submissions to the Mad Hatters in ermine trimmed gowns ruling us; however, reasoned submissions cannot be made to dictators nor does reason have any effect on those whose power is all encompassing and their reasoning fraudulent. Therefore, the destroyers of democracy are given credence by people appearing before them. People should not have to argue decency in front of those who would impose decadence. A civilized society should remove those who subvert the Constitution from the bench.
What will it take before the people are pushed to their limits? Even a worm will turn eventually. What will be the catalyst that turns disgust into action? Every action has a reaction as the saying goes. What will the reaction be when a civilized society finally realizes democracy no longer exists?
Stephen J. Gray
Oct. 6, 2004.
All democracies are supposed to exist with the consent of the people. Rules are drawn up that the people agree to, then the people elect representatives to represent them and this is called representative democracy. The rules that define our “democracy” today are written in The Constitution under the banner of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This Charter was imposed without an individual vote of the people. Surely if people are to live by a set of rules they should have the chance to vote on these rules? Instead we have a situation where this Charter is interpreted by appointed, non-elected judges, or to put it bluntly, ex-lawyers. These ex-lawyers, now judges, are appointed by the Prime Minister of whatever political party is in power. Any thinking person has to ask, “ How can non-elected judges rule the people from a document that was not given acceptance by the people?”
“The trouble with law and government is lawyers” Clarence Darrow
Government and their advisers, lawyers, imposed this Charter upon us. Oh sure, different groups were given input, but at the end of the day the most important part of this process, a referendum by all the people, did not take place. Now we have rule by the judiciary and instead of interpreting the law they are making the law.
Example 1: A judge “reads in” words not in the Constitution. The words the judge “reads in” have never been defined, yet this is considered a done deal. No explanation, the non-elected have spoken and the elected politicians succumb. So much for “democracy.”
Example 2: A judge declares the Constitution is a “living tree.” This then becomes a judicial excuse for judicial decisions to be planted in an imaginary judicial garden that negates all common sense and makes a mockery of law. If this Charter is a “living tree” then its fruit is rotten and diseased.
Example 3: A judge issues an ultimatum to parliament and gives it 2 years to bring in an absurdity called “same-sex marriage.” This judge cites the “equality” section of the Charter. Now we have a whole raft of judges declaring any objections to same-sex marriage are “unconstitutional.” What is going on? Is there a virus eating judicial brain cells that so called intelligent people can declare this claptrap a “constitutional right?” The non-elected dictate to the elected and the elected grovel before their judicial masters. Something smells in the political and judicial halls of power. A suspicious mind might even wonder at the speed these nonsensical judicial decisions are implemented. Though no one dare call this a conspiracy, it is certainly a form of judicial despotism and cannot be called “democracy.”
Unfettered judicial power now dictates to “democracy.” The politicians say, “The Charter is supreme and the Supreme Court has ruled,” yet parliament is supposed to be supreme as it gains its authority from the people through elections. Which raises the question, “If parliament is no longer supreme, why bother having elections?” Games are being played with “democracy” and the people are the pawns in the political and judicial games.
“The forms of law have always been the graves of buried liberties.” Tourgee
Decisions of judicial guff are hailed as “landmark decisions.” Any sane person knows or should know that these “landmark decisions” being handed down are anything but sensible and are ridiculous. The only “landmark” they bring to mind is a vision of an insane asylum inhabited by judges who are let out each day to proliferate their madness.
Can these judicial rulings that have become judicial ravings be allowed to continue? Surely there are some sane and decent politicians and judges left who have the courage to rebel and say out loud, “These political and judicial emperors have no clothes.” Something has to be done. Numerous articles and opinion pieces have been written exposing this incompetence on the Bench and in parliament, but nothing happens. Trite phrases like, “The independence of the judiciary,” are trumpeted aloud and we are all expected to live with this insanity in “law.” The not-withstanding clause in the Charter could be used to restore some sanity, but cowardly politicians would rather let this judicial farce continue than restore ethics, decency and liberty to the land.
Some people, still believing they live in a “democracy,” make reasoned submissions to the Mad Hatters in ermine trimmed gowns ruling us; however, reasoned submissions cannot be made to dictators nor does reason have any effect on those whose power is all encompassing and their reasoning fraudulent. Therefore, the destroyers of democracy are given credence by people appearing before them. People should not have to argue decency in front of those who would impose decadence. A civilized society should remove those who subvert the Constitution from the bench.
What will it take before the people are pushed to their limits? Even a worm will turn eventually. What will be the catalyst that turns disgust into action? Every action has a reaction as the saying goes. What will the reaction be when a civilized society finally realizes democracy no longer exists?
Stephen J. Gray
Oct. 6, 2004.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Nazi Mentality Lives On Today
The Nazi Mentality Lives On Today
Before the Nazis came for the Jews, they were killing the handicapped, sick and disabled children and others deemed “unworthy of living,” in German society. Now fast forward to our world of today and we have our own helpless innocent lives declared unworthy of living.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana
A Lifesite article of November 13, 2008, by Hilary White, had the headline,
“Australian Committee Proposal to Pay Mothers to Abort Disabled Babies Compared to Nazis” The article went on say this:
“The Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development has been slammed by Queensland Senator Ron Boswell for holding to Nazi-style eugenic ideology on the abortion of disabled children.” Senator Boswell is quoted in the article as saying: “This is the kind of thinking that was typical of the Hitler regime. They set themselves up as judge of who deserved to live and who deserves to die.” (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/nov/08111305.html)
And the Ottawa Citizen of November 10, 2008, had this to say about those diagnosed with Down Syndrome:
“Consider how prenatal testing has affected the Down syndrome community. It used to be that only the fetuses of women over 35 were tested for the extra chromosome that causes the condition. Now, in some jurisdictions, women of all ages are tested, and 90 per cent of fetuses with the defect are aborted.” [1]
Today these little innocents are the lives deemed unworthy of living, only we call it “choice.”
