text:
La faccia nera della globalizzazione e riflessioni sul massacro di WACO
Pubblicato da favisonlus in Articoli il 4 dicembre 2013
La face noire de la mondialisation
Waco, retour sur un massacre
De la nécessité de savoir pressentir l'irrationnel violent
Quand d'année en année le jihad s'effiloche ; quand les Etats-Unis saisissent enfin que, de la Somalie à l'Afghanistan en passant par l'Irak, une préoccupante distance existe entre terreur salafiste d'une part et islam tribal de l'autre, imaginons les plausibles terrorismes de demain.
Où regarder ? Que chercher ? Comme elles sont dans l'air du temps, comme, de Breivik à Merah, on en voit déjà d'inquiétantes prémices, envisageons d'abord les formes qu'à l'horizon prévisible, pourrait prendre la violence des illuminés, délirants ou sectaires.
Waco, vingt ans déjà cette année.
On en sait si peu sur cette tragédie texane – 76 morts dont 23 enfants et deux femmes enceintes ! Et, du moins en Europe, nulle réflexion sensée sur l'affaire – alors qu'à Waco, 23 des 53 morts adultes sont européens (britanniques). Or bien sûr – car rien n'est jamais fini quand il s'agit des sectes – les "Branch Davidians" sont toujours implantés à Waco, mais aussi ailleurs dans le monde. Nous le verrons plus bas.
Méditons donc d'abord sur Waco et ses séquelles – non comme stérile exercice historique de retour au passé, mais comme possible bouffée terroriste sise dans notre avenir ; comme un exercice concret du savoir-qui-pressent.
Nous sommes en mars 1993 à Waco, qui fut jadis la terre des Indiens Huecos (d'où son nom, américanisé en "Waco"). Depuis les années 1950, une petite secte évangélique-apocalyptique, les "Branch Davidians", est installée à la périphérie de la ville, sur un aride campus baptisé "Mont Carmel". Dès la décennie 1950 d'ailleurs, un "prophète" y annonçait la fin des temps.
Dans une lecture littéraliste-hallucinée de la Bible, quelques dizaines d'illuminés cherchent à Mont Carmel la justification de leurs hantises et de leurs délires mystiques.
A quoi il faut ajouter l'influence des "prophètes" de l'Eglise (moins radicale) des Adventistes du 7e jour et un fort sécessionnisme texan. Car au jour du Jugement, c'est à Waco qu'adviendra la résurrections des corps. Toute l'humanité renaîtra – même Hitler, certifie-t-on à Mont Carmel.
En 1993, le "prophète" du moment est Vernon Howell, dont le nom biblique est "David Koresh". Bien sûr, Howell règne sexuellement sur ses fidèles – c'est dans la Bible ! "Koresh" a pour "mission divine" d'engendrer les 24 Anciens qui jugeront l'humanité à la fin des temps. D'où des "mariages" en chaîne avec les femmes de Mont Carmel, célibataires, mais aussi compagnes et filles des autres "Branch Davidians".
Certaines des "épouses" mystiques ont 14 ans…
A cela vient encore s'ajouter le "survivalisme". Il faudra tenir le choc lors de l'Apocalypse – à ce prix est la survie de la communauté des "élus" ! Donc les armes et les munitions s'empilent à Mont Carmel. La secte en fait même un commerce, légal au Texas. Hormis cela, les "Branch Davidians" sont plutôt de doux dingues. Pas d'antécédent d'actions violentes sur le campus, ni d'histoires avec la police locale.
Tel est le cadre de la tragédie.
Sorte de gabelle fédérale chargée de contrôler et taxer les armes, le tabac et les armes à feu, l'ATF débarque alors à Mont Carmel. Par dizaines, façon Robocop, des hommes lourdement armés bondissent d'hélicoptères. La secte a-t-elle bien payé toutes ses taxes ? Car, l'absurde origine du drame est un banal contrôle fiscal.
Le ton monte vite à Mont Carmel où, souvenons-nous, de fatalement instables illuminés attendent la fin des temps. C'est alors qu'une arme apparaît… La première fusillade fait 9 morts, dont 5 fédéraux.
Exit l'ATF.
Au tour du FBI d'encercler le campus. "No surrender" clame aussitôt le "prophète". En un effrayant déchaînement de violence d'Etat, des chars d'assaut entrent dans la danse. Des canons ouvrent le feu sur Mont Carmel.
Rappel, tant l'histoire est inouïe : il s'agit juste, à l'origine, d'un retard dans le paiement d'une taxe.
Les "Branch Davidians" attendaient l'Armageddon ? Ils ont droit à Apocalypse Now. Le 19 avril 1993, au 51e jour du siège, un gigantesque incendie engouffre et anéantit Mont Carmel. 76 morts. 7 survivants de la secte filent en prison (dont deux Britanniques et un Australien).
Mais le drame est loin d'être consommé. Car quand débute la décennie 1990, Timothy McVeigh, jeune vétéran de la guerre du Golfe, visite parfois Mont Carmel et s'attache aux "Branch Davidians". Ulcéré par le drame, McVeigh décide de les venger. Et prépare un attentat dont, comme d'usage, le FBI n'apprendra ni ne surprendra rien.
Le 19 avril 1995 (2e anniversaire de la tragédie), une camionnette bourrée de 700 kilos de nitrate d'ammonium détruit l'immeuble fédéral d'Oklahoma City qui abrite les bureaux de l'ATF et du FBI. 168 morts, 450 blessés, 324 immeubles ravagés alentour. Tout inclus, l'attentat coûte 6 000 dollars. Et provoque pour 650 millions de dollars de dégâts.
Condamné à mort, McVeigh est exécuté en juin 2001.
Dans une superbe enquête, Esquire (octobre 2013) révèle que de 20 à 30 "Branch Davidians" vivent toujours sur le campus de Waco. Ils y attendent bien sûr l'apocalypse et aussi, en prime, la résurrection de "David Koresh".
Quelles leçons tirer de ce drame ?
• D'abord une cruciale surveillance des illuminés type "Branch Davidians", surtout de leurs mouvances – McVeigh n'est pas un fidèle de la secte, juste un proche.
• Une surveillance aussi légère et discrète que possible. Rien de pire que d'aggraver encore la paranoïa d'individus déjà convaincus d'avoir à affronter tous les diables avant d'accéder au paradis. Disposition encore aggravée par le "délire à plusieurs" (en psychiatrie : "type de persécution partagé par deux ou plusieurs individus").
• Surtout, anticiper. Pour l'attentat, la génération spontanée n'existe pas plus qu'en biologie. Dans le cas très voisin d'un Breivik : un même individu perturbé achète des quintaux d'un fertilisant agricole explosif et en même temps, des armes de guerre. Il prépare forcément un massacre ou un attentat. Cela peut et doit être détecté.
