Bush Gives The Finger To The Press
Author: Steve Branch 8/2/05

The Integrity of Partisan Consensus
Author: Stephen Branch 11/8/04  

In a way, it’s amazing that many Democrats and Republicans think the other is misguided and
delusional. Which sides’ opinions come closer to the truth? Is there a way to measure the integrity
of partisan consensus?

Ultimately, you have to look at the sources of information and the objectivity of those digesting it.
Nearly everyone thinks they’re smart and knows what’s best for themselves and others. But how
can everyone be right? Let's take a look at some of the social and topical demographics:

For example: it is clear that more Democrats listen to NPR and the BBC. These are news organizations recognized worldwide as objective and reliable sources of information. It is also clear
that more Republicans listen to right wing sponsored Clear Channel affiliates, Fox News and
charlatan news-posers such as Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity: all of whom
are partisan and clearly advocate their own right-wing ideology.

In both the 2000 and 2004 elections, the majority of Republican votes came from areas where more
of our farmers, country folk and blue-collar workers live. The majority of Democratic voters came
from metropolitan areas with the largest percentage of academia.

In light of the fact that at least 4 million of the Christian right wing rallied for Bush in this election,
caterwauling the amorphous and self-righteous  “moral values theme”, it would be wise to remember
that statistics repeatedly show that  “the higher one's intelligence or education level, the less one is
likely to be religious”. (Paul G. Bell)   Regarding the declining division between church and state, it
would also be wise to consider what Freud said: "The more the fruits of knowledge become
accessible to men, the more widespread is the decline of religious belief”. 

These observations, while based in fact, are certainly not black and white. But it is still logical to
conclude that Bush supporters, on average, are less educated and/or more subject to religious
dogma and partisan news sources.

Perhaps mediocrity is part of American destiny. It seems the inevitable repercussions of “The
Dumbing Down of America” are bearing its foul fruit in the likes of George Bush and his sincere,
but misguided supporters. The subsequent entrails of patriotic jingoism, religious dogma and anti-intellectualism have a stranglehold on our fundamental, constitutional premise of decency,
integrity and fair play.

Perhaps America’s destiny is now truly in the hands of the "bewildered herd¹"; "those great masses
whose uncertainty of intellect begs for direction and manipulation from the "wise" big brothers of
government.²" It’s been said that Rome fell because only the intelligent people practiced birth control.
Take a close look at the Republican/Christian Right views and cutbacks regarding, civil rights, birth
control, education and science based issues: all and the like being flushed right back into the dark sludge of the more primitive, parochial times of human development.

History continually recycles justice with injustice. History demonstrates how lust for power
trumps compassion time and time again, and that flag-waving nationalism inevitably results in
international conflict. History has shown, as we see today in America, that a vacuous populace
prefers consoling lies to difficult realities. History shows that too often people must travel to the
deepest parts of the valley before they can clearly see the mountaintop.

But history also shows that insight, courage and perseverance, even within small numbers, can
make dramatic changes for the betterment of our world. Beware the hypocrites who continually
play the “moral values” card, in lieu of reasonably debate. Beware the blind patriots who figure their perfectly good opinions needn’t be altered by the facts. Too often, these are the people who
will be intimidating those who fight for civility and fairness. It is our duty as American citizens
and as a human beings, to expose injustice anywhere, even when that injustice originates
in OUR oval office.

Worldwide, the results of elections too often reflect a consensus manipulated by self-serving, dangerous, ignorant people. A progressive, conscientious education and a dauntless, objective
media are our best hope to ensure the highest quality of life for our progeny and ourselves.

¹ Walter Lippmann
² More by Charles B. Carr

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The Truth May Not Be Pretty, But It's Still the Truth
Author: Stephen Branch
written February, 3, 2004

Millions of people here and around the world have recognized the folly of this war from day one.
Now that the truth is finally becoming mainstream, we will not indulge in reprimand or condescension.
While we have been amazed and disheartened at how gullible and parochial many Americans can be,
we understand how some are easily misled. After all, under appropriate circumstances, we can
believe our President. But now, it is clear our administration has lied and has manipulated the media.

No hard feelings about calling us traitors or dangerous to America. No hard feelings regarding our
censure of civil rights. Let us move forward together to remove this bureaucratic abomination. Let us
unite to make sure this never happens again. Let us get on with electing politicians who will not only
respect the rights and welfare of all Americans, but also cooperate with world leaders to ensure a
safe and healthy planet for all of humanity. Let us get on with Democracy.

Mark my words. Time will eventually yield the extent of this administration’s reckless and criminal
behavior. Despite the continuing denial and distortion, we hope Americans will recognize
the truth and vote accordingly come November.

PAYING WITH OUR MONEY, OUR DIGNITY AND OUR LIVES
Author: Stephen Branch
written June 19, 2003

The Bush administration wants the world to be patient while they search for WMD.
Where was their patience when the UN Weapons Inspectors were searching?

I think the Bushies are biding time in hopes that this problem will either simply go away or be
buried beneath the distraction of another “war”, if they can just get one going soon enough. What’s
going on here is very serious and “If you’re not outraged, you haven’t been paying attention”.

The Republican majority in the House of Representatives has annulled an open investigation into the
Bush administrations’ lies regarding WMD and Al Qaeda connections in Iraq. Hundreds of
Americans soldiers are dead and still dying. Thousands of mostly innocent Iraqis are dead or
wounded. Billions upon billions of US taxpayers’ dollars have and are being spent for a self-serving
and deceitfully drummed-up war that has left America with far more enemies than it had beforehand.