Who would have believed that a world that condemned the atrocities of Nazism would now be engaged in similar “work.” One wonders if Josef Mengele, the infamous Nazi doctor, were alive today if he would be an enthusiastic participant in the abortion industry? The mentality--that there are lives unworthy of living--is the same so it would make sense that he would.
Another horrifying example of where “choice” has led us is the stem cell industry. A BBC story headlined, “Ukraine babies in stem cell probe” had this to say:
“There is a trade in stem cells from aborted foetuses, amid unproven claims they can help fight many diseases.
“But now there are claims that stem cells are also being harvested from live babies. …
“The BBC has spoken to mothers from the city of Kharkiv who say they gave birth to healthy babies, only to have them taken by maternity staff.
“In 2003 the authorities agreed to exhume around 30 bodies of foetuses and full-term babies from a cemetery used by maternity hospital number six.
“One campaigner was allowed into the autopsy to gather video evidence. She has given that footage to the BBC and Council of Europe.
“In its report, the Council describes a general culture of trafficking of children snatched at birth, and a wall of silence from hospital staff upwards over their fate.
“The pictures show organs, including brains, have been stripped - and some bodies dismembered.” [2]
What kind of human animal would do this to the most helpless in society? Do these kind of people deserve the title “doctor?”
“[Doctor] Josef Mengele was the infamous Angel of Death at the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz, Poland. As a doctor with Hitler's dreaded SS seeking to unlock a genetic basis for a superior race, he conducted macabre experiments, primarily on twin inmates, using them like laboratory animals.” [3]
An article in the Vancouver Sun of January 20, 2007, stated, “A woman was naturally pregnant with twins, but wanted only one baby. She said that unless the physicians ‘got rid of one baby’ she would abort both.” The article goes on to say, “An article in the New England Journal of Medicine described how one baby was killed with an injection of potassium chloride into its heart, both were left in utero and at term one live baby was born and one shrunken fetus delivered.” This type of killing is called the ‘selective reduction process’ or could be called killing by “choice.”
These words have been said over and over again about the Nazis: “Why did the German people allow this to happen?” Now the question must be asked today: “Why are we allowing state-authorized killing of the smallest, weakest human beings? Today in our society under the slogan of “choice” we kill our young. Some babies even survive the abortion/killing process, but are left to die. Hypocrisy and depravity have been legitimized, and many of the political “leaders” in our world are boasting and trumpeting they are in favor of “freedom of choice” to kill the child in the womb. These same politicians babble on about “human rights” while at the same time deny rights to the children in the womb.
In addition, decent people who speak out against these atrocities are ridiculed and reviled. Some are even arrested for daring to show the truth. (Today’s Gestapo, perhaps?) And the slaughtered, dismembered bodies of these little innocents are hidden from sight. Even most of our so-called “free press” and TV media condone and cover up the atrocities. (except of course if it’s spotted owls, whales, bears, fish, or seals who are being slaughtered--then they publicize it ad nauseam) No wonder newspaper circulation is declining and the TV media have lost credibility; propaganda disguised as news does not fool those who seek the truth. We have a holocaust of the innocents in our midst. Over 100,000 children in the womb are slaughtered yearly in Canada and at least 46 million world-wide. This is state-sanctioned killing under the banner of “choice.” And most of the present day media, politicians and elites parrot their choice propaganda.
“The effective propagandist must be a master of the art of speech, of writing, of journalism, of the poster and of the leaflet. He must have the gift to use the major methods of influencing public opinion such as the press, film and radio to serve his ideas and goals, above all in an age of advancing technology.” [4] (Josef Goebbles)
The technology of today allows us to see the child in the womb via ultrasound and people get pictures of their child and show them off proudly, when the child is wanted. Then there is the other evil use of this technology to kill these innocents because they are unwanted. Today’s gas chamber is the womb and today’s executioners are the abortionists. And some of these abortionists even get “honored” for their grisly “work.” The Nazi mentality lives on today and tragically, and frighteningly, we have been conditioned to accept the killing. For as the saying goes, “There are none so blind as those who cannot see.”
Stephen J. Gray
November 16, 2008.
Note: See the killing of today’s unwanted at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Endnotes:
[1] http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/editorials/story.html?id=399d2bcc-3bae-42d6-b4d5-7a734339a4e1
[2] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6171083.stm
[3] http://www.posner.com/articles/mengele.htm
[4] http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/goeb59.htm
Before the Nazis came for the Jews, they were killing the handicapped, sick and disabled children and others deemed “unworthy of living,” in German society. Now fast forward to our world of today and we have our own helpless innocent lives declared unworthy of living.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana
A Lifesite article of November 13, 2008, by Hilary White, had the headline,
“Australian Committee Proposal to Pay Mothers to Abort Disabled Babies Compared to Nazis” The article went on say this:
“The Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development has been slammed by Queensland Senator Ron Boswell for holding to Nazi-style eugenic ideology on the abortion of disabled children.” Senator Boswell is quoted in the article as saying: “This is the kind of thinking that was typical of the Hitler regime. They set themselves up as judge of who deserved to live and who deserves to die.” (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/nov/08111305.html)
And the Ottawa Citizen of November 10, 2008, had this to say about those diagnosed with Down Syndrome:
“Consider how prenatal testing has affected the Down syndrome community. It used to be that only the fetuses of women over 35 were tested for the extra chromosome that causes the condition. Now, in some jurisdictions, women of all ages are tested, and 90 per cent of fetuses with the defect are aborted.” [1]
Today these little innocents are the lives deemed unworthy of living, only we call it “choice.”