Par Xavier Raufer
Fonte: Le nouvel Economiste
ARCHIVI novembre 1993: Il Messia donna, il suicidio collettivo e l'Apocalisse rinviata
Pubblicato da favisonlus in Archivi (per non dimenticare) il 1 settembre 2013
KIEV – "Marina, lascia stare, torna a casa", la prega il marito. "Mamma, torna da noi", piange il figlioletto. Ma anche con le manette ai polsi e i poliziotti intorno, la donna che si sente "il Messia" continua a interpretare il suo ruolo. "Siete la voce di Satana", risponde, pacata, al marito e al bambino. "Io ho 33 anni, l' età di Cristo quando salì sulla croce. Adesso mi ammazzeranno, ma fra tre giorni risorgerò per salvare il mondo dai suoi peccati. Verrà l' Apocalisse, e salirò al cielo con i miei Fratelli Bianchi. Amen". La scena a cui assistiamo nel quartier generale del ministero degli Interni ucraino sembra presa da un film sul filone dell' "Esorcista". Solo che è vera. Questa bella ragazza dai lunghi capelli scuri, all' anagrafe Marina Zvigun, è perfettamente convinta di essere il nuovo "Messia". Mentre è una vittima, la prima di una lunga serie, dell' uomo che con l' ipnosi si è impossessato della sua anima. "Lui è San Giovanni Battista", replica dolcemente Marina. "Lui", ci spiega il capitano Levcenko della Milizia di Kiev, "è il cervello di Fratellanza Bianca. Per fortuna non può più nuocere. Ma ci servono i migliori esperti del mondo per risvegliare dall' ipnosi i bambini che ha stregato. Continuano a ripetere all' infinito ' io sono un angelo' . E si uccideranno con lo sciopero della fame". ' Quel conto alla rovescia' La "papessa" e il "guru", o "la Madonna e il Battista" (un' altra delle loro "reincarnazioni"), erano fra i sessanta membri della "Fratellanza Bianca" arrestati mercoledì a Kiev dopo una furibonda battaglia fra le icone millenarie della chiesa di Santa Sofia. La Milizia li ha identificati ieri mattina. Centinaia di poliziotti hanno sbarrato l' accesso alla cattedrale per evitare la "crocefissione" e il "suicidio di massa" promesso dai fanatici seguaci della setta. Il conto alla rovescia per la "fine del mondo", annunciata per domenica, con "epicentro" nella capitale dell' Ucraina, sembra interrotto. E noi giornalisti, spediti qui per quello che in teoria doveva essere l' ultimo reportage della carriera, possiamo tirare un sospiro di sollievo: gli inviati continueranno a scrivere, l' umanità – cosa ancora più importante – a vivere. A meno che la profezia della "papessa" non si avveri anche senza il suo sacrificio sulla croce. Ammettiamolo: la tentazione di lasciarsi prendere dall' ironia è forte. Anche per i poliziotti di guardia alla cattedrale: "Fa un po' freddino per una crocefissione, il Golgota dovevano cercarlo più a sud", diceva uno che forse ha ripassato il Vangelo. E con quindici gradi sotto zero, non si può dargli torto. Ma c' è poco da scherzare nella saga dei "Fratelli Bianchi". Ecco come la raccontano, con la speranza che sia conclusa per sempre, i detective del ministero degli Interni. Marina Zvigun è nata a Donetsk, nell' inferno delle miniere di carbone che sono la ricchezza dell' Ucraina. La sua sembra una educazione modello: brava a scuola, iscritta al Komsomol (la lega giovanile del Pcus), sposata con un ispettore minerario a cui ha dato subito un figlio, laureata in giornalismo, eletta consigliere comunale. Poi, nel 1990, un fatto le cambia la vita. Ha appena compiuto 30 anni. Viene ricoverata in ospedale per un aborto, i medici sbagliano la dose di anestetico, per un pelo non si risveglia. Quando finalmente apre gli occhi, dice che ha parlato "con Dio". Quando esce d' ospedale, va a Kiev con una scusa, e non torna mai più. Vuole confidare il suo trauma interiore a un uomo conosciuto sei mesi prima a Donetsk: Jurij Krivonogov, 50 anni, ex-ingegnere, ex-ricercatore nei laboratori del Kgb sulle "armi parapsicologiche". Nel "boom" di santoni, guaritori e veggenti che accompagna la perestrojka, l' ingegnere si ricicla come esperto di ipnosi, yoga, fenomeni paranormali. "Ero morta, ho visto Dio, sono risorta", gli dice Marina. "Ma sicuro", la incoraggia il "guru". Krivonogov è vanitoso, crudele, ossessionato dall' ordine e dalla disciplina, divorato da perversioni sessuali. Da questa miscela sviluppa l' idea di presentarsi al mondo come il "Cristo ritornato". Ma nella sua follia si rende conto che sarebbe difficile fare il "Messia" con un volto di cinquantenne, né bello, né affascinante. Marina è quello che gli serve. La ipnotizza: "Tu", le dice, "sei il Messia, insieme siamo la reincarnazione di Adamo ed Eva, Maria Vergine e San Giovanni Battista". La ribattezza "Maria Kristos", e il gioco è fatto. Una dieta vegetariana Così nasce "Fratellanza Bianca". Da una piccola base nel centro di Kiev, la coppia di santoni fa proseliti in tutta l' Ucraina, in Russia, negli Usa, in Canada, in Israele. I "comandamenti" della setta sono implacabili: gli adepti devono abbandonare la famiglia, gli studi, il lavoro, disfarsi di ogni bene patrimoniale (e consegnarlo a Jurij), rinunciare a tutte le comodità, seguire una rigida dieta vegetariana, pregare da mattina a sera. Per bocca di "Maria Kristos", Jurij profetizza un cataclisma universale, l' Apocalisse biblica: terremoti squasseranno la Terra, immense voragini risucchieranno tutto. La fine del mondo: preannunciata dalla crocefissione del "Messia". Suicidandosi, i "fratelli bianchi" potranno risorgere con lei, "il terzo giorno", per godere vita eterna. Nel vuoto d' identità lasciato da una "fine del mondo" assai più concreta, la fine del comunismo, migliaia di persone si arruolano nell' esercito spirituale di Jurij. Se siano i "144 mila" accorsi a Kiev per la fine del mondo, secondo loro, o molto meno, non si sa: la Milizia ne ha arrestati 700, in maggioranza giovanissimi. Attirati dal carisma, imprigionati dagli "occhi" di Jurij, che li teneva a pane e acqua, poi usava l' ipnotismo per trasformarli in "zombi". E se qualcuno dava segni di cedimento, per punizione diventava la vittima di "sacrifici umani": bruciato vivo nel fuoco che "purifica l' anima da tutti i peccati". Con i soldi estorti ai propri fedeli, Jurij e Maria giravano il mondo: il sospetto è che il "guru" avrebbe continuato da solo, dopo la crocefissione di lei e il suicidio degli "apostoli". Ora farà un lungo viaggio nelle carceri: deve rispondere di violenze di massa e sequestro di persona. Poteva finire molto male, come a Waco, in Texas, lo scorso anno. I morti non ci sono stati, ma la Russia sembra avviata sulla stessa strada dell' America: due grandi paesi accomunati da anime perse, sette fanatiche, santoni visionari. Non è un caso se missionari d' ogni genere, dai predicatori televisivi ai testimoni di Geova agli Hare Khrishna, invadono l' ex "Paradiso del Socialismo", sentendolo un terreno fertile per i loro vangeli. A Kiev, la gente si raccoglie davanti a Santa Sofia, discutendo sulla fine del mondo: comincerà lo stesso domenica? E a forza di discorsi apocalittici, il cronista tende l' orecchio per sentire se, come nel film di De Sica, dal cielo scende una voce misteriosa che dice: "Alle ore 18 comincia… il Giudizio Universale".
di ENRICO FRANCESCHINI
12 novembre 1993
Fonte: LA REPUBBLICA (Archivio)
Attentato Boston. Le due piste e i precedenti di Oklahoma e Waco
Pubblicato da favisonlus in news dall'Italia e dall'estero il 16 aprile 2013
16 Aprile 2013
Fondamentalismo islamico o pista interna?
Terrore a Boston, gli Usa blindati riscoprono la paura
Spaventa la complessità dell'atto terroristico, il primo che arriva a compimento dopo l'11 settembre
New York – Nel concitato e contraddittorio flusso di informazioni che proviene da Boston si possono distinguere chiaramente due dati: le bombe nei cestini della spazzatura a margine della maratona sono la sostanza mortifera di un attentato strutturato, con un livello di complessità e tempismo orribilmente efficace. Una follia in cui si scorge metodo e pianificazione. Senza una rivendicazione non si può dire con certezza se questo metodo porti la firma del fondamentalismo islamico, quella dei suprematisti bianchi o di chissà quale altra diavoleria che può spingere qualcuno a mettere dell'esplosivo in mezzo agli spettatori di una maratona.
Quella delle bombe in sequenza è una tecnica collaudata nelle file di al Qaida e fra i lupi solitari che si radicalizzano su internet, ma la scelta dei cestini della spazzatura appare inusuale. Di certo elementi qaidisti non hanno mai smesso di minacciare gli Stati Uniti, alla ricerca del "secondo colpo", quello che prova che l'estremismo non è stato piegato dalla reazione americana. Nel 2010 il pachistano Faisal Shahzad ha parcheggiato un Suv pieno di esplosivo in Times Square, a New York, minaccia sventata dai venditori ambulanti che hanno avvertito la polizia dopo aver visto del fumo uscire dall'auto. Meno di sei mesi prima erano stati i passeggeri di un aereo diretto a Detroit a fermare il nigeriano Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, che aveva le mutande imbottite di esplosivo. Dall'11 settembre 2011 gli agenti federali hanno sventato decine di attentati di matrice islamica: alcuni erano nello stadio della pura congettura, altri alle soglie della fase d'esecuzione. E lo stesso vale, sebbene in misura diversa, anche per il terrorismo interno, quello della destra radicale e razzista.
Nel 2011 il suprematista Kevin Harpham è stato arrestato e condannato a 32 anni di prigione per aver messo una bomba nei pressi di una parata per la festa di Martin Luther King a Spokane, nello stato di Washington. I commentatori hanno subito fatto notare che l'attentato di Boston è avvenuto nel Patriots' Day, il terzo lunedì di aprile in cui due stati del New England celebrano le battaglie di Lexington e Concord, incipit della rivoluzione americana. La data appare connessa con l'attentato di Oklahoma City (19 aprile 1995), quello di Waco (19 aprile 1993) ma anche con la sparatoria di Columbine (20 aprile 1999) e il massacro del Virginia Tech (16 aprile 2007); soltanto uno di questi eventi – Waco – è avvenuto, al pari dell'attentato di Boston, nel giorno dedicato ai patrioti che hanno lottato per l'indipendenza, e la tragedia è stata l'epilogo di un assedio durato 50 giorni. Non proprio il sigillo della premeditazione a sfondo simbolico. L'elemento comune all'ipotesi interna e a quella esterna è la complessità dell'atto terroristico – così lo classificano, ma non ancora pubblicamente, le forze dell'ordine – il primo che arriva a compimento dopo l'11 settembre. Barack Obama ha detto che i colpevoli sentiranno "il peso della giustizia", che pagheranno per le tre vittime finora accertate (uno è un bambino di otto anni) e per gli oltre 140 feriti, di cui almeno 15 in gravissime condizioni: una promessa adeguata alla natura terroristica di un gesto che l'America è riuscita a confinare per oltre dieci anni nello spazio dei sogni perversi degli estremisti.
