The People Speak Radio

About Helena Cobban’s latest book Re-Engage! American and the World after Bush; An Informed Citizen’s Guide…

Since 9/11, the United States has pursued a foreign policy some have called a control paradigm a unilateral domination of world affairs through military means that tries to keep the lid on insecurity without addressing root causes or protecting human rights. The Bush administration’s energetic use of this approach has ripped the fabric of America’s relationship with the rest of the world. In this concise guide, veteran journalist Helena Cobban proposes moving the United States away from the control paradigm to a policy of global inclusion. Global inclusion seeks to repair the U.S. relationship with other countries, recommit the United States to effective participation in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, and ground U.S. foreign policy firmly in the principle of human equality. It also involves moving away from the language of threats and fear to a language of challenge and possibility. This book outlines how a global inclusion policy would address key challenges faced not only by Americans but by the 95 percent of humanity who are not Americans: Challenges of terrorism and weapons proliferation, Growing global inequality, Rights abuses worldwide, Climate change, and Shifting international power balances. Cobban reminds readers we do not need to do any of these things alone. Since 9/11, she has traveled to 18 foreign countries on four continents. She has heard how deep the desire is among people in China, sub-Saharan Africa, the Muslim world, Europe, and elsewhere for the United States to rejoin the world community on a sound and cooperative basis. In heartfelt, accessible prose with highly readable tables, graphics, websites, and other resources, she shows how we can re-engage as neighbors, as a country, and as a trusted international partner.

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Pallant’s campaign platform is based on 4 main issues. These include ending the war in Iraq, universal health care, improve the economy, and energy independence with environmental protections,

In Mary’s own words:

On Single Payer Health Coverage:
“The only way you can be sure to get great affordable health care is to go to prison or go to Congress because the government subsidizes both. But assuming you and your family don’t want to do either, we need to understand that it is almost impossible for us to continue on the current path we are on of rising insurance premiums, less coverage, 1000’s uninsured here in our district. Single Payer will return the care back over to your doctors and hospitals and away from administrators sitting miles away in a cubicle making decisions about your health and well being. Single Payer is comprehensive coverage for all and will greatly reduce the financial burden on businesses and families who struggle to pay insurance premiums.”

On Withdrawal From Iraq:
“It is time to bring our troops home: combat, support and private contractors. Mary wants all bases closed and turned over to the Iraqi Government and the rebuilding efforts must be turned over to the people of Iraq. We must also set aside adequate funds to rebuild what has been destroyed while calling upon the neighboring countries to be engaged and involved members of the rehabilitation process to stabilize, revitalize and formalize Iraq and its political structure.”

On Shifting Priorities:
“The 2 to 3 billion dollars a week we are spending in Iraq will get a much better return on investment if we invest here in our infrastructure, create green collar jobs, boost manufacturing, and assist with the sub-prime loan debacle. Wages have stagnated over the last several years, our dollar has declined, while our debt has risen to record levels. We are in an unsustainable downward spiral and we must act fast. We have witnessed the impact here in the district with falling or stagnate home sales, Amgen laid off 100’s of employees, Countrywide’s fall to near ruin, which affected 100’s of people who live here in Ventura County. The cost of goods and services has far outpaced inflation. For America to be a beacon of hope again in the world, a model of democracy, we must restore our middle class and become strong and secure again here first. It begins in our own back yard.”

Please visit:
http://www.marypallant.com/

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Husaybah was a nightmare. It was a place where human life lost all meaning for most people; American, Iraqi, or otherwise. The only life worth saving was your own. It became clear to me about midway through this deployment that the U.S. was not winning in Iraq, and that winning would quickly become impossible if things stayed on their present course. A year after we got back from Husaybah, I extended my contract to redeploy to Ramadi with my unit, after which I left active duty on July 9, 2006.

