Homeland Security...U.S. Immigration & Naturalization. I fought Uncle Sam & won! Nasty nightmare ends...

Department of Injustice is more like it!

Readers of my daily blog may recall that a few months ago, I posted a blistering expose on Homeland Security & U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service.

In that compelling report, I noted that the INS lost Immigrant paperwork, and stalled and delayed the approval process for thousands of immigrants seeking legal status in the U.S.

Thereafter, when complaints were filed with Government Officials - the staff at local offices and at headquarters in Washington (D.C.) not only engaged in cover-ups - but retaliated against the complainants by denying their petitions waiting for a proper legal review.

Post: 06/12/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/immigrationpending-lawsuits-for.html

I expect that many Americans thought the allegations were wild, fabricated, or at least sensationalized a tad.

On the contrary, I was one of the "victims", so I knew from whence I spoke.

True, I cleverly penned the post without divulging my own personal struggles with the all-powerful Government Agencies involved.

I did so in a clandestine effort to avoid further recrimination (or deportation) from the INS and Homeland Security 'til a thorough investigation by the authorities could pave the way to Justice.

For me, it was a four-year nightmare!

During that time frame, I battled local officials who "lost" my paperwork in the Los Angeles Regional office and suffered through extreme hardships as I vowed to right the wrongs emanating from the main processing center back east where a nasty piece of work (Head of the Department) denied my petition when he learned that I filed a complaint with the Director of the INS in Washington, D.C.

But, the stressful battle did not end there.

When Michael Chertoff failed to take action, or even give me the courtesy of a reply, eventually the whole enchilada ended up in President Bush's lap in the Oval Office.

Indeed!

At this juncture, upper-level INS Officials, and corrupt cronies of the Secretary of Homeland Security - Michael Chertoff - buttoned down the hatches and the cover-ups surged forward.

Oh, and there was one tussle with ICE, in which I was bodily injured by two strapping officers, and required emergency hospitalization.

After that, I essentially ended up in a no-man's land, in static limbo at the INS Benefits Center, for a couple of years.

Then, there was a curious turn-of-events this week.

When I innocently cruised over to pick up my mail, I spied an envelope from the INS in my box.

Eureka!

The notice was issued to inform me that my petition for a renewal of my legal status in the United States was approved!

Today, a second envelope arrived from the heartland, with my spanking new Alien Registration card snugly inside.

"Welcome to the United States," a glossy pamphlet screamed out as it fell on the counter in front of me.

The four-year ordeal was over!

And now, I intend to tell the shocking tale in the next day or two in a post I'll publish at this blog site.

I trust that when I do, the disturbing conduct of INS Staff and the deceitful illegal machinations of their superiors at Homeland Security and in the White House - George W. Bush, too - will result in a cry for reform.

And, that the revelations, will ultimately hasten along justice for all other immigrants currently suffering through the abyss that is the INS, which I have just been rescued from.

Come back, and read all about it, eh?

Would you trust this man?

http://www.julianayrs.com

George Bush...regrets Iraq intelligence data incorrect!

Now that the George Bush presidency has started to wind down, the feisty Texan has had the opportunity to reflect a little on his term in office, as he prepares to pack his saddle bags and mosey on back to the ranch.



In an interview with Charlie Gibson on ABC News, the oft-criticized political leader startled viewers around the country when he fessed up about one blunder in particular.



Iraq.



On the highly-rated night-time news show, Bush noted for the record - when asked about his legacy - that his biggest regret was getting the intelligence wrong in Iraq.



"I think I was unprepared for War," he admitted without shame.



Funny that.



In a conversation with a friend the other day, I pointed out that when Bush took office, he was dealt a bad hand.



If you recall, shortly after he took office, 9/ll - an terrorist attack unprecedented in U.S. History - fell in his lap out of the clear blue sky one day.



Bush was inclined to argue further.



"I didn't anticipate War. One of the things about the modern presidency is that the unexpected will happen."



In sum, Bush noted that he didn't campaign with the promise that if the American people voted for him he'd be able to handle an attack.



Fortunately.



John McCain sought votes on that premise and he lost the election!

George Bush...burned in effigy in Iraq! "Troops out now" cry protestors!

An effigy of George Bush - attired in a snappy business attire with briefcase in hand - twisted in the wind for hours before being dragged from its perch and set afire - as Iraq army snipers squatted atop rooftops on-the-ready to tackle any outbreaks of violence in the streets.

As far as the eye could see, thousands of Iraq citizens knelt in prayer, as clerics openly denounced a Status of Forces Agreement that parliament was preparing to vote on next week.

Although the terms of the agreement stipulated a withdrawal of U.S. forces by the end of next June (2009) and set a deadline for December 31 (2011) the anxious crowd was skeptical.

Some accused the government of not setting any withdrawal deadlines, while others quite blatantly expressed their opinion that even if the terms were specific, both the U.S. government and Iraqi officials could not be trusted to follow through on any signed agreement.

When asked when they'd like to see the U.S. troops take leave, a few vocal protestors were quite adamant in their responses.

"We want them to leave today."