Il secondo elemento chiaro in questa fase di ricognizione, accertamento e lutto è che l'attacco ha centrato il suo obiettivo: produrre paura. Nel giro di un paio d'ore dopo le esplosioni Boston si è svuotata, si sono moltiplicati falsi allarmi bomba in tutti gli angoli della città, hanno evacuato piazze ed edifici. Il paese si è sentito ancora una volta nudo, vulnerabile, esposto a un male che credeva di avere debellato. Tutta l'America si è rispecchiata in quelle migliaia di bostoniani che in preda al panico hanno mollato quello che stavano facendo per correre a casa, finalmente al sicuro dopo la maratona che ha riportato in superficie l'orrore.
Fonte: LINKIESTA
Strage di Boston, due le ipotesi al vaglio dell'Fbi: jihad ma anche terrorismo interno
Al momento non c'è stata nessuna rivendicazione per l'attentato che ieri durante la maratona di Boston ha causato 3 morti e oltre 140 feriti (nessun italiano) – Fbi e Cia sono dunque al lavoro per individuare movente e responsabili: la prima ipotesi è di un atto di terrorismo islamico isolato e artigianale, ma prende corpo anche la pista interna…
Nessuna rivendicazione, al momento, per la strage di Boston (il bilancio alle 13.30 italiane parla ancora di 3 morti e oltre 140 feriti di cui diverse decine in modo grave): Cia e Fbi sono dunque al lavoro per cercare le motivazioni e soprattutto i colpevoli.
Le piste percorse dall'intelligence Usa, in costante contatto col presidente Obama, sono al momento principalmente due. La prima è quella del terrorismo islamico, non tanto di livello organizzato e internazionale come quello Al-Qaeda, ma di qualche jihadista isolato residente negli Stati Uniti: proprio qualche settimana fa, infatti, la rivista di propaganda islamica Inspire Magazine ha dedicato un numero speciale a questa nuova forma di terrorismo artigianale, definito "opensource jihad".
Questa è la pista più credibile e, paradossalmente, forse più rassicurante, visto che l'alternativa che sta prendendo corpo in queste ore è alquanto inquietante: si parla infatti dell'ipotesi di un atto di terrorismo interno, nella fattispecie dell'estrema destra americana. A supportare questa tesi è soprattutto la data scelta per la strage: il 15 aprile infatti negli Usa, e in particolare a Boston, è il Patriot's Day, ed è anche il giorno dove i contribuenti pagano le tasse. Che l'orribile attentato, costato la vita anche a un bambino di 8 anni, sia frutto di una feroce insofferenza contro la politica fiscale? Gli inquirenti al momento non lo escludono: potrebbe trattarsi di un atto di protesta violento da parte di un gruppo nazionalista di estrema destra. A supportare questa tesi è anche il noto criminologo Alain Bauer, consigliere delle polizie di New York e Los Angeles, che intervistato da diversi organi di stampa ha dichiarato: "La scelta di Boston è alquanto bizzarra per un gruppo internazionale: la pista interna al momento è favorita". Bauer cita anche alcuni agghiaccianti precedenti, come la strage di Oklahoma City nel 1995, che arrivò per vendetta dopo la cruenta operazione di polizia condotta due anni prima a Waco per espugnare un ranch nel quale aveva sede la setta religiosa dei davidiani. O ancora la bomba esplosa da un nazionalista antisemita nel 1996 ad Atlanta durante le Olimpiadi. "C'è però anche la pista islamica, senza dubbio – ha spiegato ancora Bauer -: per esempio la doppia esplosione di ordigni di questo tipo richiama molto il modus operandi degli artificieri libanesi".
di Giueppe Baselice
Fonte: First online
NOTA: Leggi anche articolo a firma di David Martosko, pubblicato sul Daily Mail, qui
A vent'anni dalla tragedia di Waco, alcuni davidiani sopravvissuti continuano a credere alla "divinità" del loro leader
Pubblicato da favisonlus in Articoli il 14 aprile 2013
WACO — Clive Doyle is a pleasant-looking man of 72, with wavy graying hair. Australia lingers in his accent. He wore a leather jacket on the chilly recent afternoon when we spent more than an hour together at a picnic table in a Waco park. He was soft-spoken, articulate and seemingly very sane.
Yet 20 years ago this Friday, this same man was one of only nine Branch Davidians to survive the internationally televised inferno on the Texas prairie. Killed that day near Waco were cult leader David Koresh and 73 followers, including Doyle's 18-year-old daughter, Shari, and 20 children under 14. Before the fire and the 51-day standoff with the federal government, Doyle's daughter had been one of many women and girls of the cult taken into Koresh's bed. Koresh — who preached that he was the Lamb of God, drove a sports car and motorcycle, and had a rock band and an arsenal of illegal weapons — had ordered his male followers to be celibate.
Doyle has had two decades to reflect on these things, and clearly he has. So my question was obvious.
"You mean, have I woken up?" Doyle said to me with a smile.
Well, yes.
"I've had questions and adjusted my beliefs somewhat," Doyle said that day in the park. "But I still believe that David was who he claimed to be. You are sitting there listening to him. You hear all these things and the Scriptures come alive. And at the time, everything seems so imminent. That's why I believed the way I did.
"I believe he was a manifestation, yes, of God taking on flesh," Doyle said. "God has done that more than once."
Most of the other survivors remain similarly steadfast, Doyle said, a handful of people who still gather in Waco on Saturday mornings to pray. Thus one of the most tragic and bizarre episodes of American history remains just that. Bizarre, unexplainable.
It began on a rainy Sunday morning, Feb. 28, 1993, with an ill-fated raid by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The assault on what was known as Mount Carmel followed a long federal investigation into Koresh's growing arsenal. Local social services agencies had also looked into reports that the leader was having sex with underage girls who were part of the community.
Four federal agents were killed in a bloody gunbattle with the cultists that Sunday, and 20 more were wounded. Six Branch Davidians died. By that evening, the muddy encampment called Satellite City had sprouted nearby. Hundreds of reporters from around the world loitered for the next six weeks, eating Salvation Army doughnuts, getting haircuts, practicing their golf swings, and chronicling a darkly comic cat-and-mouse game between Koresh and FBI negotiators.
Souvenir vendors sold T-shirts that said Waco was really an acronym for "We Ain't Coming Out." Leno, Letterman and Saturday Night Live had a fresh supply of punch lines for weeks.
"This just in," SNL's Kevin Nealon reported on Weekend Update. "David Koresh has admitted he's not really Jesus but actually is a disgruntled postal employee."
Most assumed that the nuts near Waco would eventually come marching out. Not me.
While the siege droned on, I was working on a book about Koresh, talking to people around the world with firsthand acquaintance. Samuel Henry was one, a middle-aged carpenter in Manchester, England, who lost his family to the cult, one by one. Koresh, the guitar-playing Yank with shoulder-length hair and a dense interpretation of the Book of Revelation, was rejected by most on his international recruiting trips. But Samuel Henry told me that his daughter Diana was beside herself after hearing Koresh preach in a Manchester living room.
"Daddy, listen!" she cried. "Listen!"
Diana Henry, two sisters and two brothers all ended up with Koresh in Texas.
"You've got to be joking," Samuel Henry cried when his wife, Zilla, announced that she was following her children. "Let's talk about this. Let's pray about this."
"It's too late," Zilla told him in 1990. "This man is the Christ."
Samuel Henry, a religious man himself, flew to Texas to confront Koresh but could not persuade his family to return. When we talked during the standoff, he said he thought Koresh was another Jim Jones, the cult leader who inspired 900 followers to commit suicide in Guyana in 1978. I heard similar stories from other relatives. By mid-April 1993, I had come to believe that the standoff was headed toward a dark and tragic end.
April 19, 1993, was a bright, very windy spring day. The fires at Mount Carmel became visible around noon, six hours after the FBI began to fire tear gas into the compound and break down walls with armored vehicles. Government conspiracy theorists have had a field day ever since, alleging, among other things, that federal agents either accidentally or intentionally started the fire, and pinned the Branch Davidians inside with gunfire.
