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Should We Have A Constitutional Convention or Not?
November 18th, 2014 // 9:49 am @ Oliver DeMille
(The Only Way We'll Ever Get America Back on Track)
Months ago I wrote an article about competing views on holding a Constitutional Convention to help get America back on track. I listed some of the pros and cons of both views, and asked readers for their thoughts.
Two Surprises
I was surprised by two things: 1) the huge number of responses to my article, and 2) the extremely strong emotions people shared about how we must avoid a Convention at all costs, and, alternatively, how without a Convention America is truly doomed.
I knew people felt strongly about both sides of this issue, but I didn't realize just how passionately many people feel it.
I got hardly any responses that were lukewarm. Everything was ice-cold hatred of the very topic of a Convention, or boiling-hot support of its absolute necessity. The most interesting thing about this is that pretty much everyone who responded—from both sides—is deeply committed to freedom, to the principles of the Constitution, and to the vital importance of America's future freedom.
I mentioned in my original article on this topic that I had my own opinion. I read each response carefully and with an open mind to see if anything swayed my views. After reading them all, I remain committed to my original viewpoint. And I'm ready to share it.
The Reality
For those who are adamantly supportive of either side, my thoughts are likely to be frustrating. I see the value of both views. I think a Convention is either a wonderful idea or a terrible idea, and we won't truly know which until after it is held (if it ever happens, that is). Thus, we should either not hold it at all, or we should hold it but be sure there is a real chance of it doing the right things.
This view isn't very helpful if your focus is on whether or not to have a Convention. But there is a method to my viewpoint. There is a bigger reality at play here, and too often the people supporting or opposing a Convention don't realize just how important it is. Let me explain.
One respondent wrote: "Our form of government was made for a moral people…. We need the people to change, not the Constitution!"
Powerful words. I would add two words to make this even more poignant: "Our form of government was made for a moral and wise people…. We need the people to change, not the Constitution!"
This is dead right. Those who oppose a Convention use this to make the case that "Since many of our people and leaders lack morality and wisdom, a Convention will simply throw away the best thing we have going for us—the Constitution."
In contrast, supporters of a Convention use this same idea to argue: "Our lack of moral and wise people and leaders is causing us to reject more and more of the Constitution with each passing year. If current trends continue, we won't even be following the Constitution within a few years—not even the little bit we are following now. A Convention is the only chance of fixing this.
"Yes, it might backfire and we'll lose our freedoms, but without a Convention we're definitely losing them—and nobody realizes it enough to stop it. At least with a Convention we have a chance to turn things around, and if we don't, if it makes things worse, at least everyone will know it—openly and immediately."
Both views have real merit.
But there is a solution. It will work if we have a Convention, and it will work if we don't have a Convention.
It isn't easy, but it is possible. It can happen. It will be difficult, but without it we will lose our freedoms—regardless of whether or not we have a Convention.
What is the solution? We need at least 3% of the populace to really understand the Constitution. That's approximately the percentage of people who actively participated in the American founding. Today we need at least 3% to deeply, truly understand the Constitution and the principles of freedom—at the level Madison and Jefferson and the Americans of their generation understood them.
If that doesn't happen, a Convention won't help. Likewise, if it doesn't happen, avoiding a Convention won't help either.
We are losing our freedoms. Quickly. Consistently. And much of it is happening in secret, in policies, laws, and programs the public doesn't bother to read and understand.
But How?
How can we get 3% of the populace to understand the Constitution? Honestly, this is really very simple. There are five books I know of that teach what is needed. A person who reads, studies, and really understands any of the five will know enough to be part of the 3%. The five are:
- Madison, et al., The Federalist Papers
- Skousen, The Five Thousand Year Leap
- DeMille, We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident
- Skousen, The Making of America
- DeMille, The U.S. Constitution and the 196 Indispensable Principles of Freedom
Of course, reading more than one of them, or even all of them, is better. But really knowing the principles taught in any one of them will make a person part of the 3%. And when 3% or more of the people really know the Constitution, we'll have enough critical mass to truly influence a return to its principles.
Of course, there are many other good books on freedom. What these five books have in common is that each one provides a comprehensive overview of the freedom principles needed to get our nation back on the right path. And after you read 1-5 of these, read LeaderShift by Orrin Woodward and myself. This book specifically outlines what we need to do to change our governmental structure right now—either through a Convention if one is ever held, or without a Convention by influencing elections and policy.
Whether readers agree or disagree with the principles in these books isn't the point. What we need is 3% of the people who are seriously thinking and talking about how to apply these principles of freedom in our time. Right now. So, agree or disagree, but get focused on the principles of freedom!
The Only Way We'll Ever Get America Back on Track
Freedom matters. We are losing it. The loss is rapid and the pace of our national decline is increasing. And there is really only one solution. In the whole history of the world, the regular people have only been free when they have demanded it. Governments don't just hand it out. Elite classes don't just gift it to the masses.
In all of history, the only times the people have been free are when they simply insisted on it. And this has only happened—only happened!—when at least 3% of the population really understood the principles of freedom.
That's it. Period.
If 3% doesn't understand, we'll lose our freedoms.
Can a Convention help? Only if at least 3% of the people truly understand the principles of freedom. Can opposing a Convention help? Only if at least 3% truly understand the principles of freedom.
This is true.
This is real.
This is incredibly urgent.
One final thought. A lot more than 3% of the people deeply love freedom. We all need to do whatever we can to help more of them truly understand the principles of freedom. Whether or not we succeed in this endeavor will determine whether our children and grandchildren are free…or not.
Oliver DeMille is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling co-author of LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead, the co-founder of the Center for Social Leadership, and a co-creator of TJEd.
Among many other works, he is the author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century, The Coming Aristocracy, and FreedomShift: 3 Choices to Reclaim America's Destiny.
Oliver is dedicated to promoting freedom through leadership education. He and his wife Rachel are raising their eight children in Cedar City, Utah
Category : Blog &Citizenship &Community &Constitution &Culture &Current Events &Education &Entrepreneurship &Featured &Generations &Government &History &Leadership &Mission &Politics &Statesmanship
A Guide to Jury Duty
October 21st, 2014 // 2:15 pm @ Oliver DeMille
"I'm going to serve on jury duty," my daughter told me. "Any thoughts?"
A Problem and A Solution
This will be short. Share it with anyone who might serve on jury duty. Save it to reread whenever you get called to jury duty. It is powerful information about freedom and being a leader in our society.
First, the American framers made juries a central part of the judicial system because they didn't trust anyone else to keep the government in check.
Think about it. Nations with no juries still have judges, lawyers, and court cases. They arrive at verdicts and mete out punishments. But they do it all with two entities: the government and the accused.
The founders wanted something different. They didn't trust government. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," as Lord Acton put it.
The founders had seen what the British government did with its judges and courts. They had read about judicial abuses in Rome, Greece, Israel, the German principalities, and nations down through history. They knew that in almost all judicial systems, throughout history and around the globe, an accused person had very little chance for justice.
Their solution? Juries.
Specifically, juries made up of regular citizens like the accused, who would naturally be on the side of the accused "regular" citizen if the government tried anything pushy, or at the very least not automatically choose the side of government.
They established the jury system for one reason: to keep the government in check, to keep the government from being abusive, to keep the government from having too much power.
Checks and Responsibilities
Juries, the founders felt, were the last line of defense for a person falsely accused (or rightly accused, with extenuating circumstances), or even just to keep the government from having too much power in too many ways.
If juries don't let the government get away with too much power, the whole nation will be more free. This was the reason the framers gave us the jury system.
Second, jurors do have two roles:
- Keep the government in check
- Provide a just determination of guilt or innocence
Both of these are important, but #1 is more important than #2. Indeed, keeping the government in check is the reason the founders established the jury system.
Sadly, most modern jurors believe that their main (and only) purpose is #2, to determine guilt or innocence.
The truth is that jurors generally do #2 better than judges, if for no other reason than that they aren't jaded by facing criminals and lies day after day. They typically have a more healthy, balanced view of people.
Jurors should of course do a good job at #2, and in many cases this won't conflict with #1. But if it ever does, good jurors choose #1 above #2.
Why? Because it's more important to keep the government (with its massive resources and power) from abusing power than from stopping one accused person. That one person may hurt people, badly, and deserve real justice – it's true. But an abusive government will hurt many, many more people—and hurt them a lot worse.
Founders and Authorities
To be a good juror, keep your eye on #1. Keep the government in check. This is your first purpose. Your first duty. Clearly #2 is important, but it is secondary to #1. If possible, do both; but always do #1.
By the way, this is a key message of the great classical movie 12 Angry Men with Henry Fonda. Every prospective juror who wants to prepare for serving should watch and consider this movie. Some of the lessons:
- Keep the government in check—with the use of your vote about innocence and guilt.
- Think on your own—don't be a victim of "groupthink" or peer pressure from members of the jury. Be polite, respectful, participative, and friendly—and don't be swayed by anything except your own careful thinking. Listen, analyze, and think on our own.
- As a juror you are using real power. You are using force. Your vote will impact the accused just like a gun with bullets would. Be careful, and wise. Use this power reverently, and with a cautious eye on keeping government power from pushing through things that aren't truly proven.
- Don't see the judge or lawyers as the teachers or experts and the jurors as the students or employees. This isn't how the founders set up the jury system, even though many people are in the habit of seeing it this way. Instead, get it right by seeing the judge, lawyers and witnesses as students or employees putting on presentations and the jurors as the experts or bosses who learn from the others but make the final decisions.
- Remember that in our current system, victims and their families aren't allowed to directly seek justice through fights, duals, or retaliation. You are the hand of their justice, so if a defendant is guilty, it is essential to respond in a just way.
- Be polite and calm, even when standing up for your view.
- Do your best to see that justice is done, and that the government is kept in check. To reiterate: If you must choose between the two, keeping the government (with its immense power and resources) in check is more important than keeping one defendant in check.
- How to deal with the judge: Treat him with respect and obey whatever he says, except when he tells you how to think. Remember, judges are a major part of the government the founders wanted juries to protect against. If he tells you how to think, at all, use your own brain. The founders put you on the jury, not the judge.
Treat this prospect with respect. The founders gave you the jury power because they trusted you more than anyone else—including any government official or judge—to keep the government in check, seek real justice, think independently and wisely, and do the right thing.
Your choices will have real impact on real people. As stated above: You are using real power as a juror. Don't let this power corrupt. Use it with honor. Be proud of how you used it—for the rest of your life. As a juror, you are using force. Use it well.
Oliver DeMille is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling co-author of LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead, the co-founder of the Center for Social Leadership, and a co-creator of TJEd.
Among many other works, he is the author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century, The Coming Aristocracy, and FreedomShift: 3 Choices to Reclaim America's Destiny.
Oliver is dedicated to promoting freedom through leadership education. He and his wife Rachel are raising their eight children in Cedar City, Utah
Category : Blog &Citizenship &Community &Constitution &Current Events &Education &Featured &Generations &Government &History &Leadership &Liberty &Mission &Politics &Statesmanship
How to Fix the Middle East
October 14th, 2014 // 8:22 am @ Oliver DeMille
What's Been Missed
American wars abroad are causing more problems than they solve, for one very important reason: U.S. experts who help establish new constitutions and laws in nations like Iraq and Afghanistan don't apply the principles of the U.S. Constitution to the level that they could.
They try, but they seem to not really understand the Constitution and how it works.
As long as Washington keeps doing this, our foreign interventions—whether limited to airstrikes or focused on full-blown ground wars—are a monumental waste of time and resources.
They leave the target nations worse off and more volatile than before we intervened.
Based on the cost of these wars, and its impact on our economy and our politics, this may be the single most important issue in current U.S. society. Most people don't realize what a big deal this is.
Whether you support or dislike the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11, the United States certainly had a chance to positively influence the entire region.
A Fatal Misunderstanding
Experts debated whether it was possible to bring more democracy to the Middle East, and Washington tried to make things better.
But we failed miserably, leaving a power vacuum and strengthening dangerous anti-freedom forces in Iran, Syria, Palestine, ISIS, Northern Africa, and the whole region.
