Falling off the Mountain, at Starlight News

[Nancy Waterman]

http://starlightnews.com

I wanted to get this up before I leave town tomorrow for a few days.

Just as the barren trees, the plummeting temperatures, and the forecast of snow tell of the coming of winter, so too do the bitter winds of international noncooperation and an avalanche of smothering deficit point to a waning of American influence and power. In perhaps the greatest irony of the dysfunctional Bush administration, militaristic and thuggish policies meant to ensure American hegemony for decades to come, have instead led to an unwinnable quagmire that is depleting our resources, as well as our global influence, while increasing the number of our enemies. In addition, fiscal policies of reckless irresponsibility have so weakened the dollar that fears abound of significantly higher interest rates to stem the growing flow of foreign investment out of the country. Many wonder how much longer the dollar will be able to remain the world’s leading currency if the rudderless Bush economic policies do not make a dramatic course correction. In brazenly reaching for the stars, those running the US government have instead fallen off the mountain and are bringing us along for the ride.

In this twilight time between terms, there remains the familiar tone-deaf swagger of the last four years mingled with a foreshadowing of the storm clouds to come. While George Bush gloatingly tells of the earned political capital he intends to spend doing what he will, the formidable Republican monolith of recent years is beginning to fragment around a number of issues. Strong criticism of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and suggestions that he retire are coming from numerous corners of the Republican camp. In addition, Senator Lindsey Graham is putting forth a plan to raise the cap on payroll taxes to pay for a future Social Security deficit, in spite of Bush’s firm opposition. On another matter, Senator Charles Grassley wants to establish a commission to investigate government oversight (such as it is) of the pharmaceutical industry, an untouchable part of the rat pack of Bush’s corporate cronies. Meanwhile, just across the border to the north, Canada has steadfastly refused to participate in Bush’s missile defense scheme, which itself has recently failed its first flight test in two years.

Far more ominous, however, are the twin themes of a weakening dollar and an unprecedented loss of international prestige and American influence. ..

[Me.]

1. Thank You Nancy

for the early gift. I'm glad you went into Cheney, he's gotten off way too easy so far. Truly though, from what you've written it looks like what goes around may be coming around. I read on another site you're going away for the holiday. So let me just say, Happy Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Solstice (pick one or insert your own) and, welcome to New York!

[NJCher]

2. the world is no longer "under the influence"

That first article you link to is quite thorough in its rundown of the various alliances and how they are going their own way. It's almost mind-boggling, when you think about it. Due to the bush administration's shortsightedness and sheer incompetence, our position as a world power has undergone a meltdown. It hasn't yet sunk into the American consciousness but oh, when it does...


Cher

p.s. thanks for posting this for us and have a wonderful trip, Nancy.

[Nancy Waterman]

3. I am off in a few minutes

I wanted to wish everyone here a very happy and merry holiday!! I'll be back on Monday to continue our ongoing discussion!!


This morning's news about Microsoft being forced to alter their product for EU rules is yet another example of the world getting tough with us.

Also, this AM's WPost has a lead editorial called War Crimes. This could be part of what hits the Bushies as the year turns.

One more thought: the people suffering with fear and increased pain due to the recent news about the arthritis drugs could be seen as coming under this progressed US Moon square to Saturn. It is effecting a lot of people.


Happy Holidays, Everyone, and a big {{{{{{GROUP HUG}}}}}} !!!!!!!!!

[loudsue]

4. (((((((BIG HUG))))))) and Warm Season's Greetings to you, Nancy!!!

Thank you for leaving us with this new article....nice little Christmas present for the Astrology crowd!

It makes me crazy :crazy: how bush supporters can't see their hands in front of their faces! May they ALL wake up in the New Year!!!

Happy Happy Holidays and a safe trip, to you!! :hi:

:kick:

[Dover]

5. Well Nancy, sounds like you might miss the big Kerry announcement today

According to Will Pitt, Kerry is going to get into the game (voter fraud/recount)and will make an announcement in about an hour. It will be posted in Will's column on Truth Out as well as in the DU 2004 Election Results forum.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=203&topic_id=187683&mesg_id=187683

How's that for a Christmas surprise!

Not sure exactly what all this means Kerry will do other than lend his name to the efforts, but we'll see. I doubt he'd get involved unless the evidence was convincing and the prospects were good. Maybe the Wash. state recount that favored a Dem by 10 votes added some incentive too.
Remember Kerry has a Saturn/Pluto opposition now through the inauguration so it may get really brutal.

One edit: Here it is -


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x189970

[Dover]

6. One more piece to the Ohio recount puzzle....

http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/122404X.shtml

[NJCher]

7. hooooooooooboy

I loved the part at the end where Conyers said Triad's efforts motivated Kerry to enter the lawsuit.