Waco was a primary inspiration for Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, who struck on the same date, two years later.
"The bad acts alleged in this case are among the most serious charges that can be leveled against a government," special counsel John Danforth would write in 2000, after a long investigation into what happened. "That its agents deliberately set fire to a building full of people, that they pinned children in the burning building with gunfire, that they illegally employed the armed forces … and that they then lied about their conduct."
In 1999, a Time magazine poll showed that 61 percent of the American public believed the government had started the fires. That was ridiculous, Danforth concluded.
"What is remarkable is the overwhelming evidence exonerating the government from the charges made against it, and the lack of any real evidence to support charges of bad acts. … In the face of such a calamity, we have a need to affix blame. Things like this just can't happen; they must be the government's fault. We are somehow able to ignore the contrary evidence — never mind the fact that the FBI waited for 51 days without firing a shot, never mind the evidence that the Branch Davidians started the fire, never mind that the FBI agents risked their own lives in efforts to rescue the Davidians — and we buy into the notion that the government would deliberately kill 80 people in a burning building."
Meanwhile, obscured by the conspiracy theories was the sinister, inexplicable reality. Teachers, lawyers, college professors, social workers, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters had fallen under Koresh's spell, surrendering their money, wives and daughters, and ultimately their lives in fiery deaths.
After all these years, it was clear from my recent visit with Clive Doyle that the spell lingers.
'It was a cult'
Jason Sharp lives in Frankfort, Ind., but that recent afternoon he was visiting relatives in Texas and figured, why not? He was 19 when he watched the fire on television, live with the rest of the world.
"I wanted to see where it took place," he said that day at Mount Carmel. "This is going to be a part of history."
Today, a small wood-frame church marks the spot where the Branch Davidian compound stood, about 10 miles east of Waco. The only real remnants are the shell of an in-ground swimming pool and cinder-block bunkers now filled with water. Elsewhere are a stone memorial for the cult victims and another for the ATF agents who died. It is a quiet, peaceful place.
When Sharp drove off down a gravel road, I walked around the corner of the church and found Charles Pace sitting in his car, talking to a friend. Pace is the pastor of a sect of Branch Davidians, about 20 of them, who still worship at the church. They also built and maintain the memorials and engage in organic farming. Pace's group doesn't have much to do with Clive Doyle and the other survivors. The reason became apparent when Pace started talking about Koresh.
"It was a cult, a sex cult," Pace said.
The Branch Davidians had begun as an offshoot of the Seventh-day Adventists. Pace, a sect member since the 1970s, said he confronted Koresh after hearing him preach in 1984. At the time, he went by the name Vernon Howell, something of a misfit who had been kicked out of a Seventh-day Adventist church in Tyler. Vernon Howell was full of it, Pace thought, but he had memorized large chunks of the Bible.
"He was the kind of guy who could get in your face and challenge you with Scripture," he said. "He liked the sport of it. But I saw through the whole thing. I protested."
Pace warned Clive Doyle and the others that Koresh was a false prophet.
Few listened.
"To this day, people like Clive Doyle don't like me," Pace said.
So Koresh became the resident Messiah, and Pace moved to Alabama.
"I think he had good intentions at first, but it kind of goes to your head," Pace said. "I believe it went to his head, and it went to their heads at the same time. It must have been nuts here. I would have beat the sh– out of him if he came near my daughter or my wife. He told them that he was God in the flesh, and they believed him."
I told Pace of my own sense of darkness as I learned more about Koresh and his cult.
"I always felt that way with him, too," Pace said. "I still feel that way when I'm around the survivors. It's still there. There's something missing in them. They still believe he's coming back. They still believe it was OK for him to sin."
'His spirit impressed me'
In 1994, Clive Doyle was acquitted of charges that included conspiracy to murder a federal agent. He was mentioned several times in the Danforth report. Two decades later, he and a friend, Ron Goins, rent the second floor of a large Victorian house in Waco. They met me on the sidewalk out front.
Doyle got behind the wheel of an old van for a short but awkward drive to the park.
"So you're the famous Tim Madigan," he said.
I didn't know how to respond.
"You wrote the book [about Koresh]," he said.
"I did."
" See No Evil," Doyle said.
"What did you think of it?"
"Not much," Doyle said. "But I can't blame you. It was published a month after the fire. A lot of information has come out since then."
We pulled into the park and sat at a table with a fine view of the Brazos River. Happy young joggers ran past every few minutes.
Doyle told me that he grew up in Australia. He learned of the Branch Davidians in the 1960s through their literature, and he moved to the United States to pursue the faith in 1966. Through much of the 1970s, the Branch Davidians lived quietly in the Central Texas countryside, led by an older woman named Lois Roden.
Doyle met Vernon Howell in 1981.
"Over the next couple of years, he came and went several times," Doyle said. "Each time he came, he stayed a little longer. In '83, Lois Roden basically told him, 'You've been sharing this message with me. Now it's time you present it to the rest of the people.' She turned the pulpit over to him. We had been taught that God would lead his people through prophets. We've been instructed to give them a hearing.
"We don't fall for every one who comes along," Doyle continued. "But 99 percent of the people accepted him. We accepted him as a messenger of God. I was one of the first."
Was it his good looks? His guitar? The fact that he had memorized so much of the Bible?
"I don't know that he was a very talented con man," Doyle said. "It was not like we were swept off our feet because he looked like Jesus. You listened to what he had to say and either you were impressed or you weren't.
"His spirit impressed me," he said. "It's hard to go back and pinpoint what words he used or what day it was. I couldn't tell you. But it was definitely a strong conviction that he had something and it probably had something to do with Lois turning over the pulpit to him."
What about the sex? How could Doyle let Koresh take his daughter?
"I still believe that it was of God," Doyle said.
That Koresh should have sex with his daughter?
"Correct," he said. "She made her own choice based on her Bible studies."
"But Clive, she was 18," I said.
"When God chooses messengers, some of these people are asked to do things by God which would be an anathema or contrary to the morals of the people of the day," Doyle said. "David said once that, 'They will accuse me of the very things that they themselves are doing. They will get on me about the women, but many of the same people that hate me, throw all these statements around about me, are having one-night stands with their secretaries.'"
What about the children?
Koresh had long preached that flames were a way to heaven, a fulfillment of prophecy. Three days before the fire, the Davidians put out a sign that said, "The flames await Isaiah 13."
The Danforth report concluded that on April 19, the Branch Davidians spread accelerants throughout the compound and set fires in at least three locations. Microphones picked up several references inside the compound to lighting the fires. As the buildings were consumed, most inside showed no desire to escape.
That day in the park, Doyle and I talked briefly about the standoff and fire.
"I never saw anybody light the fires," Doyle said. "I was in the chapel area, by the front door. The FBI was gassing us all morning. I heard someone yelling from upstairs that the building was on fire."
He didn't say why he decided to get out when so many others, including his daughter and six members of Samuel Henry's family, did not. He did say that his daughter had believed until the end.
The longer we talked, the more it became apparent: Shari Doyle is a big reason Doyle continues to believe in Koresh. He doesn't want to jeopardize the reunion with her, a reunion in the hereafter.
"Here's what I would like you to consider," he said. "What if I gave up on the whole thing? What if I really bought into the idea that we had been deceived? I would give up everything. There would be nothing to have faith in. I would not have any hope or anything to look forward to."
"You mean seeing your daughter again?" I said.
"My daughter and a lot of the other people were my friends, too," he said softly.
"But what about all the children who died?" I said. "They didn't have a choice. How can you rationalize that?"
"I understand that it turns a lot of people off," Doyle said. "But God has always allowed children to die."
We finished our conversation in front of his house.
"I have a question for you," Doyle said. "If you had to do it all over again, knowing what you know now, would you write the same book?"
I thought about that.
"Yes," I said.
There was certainly plenty of room to second-guess the government, I told him, but I still believe, more than ever, that Koresh was responsible.
"Think about his theology," I said. "It all led to the same place, to him. All the sex. The money. The car. The motorcycle. The guitars and rock bands. Who else got any of the benefits? Wasn't that convenient?"
Doyle was silent for several moments.
"I guess we won't know for sure until David comes back," he said.
"I've got your cell number," I said. "If that happens, I'll be the first to call and apologize."
Doyle smiled. We shook hands and said goodbye.
La setta di Waco (film FR)
Pubblicato da favisonlus in link e video il 8 aprile 2013
Sopravvissuto di Waco: il Giorno del Giudizio è imminente e David Koresh, il messia, ritornerà tra noi
Pubblicato da favisonlus in news dall'Italia e dall'estero, Testimonianze il 24 marzo 2013
Waco siege 20 years on: the survivor's tale
Livingstone Fagan took his family from Britain to live with the self-declared Messiah David Koresh in Waco, Texas, where his wife and mother died. As the 20th anniversary of the bloody end of the seige approaches, Fagan explains why has no regrets … and is still a believer.