Who would have believed that a world that condemned the atrocities of Nazism would now be engaged in similar “work.” One wonders if Josef Mengele, the infamous Nazi doctor, were alive today if he would be an enthusiastic participant in the abortion industry? The mentality--that there are lives unworthy of living--is the same so it would make sense that he would.
Another horrifying example of where “choice” has led us is the stem cell industry. A BBC story headlined, “Ukraine babies in stem cell probe” had this to say:
“There is a trade in stem cells from aborted foetuses, amid unproven claims they can help fight many diseases.
“But now there are claims that stem cells are also being harvested from live babies. …
“The BBC has spoken to mothers from the city of Kharkiv who say they gave birth to healthy babies, only to have them taken by maternity staff.
“In 2003 the authorities agreed to exhume around 30 bodies of foetuses and full-term babies from a cemetery used by maternity hospital number six.
“One campaigner was allowed into the autopsy to gather video evidence. She has given that footage to the BBC and Council of Europe.
“In its report, the Council describes a general culture of trafficking of children snatched at birth, and a wall of silence from hospital staff upwards over their fate.
“The pictures show organs, including brains, have been stripped - and some bodies dismembered.” [2]
What kind of human animal would do this to the most helpless in society? Do these kind of people deserve the title “doctor?”
“[Doctor] Josef Mengele was the infamous Angel of Death at the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz, Poland. As a doctor with Hitler's dreaded SS seeking to unlock a genetic basis for a superior race, he conducted macabre experiments, primarily on twin inmates, using them like laboratory animals.” [3]
An article in the Vancouver Sun of January 20, 2007, stated, “A woman was naturally pregnant with twins, but wanted only one baby. She said that unless the physicians ‘got rid of one baby’ she would abort both.” The article goes on to say, “An article in the New England Journal of Medicine described how one baby was killed with an injection of potassium chloride into its heart, both were left in utero and at term one live baby was born and one shrunken fetus delivered.” This type of killing is called the ‘selective reduction process’ or could be called killing by “choice.”
These words have been said over and over again about the Nazis: “Why did the German people allow this to happen?” Now the question must be asked today: “Why are we allowing state-authorized killing of the smallest, weakest human beings? Today in our society under the slogan of “choice” we kill our young. Some babies even survive the abortion/killing process, but are left to die. Hypocrisy and depravity have been legitimized, and many of the political “leaders” in our world are boasting and trumpeting they are in favor of “freedom of choice” to kill the child in the womb. These same politicians babble on about “human rights” while at the same time deny rights to the children in the womb.
In addition, decent people who speak out against these atrocities are ridiculed and reviled. Some are even arrested for daring to show the truth. (Today’s Gestapo, perhaps?) And the slaughtered, dismembered bodies of these little innocents are hidden from sight. Even most of our so-called “free press” and TV media condone and cover up the atrocities. (except of course if it’s spotted owls, whales, bears, fish, or seals who are being slaughtered--then they publicize it ad nauseam) No wonder newspaper circulation is declining and the TV media have lost credibility; propaganda disguised as news does not fool those who seek the truth. We have a holocaust of the innocents in our midst. Over 100,000 children in the womb are slaughtered yearly in Canada and at least 46 million world-wide. This is state-sanctioned killing under the banner of “choice.” And most of the present day media, politicians and elites parrot their choice propaganda.
“The effective propagandist must be a master of the art of speech, of writing, of journalism, of the poster and of the leaflet. He must have the gift to use the major methods of influencing public opinion such as the press, film and radio to serve his ideas and goals, above all in an age of advancing technology.” [4] (Josef Goebbles)
The technology of today allows us to see the child in the womb via ultrasound and people get pictures of their child and show them off proudly, when the child is wanted. Then there is the other evil use of this technology to kill these innocents because they are unwanted. Today’s gas chamber is the womb and today’s executioners are the abortionists. And some of these abortionists even get “honored” for their grisly “work.” The Nazi mentality lives on today and tragically, and frighteningly, we have been conditioned to accept the killing. For as the saying goes, “There are none so blind as those who cannot see.”
Stephen J. Gray
November 16, 2008.
Note: See the killing of today’s unwanted at: http://www.AbortionNo.org
Endnotes:
[1] http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/editorials/story.html?id=399d2bcc-3bae-42d6-b4d5-7a734339a4e1
[2] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6171083.stm
[3] http://www.posner.com/articles/mengele.htm
[4] http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/goeb59.htm
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Orville the Outcast
Orville the Outcast
Orville wondered what was happening to his country. Had he become an outcast? He had tried to get involved in the democratic process by putting his name forward as a candidate for election. But had been refused. He asked why the refusal and was told he did not qualify for the percentage candidacy required in the democratic party. The reasons given: He was not a woman, or a lesbian. He was not trans-gendered, multi -gendered, bisexual, metro-sexual or homosexual. Nor was he height challenged, weight challenged, youth challenged or age impaired. Nor was he of minority status.