The Bush cabal should be thrown out and tried for war crimes. The scariest part is that they may actually get away with it. Either way, the American people will pay with their money, their dignity
and their lives.

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The Cat that Ate the Canary
written January 26, 2000 by Rick Branch

Has anyone noticed that the Republicans aren't talking about the recent impeachment of the
President? Being election time, you'd think they'd be shouting it from rooftops.

There's a reason for this silence. Deep down, the Republicans know that they went too far when they
impeached Bill Clinton. They know that they did something very wrong. Peculiarly quiet, they are not
unlike the cat that ate the canary.

Think about the train of events leading up to the impeachment. Clinton's first term went well. The
economy thrived. His poll numbers soared. By the time Newt's speakership crumbled, Republicans
were getting desperate. They were in fact flailing for a lifeline. With nothing good to say about
themselves, they looked, with increased intensity, for something bad to say about Clinton. They
even recruited Ken Starr, federal prosecutor with unlimited time and funds. Still, after years of
looking for dirt, they found absolutely nothing. ....(Update: The results of Ken Starr's witch-hunt; that Bill and Hillary were acquitted of any wrongdoing, was not made public untill after the 2000 election.)

So what did these right-wingers stoop further down into the sewer to do? They took into 'evidence' an
illegally obtained tape recording that suggested Clinton might be having an extramarital affair. At first,
trying to protect himself and his family, Clinton denied it. He later confessed.

Hungry for the kill, the Republicans pounced. They impeached the President of the United States
without even allowing a vote for the less harsh measure of censure. Had they gone insane? I think it
would be more accurate to say that they were temporarily crazed with hatred and insecurity. They
huffed and puffed and twirled together hypocritical rationales about job performance and moral fortitude.They complained about the embarrassment of it all when they were the ones who made sure that this private matter became public. What they did to President Clinton, his family, and this country was an atrocity.

I'm still stunned. I mean, impeach a president for lying about selling arms to Iran for hostages. Even
impeach a president for lying about a 'no new taxes' pledge. But don't impeach a president for having an extramarital affair!

Nope, you won't hear Republicans talking about the impeachment of President Clinton. You may
notice them sneak around the issue, saying things like, "Let's return dignity to the White House,"
or, "Let's give our children leaders they can look up to," or, "I'll be someone you can trust." 
Watch for the feathers in their teeth.

Lancing The Boil Of Deceit
Author: Stephen Branch
written May 15,  2004

Besides the transparent fabrications and distortions permeating our airwaves, we need to
be aware of the subtle, more insidious facades being used by the mischievous and unprincipled representatives of the right wing.

With the maneuverability of one-way conversation, right wing talk show hosts frequently unload outrageous distortions and vicious insinuations. (e.g., liberals hate America, the left back the
terrorists, Kerry is unpatriotic) They know they’re safe from any immediate rebuttal, if any at all.
In the interim, their loyal listeners lap this stuff right up. But somewhere down the road, if someone calls in to argue, the host often responds with something like: “Oh that? I was just kidding” or
“Can’t you take a joke!” or “Lighten up!!”  Slithering away from accountability, he conveniently
redirects the focus back to the contester, who may now appear too serious or lacking any sense
of humor. If further pressured to justify the smear, the host may answer in the form of a personal attack, such as being called un-American for questioning the President. If all else fails, the caller is
cut off. It appears any rational discussion would expose the contriver’s deceit and ignorance
regarding the pertinent matters at hand.

Similarly dysfunctional, we have the “ol switcheroo game”, whereby people accuse their enemies
of the very unsavory traits they themselves possess. In psychology, this is called projection; an
ego defense mechanism by which something that is true of the person and would cause anxiety
if it were recognized, is repressed and is seen in someone else instead. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear an emotional, angry and mean-spirited right-winger screaming about how
emotional, angry and mean-spirited democrats and liberals are. (It’s also not uncommon to hear
Bush accuse other nations of threatening peace, ignoring international protocol and abusing civil rights.) Whether unconsciously calculated or deliberately impudent, the ploy to seesaw one’s
own faults upon another is the ultimate hypocrisy.

On a recent Rush Limbaugh radio show he said, “God is on the side of Bush and the Republicans”…pause…”okok…hahaha….that may be a bit on the edge but that’s the way
the Democrats play “.

This slick and slimy duplicity comes from a man who, with playful arrogance, divulges his
“wisdom” with, as he says, “half my brain tied behind my back, just to make things fair”
and ”with talent on loan from God”.   Rush can seem amusing within the pathetic confines of
his diatribe, but beyond the smoke and mirrors, it becomes clear his vitriolic vendetta against
liberals and democrats is being waged without honesty and fairplay. Perhaps it is time
Mr. Limbaugh untie that half brain he obviously is not using.

Projection and other forms of behavioral disorders are, of course, common in all human beings.
But, I believe more objective people will notice a higher degree of illogic among those allegiant to
right wing ideology. The explanation for this is really quite simple: History has shown change as
an integral part of a healthy society. And by its very definition, conservatism opposes change and advocates adherence to tradition. Granted, certain ethical standards are universal, but the people
of our ever-changing world rightfully deserve modification to old and tired ideas. Ideas that have
been consistently proven unproductive, narrow-minded and even dangerous are still considered sacrosanct. (e.g., nationalism, tribalism, theism, misogyny)

Although we now have our very own inflexible, sanctimonious, bellicose and ultra-right wing administration, the enlightened among our species continue to invalidate the traditions of war,
bigotry and religion. As conservative proponents stubbornly hold on to their customary and
comforting beliefs, it’s also likely they’re feeling an understandable sense of hopelessness that
might explain their desperate flurry of adamant nonsense.