The reason for this failure is still almost entirely misunderstood: American experts try to copy elements of the Constitution and European parliamentary structures when setting up postwar governments in occupied nations, but they apparently don't deeply know how Constitutional principles work—or don't want to use them.
This is akin to copying Madison's work, but doing it in a way that Madison would never have done. Specifically, the Constitutional system worked because the framers operated on a basic set of freedom principles.
One of these is that the key to long-term freedom is to identify the main power centers in a nation. This is vital if we want to see real change in the Middle East.
Once the power centers of a nation are clearly understood, each of them needs to be given a certain kind of power by the Constitution and laws.
Specifically, such power must give the group a real say in the direction of the nation, formatted so that all major power groups are represented and have the ability to check and balance each other.
The Important Separations
In most nations the best format is to divide the natural powers of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) as three of the great power centers, and then to give a legislative house to each of the major societal powers.
For example, in aristocratic Britain the two strongest natural power centers were the upper class with all its wealth and influence, and the lower classes with their huge numbers and power of labor.
This led to the House of Lords and the House of Commons, a system that gave the two biggest powers in the nation a real say in government, but simultaneously kept them both checked and balanced.
In the United States, with a less aristocratic and more commercial focus, the three major power centers were the individual states, the rich class, and the working middle class.
The founding fathers wisely structured the Constitution in a way that all three of these groups had great power but with checks and balances on each. The Senate naturally represented the wealthy class, the House was elected by the working middle class, and the states were given huge powers—even more than the federal government.
This is the Constitutional format, and it is very effective. When the major natural powers in a nation are all given a real place in the government, and all operate under checks and balances, it brings out the best in each power group and the whole nation can flourish.
The U.S. applied this principle after World War II in the two major occupied areas—Germany and Japan. In Germany, with an aristocratic model similar to Britain, the experts created an upper house to represent the aristos and a lower house to represent the common people.
A Working System
Japan presented a different model, because it was historically a monarchy run by just a few ruling families—much more like an oligarchy than a European aristocracy.
U.S. experts wisely set up Japan's government in a way that the monarchy was disbanded but the same top ruling families were allowed to retain their power through the banking system and its close interconnection with the government.
This shifted their focus from military empire to economic growth—creating the modern Japanese economic "miracle." Of course, this isn't miraculous to anyone who understands Constitutional principles.
A few years later the U.S. followed a similar "Asian" approach by applying Constitutional systems in South Korea.
In all these cases, "democracy" worked—even in formerly totalitarian nations—because the American experts knew how to create constitutions that brought together all the major powers in a nation and make them part of the leadership (while at the same time ensuring that they were balanced and checked).
This would work in the Middle East as well, if only we used it.
New Goals
During the Cold War, however, Washington's approach changed. The focus turned to gaining allies against the threat of communism, and experts put their attention to international treaties, international law, and international organizations rather than good, old-fashioned freedom principles applied at every level in a nation. Schools followed this shift, and true Constitutional expertise went into decline.
After 9/11, as the U.S. fought and gained incredible influence over Iraq and Afghanistan, a new generation of experts—trained in the new way—tried to create constitutional models in these nations based on a shallow understanding of how freedom works.
In both cases, U.S. experts basically tried to copy U.S. and European institutions. They rightly gave power to legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, but they missed the opportunity to actually bring Constitutional freedoms to these nations.
Specifically, they acted as if the major power centers in Iraq and Afghanistan are the same as the U.S. (the rich versus the working class) or Europe (the aristocracy versus the commons). But they aren't.
The major power centers in Iraq are Shia and Sunni, and they have been at war for centuries.
Thus, setting up a government with separate branches and constitutional checks and balances but leaving the two major natural power centers in the nation out of the government guarantees that their conflicts will have to be settled by violence—not constitutionally by elections, debates, check and balances, courts, or negotiations.
The U.S. experts acted as if the work of the American framers should be copied for everyone, not emulated in the way Madison of Jefferson would have structured an Iraqi system.
This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the Constitution. We seem to have lost any real Constitutional expertise—at least in Washington.
Constitutional Law is now mostly a matter of memorizing cases, legal history, and the interplay between three branches of government, rather than really understanding the principles of freedom that the founding fathers taught.
A Real Fix
A Jefferson-Madison approach to Iraq would create a 3-branch government (legislative, executive, judicial) with three houses in the legislature: a House of Sunni, House of Shia, and a house popularly elected by small local districts across the whole nation.The third house would naturally represent the lower classes and also empower the Kurds and other minorities.
If U.S. experts had done this in 2005 (or 1992), Al Quada would have had no influence in Iraq and ISIS would have almost no followers today—at least not in Iraq and most likely not in Syria. Iraq would be a powerful, wealthy democratic republic in the heart of the Middle East.
It would of course have its share of problems, but the challenges would be more like those faced by early democratic epochs experienced in Canada, France, Japan (after 1946), South Korea (after 1950) and Australia.
Some might argue that this is impossible, because the Sunni/Shia conflict is inherently violent, but history shows a different story: Middle East conflicts are no more violence-prone than feudal Japan, the bloody European Catholic/Protestant wars, or the cruel Roman, Mongol, or Aztec empires.
These all spread violence for many centuries, and the violence only ended when these cultures adopted better constitutions.
Bleak Forecast
Jefferson-Madison principles would take a very different route in Afghanistan by putting a small emphasis on the national constitution and focusing on helping tribal regions and cities create strong self-governing structures.
Only outsiders see Afghanistan as a nation; the Afghani people don't consider themselves part of Afghanistan but part of their local tribal or regional culture.
Afghanistan needs several dozen constitutions—for each real national area. And each needs to identify the main power centers in the area and make them part of the government (with adequate checks, as always). Nothing else will work.
Madison and Jefferson would never have made such obvious mistakes in Iraq or Afghanistan. Even the U.S. experts of 1945 would have taken a very different, more constitutional approach. But today's experts are apparently more expert on internationalism than freedom.
They seek to create constitutions that fit Washington's international agendas rather than actually help Iraq and Afghanistan create free and prosperous systems that work.
This is a major problem because the result will be increased conflicts and wars in the Middle East. In the decades ahead, we seem destined to shed a lot more American blood in the region—without fixing much of anything.
Note that both parties are to blame: Republicans have attempted to nation build but have done it shallowly and poorly as described above, ensuring worse problems in the very regions they've tried to help, and Democrats have decried "nation building" but continued bombing and increased drone strikes without any clear strategy or plan for improved self-governing constitutional structures. This accomplishes nothing good.
What We Need
America's loss of Constitutional understanding is a growing disaster, not just in the U.S. but around the world. We need to change. The U.S. must either stop bombing and leave nations to their own wisdom and struggles, or we need to actually apply real principles of freedom.
But to apply such principles, we first need to understand them. Being ruled by many thousands of U.S. federal and state government officials who either haven't read the Federalist Papers or don't understand them (or don't like them) is causing major American decline.
And unless something changes, it's going to get worse—for freedom-loving people in America as well as the Middle East. Nothing is getting fixed in the Middle East, and it won't get fixed until actual freedom is applied.
To top off this challenge, as we become weaker and weaker in this current era of American decline, China and Russia are waiting in the wings.
The solution is simple, however. We need a new group of dedicated people who pay the price to truly understand the principles of the Constitution—and know how to apply them to any people and nation genuinely seeking freedom.
(More on this topic is contained in the upcoming book by Oliver DeMille, entitled The U.S. Constitution and the 196 Principles of Freedom: How to Write Constitutions in the 21st Century. It will be available for Christmas 2014.)
Oliver DeMille is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling co-author of LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead, the co-founder of the Center for Social Leadership, and a co-creator of TJEd.
Among many other works, he is the author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century, The Coming Aristocracy, and FreedomShift: 3 Choices to Reclaim America's Destiny.
Oliver is dedicated to promoting freedom through leadership education. He and his wife Rachel are raising their eight children in Cedar City, Utah
Category : Blog &Citizenship &Community &Constitution &Current Events &Featured &Generations &Government &History &Leadership &Liberty &Mission &Politics &Statesmanship
SPECIAL REPORT Part III: Republican, I Guess…
October 2nd, 2014 // 1:00 pm @ Oliver DeMille
From the desk of John Q. Public….
Dear Next President,
Taking the White House is a tall order, and twice you've failed to win the day. But this time can be different.
It will have to be different. Political operatives like to believe that the electorate is rational. "Blue states, red states, electoral votes, do the math." But this is a foreign language to most voters.
The pundits are sure: "Swing voters in the swing states, especially Hispanics, women, and independents. The metrics tell the story."
No they don't. The voters aren't following this. "It's the machine, the people and organization on the ground," the experts assure us. Actually, it isn't.
Here's what happened in the last two presidential elections. Conservatives and Republicans, as well as Right-leaning independents, really only had one choice. It was "Republican, I guess…"
That's the problem.You tried to win. You tried to play the game. You hired the best and the brightest and listened to your advisors. But the operatives were wrong. Twice.
They told you how to win, when the American people don't want a winning candidate.
The Key Word
The American voters want something very different. They want to feel a certain way. They want to be inspired. They want to look at you on their screen, with the sound off (or even on), and feel something special.
They don't want to feel like you're another candidate who wants to win. This doesn't connect. You have to not want to win. You have to want something a lot more important. Something big. Something the whole nation needs.
The voters know you're a great administrator. You balanced budgets. You upgraded education. You've led in your career field. You have character.
And yet, the voters just don't care. Knowing all these things, they voted for the other side. Twice in a row.
You gave us, at least in the TV optics, more Bob Dole or John Kerry. Not on policy, of course. But the feeling was the same. Tall. Trim. Dark suit. Distinguished. Accomplished.
This approach doesn't make enemies, but most Americans don't vote for it. Yes, they want trustworthy and capable. You've got that. But they want something more.
They want "cool." They want exciting. They want genuine. They want authentic. They want you to clearly and boldly stand for something great. They want sparks to fly when you address them!
Those on your side already agree with you, and those against you have already made their plans. But a bunch of voters, more than enough to change the election, are waiting to see who makes them feel something great about their vote. That word "great" is the key.
Still Freedom
In the last two campaigns the biggest vision most people got from Republicans was "Not Obama." If the next Republican presidential campaign is just "Not Hillary," we'll see the same results.
Whoever is telling you how to play to win needs to be off the team. You can seize this moment. Don't play to win. Don't be a candidate. Americans don't like candidates.
They like leaders. Take this opportunity to be a teacher. A persuader. A symbol of a future America that is more. Better. Great. Stand for something that moves us. Make us care.
This will shock the voters, and they'll perk up and take another look. Reagan won because he promised to bring freedom back to America, and to stand boldly for freedom around the world.
Freedom is still the quintessential American idea, much more than policy and talking points.
That's what was missing in 2008 and 2012. "Republican, I guess…" is the professional politician's path. "How can we win? Okay, experts, let's do it that way."
Wrong approach.
What about doing it your way? If it feels like the professionals are running things and the candidate is, well, a candidate, you've already lost.
It has to feel like you are doing it your way, because you are a great leader and your nation needs what you have to offer.
And it will feel that way when it is that way.
Lead us in a powerful direction, like you couldn't care less whether or not you win but you'd give anything to get America back on the path to freedom!
That's moving.
"Care Less" to Impress
The path is hard. Those who haven't walked it can't possibly hope to understand. They criticize and armchair quarterback. The one bloodied in the arena has to weigh the options and make tough decisions.
But Republicans now have two strikes.
Trying to win isn't working.
Time to lead. Forget winning.
Tell America what it needs to hear, and let the chips fall. "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." We need a rebirth of freedom, and we'll vote for the man or woman who we believe will take us there.
That's incredibly moving. It's what voters yearn for. And running against Senator Clinton, who already looks and feels presidential, it's the only chance. If the voters are tentative, it's because you are.
Take an unequivocal stand for freedom. And don't back down. Don't try to win the primaries, just try to bring freedom back to the center of all American dialogue. Make it about freedom!
Own it. Fire the air traffic controllers. During the primaries, burn the boats. Stand for what really matters. Don't impress anyone. Just take a stand and lead. That's the true way to win support.