Orville wondered just what was his status in the land of today? Was he not fit for public office? Was he a pariah? How had this happened to him? Was there anyone who could help him or give him advice on this matter? A friend suggested he should go to the Human Rights Commissars (HRC) and inquire about his rights.
Orville phoned them and asked if he could make an appointment. He was asked, “did he have any special status in the community?” Orville replied, “what is that?”
“Are you from a designated, deprived, disenfranchised group” asked the HRC staff person. “What does that mean?” asked Orville. “Come in right away and see us, and we’ll explain,” said the HRC spokesperson, “and we’ll see if your case qualifies for a rights test.”
Orville was pleased, at last somebody would help him with his rights. He felt his faith in his democratic country was being restored. Orville drove down to the HRC building. It was an imposing place and looked very dignified. (as it should with all the taxpayers dollars that maintained it) He entered the building and approached one of the HRC staff. “My name is Orville and I have come about my case for a rights test.” “This way sir to the hearing room,” said the staff member. Orville entered the hearing room and noticed the slogan on the wall which said: “We’ll make rights for you. Provided you are the right person, to have rights.”
Just then a door opened in the wall of the HRC rights office and a person appeared of neutral gender. “You must be Orville,” said the pleasant person. “That’s right,” said Orville. “Welcome to the HRC,” said the rights person. “I am the duly appointed commissar of the rights division in this part of the country. How may I help you with your case regarding rights?”
“I believe my rights have been violated by my democratic party,” said Orville, “and I also feel discriminated against.”
“Wow, this sounds very serious,” said the HRC commissar. “We can’t have this happening in a free and democratic country. Can we? Tell me about it.”
“I wanted to run as a candidate for my democratic party but have been told I do not qualify,” said Orville. “What are the reasons given for refusing you?” asked the HRC commissar.
Orville replied, “I have been told I am not within the percentage quota for my constituency. I must be a woman, lesbian, gay, trans-gendered, multi-gendered, bisexual, trans-sexual, homosexual, multi-sexual or any other designated minority by my democratic party before I can run for office.” “Are you of any of the important aforementioned designations,” asked the HRC commissar. “No,” said Orville. “I am just an ordinary working guy with a wife and children. I go to church on a Sunday. Do volunteer work, have a mortgage, watch hockey and other sports. Contribute to charity. Do not receive any government grants, and want to be involved in the democratic process by running for public office in my democratic party.”
“I cannot help you.” said the HRC commissar. You are not a designated, deprived, disenfranchised person. Your case has no hope of being successful. Case dismissed.”
Orville left the building and headed home. He felt discriminated against and knew his rights had been violated. But this was “normal” in his country today. After all, he was, Orville the outcast.
Stephen J. Gray
November 26, 2007.
Orville wondered what was happening to his country. Had he become an outcast? He had tried to get involved in the democratic process by putting his name forward as a candidate for election. But had been refused. He asked why the refusal and was told he did not qualify for the percentage candidacy required in the democratic party. The reasons given: He was not a woman, or a lesbian. He was not trans-gendered, multi -gendered, bisexual, metro-sexual or homosexual. Nor was he height challenged, weight challenged, youth challenged or age impaired. Nor was he of minority status.
Orville wondered just what was his status in the land of today? Was he not fit for public office? Was he a pariah? How had this happened to him? Was there anyone who could help him or give him advice on this matter? A friend suggested he should go to the Human Rights Commissars (HRC) and inquire about his rights.
Orville phoned them and asked if he could make an appointment. He was asked, “did he have any special status in the community?” Orville replied, “what is that?”
“Are you from a designated, deprived, disenfranchised group” asked the HRC staff person. “What does that mean?” asked Orville. “Come in right away and see us, and we’ll explain,” said the HRC spokesperson, “and we’ll see if your case qualifies for a rights test.”
Orville was pleased, at last somebody would help him with his rights. He felt his faith in his democratic country was being restored. Orville drove down to the HRC building. It was an imposing place and looked very dignified. (as it should with all the taxpayers dollars that maintained it) He entered the building and approached one of the HRC staff. “My name is Orville and I have come about my case for a rights test.” “This way sir to the hearing room,” said the staff member. Orville entered the hearing room and noticed the slogan on the wall which said: “We’ll make rights for you. Provided you are the right person, to have rights.”
Just then a door opened in the wall of the HRC rights office and a person appeared of neutral gender. “You must be Orville,” said the pleasant person. “That’s right,” said Orville. “Welcome to the HRC,” said the rights person. “I am the duly appointed commissar of the rights division in this part of the country. How may I help you with your case regarding rights?”
“I believe my rights have been violated by my democratic party,” said Orville, “and I also feel discriminated against.”
“Wow, this sounds very serious,” said the HRC commissar. “We can’t have this happening in a free and democratic country. Can we? Tell me about it.”
“I wanted to run as a candidate for my democratic party but have been told I do not qualify,” said Orville. “What are the reasons given for refusing you?” asked the HRC commissar.
Orville replied, “I have been told I am not within the percentage quota for my constituency. I must be a woman, lesbian, gay, trans-gendered, multi-gendered, bisexual, trans-sexual, homosexual, multi-sexual or any other designated minority by my democratic party before I can run for office.” “Are you of any of the important aforementioned designations,” asked the HRC commissar. “No,” said Orville. “I am just an ordinary working guy with a wife and children. I go to church on a Sunday. Do volunteer work, have a mortgage, watch hockey and other sports. Contribute to charity. Do not receive any government grants, and want to be involved in the democratic process by running for public office in my democratic party.”