Here’s Mike Savage: “Homosexuals should get AIDS and die”.
I wonder if Savage is one of the many “compassionate conservatives” who believe AIDS is God’s punishment for gay sex.   

Matt Drudge on his justification of hypocrisy: “There's no law against being a hypocrite a few
times in your life and this industry is built on hypocrisy.” Apparently Drudge believes it’s
okay to lie if someone else does.

The problem is when the seed of a lie has been planted, the willing blindly accept the lie and run
with it. And most of us know that if a lie is repeated often enough, people start believing it to be
the truth. This sequence can build a phantom grid of falsity that, eventually, will crumble: but not
before it has destroyed innocent people and great ideas. The masters of guile know their distortions needn’t stand the test of time. Their ruthless coercion needn’t be based in truth, only in what wins elections. These people are liars, plain and simple. And it seems they’ve been coached and encouraged by the biggest liars of all: George W. Bush and his syndicate of obliging and sorry
fools.

Ann Coulter: "My only regret with Timothy McVeigh (the Oklahoma City bomber) is he did
not go to the New York Times building."  And, amazingly, she has said: "Principle is nothing
to liberals. Winning is everything." Coulter has also made numerous derogatory references to
the “atheist left”.

An Open Letter to George Bush
Author: Stephen Branch
written April 17, 2002

I’ve recently heard your childish admonishment again: “If you’re not with us, you’re against us.” What are
you trying to say? It seems you are implying that we are the enemy if we don’t blindly rally behind you. Are
we such bad people to question political policy? Isn’t this the right and privilege of the American people?
Those who question political policy are merely demonstrating the “patriotism of deliberation and dissent”
(Kuttner). This freedom is precisely what gives Democracy its edge. Those who suppress dissent,
intimidate contrarians, and sanitize public opinion are the true enemies of American ideals.

Your statement reeks of the same reckless, redneck rhetoric that has accompanied past military
“campaigns” (e.g., America: Love it or Leave it, THE PRESIDENT: Right or Wrong). I resent the
implications and will remind you that you and your generals’ opinions and policies are not beyond
reproach. Your carelessness dealing with social security, the environment, civil rights, family planning,
stem-cell research and separation between church and state clearly show this. If true democracy
prevails, it will be a well-informed American people that decide what we’re for and what we’re against.

Don’t be deluded in thinking your high approval ratings are about George Bush. These ratings are more
about people who oppose terrorism. Remember you did not receive a mandate in 2000. In my opinion,
you were not even democratically elected. You were appointed by a partial supreme court, when they
unconstitutionally discontinued the vote-count in Florida.

Even before the smoke had cleared from Afghanistan, you were looking for a new dog to kick. Your
waffling on policy concerning Israel and Palestine is transparent in that you’ve made it clear your main
interest is in waging war on terrorism, not winning Mideast peace. Well, we’ve bombed the hell out
Afghanistan. We’ve killed many terrorists and even more innocent civilians. But we have not defeated
terrorism. So let’s go bomb the hell out of Iraq. We’ll kill many terrorists and even more innocent civilians.
But we will not have defeated terrorism. What the heck….let’s bomb the hell out of Iran and North Korea
too. We’ll kill many terrorists and even more innocent civilians. But we will not have defeated terrorism.
Recognize the pattern? Where do you stop? All we’re really doing is making more people hate America
by “enraging the local and affiliate population, strengthening terrorist resolve and radicalizing new
generations” (Zakaria). Chaos and destruction do more to promote terrorism than defeat it. There is no
military solution to this problem. You will never find them all. Wanna know a little secret?  We may destroy
some terrorist factions for the moment, but in the long run to fight terrorism you don’t try to decrease the
number of bad people, you try to increase the number of good people. We must educate the people of the
world. We must share our wealth through humanitarian, ecological and economic endeavors. Prosperous
and educated people are less apt to fall victim to fundamentalist dogma. And if we are perceived as
benevolent benefactors as opposed to warmongers, I assure you we’ll have fewer enemies.

Your recent advocation of nuclear weapons has left a certain saber-waving element of Americans
salivating for more blood. But then, these are the same people ordering gun-turrets for their SUV’s in 2003.
In light of all the bravado and jingoistic affectation, I sadly conclude it would just be too emasculating for
you and your ilk to sincerely pursue more peaceful means. (It’s no wonder Colin Powell has been
ostracized from your immediate circle.) Just remember we have the technology to be more selective in
killing people. True collateral damage is one thing, but to indiscriminately kill innocent men, women and
children make you and America no better than any terrorist. (Although the U.S Government projected the
image of a squeaky-clean bombing campaign, there were over 4000 civilian deaths in Afghanistan and
over 100,000 civilian deaths in Desert Storm.)  If we must use military force (after exhausting all arbitration),
take out the despotic government or isolated terrorist infestation through limited conventional means or
justifiable covert action. There is no need for nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction.
The innocent masses always seem to pay for the crimes or war-lust of the few.