Also, forget the other candidates. Ignore them.
Show America why you are the one to support—because your vision for the nation is so moving. Teach them your vision, connect with them by being boldly true to yourself. Ignore polls. Ignore trying to impress.
Nothing impresses like not caring if you impress.
Have real confidence, the genuine confidence of knowing that your principles are true and that the nation desperately needs to apply them.
The economy is in dire straits, and eight more years of current policies will be a disaster.
In fact, truly free economic policies haven't been Washington's focus for almost three decades, regardless of which party was in the White House. Foreign policy is in the same messed up boat. This upcoming election is vital.
What America Needs
But we don't need another politician. We need a leader. We don't need another candidate. We need a voice for freedom, one that gets the nation to collectively sit back and listen.
You can be that voice.
But only if you're a voice for something a lot greater than elections, winning, education, energy reform, etc. These things are part of it, of course, but only a true voice for freedom can speak the genuinely American dialect.
People are of tired of politicians.
They want someone to lead a rebirth of freedom and help make America great again.
This is the voter's heart. It is also the way to put the United States back on the right path.
Oh, and by the way, this letter is addressed to whoever decides to take up the torch for real change, for an America rededicated to the main thing that made this country great—real freedom and the people who work and sacrifice to make it great.
Senator Paul, Governor Romney, Congressman Ryan, Senator Rubio, Governor Christie, Governor Perry, Senator Lee, Governor Huckabee, or someone else—whoever the next great leader is—this is the blueprint.
We have to feel like you really care about the right vision and direction for the nation, and that your vision is big enough and bold enough to truly make us care as well. Freedom is the message that will win.
And that means you've got to ignore the experts and transcend the politician, the candidate, the one who wants to impress, and you've got to show us that it's not about you.
It's about something a lot bigger.
Having a Vision
When you show us that it's genuinely about our future, and give us something that really, finally, resonates, we'll be with you—not just on election day, but for the years ahead.
One thing is for certain, Senator Clinton's campaign won't make the mistake of trying to impress everyone or just tear down her opponents.
They'll be out in force promoting big ideas for the years ahead. Not just any ideas, mind you. They'll be advancing Mrs. Clinton's ideas, in a big way.
There will be lots of mudslinging—there always is—and answering the critics. But ultimately the American people will elect the individual who ignites their passion and interest.
The "cool" leader will win, the one with the most epic and resonate vision for our future.
Senator Clinton is hugely popular, with a strong list of accomplishments, but she isn't invulnerable.
She can be gaffe prone, and her vision of further social reform will look weak when compared to someone with a great vision of American rebirth in the economy, leadership, and freedom.
A vision that captures our passion will sway the election. Nothing else will.
How to Win It
If the Republican candidates play small ball, even in the primaries (and no matter what the experts tell them), they're going to lose. Your only chance is to aim for the fences.
It's got to be about a decisive, moving vision of a truly greater America.
And it's got to be centered on a future where freedom once again becomes the watchword for every American, and every government policy and program.
We yearn for this, from coast to coast, and only this is going to hit the home-run that is needed to get our nation back on track.
That a refocus on freedom can sweep a different president into the White House is incidental. It's about recapturing the idea of freedom and the conviction that America's role is to stand for it in a truly great way.
This is who we really are. It is who we truly want to be. Nothing else comes close.
Whenever we stray from this, America goes into a period of decline. When we get it back, we flourish. Freedom really is our lifeblood. Our essence. It is Americanism at the core.
It is time to get it back, and we'll vote for a leader who effectively makes this our generation's opportunity to shine. We're all hoping that 2016 is the time.
Don't play politics. Don't try to win. Instead, lead a true rebirth of freedom!
Oliver DeMille is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling co-author of LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead, the co-founder of the Center for Social Leadership, and a co-creator of TJEd.
Among many other works, he is the author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century, The Coming Aristocracy, and FreedomShift: 3 Choices to Reclaim America's Destiny.
Oliver is dedicated to promoting freedom through leadership education. He and his wife Rachel are raising their eight children in Cedar City, Utah
Category : Citizenship &Community &Culture &Current Events &Featured &Government &Leadership &Liberty &Mission &Politics &Producers &Statesmanship
SPECIAL REPORT Part II: Who I Want for President
September 15th, 2014 // 10:34 am @ Oliver DeMille
Diverging Paths
The good news is that the 2016 presidential election has the power to put America back on the right track.
The bad news is that same election could make things a whole lot worse for us.
If the United States votes for eight more years of a White House philosophy that believes in more big government, 2016 will be the year we officially endorsed the decline of America.
In a recent article I suggested that Rand Paul or Mitt Romney have a real chance in the next election. I received a lot of responses to this article—more than usual.
Some of them agreed, others showed support for these or different candidates (Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Rick Perry, Paul Ryan, Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee, etc.), and still others suggested that the Democratic party is our best hope.
In all this, nobody addressed my main point. It went something like this:
"Wouldn't it be nice if we elected a president who actually believed in following the letter of the Constitution? How refreshing! What a great boost that would be for freedom—in the U.S. and around the world."
Freedom President
I suggested that Rand Paul would likely be that kind of leader, and I'm convinced that Mike Huckabee, Mike Lee, and perhaps others would fit this mold.
Think about it! What a powerful concept: A president who reads the Constitution and simply follows it. Now that's a truly great idea.
The problem is that presidents don't do this anymore. Worse, the American people don't even expect them to do it.
The truth is that most recent presidents would tell you they did follow the Constitution, but when they say this they're talking about the Supreme Court's definition of the Constitution. That's not what I mean.
I'm referring to following the Constitution the way the American founders used the phrase: by reading what it says, and following it. Not by using Supreme Court rulings or Attorney General letters as excuses or grants of executive authority.
This is a really big deal. If we don't read the document and just follow it,* we aren't really benefiting from what the Constitution is all about.
And freedom will continue to decline.
Contrast Politics
For example, when President Obama announced major airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, he made sure to point out that he had the authority to order such military operations without any vote from Congress.
He called this following the Constitution, but it isn't. The document is very clear: only Congress can vote for long-term military operations.
The president can act to stop a direct, immediate threat to the U.S. homeland, but anything beyond that requires a decision by Congress.
In contrast to Obama's words, when Rand Paul was asked if the president needed Congressional authority for his long-term military plan, he responded that yes, this is exactly what the Constitution says.
It was refreshing to hear a top potential presidential candidate refer to the authority of the Constitution instead of the interpretations of the Court.
Sadly, Americans aren't accustomed to hearing such words. Politicians refer to past precedents, the War Powers Act, Supreme Court decisions, earlier Congressional approvals that could be interpreted to apply in the current situation, and other policies—and all these distract from the real point.
The framers wrote the Constitution so the regular people could read and tell—with no help from experts—when their government officials were following it and when they weren't.
False Authority and Failing Checks
It has become commonplace for the White House to simply ignore the Constitution, to intervene when and where it chooses, without regard to the document, and to claim that the Court gave it such power or that Congress allowed it such powers.
But the Constitution doesn't give the Court or Congress the authority to grant the executive any powers. The Court can check the Oval Office, as can Congress, but neither have the Constitutional power give the Executive additional authority.
The people, not the Court, are the final experts on the Constitution. Presidents routinely pay little heed to the Constitution because the people let them get away with it.
The people keep electing candidates who openly say the role of the president is to go beyond the Constitution—especially in foreign relations, but also in domestic policy. As long as we keep voting this way, we keep losing more freedom.
Recent presidents from both parties have egregiously ignored the Constitution. And among the current potential candidates for president, it is commonplace to speak of following the Constitution and mean the modern, Beltway view of the president's powers—ignoring the actual words in the document itself.
That's why I'm so impressed when I hear Rand Paul and Mike Huckabee talk in a totally different way. Or Mike Lee, though he's shown no interest in the 2016 presidency.
Again, wouldn't it be great to elect a president who doesn't consult Washington insiders but rather the pages of the U.S. Constitution when an issue arises.
Imagine a president who would tell Congress that we need serious military action but he won't take it without their approving vote.
That kind of leadership is sorely missing in America, and one of the top causes of our decline.
Keepers Above the Law
One root of the problem is that most Americans today don't really believe in limits on government. For example, just watch how the police behave in almost every cop-oriented television drama and movie.
They frequently don't wait for a warrant, they smash in doors of homes and apartments with guns waiving and SWAT units swarming. The good cops, the best officers in these shows, are the ones who push the law to its furthest limits and even break it when they deem it "necessary."
The more they ignore or circumvent the Constitutional guidelines and get away with it, the better cops they are. Or so they are portrayed.
I'm not saying that the Hollywood version of police actions is always accurate in real life (though the increased militarization of law enforcement is a serious, growing threat to regular citizens).
I am saying that these TV dramas and movies are a very real portrayal of how most Americans believe the cops are and should be.
This is what our culture has come to consider good police work—finding ways to sneak around or get away with just ignoring Constitutional limits, protections, and due process.
Vice as Virtue
Most Americans won't say it in so many words, but they are used to thinking of police officers as above the law in many—if not most—situations, and of expecting the good cops to bend the "annoying" Constitutional limits and just do whatever is needed to go get the bad guys.
And if this is how they see the police, consider how much more they admire this same bravado in the President.
Of course, both parties whine when a president from the other party exerts unconstitutional influence or executive orders to expand his power. But they frequently defend their own party's president in the same, or worse, abuses.
It's literally endemic in our modern system. It bears repeating until we realize what a major threat this is!
The way our majority culture now sees it, the best cops and government leaders do whatever it takes, even bending or ignoring the Constitutional rules, to "do the right thing."
Think of the most popular police dramas and movies—the main character(s) is always the "good guy" who breaks the Constitutional boundaries in service of the greater good.
NCIS, CSI, Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-0, Law and Order, Chicago PD, Arrow, Bones, Castle, Criminal Minds, NCIS Los Angeles, Agents of SHIELD, Scandal, Covert Affairs, 24, The Blacklist, and many others, all follow this plotline.
These aren't obscure programs; they are among the most popular in our era. One or more of them is almost always playing on American prime time, and our culture is inundated with their messages.
The Power of 2016
This is how we see government officials, and especially the government agents who carry guns or work in the Oval Office. Again, I'm not saying people openly support this view in polls; I'm saying it is now part of our gut-level cultural expectation.
A majority of Americans now think government agents can and even should routinely push and even break Constitutional limits.
Yes, some people watch cop shows or government dramas and think, "That's terrible! How can our leaders consistently get away with just disregarding and even flouting the Constitution? They should be reprimanded and removed." But such Americans are a small minority.
Most of the electorate considers such behavior by police and top executive officials as the norm, and as what is needed to get the job done.
When someone they personally know or identify with gets pushed around, they cry unfair. But when it's just other people suffering at the hands of abusive government actions, most voters turn a blind eye.
Would I like something different, a president who reads the Constitution to see if he has the authority for a certain action and then realizes he doesn't and chooses to stay within the bounds of that great document? You bet I would. The future of freedom depends on it.
The thing is, I think we actually have the power to elect such a leader in 2016. Watch what the potential candidates say. So far, Rand Paul and Mike Huckabee are excellent examples of leaders who talk a lot about following the Constitution and really stand for this approach. Regardless of political parties, that's the kind of President we want.
* Of course, the people have made changes to it over time, including the Amendments and the end of slavery and reduction of racism (there is more work to be done on this). Note that these changes were made by the people, not the federal government, and following them is in keeping with the people overseeing their leaders and holding them to the Constitution.
Oliver DeMille is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling co-author of LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead, the co-founder of the Center for Social Leadership, and a co-creator of TJEd.
Among many other works, he is the author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century, The Coming Aristocracy, and FreedomShift: 3 Choices to Reclaim America's Destiny.
Oliver is dedicated to promoting freedom through leadership education. He and his wife Rachel are raising their eight children in Cedar City, Utah
Category : Aristocracy &Blog &Citizenship &Community &Constitution &Culture &Current Events &Government &Information Age &Leadership &Liberty &Mission &Politics &Statesmanship