“I cannot help you.” said the HRC commissar. You are not a designated, deprived, disenfranchised person. Your case has no hope of being successful. Case dismissed.”
Orville left the building and headed home. He felt discriminated against and knew his rights had been violated. But this was “normal” in his country today. After all, he was, Orville the outcast.
Stephen J. Gray
November 26, 2007.
Ballyhoo in Bali
Ballyhoo in Bali
Everybody who was anybody had come to the hot air of Bali. They had come to “save the planet.” They were all dedicated to cutting emissions by issuing emissions. They were dedicated to “green growth.” It was a gathering of “jolly green giants,” estimated in the thousands, all with “carbon footprints” in the Bali sands of time. All that was needed was a green national anthem, the “Green Green Grass of Home” perhaps? Still, these green people had all left home for the paradise of Bali to save the world. One would have thought a more appropriate country to hold their green talks would have been Greenland. But, I guess you can’t get a suntan there and beautiful Bali is a more comfortable climate for the world’s “leaders.”
Hearing most of the world’s “leaders” were in Bali was “good news” for the people at home. Now there was less political pollution and emissions, and hopefully the politicians and their camp followers might decide to stay there. Still, knowing that the politicians and their helpers were in “control” in Bali was surely “comforting” to all the masses. All the elites had arrived in jets leaving a trail of carbon emissions on their way. There were film stars, rock stars, political stars (only in their own minds) and just plain ordinary, starry-eyed, green, planet-savers, all here for the great gathering of the Greenies and for an emission-controlled world.
It was reported by an eminent emissionary that there was some discussion “whether emission cuts should be mandatory or voluntary.” No doubt they will be “mandatory” and those tax-paying serfs in the western world will pay the brunt in taxation. Taxing for a “green planet” is a green-sent slogan that no doubt the green politicians will use to tax the masses. They might call the tax “Benefits from Bali” or some other feel-good utterance, and tell us that we are all “moving forward,” or “going forward,” to the green promised land. Or as one newspaper reported, “The 15,000 delegates, lobbyists, protesters and hangers-on at the UN conference are leaving Bali with deep tans and an even deeper sense of their own rectitude.” No doubt all were praising the green man of our times Al Bore, oops, I mean Al Gore, who has been described as “Climate change’s single most important messenger to the world.”
Still, “messenger” Al’s green world is profitable for him, according to one newspaper: “Gore commands between £50,000 and £85,000 a speech…” on the green band-wagon. Al is on record as enlightening us with this gaseous green gem: “Without realizing it, we have begun to wage war on the earth itself…” Is this what is meant by a “war of words?” Al was also quoted in a newspaper as saying: “I am going to speak an inconvenient truth: my own country, the United States, is principally responsible for obstructing progress here in Bali,…” And that emission from Al got him a huge round of cheers and applause. This no doubt cheered everybody up, after seeing the sad spectacle of another important green man break down in tears at the thought of a green-challenged planet.
A final agreement was reached and the planet would be saved. All would now fly back home leaving a trail of carbon emissions and other droppings . Then, when, home they would report the great news to their populaces that they had saved the earth amidst much hot air and ballyhoo in Bali.
Stephen J. Gray
December 16, 2007.
Everybody who was anybody had come to the hot air of Bali. They had come to “save the planet.” They were all dedicated to cutting emissions by issuing emissions. They were dedicated to “green growth.” It was a gathering of “jolly green giants,” estimated in the thousands, all with “carbon footprints” in the Bali sands of time. All that was needed was a green national anthem, the “Green Green Grass of Home” perhaps? Still, these green people had all left home for the paradise of Bali to save the world. One would have thought a more appropriate country to hold their green talks would have been Greenland. But, I guess you can’t get a suntan there and beautiful Bali is a more comfortable climate for the world’s “leaders.”
Hearing most of the world’s “leaders” were in Bali was “good news” for the people at home. Now there was less political pollution and emissions, and hopefully the politicians and their camp followers might decide to stay there. Still, knowing that the politicians and their helpers were in “control” in Bali was surely “comforting” to all the masses. All the elites had arrived in jets leaving a trail of carbon emissions on their way. There were film stars, rock stars, political stars (only in their own minds) and just plain ordinary, starry-eyed, green, planet-savers, all here for the great gathering of the Greenies and for an emission-controlled world.
It was reported by an eminent emissionary that there was some discussion “whether emission cuts should be mandatory or voluntary.” No doubt they will be “mandatory” and those tax-paying serfs in the western world will pay the brunt in taxation. Taxing for a “green planet” is a green-sent slogan that no doubt the green politicians will use to tax the masses. They might call the tax “Benefits from Bali” or some other feel-good utterance, and tell us that we are all “moving forward,” or “going forward,” to the green promised land. Or as one newspaper reported, “The 15,000 delegates, lobbyists, protesters and hangers-on at the UN conference are leaving Bali with deep tans and an even deeper sense of their own rectitude.” No doubt all were praising the green man of our times Al Bore, oops, I mean Al Gore, who has been described as “Climate change’s single most important messenger to the world.”
Still, “messenger” Al’s green world is profitable for him, according to one newspaper: “Gore commands between £50,000 and £85,000 a speech…” on the green band-wagon. Al is on record as enlightening us with this gaseous green gem: “Without realizing it, we have begun to wage war on the earth itself…” Is this what is meant by a “war of words?” Al was also quoted in a newspaper as saying: “I am going to speak an inconvenient truth: my own country, the United States, is principally responsible for obstructing progress here in Bali,…” And that emission from Al got him a huge round of cheers and applause. This no doubt cheered everybody up, after seeing the sad spectacle of another important green man break down in tears at the thought of a green-challenged planet.