As if nukes weren’t bad enough, development through quantum physics may eventually produce
weapons capable of atomizing the entire Earth in seconds (e.g., photon technology).  I believe Drake’s
Equation is correct in predicting that the majority of species in our universe do not survive the stage we
are going through right now, but it also states that it depends on the NATURE of the race of intelligent
beings. Although I feel the wide majority of human beings merely want to live a comfortable, peaceful life,
we are still basically a hostile species and the masses are pathetically vulnerable to dogma and spin.
Will the human race make it through this era? I believe its possible, but we need leaders who truly care
about our planet, all of its people, and both our immediate and distant future. We need leaders who
recognize how religion and nationalism promote and maintain the contentious provincialization so
prevalent throughout our history. We need leaders who realize that pluralism is not a choice. It’s a necessity.

Your temporal tap-dance on the world stage gyrates to the rhythm of arrogance, ignorance, personal
religious belief and machismo. The decent people of the world deserve better. So get out of your bubble
and get a clue. You want America to be truly great? Your present course may give you one small step for
the American unilateralist faction, but an insightful and compassionate world leader could give us one
giant leap for mankind.


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Coming Out Of The Closet
Author: Stephen Branch
written November 1, 2001

I was ten years old when I told my mother I didn’t believe in God. A week or two later, in the
audience of my Grandfather, I was forced to deal with the consequences of such a bold statement.
During these grand-paternal visits, my brother and I were informally obligated to sit in a certain
“double”, antique-type chair and expected to be still and quiet. While I didn’t always listen to the
adult conversation, I remember my grandfather’s speech quite clearly.  Slow and deliberate, he
spoke like the judge he had once been. His voice, as well as his dignified and stern demeanor,
demanded respect and even fear. Quite suddenly, with dramatic vocal timbre and sounding like
Charlton Heston playing Moses in a movie depicting one of the bible myths, he proclaimed:
“STEPHEN, I UNDERSTAND YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD.”

I found myself sitting on Einstein’s* proverbial “red-hot cinder”. The seconds before my response
seemed timeless, my mind chaotically and desperately squirming to find an appropriate answer.
One clear thought was the horrifying realization my mother had told him what I’d said more flippantly
earlier. Finally, I sheepishly squeaked, “Well, I’m not really sure”. I don’t remember anymore being
said about the issue. I suspect my parents and grandfather either respected my questioning mind
and/or figured a few more years of Sunday school and standard religious indoctrination would cure
me of my evil ways.

For many years after, I took more of an agnostic stance but, for the most part, kept quiet about it.
Discussions on religion and politics often became stressful and confrontational. Eventually, I realized
I was compromising my convictions in the following way: I held that for those who chose to believe in
God, it was fine, right or wrong, as long as it made them happy. I theorized nothing really mattered
either way.

Now, I’ve changed. Now I believe it does matter. The future of our species matters. Considering
our accomplishments and potential, we are capable of great and wonderful scientific advancement.
We’ve come so far. We deserve to go further. History clearly shows the handicap religion has
placed on our cultural development, our scientific progress and our civility. A subsequent infantile,
trigger-happy and over-populated civilization inhabiting a fragile biosphere poses dangerous
alternatives for our longevity. Here in America, our forefathers intended to create a democracy
based on secularism and pluralism. Sometimes it seems we’re more a theocracy based on
intolerance, xenophobia and isolationism. The solid black line that should be separating church and
state is actually many shades of gray. If we can only clear the hurdles encouraging our provincial
ways, perhaps someday we’ll make the transition from a divisive world to a global community…
from global community to interplanetary species….from interplanetary species to citizens of an
intergalactic, multi-species solidarity. Lofty goals yes, but goals I believe possible.

I am no longer complacent with my former philosophical altruism. The tendency of the religious
is to credit their deity for the mysteries of life, often even after being scientifically solved. The
consequent intellectual lethargy is not only a cop-out, it’s unproductive and dangerous to our world.
Submission to dogma is like letting your body host an incompatible symbiont. Clear vision is blurred,
rational thought is compromised, the host organism becomes disoriented, misguided and combative.
While waving the flag of righteousness and freedom, there have been too many theocracies whose
actions demonstrate quite the opposite. With nearly 6 billion people, the human chain is only as
strong as it’s weakest link and some of those links are still adrift in an ocean of dogma, bigotry,
misogyny and greed.

I realize there are great thinkers and many profound contributions from our religious brothers and
sisters. There are insightful philosophers, philanthropists and educated persons belonging to the
many ecclesiastic persuasions around our planet. But many miss a major premise: Our future is in
our own hands, not God’s. Human beings need to accept 100% responsibility for their lives, their
world, and their progeny. No more, “It’s in God’s hands” or “God works in mysterious ways”. We
must come to understand and accept the reality of our biological circumstance. With courage and
perseverance, human intelligence will continue solving the mysteries before us. It’s about rational
thought and science. It’s about compassion not for just your own tribe, but for every human being on
Earth*.  Let’s use all our humanity wisely. Whenever possible, let’s liberate our God-fearing friends
from their limitations. A theist’s mind is a terrible thing to waste.

It all really comes down to our mortality. The measures some take to avoid this issue have
resulted in some of the greatest perversions of logic in our history. Life is so precious, it can be
unbearable to face the finality of our demise. Knowing we must die and forever lose our loved ones is
clearly the most horrific aspect of our existence. It’s no wonder so many desperately cling to their
religious beliefs¹. I wish it was true, but there’s simply no evidence to support the theistic fabrication
of immortality².