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If Both Partners Are Std Free Can You Still Get An Std
Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:
Get the Facts
The Role of STD Detection and Treatment in HIV PreventionWhat is the link between STDs and HIV infection? How can STD treatment slow the spread of HIV infection? What are the implications for HIV prevention? Where can I get more information? References Testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be an effective tool in preventing the spread of HIV , the virus that causes AIDS. An understanding of the relationship between STDs and HIV infection can help in the...
Ask the Experts
Barebacking in undetectable/STD free poz-poz relationship (BAREBACKING IN A POZ-POZ RELATIONSHIP, 2011)Dr Bob, hi from Denmark - thanks for a great forum and your time and efforts in educating us all! Quick question: You generally advice the use of condoms, even in poz-poz relationships, due to the risks of superinfection and contracting other STDs....
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS FoundationHi,This really has become a QTND (question that never dies).Your "but what ifs" include:Both partners on successful antiviral treatment and have undetectable viral loads. OK fine, but how do you know this is the case every time you have... Read more »
Together, have you and your partner been tested together for all STD's including HIV, TB and vaccinated for hepatitus B and A?The Body: Rick Sowadsky M.S.P.H., C.D.S, Answers to Safe Sex QuestionsRick, have you and your partner been tested together for all sexually transmitted diseases including human immunodeficiency virus, tuberculosis and vaccinated for hepatitus B and A? What were both your test results? When were you both tested...
Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.
Nevada State Health Division AIDS ProgramHi. Thank you for your question.My personal health status is a private matter. My HIV status, and otheraspects of my personal health, are not relevant here. My health status doesnot have any bearing on my answers on this website. The answers... Read more »
interpretation of tests below? ex partner full STD workup, HIV positive.I had unprotected insertive sex (I am the top) on 4 occasions with an individual who was unaware of his hiv status at the time, he had a full STD workup and was only found to have HIV. He said he believes he received it from his ex approximately 3...
Response from Shannon Southall
Rocky Mountain CARESHiThank you for a very detailed question and the my answer is brief. You are HIV free from this experience. The testing guidelines for HIV are to be initially tested at 3 weeks post exposure and then again at 90 days. As long as there are no other... Read more »
Known Positive, Though Undetectable Partner, Oral Sex Slip-up: Risky Encounter? (ORAL SEX AND HIV/STD RISK, 2010)A few weeks ago I hooked up with a guy I met online; he did not reveal his status on his profile. He told me later that, because of this, he assumed that I assumed he was positive - which in fact he was. I foolishly did not notice or ask. However, I...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS FoundationHi,So you are freaking out because you now "KNOW" your partner is virally enhanced. So what if you had sex with this dude and he didn't tell you his status? Would you be at any less risk for acquiring HIV right now if you didn't... Read more »
Connect With Others
6/27, Austin, TX: FREE HIV STD TESTING AT ROSEWOOD ZARAGOSA
Posted by bartlebyCITY OF AUSTIN FREE HIV STD TESTING AT ROSEWOOD ZARAGOSA NHTD 2012
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 , Austin TX
What: Free and Confidential HIV/STD Testing
When: Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 1pm 7pm
Where: Rosewood Zaragosa Neighborhood Center Gym, 2800 Webberville... Read more »
How to find free STD clinics
Posted by don, 2 RepliesWhere on the web would there be listings of free STD clinics?...
National Prevention and Information Network
Or go to http://google.com
Enter the terms with a particular state, province or area.
For example... Read more »
What about other std's?
Posted by Anonymous, 1 ReplyI'm just wondering about hiv in relation to other std's. If someone was afraid that they may have been exposed to hiv but contracted no other std's should they be less worried? Is hiv the least common of all the std's? Perhaps people should start... Read more »
Unknown STD - looking for other sufferers
Posted by smithsonian10Hi all
I, like many many others from around the world, have been affected by what appears to be a mystery virus that attacks the immune system hard. It's been a year of hell and I take no solace in the knowledge that I am not alone with this.
Here's a... Read more »
Guides for People With HIV