A final agreement was reached and the planet would be saved. All would now fly back home leaving a trail of carbon emissions and other droppings . Then, when, home they would report the great news to their populaces that they had saved the earth amidst much hot air and ballyhoo in Bali.
Stephen J. Gray
December 16, 2007.
Profiting from Starvation and Hunger?
Profiting from Starvation and Hunger?
“I suppose that's just capitalism but it's jolly disappointing. If society looked down on these funds then perhaps it would make a difference.”
Sir Michael Darrington (quoted in the The Times U.K. Newspaper, March 12, 2008.)
The funds Sir Michael was talking about are “hedge funds” that speculate in commodities.
The article in the Times newspaper also stated that Mr. Darrington “…has attacked speculators for driving up the price of wheat and fuelling famine in Africa.” If this is true, then we have reached a sorry state in the “financial markets” when wealthy human beings would take and make profits off the bodies of starving people. Are they human parasites that feed and suck their bloody paper profits from the hunger and misery of poverty-stricken men, women and children in poor countries? What kind of people would invest in “hedge funds” that profit from starvation?
A hedge fund manager had this to say: “Unfortunately, I think when people are trading commodities, I don't think they are even caring about social impact” (International Herald Tribune April 2, 2008) .
Will “the social impact” of this speculation in food, result in violence in poor countries around the world? Can we blame these starving people resorting to violence if the bread is being literally taken from their mouths by speculators in luxury office towers around the world?
“There are stocks of wheat and grain in the world, and crops are growing at the moment but funds are being set up as speculators see an opportunity to make some short-term money and someone has to pay for it (Sir Michael Darrington,The Times, U.K. March 12, 2008).
It is obvious who will “pay for it”: The poor and the hungry. Meanwhile, the fat cats of finance, who shuffle their paper “commodities” around the world and take their profits off the backs of the poor, enthuse over their “success” in the “markets” of money.
“When the fast money crowd sees things moving, they want to jump on. Until the bubble kind of bursts” (A hedge fund manager in International Herald tribune, April 2, 2008).
Perhaps the “bursts” will be more than the speculators expect. Starving people with empty bellies are going to be looking for the causes of their hunger. And if speculators are the reason the justified wrath of hungry people on the march will take some holding back. It could be these speculators will get more than they bargained for.
Stephen J. Gray
April 6, 2008.
“I suppose that's just capitalism but it's jolly disappointing. If society looked down on these funds then perhaps it would make a difference.”
Sir Michael Darrington (quoted in the The Times U.K. Newspaper, March 12, 2008.)
The funds Sir Michael was talking about are “hedge funds” that speculate in commodities.
The article in the Times newspaper also stated that Mr. Darrington “…has attacked speculators for driving up the price of wheat and fuelling famine in Africa.” If this is true, then we have reached a sorry state in the “financial markets” when wealthy human beings would take and make profits off the bodies of starving people. Are they human parasites that feed and suck their bloody paper profits from the hunger and misery of poverty-stricken men, women and children in poor countries? What kind of people would invest in “hedge funds” that profit from starvation?
A hedge fund manager had this to say: “Unfortunately, I think when people are trading commodities, I don't think they are even caring about social impact” (International Herald Tribune April 2, 2008) .
Will “the social impact” of this speculation in food, result in violence in poor countries around the world? Can we blame these starving people resorting to violence if the bread is being literally taken from their mouths by speculators in luxury office towers around the world?
“There are stocks of wheat and grain in the world, and crops are growing at the moment but funds are being set up as speculators see an opportunity to make some short-term money and someone has to pay for it (Sir Michael Darrington,The Times, U.K. March 12, 2008).
It is obvious who will “pay for it”: The poor and the hungry. Meanwhile, the fat cats of finance, who shuffle their paper “commodities” around the world and take their profits off the backs of the poor, enthuse over their “success” in the “markets” of money.
“When the fast money crowd sees things moving, they want to jump on. Until the bubble kind of bursts” (A hedge fund manager in International Herald tribune, April 2, 2008).
Perhaps the “bursts” will be more than the speculators expect. Starving people with empty bellies are going to be looking for the causes of their hunger. And if speculators are the reason the justified wrath of hungry people on the march will take some holding back. It could be these speculators will get more than they bargained for.
Stephen J. Gray
April 6, 2008.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Speech by Mr. B.S. Baloney, CEO of Financiers Unlimited
Speech by Mr. B.S. Baloney, CEO of Financiers Unlimited
Many of the experts of the financial world are assembled to hear one of their own speak. The speech begins.
“I am very pleased to appear before you today to update you on the financial crisis affecting us all. Let me say this, it is not, and I stress the word not, a time for gloom and doom. This is a time to renew ourselves and take advantage of the system we call the free market. The market is wallowing in cash, thanks to billions of taxpayer dollars supplied by governments. Whoever said, ‘Get the government out of the marketplace,’ was perhaps a little unkind. Our kind of people are only to happy to accept government welfare, oops I mean help when the need arises. And boy are we ever in need.( much nervous laughter ensues and some mild applause takes place.)
