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The recent in-burst of in-rage within the Occupy movement has been making the rounds. The internet outlets of choice for any Occupiers have been inundated with long winded rants concerning "diversity of tactics" whether they be pro or con, the possible ramifications and moral implications of property damage, self defense and non-violent civil disobedience. Chris Hedges may have know or may not have know what kind of reaction he was going to stir up with his piece "The Cancer In Occupy," but considering how long he's been excelling at provoking a reaction of some kind from various groups and institutions, the best bet is that he had some idea of what he was about to do when he set out to write the piece. All of this is a useless distraction, and the movement has much more pressing business to attend to.
The above are both photos of men with deep religious conviction. There is a stark contrast in what they represent to us. Never the less, they both show men whose religious conviction drove them to action. Both contain symbols that inspired others to action. Both represent men and principles which we're able to find a foundation for in The Bible. Today, we look back on the time this picture was taken, and we see in the first photo, a symbol of the most vile hatred, a thing which steals life. In the second we see a symbol of a deep, life affirming struggle for dignity.
It is unfortunate that in the teaching and study of history, it is almost inevitable that it seems as if the present is the product of destiny. Looking back on the events of the past, we see that they have lead us here, to today and it's a forgivable mistake to think that it had to have happened exactly as it did, especially when it's a history we are somewhat proud of. It only takes looking a bit further back in our history to see how wrong that idea is though. We don't like to talk about it, and there are no monuments on the national mall to represent their struggle, but then again, there was no television in the days Native Americans were being exterminated here, under sets of reasoning not very different from those used by the men in the first photo. We don't like to talk about that because it was treated as if it were destiny at the time, which in hindsight seems extremely arrogant, especially when it means exterminating upward of six million people. Had there been pictures of Native Americans, being slaughtered or entire villages purposely infected with some terrible disease, beaming into every home in the nation at the time, their fate may have been somewhat different.
In the time the above photos were taken, what they represented was a choice. Which of these ideals was one going to follow? Both were addressing a social issue in religious terms. Both were addressing an issue related to a group of people who were assigned "minority status" by the society they lived in. Both claimed that they were fighting for the dignity of their people and invoked the name of God and various Biblical passages as proof of their moral and spiritual righteousness.
Today, we face the same choice, yet again. Which of these philosophies do we choose to support? Do we choose to support a philosophy which has benefited from, and continued because we allow it to tell us what the ultimate meaning of humanity is, creating a chasm between ourselves and those we share society with? Will we instead decide to follow a philosophy which asks that we come together, affirm the dignity of our fellow human beings and the struggle from which it has emerged? It is a choice and it is each of ours to make.
There has most recently been a hard fought battle related to the sanctity of the individuals right to decide their own medical needs and desires. It has been packaged by as an issue of religious freedom. To those claiming this an issue of religious freedom I would ask if they are as surely outraged by the New York Police Department's surveillance and cataloging of mosque's, Muslim college students and business's across the entire Northeast? The right issue of religious freedom is among those that should never be specially enforced for any group, minority or majority. Yet, among so many currently using every second in front of a microphone or a camera to obsess about the principle of religious freedom, this wholesale state assault on the privacy of individuals founded only on their religious affiliation has been strangely absent from the critique. We have experienced no attack on religious freedom in the last two decades as focused and ferocious as that which has been leveraged against the Muslim community, and many of those now making an argument that their religious freedom trumps the freedom of the individual to make medical decisions with the council of their doctors. Instead of making the claim that religious freedom is a principle not based on the adherents choice in religion or that medical decisions are based upon the choice of the individual, they are asserting, through word and the action of legislation, that it is their freedom and their right to choose for other individuals, based on their choice of religion. They are and were among those move vocally opposing a Muslim community center being in New York at all when they realized it was a politically profitable position to take. They have also been among those who have most viciously slandered Islam as a whole, calling it a religion of violence, hatred and bent on world domination.