subset: commoncrawl


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In a photo provided by the Livingston County Sheriff, Raulie Wayne Casteel is shown in a booking mug, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 in Howell, Mich. (AP Photo/Livingston County Sheriff)
HOWELL - A jury has been picked in the trial of a man accused of terrorizing drivers on roads off I-96 in the Fall of 2012. After a day-and-a-half of jury selection, opening arguments will take place Wednesday in the trial of 44-year-old Raulie Casteel. The trial is taking place in Livingston County, although Rasteel is accused of firing shots at cars in four Michigan counties, including Ingham County. He's suspected in at least 22 shooting incidents. The state Attorney General's office is handling the prosecution of this case. Casteel has already pleaded no contest but mentally ill to charges he faced in Oakland County.
News 10 has a reporter at the trial. Watch for the latest tonight at 6pm.
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text:
November 28, 2014
The start of a large construction and renovation project at Fremont Area Medical Center means some services will change for patients.
Starting Tuesday morning, walk-in ER patients will be re-routed to a new entrance. Anyone visiting those patients will now have to enter that part of the hospital through the "imaging center" entrance.
However, ambulances headed to the ER won't be re-routed. They'll continue using the old emergency room entrance during the construction.
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Oh my didn't do well since I posted last just getting back to doing what needs to be done. Been walking and getting mostly 10,000 steps a day for the last 2 months. Now to step it up a notch,, signed up for a zumba class. Don't know how many know of it.. consists of some moves to music and they do work your body I was sore the next day. It was fun dance moves to music and the time went by fast.
Today did some walking and jogging on the treadmill.. mostly walking and then a minute or 3 of jogging and back to 4-5 min walk kept this up and got in 25 min. Feels good to get this done early going to get some more walking later.
Want to get back in the groove and post my workouts and food choices to help me focus and see where or what I need to do eat differently and workout more.
Happy trekking everyone!!
not doing very well this past month. Trying to start again to get into the routine of walking at least for 30min a day. I keep so busy with other things and don't make this a priority so will try to do better at it..
Yep gonna get some walking in so far this past week did 5 30min session on treadmill for a mile to two mile walk. A good pace not too fast because don't want to mess with the ankle just getting back to doing this walking routine.
I posted my results on a calendar that is visable for any member of the family to see. Makes me more accountable that's for sure. I think in my mind it is working for me. My husband is doing good when he is off work he runs for an hour and that's not good for me so I just do the walking. I am hoping to get to the gym and use the eliptical that will help me tone some in the lower half of my body. The last time I got to using the eliptical I lost inches in my thighs and butt area and I so need to do some of that for the core area.
Good luck everyone on spark hope your journey is going great with losing lbs and inches too. I would like to lose the inches right now over the lbs want to be able to wear some of my last year summer shorts.
Been off the treadmill and trying to get into more of a routine now. I will be posting it on the calendar in my kitchen so it's more visible than just on the computer. I am hoping this will help me keep to my goal of doing some walking on the treadmill 3x week and some strength training 2-3x a week to get more toned and start losing some lbs. Will see where I am in a couple of weeks. It just seems so hard to stick to it lately.
Yeah dealing with the ankle again within a weeks time. I guess will need to do something else for awhile maybe some arms and abs so I don't use the ankle much. Thinking of the swiss ball and some dumb bells to get in some strength training while my ankle heals.
Going take some ibuprofen here soon just to calm the pain. Don't want to get hooked so I have to be taking them everyday.
Good luck all in your journey with boot camp.