On the practical side, hard-line loyalists assert that there would be less violence in the streets if the U.S. troops were to go home.

Some also pointed out that when the initial occupation began, Iraqi citizens did not anticipate (too naive, maybe?) that six years later there would be intermittent electricity, tainted sewage spilling into the city streets, and military checkpoints stalling thoroughfares and sparking sporadic bombings here and there about the city.

Although some allege they are not familiar with the terms mapped out in the pact, events in recent days signal that perhaps they'd prefer not to know.

After all, when Prime Minister Nouri attempted to read the pact on the Parliament floor, legislators loyal to the opposition were inclined to disrupt the proceedings which led to an open brawl in the chamber.

Maybe that was a calculated maneuver to stall the proceedings?

If a vote is not held early next week before a scheduled holiday, parliament may have trouble meeting the Dec. 31st deadline when the United Nations mandate governing the presence of the U.S. troops expires.

In essence, if the agreement isn't passed by then, American forces will have no legal basis for being in Iraq.

Political analysts are doubtful that the opposition can rustle up sufficient support to prevent the pact from eventually passing.

However, if it slides through with a slim margin, some argue that it could give the Mahdi Army militia an excuse for resuming attacks on the U.S. and Iraqi security forces.

From the sidelines, Iraqi citizens view the whole process with disdain.

"This is a normal consequence, more fighting," one student lamented.

Will the turmoil ever end?

All eyes are turned towards president-elect Barack Obama for the answer, in the final analysis.

George Bush...11th Hour rape of environment. Prez sticks it to Americans!

One news flash noted that a bid by George Bush to drill for oil in a sensitive land preserve was turned down by the Federal Court of Appeal.

In another report, the President announced his 11th hour plan - while thumbing his nose at the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Al Gore, no doubt - to speed up new rules for oil shale development across 2 million acres in the West.
In fact, an auction has already been scheduled for drilling rights alongside three National parks, according to insiders.

Sly plans have also been set into motion to finalize changes in envronmental rules and regulations geared towards protecting endangered species, to allow more mining waste to flow into rivers and streams and exempt factory farms from reporting air pollution.

Researchers who track "midnight regulations" note that the unethical practice was highly regarded - and put to use - by Clinton and Reagan before him.

Allegedly, Bush has greenlighted 53 initiatives through the federal office of Information & Regulatory Affairs in the past three weeks.

One senior fellow (Veronique de Rugy) at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University charged that outgoing presidents have an incentive to "push bills" that the next administration won't be in favor of.

"It's your last chance to exert influence in the future."

Talk about hardball!

Obama needs to post a handful of neon signs around the White House right away.

No Dumping!

As to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, well, Bush's message is crystal clear.

Take a hike!

You don't have to read between the lines of the Court's "opinion" to fathom why.

Ruling on the 1st of several major new projects for tapping oil and gas deposits from the Arctic floor, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said that the Federal Government should have prepared a more exhaustive environmental review before concluding that the impact on whales, caribou, and other Arctic wildlife would either be insignificant or difficult to mitigate.

Consequently, the Bush appeal was rejected.

Part and parcel to their findings, the Court - which ruled 2-1 against the Bush administration on the issues - ordered the Federal Minerals Management Agency to prepare a more thorough review.

In view of the pending change of the guard at the White House in the near future, analysts have noted there obviously won't be sufficient time for Bush to take a second crack at getting his way.

So, in the alternative, the Prez is pulling the old switcheroo on unsuspecting Americans, who have been twiddling their thumbs waiting for his term to expire with a whimper.

No, sir.

Georgie-boy intends to go out with a bang!

Although the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal decision was not a certain victory - one of the plaintiffs in the court action in opposition to the Bush camp - made a statement for the record.

"If polar bears and other ice-dependent species are to survive as the Arctic melts in the face of global warming, we need to protect their critical habitat, not to turn it into an industrial zone."

Somebody better cry foul soon - and take appropriate action - before this country is sold down the river by Bush and his cronies.

Again!

A quote by Shulamith Firestone seems appropriate under the circumstances.

"Power, however it has evolved, whatever its origins, will not be given up without a struggle."

Barack Obama...George Bush photograph at White House amounts to intriguing symbology!

In the morning paper I was quite taken with a photograph which was shot in the Oval Office of the White House when Barack Obama met with George Bush this past week to discuss the transition of the reins of power in January (2009).

Barack and George (who were were photographed from behind) sat in two easy chairs half-turned to each other - and in the distance - the President's chair sat empty.

Symbolically, the imagery inferred that both men were turning their backs on the past and looking forward into the future.

If anything, the dramatic still left a lingering question.

What does the future hold?

George Bush...face reader confirms Bush uncertain about McCain!

The face is a reflection of the inner being...

Last night, George Bush was caught in a big lie, if you believe in the science of face reading.

Currently, law enforcement - for one - facilitates the practice to determine if a suspect is telling the truth during interrogations.

And, they swear by it.

An analysis of the facial expressions of a person when they're talking - muscle twitches, eye movement, and obvious tension in areas surrounding the mouth, for instance - is capable of determining if the individual is holding back, fudging on the facts, or telling a bold-faced lie.