By Cole Moreton
Livingstone Fagan is waiting for the end of the world as we know it, which he believes is coming soon.
"The tables will turn," he says, pacing his bare council flat in a tower block in Nottingham. "We endure what is thrown at us, no matter how extreme, because the day will come, as David says."
This trim 53-year-old with ashen dreadlocks is talking about David Koresh, the self-declared messiah who was holed up in a compound in Waco, Texas, with an armed group of followers, 20 years ago today.
Fagan was there, willing to fight in defence of his family and the man he believed was a second Christ. He had done so in the gunfight at the beginning of the siege in late February 1993, when federal agents attempt to storm the compound and were repelled. And when it all finished with another attack, 51 days later, Fagan lost his wife, his mother, and many of his friend.
"We understand why God executes vengeance," says this intense man, who was jailed during the siege and served time for voluntary manslaughter and a firearms offence before being deported to his home town of Nottingham six years ago.
Swigging from a bottle of cider vinegar and water, dressed in dark slacks and a grey sweatshirt, he could still be a prisoner. Fagan lives simply, waiting for the return of Koresh, which he believes to be imminent.
The Branch Davidian cult compound near Waco burns (AFP)
"The anniversary is significant," he says, as we approach the date when it all ended, April 19. The world's media watched on that day in 1993 as the FBI attacked the compound with tanks and tear gas and a fire broke out that quickly destroyed the buildings. At least 76 men, women and children died. The former attorney general Ramsay Clark called it "the greatest domestic law-enforcement tragedy in the history of the United States".
Fagan saw it all from a prison cell, having left the compound in mid-March to act as an envoy to the outside world. "I didn't want to go, but I was asked to do so by David. In the event that we were all killed, there needed to be some voices outside to tell the story from our point of view."
He had hoped to help with the negotiations. "That's not how it turned out. I was placed in the county jail with little or no contact into what was going on there." He saw the tragedy unfold on television, along with millions of others. "That was quite … that was quite something."
His voice falters, for the first time. His son and daughter, aged four and seven, had been among the children who left the compound during negotiations. His wife Yvette and his mother Doris were still inside, however, along with others that he loved. "The thought of tears, as I watched it … I couldn't let that happen."
His eyes glitter. Has he ever allowed himself to weep over this? "Since then? Tears? No. I refuse to do that. I saw it as yielding to them. I had seen the others stand their ground, despite gas and flame being used to stir their emotions. I felt I had to be the good soldier too, relative to what we believed."
Members of the Branch Davidian sect (BBC)
He still believes it, passionately, however bizarre those beliefs may appear to others. "There's a game being played here that in the end leads to the Kingdom of Heaven coming to Earth and the eradication of evil from the universe forever," says Fagan, who preaches when he speaks, his accent sliding between America, his birthplace, Jamaica, and Nottingham, where he was brought up.
More than 30 British citizens lived in the Waco community, most having joined through their connections with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Fagan originally trained as a social worker but became an Adventist in his early twenties and took a master's degree in pastoral ministry.
"I was looking for something more," he says, and he found it in the teachings of a visiting American speaker called Vernon Howell, who was approaching 30 and about to change his name, legally, to David Koresh, in tribute to two Biblical kings.
Branch Davidian who have left before the storming, left, and their leader David Koresh (AFP/AP)
Fagan insists there was nothing particularly charismatic about the man who changed his life. "None of that physical stuff – what you hear, see and touch – was the influence. The reason why people were there is that he was revealing truth."
Koresh claimed to have been visited by an angel, who revealed to him the nature of the Seven Seals, as described in the Biblical book of Revelation. The opening of the seals would be an escalating series of events leading to the Day of Judgment.
Fagan came to believe – as he still does – that Koresh was descended from Christ and "the spirit and the word of God" were embodied in him.
He began to visit the Branch Davidians, as the followers of Koresh were called, at their communal home in Texas. At the end of 1992, Fagan took his whole family over to live. When the siege happened, they had been there for just eight weeks. "What I saw there was primitive godliness," he says.
Isn't it true, though, that many of the women lived as the wives of Koresh, while the other adults practised celibacy?
"These were not sexual partners. These were actually wives," says Fagan. "God says he is against adultery and fornication. That was still in place. It was only as God directed him that David was to have these wives. The purpose of this was to bear children."
The intention was to create 24 children who combined the human with the spirit of God that was in Koresh, he says. They would become the 24 elders mentioned in Revelation as God's jury. "We only had a little over half that number. In effect, the world attacked the jury. But of course, that's not what people out there see. What they see is this guy having sex with all these women."
There have been claims of child abuse among the Branch Davidians. Fagan denies it. "I told you there was no child abuse. That's right. There wasn't. But there are those who want to believe that."
They were certainly trading guns to make money. They were also arming themselves against a looming confrontation with the authorities, which Koresh compared to the soldiers coming for Christ.
"We were told to put up a defence, for God had a purpose in this. That purpose had to do with buying time," says Fagan.
Koresh needed to finish writing down what he knew about the Seven Seals. Meanwhile, the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was convinced there were illegal automatic weapons in the compound, and was preparing a raid.
Rather than being scared, many of the adults were excited. "Here we were, literally fulfilling prophecy. That had a profound effect on how we thought about ourselves, and about being there." They felt like they were at the centre of cosmic events? "Indeed. That's a good way of putting it."
His wife and mother were believers, and so at that time, were his children. "Nearing the end, before they attacked, my son said: 'I know what they gonna do daddy. They gonna come and kill us and then we gonna come back to life.' All nonchalant." He sounds proud.
Armed ATF agents made the first attempt to enter the compound on February 28. Both sides still claim the other fired first. "When the initial shots went off, I heard screams. It was quick. I remember going outside and seeing the helicopters. It was a long time ago. I'm not going to go into many details …"
One direct question, then. Who, if anybody, did he shoot?
"Well, according to the FBI agent in the trial, I was the one who came out of the cafeteria and shot him in his finger. I had nothing to do with that. But there were other things that I was engaged in. I felt it was vital. There was the sound of gunfire everywhere, particularly upstairs. My wife and children, all the other women and kids, were up there. We were not going to let that happen," he says.
"The sense that if we let these people in the building they would kill us indiscriminately? No. I had a responsibility, and I was moved to find whatever means necessary to prevent it. I took that responsibility seriously. I acted on it."
Four agents and six of Koresh's followers died before the Branch Davidians called for a ceasefire, which led to the siege. Fagan was one of several members of the group accused of murder, although they were all acquitted. He served 14 years for voluntary manslaughter and a firearms offence, before being deported to Britain.
"Here I thought I could speak to people on a rational level, to make them understand what had actually happened, but they were afraid to talk to me." He visited his former church twice. "I wasn't welcome. The picture has been painted that we are of the devil."
There are about a dozen Waco survivors in Britain, he says. "On occasion, we do meet."
How often does he see his children, who were brought up here by his brother? "We met when I first came back. There was a gathering. We met, they spoke. They expressed their feelings and thoughts. Subsequently we have met on other occasions, such as my father's 80th birthday. I accept that they have a life. I engage with them to the extent that they wish."
His son is now 21 and his daughter is 23. "I am not going to say that they have rejected what I believe. When they see their mother they will … no."
His refusal to weep for her and the others is partly explained by the belief that they will be reunited in eternal life, soon. That's also why he has not found another partner. "I've thought about it. I've explored the idea. But it doesn't really work, does it? We have a hope, beyond this."
Sighing, he says: "Ah well, I won't be here for very much longer."
Listening to the quick rattle of Scripture verses, watching the fire in his eyes, I wonder for a moment if this is what it was like to sit with John the disciple, decades after the death of Jesus. The thought passes quickly, not least because I do not believe that David Koresh was a second Christ.
Fagan has kept his head down since returning to Britain, although he did appear on a BBC television discussion about cults last year. Soon afterwards, he lost his job with a social enterprise project. The main donor saw the show and demanded that he leave. "Waco is an issue for a lot of people."
Now he lives on Jobseeker's Allowance. He wants to work, but also lives in the expectation that the Mount of Olives will open up and the Day of Judgment come later this year.
Fagan warns me to take care when writing this article. "If you don't, you will see me in judgment. Forget stuff about Peter at the gates [of Heaven]. It will be me, saying, 'Cole, remember that article you wrote? Where do you think you're going.'"
He laughs. After a moment's reflection, Livingstone Fagan says: "I used to be a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, before Waco."
Fonte: The Telegraph


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Posts tagged: legislature
From my weekly print column…
The state budget, slated to be signed into law early next week, includes no new state tax increases. Lawmakers were unable to get a two-thirds vote, even a for a 25-cent increase on your phone bill to pay for better emergency-call-handling.
Fees, however, are a different thing. State law doesn't require a two-thirds vote for those. And up they went.