The aversion to publicly doubting God was ingrained early in life. Many attempts at individualism
were discouraged or even punished³. As a child, conformity and acceptance can be irresistible, but
can be debilitating when they become prerequisite, cultural guidelines for your entire life. Even today,
as it was many years ago with my grandfather, sometimes it’s hard to proclaim my convictions,
especially to ones I love who believe differently.

 A couple years ago, I received a complimentary issue of Skeptical Inquirer. I had no idea the
movement was so grand. I didn’t know that for 30 plus years now, your bold and pioneering efforts
have been helping change the world to a better place, hardly to mention the enlightened and
courageous thinkers who enriched our more distant past. But better late then never. What this
shows is that your efforts continue to educate and inform the people. The knowledge, insight and
writing skills of the founders and the many scientists and philosophers who contribute to this most
important cause have inspired me to unabashedly come out of the closet.
Now, however humble, I proudly and enthusiastically state my case.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
ENDNOTES
* When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems
like an hour. That’s relativity. – Albert Einstein

*Our recalcitrant element must be dealt with firmly and judiciously.

¹ For those who pray and donate to get into heaven, why not use these mental and monetary resources to support
science, which I believe will someday enable biological immortality. It may be too late for us, but I’m sure our first
ascendant benefactors will greatly appreciate the sooner we get started.

² No matter what some may tell you, no one really knows what happens when you die. I believe complete finality is more
than likely, though I must admit, a part of me will always wonder. I’ve entertained scenarios from metamorphic rebirth to
multi-dimensional development. If there actually is some kind of posthumous continuation, it’s probably of a nature totally
inconceivable to our earthly perception. Either way, I’m quite sure I won’t be bowing to some anthropomorphized gray
beard up in the clouds.

³ This comment is not directed at my parents but more the societal pressures of the times. My parents have ultimately
done more to enhance my self-growth and individualism. Not so much from their theological posture, but more due to the
intelligent, colorful and thoughtful people that they are. (or was; my father died in1993)



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FOR THE LOVE OF WAR AND THE COWBOY KILL
Written 12/02/02 by Stephen Branch

Even if Iraq does not have weapons of mass destruction, the Bush administration will insist they do.
They need an excuse to bomb Iraq, factual or not. Their desire for war and impatience with the UN
weapon search transcend reasonability. If the world’s superpower cannot show temperance in such
matters, what kind of example are we presenting to the rest of the world? When arbitration takes a
back seat to preemptive military invasion, can we really call ourselves a peace-loving nation? Just
because our military is presently unchallengeable, our government seems to think it can ignore, manipulate or discredit international protocol. Would the United States tolerate another democracy
that followed its own example?

Terrorists must be punished There simply can be no quarter given. But our reprimand must not be directed at an entire race, religion or nation. It must be specifically directed at the sole proprietors of the crime. The concept of acceptable collateral damage is vastly over-rated. We bombed the hell out
of Afghanistan but failed to meet the objectives; to destroy Al-Quida and capture or kill Osama bin Laden. Thousands of civilians met a horrific death. And yet the ridiculous and shameful spin from the US administration is that the “war” in Afghanistan was a brilliant success!!

Many militants encourage action even when the target or purpose is not clear. After all, they’ve been trained to kill and supplied with weapons worth billions of tax dollars and can hardly wait to try out
their new toys. The bravado, blind hatred and machismo those at war encourage, has always led to needless slaughter. One example in Afghanistan: Seven 2000lb bombs were dropped on a wedding celebration in July of 2001. One hundred forty civilians were killed or injured consisting of mostly women and children. An entire family of twenty-five were all killed. (There was no US apology) The death toll from Desert Storm and ongoing sanctions: 500,000 (mostly innocent civilians)

When asked why we should go to war with Iraq, Bush supporter and talk-show personality Don Imus said, “Saddam Hussein is a creep and besides, it would be fun”. War may be entertaining for some who watch the sanitized returns on TV, all the while knowing their side cannot possibly lose. But
any properly evolved human being knows that war is not “fun”. There is a certain mindless and
flippant war lust in many Americans that reveals an innate cruelty and an insensitivity to the
horrors of war.

Three “civil servants” who have never experienced military combat are George Bush, Dick Cheney
and Donald Rumsfeld, the principle advocates of the preemptive military invasion of Iraq. Much to
their hayseed and hawkish chagrin, Saddam Hussein has agreed to the joint terms of weapon inspections. Domestic and international pressure has forced our administration to at least
superficially cooperate with the UN. But their guns remain drawn with a continuing lust for
the cowboy kill.

To promote their wars and imperialistic agenda, Bush and company continue to deceive the
populous with the inevitable, unsubstantiated propaganda and demonization of their quarry. This administration’s unilateralistic arrogance is now supported by manipulated and misguided patriots.
This ploy has worked time and time again throughout history, while the peace advocates are
castigated and dismissed as unpatriotic and dangerous. Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes”. Well, I’ve heard this rhyme before and, I’m ashamed and embarrassed for
myself and all Americans.

We build sophisticated and incredibly powerful weapons and just can’t seem to resist taking them around the block a few times. Our technology has become greater than our sensibilities. Billions of dollars that could be used to help each other are spent to protect us from each other. Humanity is at,
what George Will called, the intersection of advanced physics and moral primitivism. Theoretically,
it’s possible that countless, promising civilizations throughout our universe have either failed or succeeded in clearing this hurtle. The United States has the most advanced and powerful arsenal
on Earth, along with an administration that is too morally and intellectually primitive to use them responsibly. Perhaps, in the future, a space-faring species will encounter the lifeless remains of
our planet. They will know exactly what happened.