According to an expert in the field - who analyzed the Prez's facial expressions during his speech at the Republican Convention on Wednesday evening - Bush was not entirely forthcoming about his feelings for John McCain.

For instance, when Mr. Bush noted for the record that he thought McCain was ready to lead, a pained smile and a parsing of the lips signalled to the interpreter that Bush was not convinced of that fact, at all.

Ah, gotcha, George!

George Bush...Quote! He said what?

Bush's cosmic dance...


George and Laura Bush attended service at a local Protestant Church in Beijing yesterday.

Later in the day, the President met with three top Chinese Officials and was inclined to expound on the joy and privilege of worship in China.

I expect a few people were a little dumbfounded when Bush blurted out,

"You know, it goes to show you that God is Universal."

Duh!

George - did you just figure that one out - or was it a Divine revelation heaven sent?

George Bush...musters up ba**s to criticize Chinese Government!

U.S. Embassy transparent...


On the occasion of the unveiling of the $434 million-dollar U.S. Embassy in Beijing, President Bush surprised quite a few folks when he slyly jumped on the opportunity to criticize China's continued acts of repression within its borders.

Once the dedication ceremonies were underway - and the President had basically taken care of the Nation's business - he was inclined to expound on his thoughts about free speech.

"We strongly believe societies which allow free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful."

When you consider his remarks were made on Chinese soil - well - it was a pretty ba**sy thing to do.

Now - I expect - they'll cut 'em off and serve them up as a delicacy!

But, Hail to the Chief, anyway.

The Foreign Minister was quick to put the PREZ in his lowly place, though.

"We firmly oppose any words or acts which interfere in other countries' internal affairs, using human rights and religion and other issues."

If the President's motorcade disappears, we'll know just how much of an affront the remarks were to the Chinese.

And, one more thing, George.

Get yourself a food taster you can trust, real fast!

Bush speaks in Beijing as Barack Obama looks on...

Vice President Cheney..."Dick" in wringer over "greenhouse gas" data manipulation! Executive Privilege? Coward's way out!

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall...


A probe to determine if the Bush Administration plotted to alter sworn Congressional testimony by a Federal Official in order to play down the threat of Global Warming has led to the door of Vice President Dick Cheney.

Now, on the heels of the accusatory finger-pointing, George Bush's sidekick in the Oval Office is taking the coward's way out and asserting Executive Privilege to avoid recrimination.

The scandal first found footing several months ago when the news magazine show - 60 Minutes - conducted an investigation into allegations by reputable scientists that the Bush Administration was suppressing crucial facts about greenhouse gases and their negative impact on the environment.

President Bush is opposed to mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, oil refineries, and other polluters on the grounds that such steps would drive up energy costs and hurt the economy.

During on-camera interviews at CBS Studios, a handful of environmental specialists noted that initially the Government forbade them from releasing any of their reports to the media.

The strict ultimatum was later abandoned in favor of a Government policy that stipulated that officials in Washington review all findings before they be released and made public.

After the new mandate was imposed, Scientists were later startled to uncover evidence that indicated Officials on the "Hill" not only manipulated data to minimize the impact of the findings - but, in some cases - edited out information in a deceitful effort to mislead the public about the seriousness of the alarming problem.

Then - a nasty tussle with Governor Schwarzenegger over a request for an EPA waiver - signaled something was definitely amiss in the corridors of power that went far beyond simple concerns about rising energy costs.

Although the Governor met all the criteria for the granting of a "waiver" he sought to impose stricter greenhouse gas regulations in the State of California, the request was summarily denied by the EPA on dubious grounds.

On the heels of the denial of the waiver, the office of the State Attorney General proceeded to file suit against the Government alleging wrongdoing. In addition, a Committee headed up by Senator Boxer began interrogating key witnesses to determine the facts.

At this juncture, shadowy figures behind-the-scenes in Washington, sought to hush up the truth.

For instance, when former EPA Administrator Johnson was asked to appear before Boxer, he noted for the record that he intended to relay to the committee that "greenhouse gas emissions" harm the environment.

In a follow-up letter to Boxer, Johnson confessed that an official in the office of the Vice President later called to ask him to change his proposed testimony. In spite of the arm-twisting from Washington officials, Johnson appeared as planned, and offered up the damning testimony in spite of their protests.

In addition, six pages of of testimony by Dr. Julie L. Gerberding (the Director for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention) were deleted in an underhanded effort to suppress the facts.

In recent days, an official has sworn that Cheney's office took that wrongful action to prevent Gerberdin's testimony about the dire health risks of climate change from seeing the light of day.

But the mind-boggling interference did not end there.

Jason K. Burnett (a former EPA Official) noted that last December he sent the White House an e-mail which underscored the importance of a Supreme Court ruling that related to greenhouse gas emission risks. After the communication was received, Burnett was summarily asked to testify that the missive was sent in error.

Brunett refused to comply with the request on the grounds that it was a bald-faced lie.

Undoubtedly, the stepped-up attempts by Washington Officials to interfere with the information-gathering by Boxer and others, is a scurrilous effort on the part of the Bush Administration to prevent a reversal of the Federal ruling denying California and other states permission to impose stricter emissions standards than the Federal Government allows.