"We are in need because of our global greed, oops I mean need. We tried to help people. ( some cynical people might question that statement.) We gave them mortgages they could not afford. Then we sold this mortgage debt to each other through our financial institutions. Of course there were the usual inducements, finders fees, sellers fees, promotional fees, fees for fees and whatever fees one could incorporate into the deals. Some of us made huge profits and others say they took huge losses. The losers were those suckers, oops I mean the financial wizards who got to greedy and held on to the useless paper, oops I mean the debt packages for to long. But, I digress. Anyway, some financial ships started taking on water and were in danger of sinking until some governments bailed them out. And the good news is, some of the captains of these sinking financial ships got multi-million dollar severance packages. They profited from a massive loss, and of course that kind of “expertise” must be paid for. Now if that isn’t a plus for the system out of so many minuses, I don’t know what is!
"What is so encouraging is how our free enterprise system adapts to this kind of financial crisis. With the steady hands of some of our financial alumni working for the central banks of some governments, help was available from their taxpayers monies. Billions were lost ( notice no mention of billions in profits made) and taxpayers are paying the cost. This is how it should be. Every few years the system has to be milked and boy did we milk it good. The taxpayers came to the rescue. So, let’s hear it for the taxpayers. (A huge thunder of applause fills the room and a standing ovation ensues)
“Anyway, as I said earlier the free market is a wonderful system. Mind you, there are some big losers in this situation. They are the people who have lost the equity in their homes and are now being evicted because they cannot afford the mortgages. But, there is a bright side to this. We should be able to pick up this depressed real estate at bargain basement prices. Then we can start all over again to finance and sell these assets as a good buy. There are some people who want the government to subsidize or finance this real estate for the people being evicted. (Cries of shame and let the marketplace decide are heard from the assembled) This, I believe is a dangerous precedent. You cannot have governments interfering in the free markets because there is no free lunch.
"Thank you and don’t forget to pick up your income tax break receipt for attending my luncheon speech on the wonder of the free market”
Stephen J. Gray
March 15, 2007.
Many of the experts of the financial world are assembled to hear one of their own speak. The speech begins.
“I am very pleased to appear before you today to update you on the financial crisis affecting us all. Let me say this, it is not, and I stress the word not, a time for gloom and doom. This is a time to renew ourselves and take advantage of the system we call the free market. The market is wallowing in cash, thanks to billions of taxpayer dollars supplied by governments. Whoever said, ‘Get the government out of the marketplace,’ was perhaps a little unkind. Our kind of people are only to happy to accept government welfare, oops I mean help when the need arises. And boy are we ever in need.( much nervous laughter ensues and some mild applause takes place.)
"We are in need because of our global greed, oops I mean need. We tried to help people. ( some cynical people might question that statement.) We gave them mortgages they could not afford. Then we sold this mortgage debt to each other through our financial institutions. Of course there were the usual inducements, finders fees, sellers fees, promotional fees, fees for fees and whatever fees one could incorporate into the deals. Some of us made huge profits and others say they took huge losses. The losers were those suckers, oops I mean the financial wizards who got to greedy and held on to the useless paper, oops I mean the debt packages for to long. But, I digress. Anyway, some financial ships started taking on water and were in danger of sinking until some governments bailed them out. And the good news is, some of the captains of these sinking financial ships got multi-million dollar severance packages. They profited from a massive loss, and of course that kind of “expertise” must be paid for. Now if that isn’t a plus for the system out of so many minuses, I don’t know what is!
"What is so encouraging is how our free enterprise system adapts to this kind of financial crisis. With the steady hands of some of our financial alumni working for the central banks of some governments, help was available from their taxpayers monies. Billions were lost ( notice no mention of billions in profits made) and taxpayers are paying the cost. This is how it should be. Every few years the system has to be milked and boy did we milk it good. The taxpayers came to the rescue. So, let’s hear it for the taxpayers. (A huge thunder of applause fills the room and a standing ovation ensues)
“Anyway, as I said earlier the free market is a wonderful system. Mind you, there are some big losers in this situation. They are the people who have lost the equity in their homes and are now being evicted because they cannot afford the mortgages. But, there is a bright side to this. We should be able to pick up this depressed real estate at bargain basement prices. Then we can start all over again to finance and sell these assets as a good buy. There are some people who want the government to subsidize or finance this real estate for the people being evicted. (Cries of shame and let the marketplace decide are heard from the assembled) This, I believe is a dangerous precedent. You cannot have governments interfering in the free markets because there is no free lunch.
"Thank you and don’t forget to pick up your income tax break receipt for attending my luncheon speech on the wonder of the free market”
Stephen J. Gray
March 15, 2007.
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Godfather on Wall Street
The Godfather on Wall Street
The Godfather has gathered the family together for their annual meeting and business report.
The meeting opens:
The Godfather: “Hey boys, was I right or what?! I told you we should get into Asset Backed Company Paper (ABCP) and we did. You cannot beat an honest day’s work. We made big bucks selling this stuff and our profits were enormous. We got out at the top of the market. Now the business has tanked. But not to worry; we are still okay. I told you the last time we spoke that this ABCP business was a win-win situation for us—a legitimate business and no heavy lifting, just moving paper around and getting big fees for doing so. Of course, as I said earlier, the financial paper we were selling is now toilet paper, but at least we didn’t get wiped. This paper-moving business was a great success while it lasted. Fees for fees and fees for selling. Fees for buying and fees for trying. It was great stuff. Now there is sadness on the street and the ABCP market is a hard sell. But hey, let us not complain since we made big money and the government is now bailing out other important financial wizards with taxpayers’ dollars, due to an illiquidity crisis.”
Big Tony: “Hey boss, what’s this illiquidity B.S.?”
The Godfather: “Tony, have you learned nothing since we moved to Wall Street? It means there is a cash flow problem.”