Lawmakers approved increases in 48 different fees, totaling $87 million this year and $186 million next year.
Who will pay more? Lots of people. Electricians and plumbers will pay more for their licenses, as will doctors, dentists and Christmas-tree growers. So will most businesses, nurseries, Realtors, funeral homes and architects.
The vast majority of the increases, however, involve higher education. These include tens of millions of dollars in higher tuition, operating fees and a long list of other college-related charges: student and activities fees, a building fee, and lab and class fees.
The Seattle Times has posted a list of the fee increases in the budget this year. Click here.
Lawmakers on Friday released the details of their proposed two-year operating budget and a quick scan of the 515-page document suggests that they did, in fact, use scalpels instead of hatchets. In addition to the major changes for schools, colleges, social services and health care, lawmakers ended up trimming spending on things like the governor's bodyguards, classes on robots, and the flower plantings around the state capitol.
"No one was spared the pain," said House budget writer Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham. The bodyguard budget was reduced by $190,000. The flowers were cut $42,000. And the robot class will be ended, saving $300,000.
Gone also is a "teak surfing" awareness program to tell people that it's foolish to hang onto the back of a speeding motorboat. It will be replaced by a sticker warning would-be teak surfers about carbon monoxide.
Some things were added. Lawmakers set aside $642,000, for example, to open the Eastern Washington Veterans' Cemetery on Memorial Day 2010.
Here's a look at where some of the chips fell. Except where noted, the numbers are compared to the previous state budget. Follow the link below for a breakdown for K-12 schools, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, health care, law enforcement, community colleges and other things.
The state Senate and House this morning each approved spending cuts this morning, in the first of what will be several whacks at state spending.
"For those that say you want to cut more, just sit in your seats," said House budget writer Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham. "You'll have a chance."
Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, clearly responding to Gov. Chris Gregoire's criticism of lawmakers' budget-cutting pace earlier in the week, said that no Washington legislature has ever approved budget reductions this early in a legislative session.
Brown also said lawmakers were proud to preserve a state plan to allow families living on up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($63,600 for a family of 4) to buy into the state's health insurance plan for kids.
"The sacred cow here is kids' health," she said in a press release. "We are keeping a commitment."
In the House, Rep. Gary Alexander said that the bill there is a first step in state belt-tightening. But he warned that "we're going to have to go many, many, many notches further."
Pushing the metaphor further, Alexander suggested that lawmakers might, in fact, have to "take our pants off and go back and purchase a pair that are about three sizes smaller."
There was some blunt talk yesterday from members of a House committee, as officials from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture tried to argue against deep budget cuts that they say will backfire by hurting local fundraising.
In this clip, Reps. Jeannie Darneille, D-Tacoma, and Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, respond that things are bad — much worse than expected — and that saying that cuts will be hard "is falling on our deaf ears," as Darneille put it.
With unemployment levels nationwide at the highest rates since 1992, Washington's House of Representatives on Friday voted to temporarily boost benefits for jobless workers by $45 a week.
"An extra 45 bucks can mean a meal's on the table for the kids," said Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla.
The House overwhelmingly approved the plan, 91 to 2. All local lawmakers voted for it, except Rep. John Driscoll, one of four House members excused from the Friday session.
Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said she expects the Senate to approve the same plan next week. Gov. Gregoire is expected to quickly sign it into law.
"Our understanding is that if we're able to get this to the governor's desk by Feb. 16th, that the benefit increase could start in May for unemployed workers," Brown said. It would last through Jan. 3, 2010.
National unemployment stands at 7.6 percent, up nearly half a percent from last month. Washington's jobless rate last month was 7.1 percent, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Spokane, it was 7.4 percent.
"Behind all these numbers are real people, and they need help," Chopp, D-Seattle, told reporters Friday at the capitol.
Current unemployment insurance benefits in Washington range from $129 a week to $541. The state pays those benefits for up to 26 weeks; federal emergency aid can extend payments for up
In the hubbub around Gov. Gregoire's budget proposal today, one of the dissenters was from a lawmaker close to Gregoire: Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown.
Brown was unhappy that Gregoire's budget assumes about $1 billion from the feds, calling the assumption a "glaring flaw" that the budget juggling look easier than it actually will be.
Brown said that while she, too, is hopeful that Congress and the Obama administration will help states, she doesn't feel comfortable building that hope into a budget.
Gregoire said the assumption is based on her conversations with Obama, and that some additional federal money has already started coming to the state. If anything, Gregoire said, the $1 billion is probably underestimating the federal help.
Brown is especially focused on trying to preserve the social safety net. In a blog post recently, she talked about meeting with Spokane-area children's advocates over breakfast recently. Among them: foster parents, social workers, nurses and teachers.
"Their concerns about the budget gap underscore a central truth about state government," Brown wrote. "No matter how you add it up, state programs that serve children make up significantly more than half the state budget."
Protecting those kids, she said, isn't just an economic or political problem, it's a moral one.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tags jazz, free jazz
Genres jazz, free jazz, avant-garde, experimental, folk (beta)
(flag as incorrect)
March 03, 2012
Including Jeff Parker, John Coltrane and Art Ensemble Of Chicago
I think you should have started with the Joni Mitchell live.
very refreshing, thanks!
Dunderhead by shin_nakamura
Small songs, little songs And Not.
alternative, jazz, triphop
In My Brain by shin_nakamura
Playing in my brain, lately.
jazz, blues, trip-hop, american pop
Yokohama Chinatown by shin_nakamura
16 Songs for April.
alternative, soundtrack, singer/songwriter
Frisky by shin_nakamura
18 Songs From The Ventures To Vincent Gallo.
jazz, surf, r&b, blues


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November 26, 2014
VERONA, N.Y. (AP) - Tiger Woods is returning again to play a charity event hosted by Notah Begay III, his former teammate at Stanford.
Woods will play in the NB3 Foundation Challenge in late August at Turning Stone Resort's Atunyote (ah-DUNE'-yote) Golf Club. It'll be his fourth appearance in the six years Begay has hosted the event, a fundraiser that targets health issues facing Native Americans.
Begay, who started a new line of work this season as a full-time member of the broadcast team for NBC Sports and Golf Channel, says the event has raised more than $4 million in five years. He's a Navajo and the only full-blooded American Indian to play on the PGA Tour.
Lee Westwood, K.J. Choi and Rickie Fowler are among the field of 12 who will be divided into three teams in a combined best-ball format.
Copyright 2014 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Using video to break down Finley's TD catch vs. the Colts. Matt Bowen
Click here for the entire Inside the Playbook series.
If you want to play 2-Man (2 deep, underneath man coverage) vs. the Packers in the red zone, you will get beat. It is that simple from my perspective because of the matchup problem TE Jermichael Finley will cause inside of the numbers.
Let's go back to last night's Packers-Colts game in Indy and check out Aaron Rodgers' TD pass to Finley. Take a look at the video replay and then we will get into some detailed coaching points.
Personnel and alignment: Rodgers and the Packers are in "Posse" (or 311) personnel (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) vs. the Colts base Nickel package (4 DL, 2 LB, 5 DB). Use pre-snap motion ("waste motion" with the RB) to create an empty look and put more stress on the two deep safeties.
2-Man: Different than Cover 2 (or Tampa 2), the five underneath defenders will play in a "trail-man" position. Align with inside leverage and play to the bottom hip of the receiver—using the safeties as protection over the top. That leaves both the SS and FS to play "true" deep half coverage without the CBs sinking hard in Tampa 2 to protect the 7 (corner) route.
The route scheme: Nothing complicated here. Run the underneath "stick" routes and target Finley on an inside vertical seam down the hash. However, check out Starks here. Remember, I mentioned the "waste motion" above. Move the RB to a No.1 alignment and use a clear out 9 (fade) route. He isn't on the field to get the ball; instead the Packers want to work a concept inside of the numbers.
Finley on the seam route: Start with Rodgers on the replay. He looks off the FS (essentially holding him on a landmark) and then comes back to Finely on the seam route. Matched up on the Colts Pat Angerer, the LB now has to play the speed and athletic ability of Finley in a trail position. Tough work right there. And with both safeties removed from the middle of the field, this becomes a one-on-one matchup that favors the offense. Even with Angerer playing the technique of the defense, this is a matchup Finley should win.
We are talking about Green Bay, but you can apply this discussion to any NFL offense. I see plenty of defenses playing 2-Man in the NFL on Sundays. It is a great call to take away inside breaking routes (think Hi-Lo concepts). But if I am a defensive coordinator in this league, there is no chance I play this coverage inside of the 20-yard line.
Check back to the NFP later today when I will break down DeAngelo Hall's "pick-six" vs. the Ravens from Thursday night.
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NOV 26 Joel Corry
Inside a performance-based contract
Elvis Dumervil will be handsomely rewarded after his big night in New Orleans.
NOV 25 Jeff Fedotin
Does Mike Evans deserve Rookie of the Year?