Notwithstanding, efforts by Congressional Democrats to obtain documents pertaining to White House memos and other communications have been thwarted by Cheney's curious claim of "Executive Privilege".

Ah, there must be a smoking gun somewhere!

In sum, Boxer believes that history will judge George Bush and crony Cheney harshly.

"They're recklessly covering up a real threat to the American people they're supposed to be protect."

Yeah, their looking out for their own sorry political a**es!

U.S. Military...may conduct war maneuvers on Internet!

One of the main focuses of the Internet in recent years has been as a research tool, a social outlet for the curious masses, or as a means of touting opinions on the World-Wide-Web.

In recent days, Americans sat up and took notice when it became evident the Internet was also a powerful tool to influence the election process as well.

Now, U.S. Military officials are seeking ways to develop "virtual attacks" on enemies of the American way of life.

A spokesman for the military noted that initially agents limited their activities in this arena to diverting data packets that may have put National Data systems at risk.

At a meeting of the Association for Intelligence Officers recently, Lt. General Robert J. Elder Jr. noted that the military may facilitate network warfare in the future to interfere with an enemy communication system, for example.

In that event, the online maneuvers may replace the need for conventional weapons such as bombs, landmines, etc.

However, no such attack would be launched, Elder assured the media, without first considering the rules of engagement the military is normally mindful of in most military attack-mode scenarios.

In sum, there would be a formal declaration of war first, added Elder, at a New York Chapter meeting held in recent days.

Unbeknownst to many - myself included - apparently Cyber attacks were used by the U.S. Military in the early days of the Iraq war. So, the concept is not novel or far-fetched, to be sure.

On that occasion, Military experts jammed Iraq military systems, using the network attacks to thwart Iraq ground units from communicating with each other.

In view of the fact the "Homeland Security Act" is still in full force and effect, it occurred to me that it is wholly possible that the U.S. Military is surreptitiously scanning the bandwaves in the name of National Security right under our noses.

If so - will the American people ever be privy to the information that is gleaned - whether it is relevant or not to military intelligence or national security?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Thomas Jefferson once said,
"From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots."

Beverly Hills 213...slick glossy features & side-splitting "Brain Optional"

Each week, a newspaper carrier zips around ritzy Beverly Hills and tosses the latest cellophane-wrapped edition of Beverly Hills (213) on the front doorsteps of the tony elite in the ritzy enclave.

The splashy weekly is probably one of the last hold-outs - in extravagant wide-broadsheet format, anyway - with class written all over it.

Thin yes, but packed with eye-catching publicity shots of the latest designer fashions and accessories to grace the expensive racks on Rodeo Drive, and elsewhere.

A couple of known columnists grace the pages inside - James Bacon (who often wistfully reflects on the golden days of Hollywood and - likewise - a handful of old drinking cronies) and Rex Reed (who's inclined to chat over the latest little celluloid offering that has either revved up a delightful fanciful experience or prompted a hateful diatribe about the misguided musings of a hack writer).

To add a touch of clubiness to the publication. the editors usually reserve a page or two for the express purpose of featuring flattering stills of the town's upper echelon out-on-the-town at glitzy red-carpet premieres and charity functions - sure to spread good will - and keep hefty donations flowing into the coffers.

Recently, I was thumbing through the publication over lunch at Whole Foods when I stumbled across a funny entertaining feature.

"Brain Optional" managed to breathe some fresh air into a staid old-guard attitude that normally prevails between the covers.

The feature is a weekly collection of hilarious quotes lifted from the tongues of the famous - and not-so-famous - that tend to tickle the funny bone.


In the studio days, Sam Goldwyn was known for putting his foot in his mouth with side-splitting results. His off-the-wall remarks were either a simple misuse of language - or quite frankly - a calculated effort on his part to drum up publicity for his thriving business.

Some allege that Pete Smith - his publicity agent - collected a handful of the witticisms and distributed them to the newspaper and radio columnists to fan the flames and set Goldwyn apart from the competition.

His odd-ball comments became were known as "Goldwynisms".

Here's an example:

One evening, a friend of Mr. Goldwyn's was casually sipping on a cocktail, when he noticed a new abstract painting hanging on a prominent place on the wall.

"Where did you get the beautiful Picasso?"

Goldwyn peered at it for a moment, then responded:

"I don't remember. I think it was in Paris. Somewhere over there on the Left Wing."

On another occasion, when he wasn't feeling too well, he sighed to a friend,

"I've been laid up with intentional flu."

"He treats me like the dirt under my feet" is a favorite of mine; probably because I imagine it was a quip he made about an actor.

Another zinger - "I would be sticking my head in a moose" - was obviously inspired by that old circus trick where the "Master of Ceremonies" wows the audience by placing his head inside the open jaws of a powerful lion.

Two famous ones attributed to Goldwyn are:

"An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."

And, "Gentlemen, include me out."

And a show biz favorite I often use in film reviews:

"They stayed away in droves."

"Brain Optional" featured a handful of outrageously funny "Goldwynisms" in a recent issue which are attributed to various individuals in the public arena.