Isn't that just so typically republican? They behave so outrageously that they bring on more trouble than they would have if they'd only moderated their behavior.


Cher

[Dover]

8. Kerry Preparing Grounds to UNconcede the election.

Keep in mind that this is an OPINION piece, not a statement from Kerry. This assumes he'll nonconcede by 'default' based on the mounting evidence.


Kerry Preparing Grounds to Unconcede

Election Challenge likely on Jan 6th

BreakForNews.com, 24th Dec, 2004 23:00ET
by Fintan Dunne, Editor EXCLUSIVE


http://www.breakfornews.com/articles/KerryPreparingGroundsToUnconcede.htm

If you haven't been following John Kerry closely, get ready to hear of surprising developments. The vote-defrauded, potential president-in-waiting has just indicated through his lawyer that the validity of George Bush's reelection is no longer a given.

On 23 December, 2004 Kerry's lawyer confirmed to MSNBC's 'Countdown' that John Kerry will be seeking (likely on Monday 27 Dec.) to expedite court proceedings in an ongoing recount suit by the Green and Libertarian parties. That might sound like just another "count every vote" exercise by the Kerry campaign, were it not for two important details.

Kerry's court filing will conjoin him to existing allegations that Triad Systems, a Republican-linked supplier of voting machines to around half of Ohio counties --"orchestrated" a covert campaign to thwart a legitimate recount in Ohio. If the allegation proves well founded, it could invalidate the Ohio recount and eventually even hand the presidency to John Kerry.

Which probably explains the second critical detail: a quiet, on the record bombshell statement to 'Countdown' by Daniel Hoffheimer, the Cincinnati lawyer representing the Kerry campaign in Ohio.

Previously, the Kerry Campaign's intent in Ohio seemed to be merely an exercise of American civic spiritedness.

Two weeks ago, when Kerry wrote to Ohio's 88 county boards of election asking to visually inspect some ballots, Donald McTigue, the lawyer handling the recount for the Kerry campaign said: "We're trying to increase the transparency of the election process."

In early December, when the Kerry Campaign joined a suit by Green and Libertarian party candidates seeking a recount in Delaware County, Daniel Hoffheimer said Kerry wasn't disputing President Bush's victory in Ohio. The aim was to make sure any recount was "done accurately and completely," Hoffheimer said.

Now MSNBC 'Countdown' reports the same Hoffheimer, in comments on their imminent filing in the Ohio recount, concluding their call for a scrupulous recount with this caveat:

"...Only then can the integrity of the entire electoral process and the election of Bush/Cheney warrant the public trust."

That's the first time the Kerry Campaign has impugned the legitimacy of Bush's reelection.



http://www.edwardsdavid.com/BushVideos/Obermann_041223-01.rm

RECOUNT CHEAT SHEETS

It's a signal move, likely driven by emerging evidence of suspicious activity by representatives of Triad Systems during the recount in Ohio. Evidence which has led a senior Democrat, ranking House Judiciary Cmtee. member, John Conyers Jr. to accuse the boss of Triad Systems of "orchestrating" a criminal conspiracy to pervert the outcome of the Ohio recount.

The allegations first surfaced before an Ohio hearing convened by Conyers on behalf of Democratic Minority members of the House Judiciary Committee. An affidavit filed by Sherole Eaton, Hocking County deputy director of elections, stated that a Triad representative had told her "how to post a 'cheat sheet' on the wall so the ...count would come out perfect and we wouldn't have to do a full hand recount of the county."

That account has been corroborated by other officials and by extracts from a video documentary in which a Triad technician admits that the company was in possession of computer "backup" copies of the official election data.


SIGNAL, THEN MANEUVER

If the recount was fraudulent, does that have implications for the validity of the first count in Ohio? The Kerry campaign knows full well that it does. That's why their latest statement questions the "integrity" of the "entire" electoral process. And the election of Bush/Cheney.

For Kerry, a fraudulent recount in Ohio could be an open door into to the Oval Office. Already, John Conyers is confident that a few U.S. Senators will join House members on January 6 to question the November 2 election.

But don't expect Kerry to quickly rush to a microphone in order to unconcede. He doesn't have to. His unconcession will take effect by default.

If the Ohio recount is shown fraudulent, the domino effect could carry him through that door without claiming victory or even unconceding.

Simply by allowing Bush's claim on the Office of President to fall --piece by fraudulent piece. Nudging the dominoes to topple in the right way.

Thus leaving Kerry, poised to step into office over the Bush debris.

Audio mp3
Kerry Preparing Grounds To UnConcede
Incl. Audio Clips and more details...

http://www.breakfornews.com/articles/KerryPreparingGroundsToUnconcede.htm

[Me.]