While deployed to Ramadi, I fought in a war that was already lost. I found that no amount of medical supplies delivered in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to hospitals, and no amount of soccer balls handed to little kids could change the fact that the insurgency enjoyed the sympathy of almost 100% of the population. For every Iraqi the U.S. helps, thousands more are wrongly killed or maimed.

During my tenure in the military, I wished to seek help for PTSD, but was discouraged from doing so since the treatment of a Marine for PTSD would acknowledge that there were negative consequences to the war in Iraq. I attended counseling sessions at a VA hospital, where there are not enough counselors to treat moderate and minor cases of PTSD. These cases are being thrust aside for the sake of treating severe ones. The hospital attempted to discontinue my treatment to make room for others with worse problems; I had to write my congressman before the VA agreed to continue my treatment until I am well. I eventually left the VA for private counseling via a program called The Soldiers Project that provides free counseling for veterans in Southern California.

Please visit http://www.ivaw.org

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An electorate disgusted with the policies of the Bush regime put the Democrats in the majority in Congress in November ‘06. We voted for change, however,

Congress, under the Speakership of Ms. Pelosi has done nothing but protect the status quo of the corporate elite and, in fact, since she has been the Speaker, the situation in the Middle East has grown far worse, with Congress’ help, and recently more of our essential freedoms were given to BushCo by Congress.

That is not what we elected them to do!

A great majority of citizens in California’s 8th Congressional district want the Bush regime impeached and want our troops home from the Middle East. I believe Ms. Pelosi has lost touch with the people of this district and America and it’s time for our reps that aren’t doing their jobs by upholding their sworn oaths to the Constitution to receive a wakeup call!

I agree that with over 45 million American uninsured, we need universal health care. I agree that with many of our young people joining the military to receive college credit (which very few take full advantage of), it’s time to make college affordable. I agree that the people in the administrative branch are corrupt, as are many members of Congress, and ethics need to be reformed. None of these worthy goals can be accomplished while we’re spending 12 million of our tax dollars an hour in Iraq and while the foxes run the henhouse. In this once great nation of ours, the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer and the middle class is rapidly disappearing along with the “American dream” of home ownership. The time is now to bring our tax dollars home from the Middle East to help the people of California’s 8th and to make our communities safer and more prosperous.

Incredibly, even before the November elections, Ms. Pelosi took part of the Constitution off the table and it’s time to put it back on! Ms. Pelosi colluded with BushCo to take away our 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure. Congress needs to make that body relevant again as a co-equal branch of government that has a responsibility to put checks and balances on the executive branch not be conspirators in its crimes and murder.

The Patriot Act and Military Commissions Act need to be repealed and Habeas Corpus needs to be restored. These things can only happen with fearless leadership, not fearful capitulation to a lying President.

I am running unaffiliated with any political party because I believe the corporately controlled “two” party system is responsible for keeping our country in a state of cold and hot wars for decades and it’s time to rein in the military industrial war complex that President Eisenhower warned us of almost 50 years ago.

My candidacy and service will put people before profits and people before political expediency. This country is ripe for a change and it is going to start right here and right now!

I dedicate my candidacy to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan that have been tragically harmed by BushCo with the complicity of Congress, Inc.

I dedicate my candidacy to my children and unborn grandchildren. All the children of the world deserve long lives lived in peace, prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Last of all, I dedicate my candidacy to my hero, Casey who always stood up for what he believed in, even if it wasn’t popular. He is my role model and I always strive to make him proud.

Thank you.

Cindy Sheehan

Candidate For The People

Please visit:

http://www.CindyForCongress.org

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A political iconoclast, Chafee was the only Republican senator to have expressed support for same-sex marriage; the only Republican to vote in favor of reinstating the top federal tax rate on upper-income payers; the only Republican in the Senate to have voted against authorization of the use of force in Iraq; the only Republican to vote for the Levin-Reed amendment calling for a nonbinding timetable for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq; and the only Republican to vote against Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. Chafee favored increased federal funding for health care, supported affirmative action and gun control, supported women’s reproductive rights, and endorsed federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Sometimes referred to by conservatives as a RINO (Republican in Name Only), Chafee turns the tables on the right and asks why it has enabled Bush Jr. to pull the GOP and the nation away from traditional principles of fiscal conservatism, respect for our environment, and aversion to foreign entanglements.