"It's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or the other."
George Bush

"Things are more like they are now than they ever were before."
Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Ninety percent of the game is half mental."
Yogi Berra

"The Streets are safe in Philadelphia. It's the people that make them unsafe."
Frank Rizzo

"Sure, its going to kill people. But, they may be dying of something else anyway."
Othal Brand
Texas Pesticide Review Board

"I haven't committed a crime. I failed to comply with the law."
David Dinkins
New York City Mayor
(Tax evasion issue)

"We have only one person to blame and that's each other."
Barry Beck
New York Ranger
(fight with player)

The above quote may starting popping up in conversations around California in the near future when gays start filing for divorces, I expect.

As the say at MGM, that's it folks!

George Bush...quote. Fools gold!

In response to the recent mortgage crisis, and cautioning against hasty measures by the government, Mr. Bush allegedly remarked,

"The challenge is not to do anything foolish."

Mr. Bush should know!

George Bush...military arms for oil? Sinister purpose of trip to Middle East revealed!

George Bush does "two-step"...


Curious, that.

As George Bush was touring the Middle East this past week the issue of supplying arms to Saudi Arabia popped up.

Mixed in with the talks, the topic of oil prices reared its ugly head, too.

Bush took the occasion to enlighten his "this-close" good friends in Saudi Arabia, that if the U.S. economy was "hurt" by oil shortages, common sense dictated there would not be much money available to purchase their precious product.

In sum, the President urged the Saudis to consider reducing the cost of the black gold, "...for one of their best customers".

Meanwhile, leaders in Saudi Arabia issued a release noting that oil-producing nations should take measures to ensure the oil market stays "healthy" and "competitive".

This evidently signaled the road that the Saudis and Bush will venture down next...

Negotiations no doubt focused on arms for oil?

Let the games begin!

George Bush...too late to abort! Voter disapproval up!

Last night, a newsman interviewing George Bush one-on-one, noted that the President's popularity was at an all-time low in the United States.

In response to the reporter's query about how he felt about that, Mr. Bush responded,

"Well, I'm not going to bend over into the fetal position because of it," he laughed somewhat maniacally.

No, George, it's a little too late to abort.

George Bush...quote of the day!

On a mission to the Middle East this week, in a bold-faced effort to engage in meaningful talks with Foreign leaders, George Bush responded to questions about checkpoint issues and a continuous State, with the following comment,

"Swiss Cheese is not going to work."

How about American cheddar?

North American Union...sinister plot to open borders and exploit cheap labor?

"You get the country you deserve," a protester said to me at a rally in front of the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard, in Westwood, California, under the watchful eye of the FBI on the 11th floor above.

I was heading over to the Democratic campaign headquarters at the Wadsworth Theatre when it suddenly dawned on me that candidate hopeful, Hillary Clinton, was not going to win the presidential race in 2008.

So, when I spied a rag-tag group of activists speaking out at a rally against the "Security and Prosperity Partnership" - signed by Bush, Fox, and Martin on March 23, 2005 - I was inclined to pull out my notepad and pen and nosey on over there.

At the podium, a handful of speakers were all fired up about a sinister plot to change the face of America.

In a nutshell, the speakers - which included two candidates running for Mayor - alleged that the "Security and Prosperity Partnership" (put into place in 2005) was the first stage of a bold-faced effort to open the borders and create a North American Union at the behest of Corporations who seek to stomp out the rights of the individual, eradicate the USA as we know it, and globalize the planet.

One speaker recalled the foreboding day that George W. Bush spoke about the NEW WORLD ORDER shortly after he was elected.

To many, at the rally, that was the first hint that powerful forces were at work to transform - and literally change the face of the Nation - with the ultimate aim of exploiting cheap labor, instituting socialism, and putting an end to the free world.

Additional stages are to follow, they warned.

Some stridently claimed that the reason the government has neglected to take action against illegal aliens, or secure the borders, is because there is a scheme underfoot to break the backs of the American people.

"Illegal aliens are the ground troops," one assured us.

Another charged that the conglomerates were pushing for the union of the three countries - Canada, the United States, and Mexico - with the ultimate aim of exploiting cheap labor, gaining control of all harbours, and making more profit.

In fact, there was evidence of the sinister plot, everywhere!

For example, one speaker noted that NAFTA highway corridors were now being designed and built to span from Mexico to Canada to serve as critical infrastructure to integrate North America.

And then, he pointed a finger at the NAFTA website where a single flag boldly flies - denoting the union of the three nations - proving their bold-faced theory that the plot has not only been hatched, but is already in the bag (pictured above)

www.nafta.sec-alena.org

And, of course the Supreme Court was in on it, too.

The reason the Chief Justices issued a ruling in favor of the "Eminent Domain" Law was to pave the way for the Corporations to fulfill their spurious goals.

When the talk turned to the devalued dollar that had not escaped the attention of the activists either.

The protesters insisted that the market was being manipulated, and the dollar deliberately devalued, to speed up a conversion to a spanking-new currency - the Amero - to compete with the Euro when the North American Union is ready to go forward in 2010.