Tampa Bay wide receiver has a TD in four straight games.
NOV 20 Joel Corry
Will there be first ballot Hall of Famers in 2015?
A detailed look at the eight candidates vying for that unique honor.


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From every generation of Americans that has gone to war, the names of a few veterans are added to our nation's collective memory – some for selflessness and courage under fire, some for national leadership in tough times, some for their celebrity.
During the month of May, The American Legion – the nation's largest wartime veterans organization, numbering 2.4 million – invites all Americans to pick who they believe to be the country's most beloved veterans, choosing from 100 names online at www.legion.org/belovedveterans [2]. Individuals can cast up to 25 votes, and if you don't see your favorites on the list, submit a name or two.
Veterans receiving the most votes will be featured in the November issue of The American Legion Magazine and online.
While every man and woman who has worn a uniform deserves the thanks of a grateful nation, having put country above themselves, a select few enter the history books or become household names because of their achievements on or off the battlefield. By giving Americans an opportunity to learn about, remember and celebrate our most famous veterans, The American Legion hopes to bring attention to the honorable nature of military service, teach some history and, perhaps, refresh our memories.
The Legion's list includes veterans from nearly every war era, including:
Cast your votes today at www.legion.org/belovedveterans [2].
[1] http://www.legion.org/print/221267
[2] http://www.legion.org/belovedveterans


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Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
1/1 Photo of At Home Cappuccino
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
5 mins
4 mins
Pamper yourself or impress your guests with a cup of your own steaming hot...and homemade cappuccino
Units: US | Metric
Serving Size: 1 (121 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 4
The following items or measurements are not included:
almond milk
Make this season merry, bright and manageable with our easy ideas.


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By signing in to Twellow, you indicate your agreement to our terms of service.
Simply connect with Facebook and kiss those password blues away,
or go here to reset your password.
Fuzzy Snaps is a mobile pet photography service that caters to pets and their families throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. We aren't limited to fuzzy creatures, though; we will happily photograph feathered and scaly friends too! Mammals, birds, and reptiles are all welcome. We believe every pet owner should have gorgeous photographs of their pet or pets to share with friends and family, and to keep with them at work or anywhere else in need of a friendly face. Our mission is to provide our clients with beautiful, professional portraits of their beloved pets. We photograph pets in environments familiar to them, instead of in a studio, so that the pets are comfortable and happy, and we use natural light to let the pets shine on their own. We understand that pets are an important part of our clients' families. Our goal is to give our clients portraits of their pets that showcase not only the pet or pets, but that also emphasize the love that surrounds each animal and that each animal gives back to its family. Let Fuzzy Snaps create stunning images of your pet that will provide your family with memories to last a lifetime.


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Search pictures and profiles of Senior Singles near you right now. Discover how online dating sites make finding singles in the United States, Canada, and all over the world simple, safe and fun! Once you browse profiles and pictures start flirting, messaging and connecting with other members of the SeniorPeopleMeet.com community. Search today and find other sexy, intelligent singles for casual dating or a serious relationship in your area.Search Single Senior Men | Search Single Senior Women
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About the one I'm looking for...
Single, very comfortable with self, and likes to laugh. Hard worker. Likes to go places and do things, but can sit and read.
I'd just like to add...
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Meet Senior Singles
in your State


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The Lower Big Blue Natural Resource District will again take up discussion on a proposal that they take ownership of the Rail Trail south of Beatrice to the state line. No action was taken as the matter was discussed previously in August. The Nebraska Trails Foundation has currently raised some $814,000 of the estimated $840,000 cost of construction of the fifteen mile ... Read More »
USDA Grant To Fund Repairs To Barneston Water Transmission Line
The USDA Rural Development Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant program will fund $136,000 to repair a Barneston water transmission line that froze over this past winter. A more permanent solution is planned with the aid of the funding that will help avoid such issues in the future. Read More »
Marysville Woman Airlifted After Accident Near Beatrice
A Marysville woman, Susan McHenry, 52, was injured Sunday, and airlifted to a Lincoln hospital after she was injured when her vehicle apparently crossed the center line, and struck an oncoming semi on U.S. Highway 77 south of Beatrice. Ricky Webb, 49, of Booneville, Missouri had swerved to the shoulder, but could not avoid the collision. He, and a passenger in the truck ... Read More »
Pawnee County Commission Looking To Close Road Near Summerfield
A road on the state line two miles east of Summerfield slated for closure by Pawnee County Commissioners was the topic of discussion during a recent public hearing. Although the road is minimum maintenance, and a quarter mile section of the road is already closed, several area landowners and farmers are in favor of keeping the road open. After an hour long ... Read More »
Severe Weather Awareness: Outdoor Sirens Are Intended For Outdoor Use Only
This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. The National Weather Service put the following information together to remind the public that outdoor warning sirens are not intended to alert people indoors. Every year the National Weather Service and the emergency management communities get together and provide severe weather information for the public. Each year we emphasize the fact ... Read More »
Proposed Bill Would Require Transmission Lines Be Reviewed
State Representative Sharon Schwarz of Washington recently testified for a bill that would require power transmission line projects to undergo a review by the Kansas Electric Transmission Authority before proceeding to the Kansas Corporation Commission. The proposed legislation was prompted by the K.C.C. granting a Certificate of Convenience to Clean Line Energy, which plans to build an electric transmission line ... Read More »
KCC Grants Grain Belt Express Siting Permit Contingent Upon Line Siting Approval in Three Other States
Topeka, KS – Today, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC or Commission) approved an Order granting a siting permit to Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC (Grain Belt Express) to construct the Kansas portion of a 600 kV high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line, and an HVDC converter station and associated transmission facilities. The line begins in Ford County, Kansas, ... Read More »
CLEANR Issues "Call To Action" For Proposed Clean Line Energy Line
Cleanr, a coalition of landowners, the environment, and natural resources has issued a call to action from those parties affected by the proposed electric transmission line that Grain Belt Express/Clean Line Energy has presented the Kansas Corporation Commission. The public is encouraged to attend a KCC hearing Tuesday morning in Topeka at 9 am. At issue immediately is the groups' ... Read More »
Clean Line Energy Meeting Planned For Saturday In Seneca
A meeting of landowners, and other residents affected by construction of a proposed energy transmission line across northeast Kansas is planned Saturday evening in Seneca. A local group will energize and coordinate efforts to oppose the proposal, which would come into Washington, and across Marshall and Nemaha counties. Some 20 speakers were among several hundred people in attendance in Seneca ... Read More »
Washington County Commission Amends Longevity Pay Motion
The Washington County Commissioners met Monday, and amended a previous motion regarding longevity pay to include only full time employees. A representative from North Central Regional Planning provided a cost benefit analysis on the Grain Belt Clean Line electric transmission line proposed that would cross Washington County. He also presented a map showing counties participating in the Rural Opportunity Zone ... Read More »


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Man missing after being swept out to sea by rip current off Melbourne Beach
Rescue crews are searching for a man who they say got caught in a rip current Sunday around 6 p.m. at Coconut Point Park in Melbourne Beach.
A Brevard County deputy and firefighter dove in the water in an attempt to rescue the man but were unable to.
Brevard County Ocean Rescue lifeguards then did a grid search but were unable to locate the man before.
A Brevard County helicopter, along with Florida Fish and Wildlife and Coast Guard jet skis and boats, were also out in search of the man, who officials said remains missing.
The Coast Guard has now taken over the investigation.
Officials said three other people that got caught in the rip current with the man were able to get out of the water.
No other information was immediately released.
Copyright 2011 by Post-Newsweek Stations. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
The views expressed below are not those of News4Jax or its affiliated companies. By clicking on "Post," you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and your comment is in compliance with such terms. Readers, please help keep this discussion respectful and on topic by flagging comments that are offensive or inappropriate (hover over the commenter's name and you'll see the flag option appear on right side of that line). And remember, respect goes both ways: Tolerance of others' opinions is important in a free discourse. If you're easily offended by strong opinions, you might skip reading comments entirely.


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In Part I, I will talk about the Outfielders. I will follow up with the catchers, the corner infielders, the middle infielders, and then the pitchers. The Twins obviously have great depth when it comes to strong-armed pitching prospects, so that was very difficult to project. There are several positional question marks, and I will try to discuss them.
The Outfielders
Minnesota Twins:
Well, the first thing we need to do is talk about the Minnesota Twins outfield situation. As of today, we know that Michael Cuddyer will be in RF, Torii Hunter will be in CF, and Rondell White will be out in LF. Jason Kubel, if healthy, would likely be the primary DH and also play some LF. Ideally, a team would prefer to have just five outfielders. So, would the Twins 5th outfielder be Jason Tyner or Lew Ford? Both can play all three OF positions. Ford provides more power potential. To me, this may simply come down to whether the Twins decide to keep an extra RH power bat on the bench (ie - Matthew LeCroy, Ken Harvey). If they do, then they would probably keep Tyner on the big league roster. Ford's recent signing at $985,000 makes him hard to send to AAA, but I think he could be a trade candidate. It is also possible that both would make the Opening Day roster, depending upon injury.