Chafee’s book, AGAINST THE TIDE: How a Compliant Congress Empowered a Reckless President, is an unabashedly frank, memoir recounting his political journey from small-town mayor to a voice crying from the congressional wilderness. It offers a forward-looking assessment of what comes next for the Republican and Democratic parties, and he also addresses the potential rise of a third party within the void created by bipartisan extremism. Most important, Chafee sounds a wake-up call to his Party, and to all Americans, by challenging our government to strive, as Abraham Lincoln once articulated, “to elevate the condition of men.”

Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) served in the United States Senate at a time when his Republican Party drifted so far right it no longer stood for its mainstream principles. In the face of his party’s wrongheaded direction under George W. Bush, Lincoln Chafee became, even more fiercely, what he had always been…his own leader. Chafee’s ideological positions make his voting record among the most liberal of the Republicans in the Senate. And it’s no surprise that he has an eye-opening story to tell about his 7-year journey in national politics, from small-town mayor to a unique national voice.

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He has appeared in numerous documentary films, as well as on ABC News, CNN, CourtTV and elsewhere to discuss his reporting and expertise on a variety of issues.

He’s a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and has written articles and editorials for Mother Jones, Editor & Publisher, ComputerWorld, Columbus Free Press, Salon.com, TruthOut.org, Harvard’s Nieman Foundation of Journalism, Hustler and other non-pornographic publications and websites.

In addition to live speaking engagements around the country, Brad has Guest Hosted on a number of radio programs for Peter B. Collins, Mike Malloy, The Young Turks and others. He’s also the host of The BRAD SHOW, a radio program co-produced with Internet news site RAW STORY and a frequent Guest on radio shows across the country. More information, online listening links, and archives to previous BRAD SHOW’s can be found at www.BradShow.com. Other favorite media appearances, both audio and video, are available here.

Brad’s reports and breaking news from his popular website, The BRAD BLOG, are frequently cited by the national media, and can be read at http://www.BradBlog.com.

TESTIMONIALS…

“Brad’s work is more than just good reading–his insight, his diligence, and his staying power make him one of the most informative progressive voices in the alternative media. For all your work, and for your unwavering ability to speak truth to power, Brad, I thank you.”

– Rep. John Conyers, Jr.

“Thanks to Brad for speaking out on this issue, and for your passion in fighting for election integrity across America.”

– Senator Barbara Boxer

“Your are a true American hero”

– Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Brad Friedman is one of the Paul Reveres of [the Election Integrity] movement”

– Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Ring of Fire, Air America Radio

“If you want to learn about the state of our election process, I urge you to visit BradBlog.com. Brad Friedman has worked doggedly on this issue, amassing tons of valuable news and information on this subject.”

– Catherine Crier, CourtTV’s Crier Live

“Perhaps the most dogged critic of electronic voting machine technology in the blogosphere.”

– The New York Times

“The state’s most persistent blogger-watchdog on the dangers of voting technology.”

– The Los Angeles Times

“Visit Brad Friedman at BradBlog.com…and, again, a very liberal leftwing guy, but I think he’s on to something in this case. In fact I know he is.”

– Roger Hedgecock (Substitute Host for Rush Limbaugh)

“In my opinion, Brad richly deserves the first internet investigative journalism Pulitzer Prize for his tenacious pursuit of the truth on electronic voting.”

– Deborah White, NYTimes’ About.com

“I love you, and thank you for what you do!”

– Rep. Maxine Waters

“Maxine [Waters] is my sister, but I’m gonna have to outdo her…But mine just won’t be talk!”

“Thanks so much for your blog. I was recently asked some questions about Diebold’s problems and used your blog as my main reference. Thanks for what you do!!!!”