Yes, everywhere you turned, there was a plot twist to fathom.

Why, even the infamous Illuminatie are involved!

And the reason you haven't heard about this in the press?

The anti-immigrant, anti-prosperity plan folks - spear-headed by "The John Birk's Society", "Ron Paul for President", and "Save our State" - and others - assert that a handful of rich men own all the media outlets, and thus, have prevented journalists from reporting the plot in the mainstream press.

Fortunately, they have me and my blog, to get the word out.

Ha!

Frankly, I don't know what to think.

At times the talk on the podium was beyond spirited; in fact, it was downright hateful. If an illegal immigrant innocently walked by that afternoon, surely, they would have been strung up and skinned alive.

Yeah, the "minute men" (self-appointed Border Patrol) were in attendance, too, scouring the terrain.

At one point, an angry speaker lamented that what was "going down" was not unlike the Nazi atrocities of yesteryear.

Another, warned about Karl Marx and socialism.

Yeah, a lot of swear words were bandied about!

Indeed, the speeches from the stage were rife with anger, smacked of conspiracy theories, and bordered on hysteria - at times.

In contrast, a pamphlet from the John Birch Society, argued the merits of each point; to the non-disbelieving, non-questioning, non-rational mind - the propaganda may have made sense!

In sum, the John Birk Society theorized that if the North American Union - opening the borders for trade purposes - is finalized, there will be: widespread job loss, stagnation, low median income, loss of National Independence, loss of Personal freedoms, higher taxes, and diminished health care.

Still, to my sane ears, a number of the speakers sounded like lunatics, consumed with paranoia, and hate.

Interestingly, when the activists handed out a flier about a National ID card, a light bulb went on inside my foggy noggin'.

Ah, a New World Order, a National ID card for reasons of commerce, Global Power...

Of course, Revelations!

The "mark" of the Beast.

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their hand, or in their foreheads."

"And no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

Revelations 13:11, 14, 16-17

Here is the wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.

George Bush crony...Ray L. Hunt signed secret pact with N. Iraq for oil exploration!

On the heels of reports that Ray L. Hunt signed a secret pact with the Kurds for oil exploration in N. Iraq - many concerned Americans were taking pause to wonder which came first - the horse or the cart?

Of course, it was always alleged that the United States attacked Iraq for the "oil", although reputable pundits and political analysts pooh-poohed the silly, hysterical thought!

However - in retrospect - the idea was not far-fetched.

For the record, it should be noted that Ray L. Hunt contributed $35,000,000.00 towards the purchase of land for the Bush Library. And, as a gesture of his appreciation, George W. Bush bestowed on Ray L. Hunt a prestigious post on the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.

Say what?

Some may recall in the cobwebs of the inner recesses of their minds that the Hunt family - from whence Ray L. was sprung - tried to corner the silver market a scant few years ago.

Nelson Bunker Hunt (born February 22, 1926) was an American oil company executive and chairman of Hunt Exploration and Mining Company (HEMCO) and the son of H. L. Hunt (deceased, 1974) whose oil empire started from poker wins which Nelson - nonetheless - inherited most of.

Nelson Bunker Hunt played a very significant role in the development of the oil fields in Libya which were later Nationalized by Muammar al-Gaddafi.

In 1973, the Hunt family of Texas - one of the richest families in America - hatched a scheme to buy precious metals as a hedge against inflation. Private citizens were barred from owning gold at that time, so the Hunts gobbled up silver in enormous quantities.

In 1979, the sons of H.L. Hunt (Nelson Bunker and William Herbert) and a handful of wealthy Arabs formed a silver pool. In a short span of time, they amassed more than 200 million ounces of silver equivalent to half the world's supply.

When the Hunt's started accumulating silver back in 1973 the price was in the $1.95 per-ounce range. By early 1979, the price shot up to $5 dollars. Remarkably - by early 1980 - the price stood at a whopping $50 dollars to later peak at $54 an ounce.

Once the silver market was cornered - outsiders sought a piece of the pie - but a combination of trading rules changed on the New York Metals Market (COMEX) and the intervention of the Federal Reserve caused the precarious game to come to a screeching halt.

The prices plummeted - a 50% one-day decline on March 27 (1980) - from $21.62 to $10.80.

The collapse of the silver market meant countless losses for speculators. Caught in the flap, the Hunt brothers declared bankruptcy.

By 1987, their liabilities had grown to nearly $2.5 billion against assets of $1.5 billion. After a thorough criminal investigation, the Hunts were convicted of conspiring to manipulate the market through an International Metals Investment Company in August of 1988.

Ray L. Hunt, subject of this post, stuck with oil reserves and scored big with a deal in Yemen.

At this juncture, Hunt moved into natural gas in Peru.

You know the old saying.

"There are no Nations, only Corporations."

And yes, the conglomerates have been special friends to the Bush's, believe me!

But, it's a two-way street; indeed, the shenanigans of the Hunt family - whether cloaked in the corporate veil or not - have prospered remarkably through ties with the Bush clan.

Unlike many of the powered-elite, Ray L. Hunt prefers to keep his name out of the papers.

For good reason.