Rochester Red Wings:
I believe that the primary, every day outfield at Rochester will be Josh Rabe in LF, Denard Span in CF and Doug Deeds in RF. It is very unfortunate that Alex Romero was lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks because he would have provided a good four man rotation in the OF. At this point, I think that the Twins may have to pick up a veteran OF on a minor league contract to be the #4 OF. Another possibility would be for utility man Gil Velazquez to get some playing time in the OF. I think that Span needs to make this jump to AAA, and it is a big year for him. If he can show the he could truly be an adequate replacement in CF for Torii Hunter, he could make that jump in 2008. In reality, he is still young and was only added to the Twins 40 man roster this offseason, so it isn't like they have to bring him up in 2008 either. Matt Allegra has been around for awhile, but he is new to the Twins system. He could be a veteran reserve for the Red Wings.
New Britain Rock Cats:
Trent Oeltjen is a guy that I believe deserves a promotion to Rochester. However, each year, there are several players in this (and any) organization that have to repeat a level for various reasons. I think Oeltjen is a very good prospect and deserves to play every day. At Rochester, he may only play half of the time, but staying at New Britain should mean every day at bats. I think that he would get time on defense at all three OF positions. I think that Brandon Roberts will make the jump from Ft. Myers. The two should be the team's top two hitters as well and wreak havoc on the opposition's pitchers and catchers. I think that Garrett Guzman will be the third starting OF. I think that Jeremy Pickrel will make the jump to AA as a reserve as will Justin Arneson who can play any position. Scott Whitrock is also a possibility to be a reserve here.
Fort Myers Miracle:
There are a few question marks in the Ft. Myers outfield. The one sure thing, in my mind, is that Eli Tintor should be the every day RF. I think that Deacon Burns is likely to repeat the level and split time in LF with Juan Portes. Portes fought injuries in 2006 and did not get much consistent playing time. But he is known for his bat. If he can stay healthy, he would likely be ready for the jump to the Florida State League. Speaking of jumps, I am predicting that Danny Santiesteban will skip a level and jump to Ft. Myers. The five-tool talent is clearly ready to roam centerfield in the big ballparks. It would be interesting to see if he could handle it with the bat. I would expect both Edward Ovalle to be promoted to Ft. Myers and likely get plenty of playing time.
Beloit Snappers:
Finally, the OF situation in Beloit involves a lot of youth. I think that 2006 first round pick Chris Parmalee will be the starter in RF. I also think that Joe Benson, the team's 2nd round pick in 2006, will start the season in CF. Both signed quickly after the draft and played some Beloit after the Gulf Coast season ended. The Twins have traditionally started top draft pick position players out of high school at Low A. Mark Robinson is a lesser known top pick from the 2004 draft. Robinson got some at bats for the Snappers a year ago and should get more playing time this year. I would guess that both Dwayne White and JW Wilson will be reserve OF for the team.
I would love to hear your thoughts on any of this. So please feel free to leave Comments in the forum.


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Palm Desert Condo Rental Photos and Description
Condo, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, (Sleeps 6)
Why Is This Place So Special..???
Our completely remodeled 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 1814 square foot condo is the nicest rental in DFCC. From our condo, you can walk out the sliding door to the large, lovely patio, which is just 10 steps from the largest pool in Desert Falls Country Club, in a very quiet peaceful area, in the interrior of this complex, not near any exterrior road. The pool and pool decking were completely re-done, so the pool is fantastic. Our patio faces northwest for warm afternoon sun, views of palm trees, pool, and the snow-capped San Jacinto mountains beyond.
We have completely remodeled our kitchen with classy upgrades. It is complete with new cabinets, granite countertops, large sink, dishes and appliances.
Our living room has a 42-inch plasma TV with HDMI DVD/VCR and brand new furniture. All bedrooms also equipped with TVs and DVD players.
Enjoy our leather recliner and foot rest or sit in one of 2 new sofa's to relax while watching one of 5 complimentary HBO channels or other cable television.
All 3 bedrooms have new furniture, furnishings and window treatments as well.
Our 3 bathrooms all feature new granite countertops, wood cabinetry, extra large showers, new toliets and stone tile flooring.
Our place is GREAT for families as we have 5 nice bikes you can use, and 5 pool floats (3 great ones and 3 blow-ups) to use on the GIANT pool. We also have set of golf irons, childs float ring, float/tire pumps (electric and hand styles), 20 lb dumbells, and 3 water guns for the pool.
Feel free to use our washer and dryer as well.
Rental includes free access to Desert Falls Country Club's 9 lighted tennis courts, fitness facility, and clubhouse. Pay as you play golf access available at the Desert Falls Country Club course, voted one of the top 10 courses in the desert by the SCPGA. Come enjoy your stay at Desert Falls Country Club, one of the best places in the desert for golf, tennis, swimming or just plain relaxing.
The Clubhouse has a wonderful workout rooms with updated cardio fitness machines (with TV's) and new weight equipment.
Our condo is not for smokers or party folks. We rent to people that will enjoy our place, but not ruin it for future guests or our neighbors.
With all of these great and excellent features, it places our condo as the best looking rental unit in all of the Desert Falls Community.
Keywords: Condo
- Suitability:
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets not allowed
About Nels Hawkinson
I grew up in California and needed a FUN place to return to from time to time to get away from the grey skies of Seattle. My family of four loves it in Palm Desert with so many fun things to do, places to eat and of course the awesome sunshine.
We are a very athletic family and love to play most sports. We love our dog Tucker, but he is not allowed to come to Palm Desert.
Nels Hawkinson purchased this condo in 2008
Why Nels Hawkinson chose Palm Desert
We had rented condos at Desert Falls Country Club a few times before and fell in love with this great development. We waited and then finally bought at one of the best locations in DFCC. We have enjoyed updating the condo, so our family and our guests will have a wonderful experience there. The tennis and golf here is wonderful. Their workout room is pretty special as well!
What makes this condo unique
Our unit is big and spacious and we love our remodeling we have done. The bedrooms and bathrooms look better than hotel suites. We have 5 bikes, nice pool floats, set of golf irons, and now a brand new pool(the biggest) right outside our door. Our stone top (6 person) table is a fun place to sit and eat while watching the sun set over the mountains on our large patio.


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Posts tagged: Christmas trivia
Once again, in the spirit of peace on Earth to men and women of good will, Spin Control avoids political commentary so close to Christmas. This year our holiday wish is that if lions can lie down with the lambs, Senate Republicans can peacefully break bread with Senate Democrats, NRA members can share a cup of cheer with gun control advocates and birthers will wake up Tuesday morning to find a brand new conspiracy in their stockings.
Instead, we offer our annual 12 Trivias of Christmas Quiz.
1. In the song 12 Days of Christmas, how many day have gifts involving people?
2. In "It's a Wonderful Life," what book is Clarence the angel reading?
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Adventures of Huck Finn
Dickens' Christmas Carol
The Red Badge of Courage
3. Who was the first president to celebrate Christmas in the White House?
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Monroe
4. When Kevin McCallister is left "Home Alone", where does his family go?
New York
5. How much does Lucy charge for psychiatric advice in "A Charlie Brown Christmas"?
A penny
A nickel
A dime
She doesn't charge; she gives her advice for free.
6. Who narrates the television version of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"?
Dr. Seuss
Boris Karloff
Bill Cosby
Bing Crosby
7. The story of Jesus's birth is described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Which of the following accurately represents those accounts?
Both feature shepherds and the Magi.
Both have shepherds but only Matthew has the Magi.
Both have shepherds but only Luke has the Magi.
The Magi are in Matthew, the shepherds are in Luke.
8. What do the children drink on the way to the North Pole on the "Polar Express"?
Warm milk
Hot chocolate
Egg nog
9. "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" was rewritten this year to be more politically correct by a Canadian author who changed what?
Santa is not described as an "elf" to avoid offending little people.
Santa comes through the door to avoid references to carbon-burning fuel in the fireplace.
Santa is described as so trim and fit he can slide down the chimney without getting ashes and soot.
Santa isn't smoking a pipe.
10. Ebenezer Scrooge's favorite line in "A Christmas Carol" is "Bah. Humbug." What is a humbug?
It's a trick or a hoax.
It's a small, pesky insect that plagued Londoners in the 1800s.
It's a stupid person.
It's a 19th Century oath.
11. Kissing under the mistletoe is a custom that is traced back to
Ancient Greeks
Ancient Romans
Ancient Celts
Ancient Norse
12. When
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Monroe
Andrew Jackson
For answers, go inside the blog.