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|23 Jun 2012
Disc ASUS Recovery Error 1029, cannot boot into that recov. Partition.
Hey guys,
This is more applicable somewhere else but I've gotten help on here with this kind of stuff before so I figured I could try again
I've gotten to the point where I need to just reinstall windows completely on my Asus G74SX (too many problems, I want to start fresh.). I encounter an error 1029 with Asus's recovery disks that I made when I had windows working: it says it is recovering all the way to 100% then doesnt work. I am in the process of trying it again so I'll see if it actually managed to wipe my hard drive like it said it was doing, and maybe if it did actually work and reinstall windows.
However, I'd like to be able to get into the recovery partition because I would prefer restoring it with Asus as they recommend me to. However, when I hit F9, their target to get there, it doesn't do anything and just reloads the boot screen, with the Asus logo on it. I don't have an actual Wndows recovery CD so that's not an option, and at this point since my hard drive has likely been wiped by these recovery DVDs, I don't think going into Ubuntu and fixing the MBR will do me much good anymore.
Has anyone had this problem, not being able to get into recovery? Is getting their CD really my only way out of this?
It may be worth noting that before I last restarted, I marked the Windows partition as active because of a tutorial here, making it so that recovery partition isn't active anymore. I don't know if that may have affected anything and if so can it be reversed?
|My System Specs
|23 Jun 2012
Hey never mind. I think I can fix the problem. I found a link to a clean Windows 7 ISO i can flash and download that will allow me to freshly install Windows with none of Asus' bloat ware (even though thats pretty limited, it would still be nice to have a truly clean Win7 install.). Never mind!
|My System Specs
|23 Jun 2012
This: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.
But if the Recovery Disks didn't wipe Recovery you maybe able to get it to run by marking Active then triggering it with F9. If not try wiping HD with Diskpart Clean Command before runnning the Disks, or follow the tutorial above to get a perfect Clean REinstall.
|My System Specs
|23 Jun 2012
Hey, thanks for the reply. Fortunately all it took was using the ISO for the OEM Windows 7 Home Premium, just using the Windows application that makes a DVD bootable, and running it on my computer. However, when I did the install, I kept the recovery partition there, just because Asus recommends against it. Is it needed at all anymore, now that I have an OEM Windows installation? Can I just go into the Partition manager in Windows now that it's installed and delete that partition, then claim that space? Or will I need to go through with something more?
|My System Specs
|23 Jun 2012
If the Recov partition is on the right you can delete it and extend C into the space: Partition or Volume - Extend
If it's to the left of C then use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to delete and Resize C to the left: Partition Wizard Move/Resize Partition Video Help.
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David Boies
Supreme Court weighs securities fraud case changes
Investors have to prove that a company's statements are misleading, but if the Court abandons its precedent, investors could have difficultly bringing class actions at all.
Ex-AIG CEO Greenberg seeks dismissal of case
Hank Greenberg, the former CEO of American International Group Inc. (AIG), is headed to court on Tuesday to argue for the dismissal of a lawsuit against him.
N.Y. attorney general drops damages claim against ex-AIG CEO
N.Y. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has dropped a claim for damages against Hank Greenberg, the former CEO of American International Group Inc. (AIG), reportedly in an effort to expedite a fraud case against the executive.
AIG will not sue U.S. over bailout terms
AIG announced yesterday it would not be joining the $25 billion suit brought by its former CEO Hank Greenberg's company Starr International Co. Inc. because, frankly, it's just icky.
Scammer diverts nearly $500,000 from Boies Schiller bank account
A fraudster who diverted half a million dollars from a bank account belonging to the law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner has sparked a lawsuit between two major banks.
Calling all corporate lawyers
Why InsideCounsel's annual conference is especially relevant to the in-house bar
Reviewing 6 of November's top stories
Updates on InsideCounsel's biggest stories this month
Greenberg's bailout suits against U.S. government face legal challenges
Former American International Group Inc. CEO Maurice Greenberg's $25 billion lawsuit against the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York filed in mid-November has become a significant takings case challenging legal precedents.
NBA players consolidate lawsuits
Some of the hardwood's biggest stars have shifted their high-flying act from the basketball court to a court of law. After filing a pair of antitrust lawsuits against the National Basketball Association (NBA) in separate states, NBA players decided to double-team the owners by consolidating their suits, and picking Minnesota...
Former AIG CEO sues U.S. for $25 billion
Maurice "Hank" Greenberg, the former chief executive of American International Group Inc., took aim at the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, filing a lawsuit Monday for $25 billion and claiming the 2008 federal takeover of AIG was unconstitutional.


text: Heart of Steel View full-size image < previous next > Is this photo a winner? "On Sept. 29, 2013 at the Duck Pond in Ridgewood, NJ the CHD Coalition held its 6th annual Awareness Walk for those born with a Congenital Heart Defect. Our family and friends all came out to support our son Ryan who was born with a very rare form of CHD. At 10 months old Ryan underwent Open Heart Surgery. He is 17 years old now. Awareness to the many kinds of CHD is crucial in finding answers. Custom Ink has played a huge role year after year in getting our message out there. The shirts we purchase each year are of the highest quality and comfort. Everyone wants one of our shirts and are excited to see what slogan we have chosen. Thank you Custom Ink for helping us to get our very important message out there in style!" - Mans (Oct 01, 2013) Share this photo on: Twitter Facebook Pinterest Similar Photos: charity | participant teams | duck pond | ridgewood | NJ | chd coalition | awareness walk | congenital heart defect | son | honor | large group Feeling inspired? Visit the CustomInk Design Lab to start your own group order. Design Your Own comment by Guest - Oct 03, 2013 - back to the top I love it! Great photo; Great shirt-- So sorry I missed it this year. You were all in my thoughts! Felicia


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E-House (China) Holdings Limited (NYSE:EJ)
CAPS Rating:
The Company provides real estate services in China based on scope of services, brand recognition and geographic presence.
mikotian (99.87) Submitted: 10/23/2008 2:53:57 PM : Start Price: $5.14 EJ Score: +4.82
China housing market is taking a massive drubbing.
withoutlimits (82.90) Submitted: 5/27/2009 3:08:53 PM
Recs: 0
So are you on this stock as of this writing.(-175.72)!


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Details: 10% Off world series tickets
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Ann Lincoln Presents I Dreamed I Was a Genie Show
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Ann Lincoln becomes a "dreamy" genie and makes magical wishes come true in this amazing performance! See one-of-a-kind comedy, juggling and magical routines as well as Ann's furry travel companions. All ages. No registration required.
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All DPL locations will be closed November 27, and will close at 4 p.m. November 26. The Westwood Branch Library will be closed November 27-30. More...