Big Tony: “Do you mean some of these guys have been robbing, pillaging and looting the financial system?”
The Godfather: “Tony, I wish you would show some decorum. Nobody robs, pillages or loots anyone on Wall Street. Everything is legitimate.”
Big Tony: “Well it sounds to me that there was some kind of malfeasance.”
The Godfather: “Where did you learn that word?”
Big Tony: “I heard a cop accuse us of it one time. And I liked the sound of it.”
The Godfather: “Okay, Tony, that’s enough. Now you know a big word. Let’s get back to my report. I love the free enterprise system. Where else can you make big bucks, and then, when your business goes in the dumpster, the government bails you out. And some of you guys in this family were critical when I took us legitimate! We have made money; nobody is in jail; and we are respectable businessmen. You cannot beat that. Still, I know some of you long for the old days and all its excitement. But hey, who wants to go back to illegal activities when we can make an honest buck in the financial markets?! This business venture of ours has taught us a good lesson, and that is, that ‘honesty is the best policy’ as the saying goes. And, of course, hard work pays off. Hell, we can sleep easy at night not worrying whether the cops are going to raid us. Instead, we are financial entrepreneurs with credentials and business cards as well. Now I’ll throw the floor open to questions. Big Tony, I see your hand up, what’s your question?”
Big Tony: “Now that this ABCP paper stuff is in the toilet, will we get a tax rebate if we show a loss on some of it?”
The Godfather: “Tony, you are getting brighter all the time. I see exposure to Wall Street has been good for you. The answer is yes, Tony, according to our accountant we should be able to claim some losses and expenses associated with the business.”
Big Tony: “Will we get taxed on the profits?”
The Godfather. “Tony, don’t ask silly questions about profits, you know everybody is talking about their big losses on this financial toilet paper. Nobody—nobody—is asking who made money or profited from it, and I emphasize that. Anyway, Tony, for your information our profits went offshore some time ago. This is good business practice; salt it away for a rainy day. I see there are no more questions, so let us adjourn and head for our tax-free haven in the sun and enjoy our hard earned money, along with the other businessmen who are taking a vacation from the stress and strain of Wall Street.
Stephen J. Gray
September 22, 2008.
The Godfather has gathered the family together for their annual meeting and business report.
The meeting opens:
The Godfather: “Hey boys, was I right or what?! I told you we should get into Asset Backed Company Paper (ABCP) and we did. You cannot beat an honest day’s work. We made big bucks selling this stuff and our profits were enormous. We got out at the top of the market. Now the business has tanked. But not to worry; we are still okay. I told you the last time we spoke that this ABCP business was a win-win situation for us—a legitimate business and no heavy lifting, just moving paper around and getting big fees for doing so. Of course, as I said earlier, the financial paper we were selling is now toilet paper, but at least we didn’t get wiped. This paper-moving business was a great success while it lasted. Fees for fees and fees for selling. Fees for buying and fees for trying. It was great stuff. Now there is sadness on the street and the ABCP market is a hard sell. But hey, let us not complain since we made big money and the government is now bailing out other important financial wizards with taxpayers’ dollars, due to an illiquidity crisis.”
Big Tony: “Hey boss, what’s this illiquidity B.S.?”
The Godfather: “Tony, have you learned nothing since we moved to Wall Street? It means there is a cash flow problem.”
Big Tony: “Do you mean some of these guys have been robbing, pillaging and looting the financial system?”
The Godfather: “Tony, I wish you would show some decorum. Nobody robs, pillages or loots anyone on Wall Street. Everything is legitimate.”
Big Tony: “Well it sounds to me that there was some kind of malfeasance.”
The Godfather: “Where did you learn that word?”
Big Tony: “I heard a cop accuse us of it one time. And I liked the sound of it.”
The Godfather: “Okay, Tony, that’s enough. Now you know a big word. Let’s get back to my report. I love the free enterprise system. Where else can you make big bucks, and then, when your business goes in the dumpster, the government bails you out. And some of you guys in this family were critical when I took us legitimate! We have made money; nobody is in jail; and we are respectable businessmen. You cannot beat that. Still, I know some of you long for the old days and all its excitement. But hey, who wants to go back to illegal activities when we can make an honest buck in the financial markets?! This business venture of ours has taught us a good lesson, and that is, that ‘honesty is the best policy’ as the saying goes. And, of course, hard work pays off. Hell, we can sleep easy at night not worrying whether the cops are going to raid us. Instead, we are financial entrepreneurs with credentials and business cards as well. Now I’ll throw the floor open to questions. Big Tony, I see your hand up, what’s your question?”
Big Tony: “Now that this ABCP paper stuff is in the toilet, will we get a tax rebate if we show a loss on some of it?”
The Godfather: “Tony, you are getting brighter all the time. I see exposure to Wall Street has been good for you. The answer is yes, Tony, according to our accountant we should be able to claim some losses and expenses associated with the business.”
Big Tony: “Will we get taxed on the profits?”
The Godfather. “Tony, don’t ask silly questions about profits, you know everybody is talking about their big losses on this financial toilet paper. Nobody—nobody—is asking who made money or profited from it, and I emphasize that. Anyway, Tony, for your information our profits went offshore some time ago. This is good business practice; salt it away for a rainy day. I see there are no more questions, so let us adjourn and head for our tax-free haven in the sun and enjoy our hard earned money, along with the other businessmen who are taking a vacation from the stress and strain of Wall Street.
Stephen J. Gray
September 22, 2008.
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