In high society, it's often deemed gauche to have one's good name dragged through the spotlight - the focus of the lowly media - or used as fodder for the tabloids.

Limited intrusion by the press is a standard the old guard strictly adheres to.

For a Blue Blood, a requisite three presses releases are issued to the media during the course of his life which consist of a birth announcement, a formal notice of the "union" of two house in marriage, and - at the time of his demise - an understated obit.

But, Ray L Hunt's penchant for mystery may be motivated by his clandestine activities and the need for privacy. In fact, there has been a swirl of intrigue around his investments and business activities over the past year.

However, securing details about his private oil deals and investments is like pulling teeth, some say. Wild horses couldn't drag the info outta' him!

Democratic lawmakers moved forward on investigations pertaining to Hunt's oil exploration contract in Iraq last year, noting the company's ties to President Bush raised questions about whether insider information helped seal deals.

U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee) and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) asked Hunt to turn over all Iraq-related communication with the U.S. government by a set deadline.

The lawmakers also demanded that Ray Hunt (Hunt Oil's chief executive) submit copies of information he may have received about Iraq as a member of Mr. Bush's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.

A Hunt spokeswoman said the company would cooperate with the request for "certain limited information." Typical Bush language for "no way".

Of particular concern are the facts surrounding the biggest oil exploration contract to come out of Iraq since the war began - which has upset, for want of harsher words - the Iraqi Parliament.

The Iraqi oil Minister denounced the agreement as illegal, but there is no law in place, so that the issues may be pursued.

In recent months - a law was requested to regulate in respect to revenue sharing - but the talks stalled on occasion because of the release of information about the Hunt deal.

In retrospect, it appears that while the government was fervently pursuing an agreement on the much-touted oil revenue sharing law, Ray L. Hunt was cutting his own deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government - and some accuse - contributing to the death of the negotiations in Baghdad.

In fact, it has been reported by informed sources that Iraq-Arab leaders were angered by the Hunt machinations; after all, they perceived the deal as a Kurdish power-play for the country's oil reserves.

In the final analysis, the deal shattered fragile negotiations for peace and an agreement to share oil profis in the region with the Sunni, Shiites, and Kurds.

One reporter lamented in response,

"Was there any flappy-jowled howling outrage from the Republicans in Congress? Any bellowing accusations of undermining the mission of our troops from right-wing loudmouths like Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and Rush Limbaugh? Nope! Not a peep. Why? Ray is golden. Ray is untouchable. Ray is a "Loyal Bushie"."

It should be noted that Ray L. Hunt's power additionally resided in the fact he has held posts on the Board of Directors for Dresser Industries, EDS, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Pepsi, and Haliburton.

More disturbing is the revelation that he is also on the Board of the American Petroleum Institute, a lobbying organization for the oil and natural gas industry.

In the past, Hunt donated oodles of money to the Republican party; enough - in fact - to secure an appointment as the Finance Chairman of the Republican National Committee’s "Victory 2000" Committee.

But the real capper was yet to come.

In October 2001 (one month after 9/11) George W. Bush appointed him to the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory. In sum, the panel of outside elders oversee whether the Commander-in-Chief secures advice from the Intel community.

"The President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (PFIAB) provides advice to the President concerning the quality and adequacy of intelligence collection, of analysis and estimates, of counterintelligence, and of other intelligence activities. The PFIAB, through its Intelligence Oversight Board, also advises the President on the legality of foreign intelligence activities."

"Through meetings with intelligence principals, substantive briefings, and visits to intelligence installations, the PFIAB seeks to identify deficiencies in the collection, analysis, and reporting of intelligence; to eliminate unnecessary duplication and functional overlap; and to ensure that major programs are responsive to clearly perceived needs and that the technology employed represents the product of the best minds and technical capabilities available in the nation."

"In carrying out their mandate, the members of the PFIAB enjoy the confidence of the President and have access to all the information related to foreign intelligence that they need to fulfill their vital advisory role."

Mr. Hunt, 64, has not talked about his role on the intelligence board which meets about six times a year. Its members are all Presidential appointees with security clearances and much of their work is classified.

Former board members and intelligence experts allege the membership doesn't often deal with specific intelligence. Instead, it is hinted that they focus on broader concerns such as whether one agency is cooperating with another or how a training program is working.

"Their job is to advise the president about the efficiency of the intelligence systems and where things need to be changed," said Arthur S. Hulnick, a CIA veteran who is now an associate professor of international relations at Boston University.

"It is more management than substantive."

That said, members must study intelligence-gathering efforts if they are expected to judge how the system works, Mr. Hulnick said.

"They clearly have to see it, things like estimates and daily reports, finished intelligence and analyzed intelligence," he said.

If I recall correctly, wasn't one of the excuses that Bush made about the errors regarding "weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq due to "bad Intel"?

Mr. Waxman's committee have subpoena power.

"We are in the information-gathering stage," said Natalie Laber, a spokeswoman for Mr. Kucinich. "Before we hold hearings, we gather information."

Mr. Waxman (D-Calif) has held a series of contentious Iraq-related hearings in recent months. At one - Democrats grilled Blackwater - the State Department's private security contractor.