…and finally, quoting Christopher Hitchens:
"We still inhabit the prehistory of our race, and have not caught up with the immense discoveries about our own nature and the nature of the universe. The unspooling of the skein of the genome has effectively abolished racism and creationism, and the amazing findings of Hubble and Hawking have allowed us to guess at the origins of the cosmos. But how much more addictive is the familiar old garbage about tribe and nation and faith."

Globalism and George Bush
written November 8, 2001 by Stephen Branch

During wartime the President's popularity ratings usually soar as has recently been seen with George
Bush. I understand the need for a show of unity in times such as these but it doesn't mean I have to
like or respect GW. Let's not forget, by discontinuing the vote count in Florida, he was "appointed"
President by the politically partial members of the Supreme Court. All the while knowing Al Gore had
clearly won the popular vote.

Our current President is an alcoholic, convicted drunk driver and draft dodger. He "won't talk" about
his former drug use and was at best a mediocre student in college. (Will someone PLEASE tell him
how to pronounce "nuclear"!  Jeez! What an embarrassment.) As our country's leader he frequently
references his personal god and worse, tempers many of his policies and decision-making with
his religious beliefs. (e.g. embryonic cell research, religion-based government funding, the termination
of family-planning funds abroad) This is inappropriate and unconstitutional. Separation of church and
state is a centerpiece of our secular society. Many are either unaware or reluctant to accept that
secularism is a prerequisite for democracy.

As a world leader, his refusal to support the Kyoto treaty, clearly demonstrates his shallow,
short-sighted, isolationist stance and ill-regard for our planet and it's inhabitants. To many around the
world, we are seen as we often are: greedy, militaristic, arrogant and self-righteous. No wonder so
many people hate us.

As his father did to encourage support for war, Junior demonizes the enemy. How pathetically
transparent this is. I don't need to believe Osama Bin Laden and his ilk are evil demons. These
terrorists are extremely dangerous people who use their religion to justify their hatred, cruelty and
horror. Their invisibility and insidious strategies confront us with an unprecedented enemy. Barring
civilian casualties, I support almost any action required to take them down.

Unfortunately, terrorism will always be with us. There are ways, however, to insure the infrequency
of such acts. The United States can do this by promoting and practicing globalism as opposed to
nationalism. George Bush Sr. had the right idea with "a kinder, gentler nation", but they were just
words. He never did anything constructive in that direction. I suspect George Jr. won't either. He
seems incapable of any long-term vision or insight. I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed
and wait for 2004.

CRY WOLF
Written by Steve Branch 2/13/03

I don’t believe anyone can predict the future but I’ll make a prediction anyway. There will be
no terrorist attacks in America connected to the current “orange” rated terror alert. It doesn’t
seem to matter there is no proven alliance between Osama and Saddam. The Bush administration knows that a frightened populace is more apt to support their hostile agenda. And right now, more
than ever, Bush needs more support for war in Iraq. These “alerts” are desperate and manipulative measures fabricated or exaggerated to keep us scared and submissive and to compensate for their own obvious lack of reasonable justification for war. Despite the hawkish claim that bombing Iraq
will make us safe from Saddam Hussein, the true terror alerts and attacks on America will begin
the moment Bush starts this war.

Thoughts from an American Atheist
Written 12/06/02 by Stephen Branch

I am a secular humanist. “Secular humanists do not rely upon gods or other supernatural forces
to solve their problems or provide guidance for their conduct. They rely instead upon the application
of reason, the lessons of history, and personal experience to form an ethical/moral foundation and to
create meaning in life.” ¹ Secular humanists are also atheist. However, atheism is only a position on
the existence of God, not a mandate for nihilism or posture of depravity. I, for example, feel great
compassion and love for all life and sincere concern for our planet and our future. From what I’ve
seen, many atheists have a love and reverence for nature and humanity that would surpass the
most pious. The confines of one religion’s particular edicts too often limit comprehensive
knowledge, objectivity and respect for all forms of life.

All the great religious traditions have similar themes and similar tribal deities. (e.g. Allah,
Muhammed, Buddha, Ganesh, Jesus, etc.) They all stress love, peace and charity. But in most
cases their merits are dwarfed by their oppression and obscurantism. Christianity, for example,
supports homophobia, misogyny and pedophilia. And let’s not forget the Dark Ages, the Crusades,
the Inquisition, witch burning and the concept of original sin. Religion is responsible for the suffering
and murder of hundreds of millions of human beings throughout our history. They are responsible for
savage wars and great cruelty. Even when a war’s main purpose is fuel, land or food, religion is
often used to provide a source of inspiration and motivation.

The masses have always been easily seduced and controlled by religion. That’s why leaders
find its utility so irresistible. Patriotism and religion are often the last refuge of the scoundrel².
Theocratic leaders often encourage people to cradle bigotry and hatred in the name of their God.
Generally speaking, religion does not bring people together; it divides us and inhibits the ideological
deprovincialization of our world. Our collective religio-political guardianship has rendered the human
family dysfunctional. Our different cultures arouse suspicion and hatred instead of curiosity and respect.
Our political and religious leaders are too often arrogant, sectarian and parochial. Nationalism and its
xenophobic backwash undermine international cohesion and camaraderie. Billions of dollars that
could be used to help each other are spent to protect us from each other. Our commonality has
become unrecognizable. 
 