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- Africa »
- Ethiopia »
- Addis Abeba »
- ERTA National Radio
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ERTA National is the internet radio station for the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency, providing multilingual news and information to Ethiopians.
Addis Abeba - Ethiopia - Multilingual
0115 52 79 54
Songs playing in ERTA National Radio


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Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations
All Florida Diagnostic Center 12-Sep-02
555 Winderley Pl., Ste. 200
Maitland, FL 32751
September 12, 2002
Michael Levine, M.D., Medical Director
All Florida Diagnostic Center
1487 South Highway 301
Sumterville, Florida 33585
Dear Dr. Levine:
We are writing to you because on July 17, 2002, a representative of the State of Florida, acting on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected your facility. This inspection revealed serious regulatory problems involving the mammography at your facility.
Under United States Federal law, the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992, 42 U.S.C. 263b, your facility must meet specific requirements for mammography. These requirements help protect the health of women by ensuring that a facility can perform quality mammography. The inspection revealed the following REPEAT violations at your facility.
Your facility failed to prepare a written report of the results of each mammography examination performed under its certificate. FDA regulations require the mammography report to include the overall final assessment of findings, classified by category as required by 21 CFR 900.12(c) (1) (iv). For example, a repeat violation was identified during the previous inspection of your facility dated July 23, 2001, for failure to prepare a written report that includes an overall final assessment of the findings.
Important Note Regarding Repeat Findings: An observation marked with (REPEAT) indicates that the finding or violation was cited during the previous inspection and is, therefore, a repeat finding. A finding is considered a repeat finding if the same type of violation was cited during the previous inspection, whether or not the finding is associated with the same piece of equipment (x-ray unit, processor, or darkroom) or the same personnel in a given category.
The specific problems noted above appeared on the MQSA Facility Inspection Report that was issued to your facility at the close of the inspection on July 17, 2002.
Because these conditions may be symptomatic of serious underlying problems that could compromise the quality of mammography at your facility, they represent a serious violation of the law, which may result in FDA taking regulatory action without further notice to you. These actions include, but are not limited to, placing your facility under a Directed Plan of Correction, charging your facility for the cost of on-site monitoring, assessing civil money penalties up to $10,000.00 for each failure, or each day of failure to substantially comply with the requirements of the Mammography Standards Act, suspending or revoking your facility?s FDA certificate, or obtaining a court injunction against conducting further mammography examinations.
It is necessary for you to act on this matter immediately. Please explain to this office in writing within fifteen (15) working days from the date you receive this letter:
- the specific steps you have taken to correct all of the violations noted in this letter;
- each step your facility is taking to prevent the recurrence of similar violations; and
- sample records that demonstrate proper record keeping procedures (Note: Patient names or identification should be deleted from any copies submitted).
Please submit your response to Timothy J. Couzins, Compliance Officer, Food and Drug Administration, 555 Winderley Place, Suite 200, Maitland, Florida 32751 ,telephone number (407) 475-4728.
Finally, you should understand that there are many FDA requirements pertaining to mammography. This letter pertains only to findings observations made during your inspection and does not necessarily address other obligations you have under the law. You may obtain general information about all of FDA?s requirements for mammography facilities by contacting the Mammography Quality Assurance Program, Food and Drug Administration, P.O. Box 6057, Columbia, Maryland 21045-6057, telephone number (1-800-838-7715) or through the Internet at http://www.fda.gov.
If you have more specific questions about FDA?s mammography facility requirements, or about the content of this letter, please contact D. Janneth Caycedo, Boca Resident Post, Food and Drug Administration, Interstate Plaza, 1499 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 110, Boca Raton, Florida 33486, telephone number (561) 338-5236, ext. 23.
Emma R. Singleton
Director, Florida District


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Rick Perry says he is readying for presidential run, if it comes
Gov. Rick Perry, finishing up a week-long trip to Japan and China, said in a TV interview that he has "spent the last 20-plus months preparing" to run for president.
Much of his preparation was revealed in this story, where an examination of Perry's official calendar showed the governor traveling and meeting regularly with business, policy and media leaders.
The calendar, obtained through an open records request, showed Perry has been organizing almost weekly meetings with conservative policy experts on topics ranging from immigration, entitlement programs, health care to foreign affairs. He has enlisted help from former George W. Bush Administration figures and consultants to Mitt Romney's campaign.
He also has been carving out time to meet privately with influential media leaders and titans of business, including Warren Buffett, Rupert Murdoch and David Koch.
In speaking with Bloomberg Television on Thursday, Perry said,
"I may not run in 2016, but I've spent the last 20-plus months preparing."
He added, "If I don't run, it won't be because I'm not prepared."


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iPad Peek: See How Your Website Looks on the iPad
The iPad is finally available, and it's already residing in the hands of some 300,000 people who purchased it on launch day. In a couple of months, the iPad user base will become big enough for web developers to start paying attention to how their websites look on the iPad. iPad Peek is a nifty tool that lets you see how any website will be rendered on the iPad. Click on the top border to switch from landscape to portrait mode.


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A Parisian in SF. Decisive Stylist & Life Catalyst for People, Business and Spaces. Feng Shui Master Cert. True respect, little sarcasm & big heart. We are ONE.


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Indulge in our frozen yogurt and cool off with a refreshing, healthy alternative to ice cream in Fairfax, Virginia.
Free Wi-Fi
Proudly Serving Frozen YogurtLovers in Fairfax, Virginia
Sunshine Frozen Yogurt is a premium frozen yogurt shop in Fairfax, Virginia. We carry a more health-conscious alternative to ice cream for people who are mindful of their caloric intake but want to indulge in a sweet treat. As a popular choice in the area, our frozen yogurt shops feature delightful flavors and freshly prepared fruit. Along with chocolates, sweets, and crushed candy, we have a selection of tasty confections and toppings.
Learn More about Sunshine Frozen Yogurt
Contact us anytime to learn more about our latest frozen yogurt flavors and fresh toppings.
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text: Politifact: Ezekiel Emanuel 'Mostly False' to Blame Insurance Companies Print article Send a Tip by Joel B. Pollak 3 Nov 2013 post a comment Politifact--not exactly a right-wing outlet--gave Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel a "mostly false" rating for his statement on Fox News Sunday Nov. 3 that insurance companies, not Obamacare or President Barack Obama himself, were responsible for individuals losing their health insurance coverage. "The insurance companies are making that choice, not the president," Emanuel thundered defiantly on the program. "The law does not require that." The problem, as Politifact explains, is that the law does require that existing plans comply with new standards, or be canceled: "[T]here's little doubt the new law is influencing their changes in coverage." So while insurance companies technically "decide" to cancel policies, they have no choice. (The White House says these policies are junk, but that's not necessarily true, either.) "Mostly false" is one step above the "pants on fire" rating.


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HotNewHipHop Lists "15 Classic Hip Hop Debuts"
50 Cent's "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'," Jay Z's "Reasonable Doubt" and Nas(TM) "Illmatic" make the list.
HotNewHipHop has published "15 Classic Hip Hop Debuts," a list of debut albums that the publication deems worthy of the "classic" label.
"50 Cent's debut album was a hotly anticipated project at the time boasting production from Dr Dre and Eminem," the site says. "Get Rich Or Die Tryin' set off a real bomb when it was released, selling around 12 million units. 50 Cent's thug image, and stories lived up the hype of the record which candidly told the story of defeating a life of crime and violence."
Kanye West's College Dropout, Jay Z's Reasonable Doubt and Nas' Illmatic also made the list.
"20 years later, [Nas] continues to draw in crowds performing the album in its entirely at music festivals this past year," the site says. "Nas' Illmatic is respected for its poetic flair. Furthermore, the OG was not afraid to talk about some heavy issues prevalent at the time such as violence, drugs and crime-- all with an acute sense of reality."
For more on Illmatic, which celebrated its 20-year anniversary this year, check the clip below, which features several rappers speaking about the debut album's impact.
To view the full list, visit HotNewHipHop.
RELATED: Hip Hop Release Dates
More News On HipHopDX
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Welcome International Faculty and Students!
Hours of Operation:
Jim D. Morris Center Office
- Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
- Walk-in Time to Meet with Staff
Admission Questions: Wednesday-Thursday 2pm-4pm
Immigration Questions: Wednesday 2pm-4pm
Plaster Student Union Office (not there during summer semester)
- Walk-in Time to Meet with Staff
Admissions Questions: Monday-Wednesday 2pm-4pm
Immigration Questions: Thursday 2pm-4pm
International Application Deadlines
Applications and all required materials must be submitted by the deadlines.
- May 1 for the fall semester courses
(beginning in August)
- September 1 for the spring semester courses
(beginning in January)
Saturday Shuttle
Missouri State University offers a Saturday shuttle service to the Battlefield Mall, Wal-Mart, and the Asian Market. The cost is $10 for the whole semester. Dates and pick-up times.
Important Reminders for New International Students
- Review the Pre-Arrival To-Do List
- RSVP for International Student Orientation and airport pick up
- Download the New Student Guidebook to prepare for your stay in Springfield, Missouri.
Quick Links
- Request for Information
- Digital Brochure
- Apply to Missouri State
- Check Application Status
- Deferring your Admission
- Financial Assistance
- Airport Pickup Request
- New International Student Guide
Special Interest
International Students at Missouri State University


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Drama Qarz Full OST Title Song Watch Online
Facebook HD Video Links
Watch Here In High Quality Drama Qarz Full OST Title Song
Ary Digital Tv drama Drama Qarz Full OST Title Song . Watch Full Episode In HD and download Drama Karz Title Song and all other episodes of this drama serial On dramasweb. all high quality youtube and dailymotion links are given below. Please write something in comments about Karz today's episode Full OST .