– Rep. Cynthia McKinney

“I’m a huge fan of The BRAD BLOG.”

– Former Ambassador Joe Wilson

“I just wanted to say thank you for your blog. I love it! It’s a go-to place for me every day. And I hope anybody whose listening to this understands that you can get great information from Brad. And he is committed and it’s hard work…and it’s only about a thousand degrees and he’s sitting here looking fresh as a daisy and I don’t know how he does it.”

– Randi Rhodes, host Randi Rhodes Show

Interviewed by Brad on The BRAD SHOW during special coverage from Camp Casey in Crawford Texas

“It’s equally important to read John Conyers and BradBlog to follow the election scandal and reform story, because we all need to be aware of what we can do to prevent any more stolen elections.” … BRAD BLOG is one of “democracy’s leading defenders in America”

– Jim Lampley, HBO/NBC Olympics Host, via Huffington Post

“The BRAD BLOG is my favorite blog to steal from!”

– Stephanie Miller, The Stephanie Miller Show

“One of the great progessive bloggers!”

– Mike Papantonio, Ring of Fire w/ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Air America

“An absolute terrier on the topic of e-voting.”

– Robert X. Cringely, InfoWorld

“…a blog by a guy named Brad.”

– Al Franken Show

“This is a site you should visit every single day.”

– Mike Malloy, The Mike Malloy Show

“A potent mix of investigative journalism and biting humor.”

– KPFT’s Sunday Monitor

“Folks remember this, on BRAD BLOG and The BRAD SHOW you’re hearing non-corporately filtered news, information and analysis from people like you who are dedicated to changing our country.”

– David Cobb, 2004 Green Party Presidential Candidate

“Among journalists, perhaps no single reporter has pursued [the story of E-voting machines] with more tenacity than Brad Friedman. His blog, BradBlog, is a daily must-read for everyone who wants to keep tabs on this subject, and he has used the platform to break several national stories.”

– Robert Scheer’s TruthDig.com in naming Brad “Truthdigger of the Week” 11/3/06

“Brad Friedman is the Paul Revere of the Election Integrity fight.”

– David Bender, Politically Correct, Air America Radio

“Among the heroes that I mentioned today was Brad Friedman, and I really do mean that…and you got a round of applause from the Detroit audience, you are well known here, my friend.”

– Tony Trupiano, host Tony Trupiano Show, 2006 candidate for U.S. House of Representatives

Speaking about a ‘Downing Street Memo’ Town Hall Forum he hosted with John Conyers

“Thank you, Brad. Democracy - if we are privileged enough to keep it after so many years of indolence - will owe so much to you, and we will too.”

– Mimi Kennedy, Progressive Democrats of America (PDA)

The BRAD BLOG named as one of “our Media Heroes”

– Danny Schechter, The News Dissector, author “When News Lies” and “The Death of the Media”, filmmaker “Weapons of Mass Distraction”

“I want to commend you…remember that Tom Paine was the guy who was a great pamphleteer who got lots going in this country because he took it on himself as a citizen to get in there and raise hell. I think if more people did so, we’d be learning a whole lot more about our government than we are currently.”

– Bill Israel, Journalism Prof., contributor to Editor & Publisher, friend of Karl Rove

“I was worried when we took a break to write our book that nobody would be there to cover the Election Fraud issues…but thank god for Brad Friedman who was scooping us right and left!”

– Bob Fitrakis, editor of Columbus Free Press, co-author “Did George W. Bush Steal America’s 2004 Election?”

[on Election 2004 Irregularities] “Where’s the media? They’re right here…and they’re paying attention to reporting by The BRAD BLOG…” [On O’Reilly lying about Jon Stewart] “Hat tip to Brad for getting to the bottom of it….” [on Ohio’s 2005 Election Irregularities] “BRAD BLOG has been following this story extensively…” [on Karl Rove protests] “BRAD BLOG has a whole lot more including Eyewitness Report and Audio From the Protest…Brad’s blogging up a storm…” [On Diebold and the anonymous “DIEB-THROAT”] “BRAD BLOG has the latest…”

– John Amato, CROOKS & LIARS blog

“Tracking electronic voting fraud issues like a tenacious bloodhound.”