Everyone thinks they are right about their religion when the naked and paradoxical reality is that
they are all wrong. Religion wrongly lays claim to the natural goodness and decency of humanity.
You are led to believe one cannot be a good person without subservience to their god. You are
promised some form of eternal life or eternal damnation depending on how faithfully you follow the
respective doctrines: a system of punishment and reward remarkably similar with the more cyclical
concept of Santa Claus. It takes courage to accept our mortality and common sense to recognize
that our altruism is inherent, not some holy blessing or mythological gift. It’s difficult to see the
picture when you’re inside the frame. The clearest view is more often seen from a distance.

Realistically speaking, no one truly knows what happens when you die. If there actually is some
kind of posthumous continuation, it’s probably of a nature totally inconceivable to our earthly
perception. Either way, I’m quite sure I won’t be bowing to some anthropomorphized gray beard
up in the clouds. In the future we may well achieve biological immortality. But for now, all we
have is an average of 60 to 80 years and that, for all we truly know, is it. All the more reason to
live this life to the fullest and do all we can to ensure a wholesome world for those in our future.
 
Muslim martyrs believe they will earn a special place in paradise, which includes unlimited sex
with 72 virgins³. In India, the Hindu school of Brahmanism justifies maiming, amputation and
murder of disobedient or flirtatious wives. All around the world, theism upholds primitive dogma
and discredits science. Many Christians claim that empirically based Darwinian Evolution is
groundless while “Intelligent Design” masquerades as science. Christian leaders Jerry Falwell
and Pat Robertson, et al., believe they and their followers are superior to others.They believe
that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, and that unless people come to God through Jesus,
they are destined for hell. There is an academic stranglehold upon those who believe their god
has all the answers and an insolent vulgarity in those who believe they are better than others.

Humanity is finally starting to outgrow religion, thanks to the advances in science and education.
Unfortunately, the majority of humans are still players and we are all victims of its hypocrisy,
bigotry, bellicosity and dogmatic folly. In America, many are angry that their freedoms and
opinions are being hosed down by an administration whose ideology is more often reflective
of religious fundamentalism. The “greatest democracy in history” still hasn’t figured out how
to separate church and state. Our descendants will be both amused and saddened by the
behavior of the people of our era who still believed in fairy-tales and myth.

Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion as well as freedom from religion. Yet atheists
are the most alienated minority in America. Why are we still living with this intolerance? It is
primarily due to the lack of, or resistance to, education. In 1987 George H.W. Bush said: "No, I
don't know that Atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered as
patriots." It’s astounding when a president of the United States does not even understand the
premises of our Democracy. And the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. From undermining
stem-cell research to cutting family-planning funding here and around the world, his inept son
continues the same narrow-minded manipulation of policy based on his own religious beliefs.
This is dangerous and unconstitutional and just one of the many reasons George Jr. should be
immediately impeached.

We also have the right to practice the patriotism of deliberation and dissent. Freedom of
speech in the United States, however, is not always all it’s drummed up to be. For example, I
would hesitate to voice my opinions down at the local VFW or any other hawkish circles for fear
of physical bodily harm or make my address accessible for fear of hostilities toward my family
and personal property. It’s curious that many of the people who say they’ll give their life
for American freedom are the ones most unable to tolerate an American citizen
practicing those very freedoms.

We have freedom of assembly and the right to protest but there is a virtual ‘media blackout” on
the hundreds of anti-war demonstrations of late. Absurdly named “First Amendment Zones”, the
fenced-off areas designated for protesters at political events, are kept so far away from their
intended target that their presence becomes almost invisible. While trumpeting the virtues of
American freedom, the rich and the powerful shamelessly control and create media to best
serve their own agenda.
 
In this country, diversity and pluralism must at least be tolerated. They should be celebrated.
The collective resource of our multi-dimensional society gives us our strength. Cooperative and
responsible representation affords a precious fairness to the majority of the people. Our
constitutional freedoms are precisely what give Democracy its edge, as long as the tenets
are truly understood and conscientiously practiced. Those who suppress dissent, intimidate
contrarians, and manipulate the prerequisites of freedom, are the true enemies of American ideals.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Endnotes:

¹  http://www.secularhumanism.org/intro/what.html

²  Based on the original quote by Samuel Johnson:
   “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."

³  The ancient edicts were misinterpreted, however. One will NOT have unlimited sex
    with 72 virgins, but all will have unlimited sex with one 72 year old virgin”.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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A book review of Modern Japanese Literature, a compilation by Donald Keene

Sometimes Less is More  
By Rick Branch   4/23/85

After reading and studying the stories in Modern Japanese Literature, I realized there was
something missing!

In "Botchan",¹ there is no idealizing. Botchan is no model human being, certainly not one we can
look up to. A troublemaker as a child, he alienated his parents as well as his only brother. He
stumbles through life without any particular purpose and it seems only by chance that he furthers
his education and becomes a teacher. The one person who cared for Botchan, Kigo, had the wish
to live with and take care of him someday, but the hopes of such a happy ending are dashed as
Botchan moves far away.

Not the storybook scenario we're used to, is it? Don't we prefer to read about how great life can be
instead of how it usually is? Don't we want to forget that the world is full of "Botchans", full of average
people leading unexciting and relatively insignificant lives? Don't we especially want to deny that
each of us belongs to this group of people?