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Learner, semi-extrovert, lover of new ideas, innovations, technology. Appreciator of truth, character. Avid smiler (clearly unafraid to make up words).


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After decades of down-hill slide, vinyl records are enjoying a comeback. Music connoisseurs say that the sound produced by a grooved record playing on a turntable trumps the sound of a digital track, no matter how good the speakers. Consumers agree that the sound is warmer, more intimate, and as a result, add a turntable to their in-home media centers. Makers of vinyl records are back in business, too, as many musicians choose to issue their new releases on "wax." Now, as internet retailers are putting big-box media stores out of business, independent record stores are popular again, offering in-house concerts, autograph signings and big selections of vinyl records, both new and used, to browse. Here are the best places to look for your next disc in Charlotte.
1419 Central Ave., Suite A
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 331-0788
A hip little store in Plaza-Midwood is crammed with new and used discs, with a special emphasis on music by local artists and recording studios. In addition to LPs and seven-inch vinyl, Lunchbox sells turntables to play your vinyl collection, plus the cleaning supplies, needles and other must-haves for a satisfying listening experience. The selection of punk music is huge, but you'll find other genres as well, ranging from rare pre-1970 jazz, pre-1980 funk, '70s progressive rock, blues, reggae, metal, modern classical and rap to new vinyl reissues of rock classics. There's a nice selection of hard-to-find boxed sets, as well as CDs, DVDs, tapes and music collectibles such as posters and stickers. Lunchbox has its own record label, concentrating on local punk and indie rock releases on vinyl, and sponsors frequent in-store live music concerts that are open to all ages. The store offers cash for used vinyl LPs, seven-inch and 10-inch discs in great condition.
6239 South Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 552-8448
This enormous store in the Starmount Shopping Center at the corner of Archdale and South Boulevard is a used record lover's dream. Browse to your heart's content for gems amid the bins organized by genre, and be sure to check the bargain bins and frequent sales. In addition to a vast quantity of used vinyl, Manifest stocks new and used CDs, DVDs, video games and comics, as well as pop culture collectibles such as action figures, t-shirts, posters and various gift items, all displayed in a flea market-type environment. Bring along some of your old media to sell or trade; regulars recommend trading for store credit to get the best deals. The store sponsors free live shows with local and touring musicians on its large indoor stage.
3325 Commonwealth Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 661-1764
This long-time mainstay of the used music market returns to Plaza-Midwood with a new location on Commonwealth Avenue near Briarcreek Road. Jimmy "Repo" Parker's original Repo Records occupied a storefront on Central Avenue from 1988 to 2005, racking up numerous "Best of" awards during that run. Since closing that store, Parker has concentrated on selling his stock through the internet, but found he missed the customer interaction and the music scene. At the new Repo, which opened in December 2013, Parker has plenty of space to display his extensive collection of vinyl, including thousands of rare and out-of-print dance discs dating from the early '70s through the mid '90s, many from the collections of club DJs. Like the old Repo, the new store will also stock used CDs, cassettes and DVDs, as well as vintage rock posters.
230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite B11
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 966-9673
This secondhand store is located in the Grand Promenade Shopping Center at the corner of W.T. Harris and North Tryon. Inside you'll find a nice and continuously changing selection of used vinyl records, as well as used books and textbooks, CDs, DVD movies and TV shows, VHS tapes, video games and game consoles, audiobooks, board games, tablets, iPods and other electronics as well as used disc golf equipment, all turned in for cash or trade by the surrounding university population. The large space also includes a coffee shop with comfy couches and a gaming/craft room, as well as a special area for kids. Prices here are some of the lowest in town. You can donate your trade credit to your neighborhood school through the Last Word's Education for Everyone program.
5419 Monroe Road
Charlotte, NC 28212
(704) 377-0700
If the oldies rock your boat, the Wax Museum is the vinyl store to visit. Based on founder Dr. Chris Beachley's life-long love of that Carolina phenomenon, beach music, the Wax Museum stocks thousands of records, from rare beach and blues albums to 45s and even collectible 78s, as well as CDs, tapes and oldies memorabilia, plus DVDs that will have you dancing the shag in no time. Beachley, an inductee in the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, the Beach Music DJ Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Area Shaggers Hall of Fame, has long been one of the top dance DJs in the region, with a collection of over 200,000 tunes. The collection at the Wax Museum, in business since 1972, includes 45s and CDs representing every genre of oldie, including Motown, soul, R&B, big band, '50s pop, country, retro disco, Doo Wop and gospel, plus reissues of classic and modern beach and shag singles, intended for jukeboxes around the South. The store also buys beach and oldie records, or can convert them to CD if you prefer.
With 15 years of experience covering restaurants in Charlotte and the Carolinas, and two regional guidebooks under her belt, Renee Wright examines the dining scene with enthusiasm plus a deep knowledge of food trends and outstanding local eating ops. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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23.10.2014, 17:05
The iDock Air 2 is the newest member of the iRoom family and supports iPad Air & iPad Air 2. 8 days after the release of the new iPad Air 2, iRoom will release the compatible iDock docking station. This simple modification option makes iRoom products a future proof investment for smart homes and businesses.
06.10.2014, 09:07
Come and visit us at InfoComm MEA in Dubai booth # TA-A15. Experience the beauty of the Orient and see all iRoom products in action.


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|The Oakland Police killing of Raheim Brown Jr
The Minister of Information JR interviews the parents of Oakland police murder victim of Raheim Brown Jr. Lori Davis and Raheim Brown Sr talk about the police killing their son as well as who there son was before he was brutally murdered by campus police.
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0 # 2011-02-17 01:57
They killed my love they almost killed me too, I am holding the bullet meant for me in my hand right now. I had a premonition of my blood running out I tripped and fell the second they fired, he didnt, he died. Now I am hollow inside.
0 # 2011-03-10 23:56
I want to thank all of you for your support with my son Raheim Brown Jr.We are working getting these officers prosecuted for their criminal behavior.
0 # 2012-06-11 14:17
I am appalled and horrified by what was done to this young man, and his family. I'm hoping we can bring the family justice, and that justice will ease their pain.


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Austin Condo Rental Photos and Description
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Relax in Downtown Austin and the best kind of urban life! This rare property offers a unique combination of neighborhood charm, privacy and downtown access at a tremendous value. The highly walkable location puts you in the heart of Austin's acclaimed outdoor activities and nightlife, yet comfortably distanced from the fray. You'll appreciate the simple, well appointed modern design and perfect use of space.
- Whole Foods Headquarters
- Ladybird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
- Austin Music Hall
- Austin Convention Center
- Warehouse Entertainment District
- West 6th St. Shopping District
- Pure Austin Fitness
- Starbucks
- Legendary night spots
- And more!
- FREE WiFi
- Plenty of natural light with large picture windows
- Outdoor views including a grand Live Oak
- Cable included
- Private Entrance
- One parking space included
- One Bedroom / One Bath
- 500+ sq. ft
Other Activities: Kayaking, Shopping, Miniature golf, Boating, Health/Beauty Spa
- Suitability:
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- alternative lifestyle
- non smoking only
- not suitable for children
- pets not allowed
About Owner/ property manager
A local Austinite who enjoys sharing my favorite city in the US with fellow professionals and responsible travelers.
Owner/ property manager purchased this condo in 2001
Why Owner/ property manager chose Austin
Located near the corner of Lamar at 1106 W 6th Street, I chose this property for its cool urban vibe and quiet charm. This downtown enclave is the perfect spot to discover all of Austin's best attractions - no car required.
What makes this condo unique
Location. Location. Location. One can practically see Ladybird Lake from the huge picture window. Walk to the hike and bike trail, Zilker Park, Whole Foods Flagship HQ, or any one of Austin's legendary night spots. The condo is square in the middle of Austin's best restaurants. For example, a pager form Z Tejas restaurant works in the condo, so you can relax with friends while they find you a table.