- Fairfield Daily Republic

“Just saw the NYT picked up the story too, quoting our good friend BradBlog… BradBlog does the hard lifting for us…”

– John Aravosis, AMERICAblog

“One of the nation’s premiere bloggers…his name is Brad Friedman.”

– Duke Skorich, Wisc. Public Radio

“In addition to being an all-around great guy, Brad Friedman is one of my favorite writers and I consider The Brad Blog a daily must-read.”

– Bob Geiger, Yellow Dog Blog

“BradBlog.com – if you’re not going there, you should. Great information…Brad, you’ve done a great job in 2005.”

– Jack Blood, host Deadline Live radio program

“He is a reporter and he corroborates everything. He is careful. He has a superb blog called The BRAD BLOG.”

– Barry Gordon, host From Left Field, KRLA

“A blogger with a penchant for sleuthing breaks the story…that could ‘prove’ how elections could be stolen with e-voting machines…The blogosphere explodes…Watch your ass Matt Drudge. Meet your makers in Brad Friedman of THE BRAD BLOG …I cannot be more excited…This kind of evidence is what the Left may need to bitch-slap this country into the reality of e-voting.”

– Liza Sabater, Culture Kitchen, from “Has the left found it’s Matt Drudge in BRAD BLOG and RAW STORY?”

“Brad Friedman, as always, has the story…Brad Friedman is a must-read!”

–Joseph Cannon, CannonFire blog

“He’s one of the best guests I’ve ever had on my show.”

Christine Craft, Christine Craft Show, 1240am, Sacramento

“Lately, The BRAD BLOG has been en fuego! Ever since the election, The BRAD BLOG has been dutifully and painstakingly breaking stories relating to voter fraud… Just imagine if we didn’t have The BRAD BLOG. Who would have brought this to our attention?”

– The Bulldog Manifesto on DailyKos

“You’re a jerk.”

– Bill O’Reilly, on The Radio Factor with Bill O’Reilly

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Ebadi represents Reformed Islam, and argues for a new interpretation of Islamic law which is in harmony with vital human rights such as democracy, equality before the law, religious freedom and freedom of speech. As for religious freedom, it should be noted that Ebadi also includes the rights of members of the bahai community, which has had problems in Iran ever since its foundation.

Ebadi is an activist for refugee rights, as well as those of women and children. She is the founder and leader of the Association for Support of Children’s Rights in Iran. Ebadi has written a number of academic books and articles focused on human rights. Among her books translated into English are The Rights of the Child. A Study of Legal Aspects of Children’s Rights in Iran (Tehran, 1994), published with support from UNICEF, and History and Documentation of Human Rights in Iran (New York, 2000), Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope (New York, 2006).

As a lawyer, she has been involved in a number of controversial political cases. She was the attorney of the families of the writers and intellectuals who were victims of the serial murders in 1999-2000. She has worked actively - and successfully - to reveal the principals behind the attack on the students at Tehran University in 1999 where several students died. As a consequence, Ebadi has been imprisoned on numerous occasions.

With Islam as her starting point, Ebadi campaigns for peaceful solutions to social problems, and promotes new thinking on Islamic terms. She has displayed great personal courage as a lawyer defending individuals and groups who have fallen victim to a powerful political and legal system that is legitimized through an inhumane interpretation of Islam. Ebadi has shown her willingness and ability to cooperate with representatives of secular as well as religious views.

Shirin is currently in the USA on a speaking tour, giving media interviews. Shirin recently initiated the National Peace Council campaign in Iran which asks Iranian officials to soothe their approach toward international issues and advocates direct talks between Tehran and Washington, among its other goals.

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