In "Time" (Yokomitsu Riichi, p.339), there is no moralizing. This story depicts a troupe of performers
fleeing from a landlord to whom they are in debt. Promiscuous and distrustful of one another, these
men and women are not particularly endearing. I found myself feeling little sympathy as they
encountered great hardship in their search for a haven. I kept waiting for some sort of catastrophe;
some moral statement proving that bad behavior does not go unpunished. It didn't happen.

The author of this piece was obviously more concerned with describing the experience of life rather
than giving his opinion of it. He writes like an objective reporter, never trying to sway or influence.
Indeed, aren't we the ones, with our Western/Christian mindset, who often complicate matters with
our insistence that there is always a right and wrong way of doing things.

"Earth and Soldiers" (Hino Ashihei, p. 357) is a tale of a man named Uhei and his love for his horse,
Kichizo. That's all there is to it. There's no deep meaning, no symbolism, no philosophy. Because of
war, Uhei and his horse are separated, but we never find out if they are reunited. Instead, the story
takes off in a different direction, telling of one Corporal Tashibana and his brush with death.

What kind of story is this? Where's the cohesion? Where's the "rhyme and reason"? "Earth and
Soldiers" not only lacks meaning, it actually gives a sense of meaninglessness! But wait a minute.
When you think about it, isn't this story a truer, more honest depiction of what goes on in this world?
Isn't life really quite unpredictable and confusing? Someone once said it all rather concisely, "Expect
the unexpected."

Oh how we in the West would like to believe that the world is a safe and rational place. Indeed, we've
been trying to convince ourselves of this for millennia! We've formulated all kinds of explanations, but
they have been based on mere speculation, not fact. More often than not, these creations of ours
have been only smokescreens that cover up the realities of life and put us out of harmony with the
natural order of things.

It strikes me that the Japanese are more realistic that we are. Their literature reveals the existence
of an outlook on life that accepts human limitation and inadequacy; an outlook that acknowledges
the meaningless and capricious aspects of existence; an outlook that stares life and death more
squarely in the face. It seems to me that those who can accept life the way it is are those who are
more able to understand and appreciate it. We may miss wishful-thinking, preaching, and
philosophizing as we read through Modern Japanese Literature, but it might do us well to consider
that, sometimes, less is more.


¹Natsume Soseki, "Botchan", in Modern Japanese Literature, Donald Keene.
(New York, Grove Press, Inc., 1956), p. 124.
All subsequent references are parenthetically cited.


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Bush and the Media
Author: Stephen Branch
written June 16, 2003

Why do people question the intellect and patriotism of those who criticize the Bush administration?  Why are dissenters demonized and decent, patriotic Americans pilloried for wanting peace,
diplomacy and social justice?

The reason is George W. Bush et al. “If you’re not with us, you’re against us”. This infantile and
divisive statement by GW is connotative of his administration’s adversarial attitude and has fostered
a hostile intolerance towards people here and around the world who may dare disagree or criticize.
The growing, right-wing corporate media has taken the ball and redefined journalism. This is a brand
of biased and partial journalism that is dangerous for our democracy and has destroyed the
credibility of US media here and around the world.

American media patrons are not receiving balanced and objective information. Fox’s Iraqi coverage
was more a pro-war pep-rally. Radio’s “ayatollahs of the airwaves” Rush Limbaugh and Mike Savage’s news-poser programs are hostile and insidiously deceitful. Viewers and listeners naïve to the spin,
are in danger of becoming more like George Bush: either sincerely stupid or foolishly infatuated with their ideology.

Those who intimidate dissenters and sanitize the news are actually the ones who are unpatriotic and dangerous to our country. Those who question a critic’s intellect are too often the ones who need to
be accurately informed.  When media is manipulated and our civil rights are abused all in the name
of patriotism and self-righteousness, we become more like the corrupt, totalitarian regimes
Americans model as “evil”.  A healthy democracy represents the balanced agenda of a
well-informed people, ensuring a wholesome mandate after elections.

For more responsible radio journalism I would recommend the BBC or the least manipulated of our domestic options, NPR. Some of our newspapers and news-magazines offer objective reporting and
an acceptable balance of editorials. The Internet clearly provides a bounty of free thought and censor-free information. Why? Because the government can’t control it…….yet.

Musician's Trade Journal Review

Branch Brothers
Celebrate Your Life/Self-release-CD

On this side project by brothers Rick and Steve Branch of Goffstown, NH, what we have are 14 songs
recorded on a Tascam Portastudio for the purpose of sending to music publishers. Still, on Celebrate
You Life the Branch Brothers deliver a certain savvy that can only come from veteran musicians who
have been working steadily for the past 25 years, both nationally and internationally.

Adult oriented, the songs are well structured, tight, and delivered with enthusiasm. While most of the
songs feature strong rhythms that can no doubt pack a suburban dance club, the slower, I Wish You
Loved Me Too, is a standout due to the vocal arrangements and top-notch guitar work reminiscent
of Brian May. Meanwhile, I Can't Fit, is up-tempo and poppy and The Ride Along The Way is a
blast that could no doubt be developed into a great dance tune in the vein of I'm So Excited as
recorded by the Pointer Sisters or Footloose (Hell, I'd like to record this one myself!). Another
song that deserves mention is, The Time Has Come, for its easy feel and sway.

Preference-wise there may be hits and misses on this 14 songer, but not once is there an instance
where these guys are anything less than professional, crafty songwriters. -By B. Dare


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