Members also investigated corruption in the Iraqi government.

In a climate of anti-oil, and accusations of invasions of Iraq for the development of rich oil fields, Mr. Bush has distanced himself from Mr. Hunt in the public arena.

In spite of the fact Hunt donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to get George Bush elected (and daddy, George Senior, too) and lobbied to build the Bush Presidential Library at SMC (with $35 million donated for the land purchase) our President claims he had no knowledge of the N. Iraq deal with the Kurds.

The accusations against Bush are typical. Critics allege he helped a big time contributor line his pockets at the expense of Iraqi peace.

Of course, the White house denies knowledge of the deal!

And, guess what? Ray L. Hunt is mum, too.

When Government officials dialed up Hunt for details, they were denied info.

His rep issued the following statement,

"We do not discuss deals with the United States Government."

Critics noted there was a simple way for the Government to determine how the deal came about.

Mr. Bush should call up his good buddy on his cell and ask point-blank, they argue matter-of-fact. In response, Mr. Bush stated for the record he was concerned about Hunt's deal if it jeopardized Iraq's ability to pass a National oil-sharing law.

In a letter to Hunt, Mr. Waxman and Mr. Kucinich asserted that Hunt's deal "may have undermined U.S. national policy of working toward the passage of an oil revenue sharing plan."

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's oil Minister was more strident and asserted Hunt's deal was illegal.

Congressional Democrats have jumped into the fray alleging that Hunt Oil managed to secure the deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government because it had insider information about the future of Iraq's National oil law.

"Ray Hunt is in a unique position to know what is happening in Iraq," said Rep. Edward Markey (Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming).

Hunt Oil's decision to enter Iraq was only based on information that - "was in the public domain" - asserted their public relations department.

Hunt Oil and the Kurdistan Regional Government have said that their deal complied with the National constitution and noted that the agreement called for sharing revenue with other regions of Iraq. They said Mr. Hunt's political relationships were irrelevant to the firm's decision to explore in Iraq.

"The outcome of the deliberations for the national hydrocarbons law will not affect this agreement one way or another," noted Qubad Talabani, a Washington representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The Government put a positive spin on the issue, nonetheless; with a straight face, representatives noted it was a good sign that investors wanted to put their money in Iraq.

Back to the question.

Which came first, the horse or the cart?

Some analysts have touted the turn of events as positive. They assert that machinations of Hunt Oil will motivate the three groups in Iraq to secure a National oil law to avoid future secret deals with Hunt and others.

Texas' Hunt Oil and the Kurdistan's regional government acknowledged publicly they had signed a production-sharing contract for petroleum exploration in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, the first such deal since the Kurds passed their own oil and gas law last August.

Meanwhile - a Hunt subsidiary began geological survey and seismic work with a plan for drill exploration to be underway fully by the end of 2008 - according to a press release issued a few months ago. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We're very pleased to have the opportunity to be a part of these landmark events by actively participating in the establishment of the petroleum industry," CEO Ray L. Hunt said in a prepared statement.

Revenue will be shared by the KRG throughout Iraq, consistent with the Iraq constitution and the Kurds' new petroleum law, issued by the Kurdistan National Assembly.

Despite Iraq's vast oil reserves, major International companies have basically sat on the sidelines - not only for security reasons - but because of the absence of legislation governing the industry and offering protection for investments.

Ashti Hawrami, the regional government's Minister of natural resources, argued that the Hunt deal is evidence the government's new oil and gas law created a "supportive and transparent business environment which promotes investment by international oil companies in our region for the benefit of all."

A major strategic goal of the signing may have been to resurrect an old pipeline route from Mosul in Kurdistan through Jordan and on to Israel. The pipeline would presumably follow the southern route on the map.

In the final analysis, critics assert that Hunt was in a position to know what Cheney and Bush would like to see happen in Iraq. Ultimately, because Hunt was privy to the grand strategy for the Middle East, it is alleged that he elected to seize the opportunity to use that knowledge for the profit of his own company and his family.

Investigators noted they intended to pursue the possibility that Hunt's connections with the intelligence community may have been more sinister; after all, a Hunt company aircraft was recorded landing at the CIA's training facility at Camp Peary (Virginia) in late November (2006).

There are some pressing questions as to whether Hunt's connection with CIA activities extend to covert activities in Iraq's Kurdistan.

Others speculate that Hunt may have allowed his company to be used as a commercial cover mechanism to ship arms and launder money for activities directed by the CIA.

More strident accusers claim outright that the Bush/Cheney White House used Hunt and his commercial enterprises to circumvent the legal requirements of informing Congress of covert activities by conducting such operations through the National Security Council (which Hunt is a member of) and the Department of Defense as "black operations" with no notification to Congress.

Hunt Oil, with its presence in Kurdistan, would be in an ideal position to serve as a commercial vehicle for such "black operations".

In time, perhaps the truth will be revealed. Do inquiring minds want to know?

In the interim, other oil companies have followed Hunt's lead in pacting oil deals with the Kurds. At last glance, the French company Perenco, had signed on.

Others will surely follow.

Then, what of the War in Iraq?