9. The Earthquake

Well I'm truly sorry so much misery is occurring everywhere yet I couldn't help being astounded when it was reported on the news that the intensity of this earthquake literally shook the entire planet. Is this the actual beginning of the shake-up for us and the world? Also, Yuschenko was declared the winner yesterday with 95% of the vote counted. What are your thoughts on all this Nancy?

Hope you had a great time in NY.

[Me.]

10. I Just Heard It Affected The Earth's Rotation

and moved Indonesia 1/4 mile. What does this mean in relation to the entire planet and the "big picture"?

[Nancy Waterman]

11. Thanks for all the updates on everything

I had no access to any news for 5 days. I didn't even hear of the earthquke til about noon today. I am still trying to catch up and get a feel for what is happening. I am glad a few Senators will contest the election along with the brave memebers of the House.

Early January is the time of the potential Bush "wounding" when Chiron crosses Inaugural MC where it remains in orb for the next term's Inaugural chart. Even if Bush is inaugurated, which I still expect, the events of early January should be watched carefully.

[loudsue]

12. Hi Me! That's pretty remarkable! Do you have a link where we could

read more detail about that?

:kick:

[NMDemDist2]

13. link

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/124431/1/.html

[loudsue]

14. Thanks, AZ! Holy shit! 20 meters is a lot!

All the suffering this has caused is just so sad. I SOOO wish there could be an END to the suffering, instead of just more and more of it.

After the hurricanes that swept the Caribbean and Florida/E.Coast this past fall, and the wars in the mideast, and in Africa, and now the tsunamis....it's just heartbreaking.

People all across the globe are being rattled so tragically right now. It makes me even madder at those assholes in governments that are screwing citizens instead of leading and helping them. At least THAT part of the suffering is preventable.

:kick:

[Me.]

15. Here Are A Couple Of More Links

Hey there Sue, you might find the description of how powerful pretty interesting too. And thanks AZ, I read yours too.

"How powerful? By some estimates, it was equal to detonating a million atomic bombs."

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/12/27/quake.seismic.ap/index.html

And this:

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP134319.htm

[Nancy Waterman]

16. Does anyone have the birth data for the earthquake?

I wonder if anything shows in the chart.

[NMDemDist2]

17. here it is in GMT with Lat and Long

26th December 2004 00:58 3.30N 95.78E

[Nancy Waterman]

18. Do you have a local town with the local time?

Thanks, AZ Dem.

[loudsue]

19. The epicenter was 155 miles off the coast of Sumatra.

It was out in the ocean somewhere, IIRC, not in a town.

BTW, Welcome Back! How was Christmas?? :hi:

:kick::kick:

[pacifictiger]

20. Nancy

here is the link to the USGS page with the details, time & lat/long etc.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqinthenews/2004/usslav/

[Nancy Waterman]

21. Thanks for the info on the earthquake, everyone!

The most obvious thing is the Mars Uranus square that kept on going for a few days during all the aftershocks.

And the Mercury Venus conjunction is almost exact, though I don't see how that fits in at all.

[pacifictiger]

23. Nancy

could the mercury venus thing possibly have something to do with the global relief efforts?

[Nancy Waterman]

24. I am finding this chart hard to read

I actually made a mistake in drawing it up and did it for the 28th instead of the 26th, but even with the corrected chart, it feels like there is some whole way of reading it or some set of information I am not using. Yes, there is a waxing Mars Uranus square, but we have those often enough that they don't do something of this magnitude. Perhaps it ties into the geographical area in some way.

As for the Mercury Venus, which is still quite close and waxing, I suppose you could say that the outpouring of love and caring is described to some degree by that aspect. But I can't help but feel this is so much more than what we can find with our limited knowledge. It is a bit like what we know is second grade math and to really understand it all or most of it, we need a PHD in higher mathematics. We do our best, but we really only get a glimmering. The magnitude of this event is just very humbling.

[NMDemDist2]

25. maybe you need to look at the countries effected instead?

I don't know :shrug:

but the earthquake/tsunami did what came naturally to it

it was the people/countries that were effected negatively

[Nancy Waterman]

22. Here is some example of Rice's Neptune transit to Mars

This weak and wobbly Rice is what we can expect with the transits she has for the next four years:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5093373-103677,00.html

At the same time the vice president, Dick Cheney, has imposed his authority over secretary of state designate Condoleezza Rice, in order to blackball Arnold Kanter, former under secretary of state to James Baker and partner in the Scowcroft Group, as a candidate for deputy secretary of state.

"Words like 'incoherent' come to mind," one top state department official told me about Rice's effort to organise her office. She is unable to assert herself against Cheney, her wobbliness a sign that the state department will mostly be sidelined as a power centre for the next four years.