There can be absolutely no argument made that among the billion Muslim's in the world, there are those who favor violence as the method of attempting to solve their grievances, whether those grievances are specifically religious or political. These men, and some women, have succeeded in provoking an already hostile and arrogant Western world into portraying them as savages. The problem being, we in the U.S. certainly have no particularly strong moral ground to stand on when it comes to the denunciation of savagery. Savagery of this same variety was visited directly on the original citizens, whose birthright the land this nation was founded on, the Native Americans. And the reality is, this circle of violence, of men bowing to the least human and humane methods through which to solve problems or temper their differences has served only in seeing to it that hundreds of thousands are dead, millions are without homes or the basic necessities for the foundation for a life which is full in it's dignity, in both that given and received. These hateful, and ultimately self absorbed individuals have done little but cause their countrymen and their fellow human beings more suffering and death. Extremism in the Middle East, extremism in the West, and extremism of the "tolerance" of this extremity are all to blame. These have been wars created by extremists, none of whom believe in either religious freedom or believe in the basic dignity of the human being who doesn't passively submit to their demands for religious, social, political, economic, racial and gender domination. They are people who do not understand that the increasing interconnected nature of the world has made their world view obsolete. Average Afghan's have no more interest in holding dominion over average Americans than is true of the reverse.
We see now that this same psycho drama is playing out even in relation to questions of Iran's nuclear program, and what should or can be done to prevent it. There can't be an honest assessment of the entirety of the situation which comes to the conclusion that Iran having regular access to nuclear materials is something that is in any way going to improve any situation. It is a regime under the variety of extremism and zealotry that is yearning for greater power here in the United States. It is a regime which recognizes only it's freedom to impose it's will on the citizenry, and through it's proxy's, other nations including Israel and Pakistan. No honest assessment of the situation can suggest that it is beyond the realm of possibilities that material provided by an Iranian nuclear program will not, at the least, end up in a dirty bomb releasing a cloud of radioactive materials in the center of Tel Aviv. No sane person who believes in the dignity, health and rights of human beings can believe that is an acceptable situation.
That fracture happening now, between the people of the Middle East, and the extremist dictators and regimes which have oppressed them so long, presents diplomatic opportunities for both Israel and the West that haven't been present for decades. There is a fact whose importance can't be under estimated though. All of the people struggling against these repressive, violent regimes are being assaulted, shot, shelled and murdered with arms manufactured in the West, specifically, here in the United States. Regardless of the final result, should Egyptians win their freedom from all oppression, find their way to establishing some form of society and government which they believe to represent them, they are not going to forget that the shell casings from which the bullets that killed their family, friends and neighbors have been killed, were all stamped with "Made in the U.S.A." The pictures of young people holding up tear gas canisters with that phrase painted on them are not soon going to leave the popular consciousness. The same can be said for Bahrain, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Lebannon and so on. There are people at the very center of mainstream American politics, today, saying that the United States should have backed the Mubarak regime, because it was historically friendly to us. They are saying essentially, that the fight Egyptians are waging for their own freedom is of less importance than the ultimate level of influence and superiority we "could have had" in the Middle East. Because it is somehow better to have influence through a violent, despotic regime than to have gained that influence through having demonstrated some degree of moral sense, and stopped supporting a vile dictator. They favor this above having a relationship between the people of Egypt and the people of the United States which says, "We stand for and support each others humanity, each others basic right to dignity and respect." It is better, they believe, to have been the ally of a dictator who was responsible for mass oppression, than to finally, after too many years, take the side of people who are fighting for their own dignity. It is more than optimistic or naive to suggest these same people, supporting these brutal regimes, would have any different an attitude toward citizens of the United States who might attempt to assert their right to dignity and to govern their own lives. It is patently stupid and the result of willful ignorance at it's worst. In this particular case, the Egyptian citizens are the one's who are serving own their need for dignity and respect. Who among us at home may fall into that category now or at any point in the future and why would we be stupid to expect those who are willing to support brutal dictatorship to ever respect and respond to our calls for the same dignity and respect?
Should Israel go through with it's threat to preemptively strike Iran in order to remove any possible nuclear capability they have, it will be yet another example of Western (overwhelmingly interpreted as the United States) manufactured weapons reigning down on Muslims, from what is seen as an oppressive regime. Whether or not one agrees with the idea that Israel is an oppressive regime doesn't actually matter, because to the majority of the Middle East's Muslim population, that is what Israel represents. Israel preemptively striking a sovereign nation could also serve to frighten the citizens of other Middle Eastern nations enough to create the kind of atmosphere where they end up seeking the kind of strength that is projected by the more extreme factions of Islam in the region. It's should also not be forgotten that right now, one of Iran's most steadfast allies, Syria, is in the midst of what has basically degenerated into a civil war. Should Iran be preemptively attacked, there's no real way of understanding if that will propel them to intervene in that conflict in whatever way they can to prop up their primary ally. It is after all, Syria, who has been primarily responsible for insuring that Hamas has been armed with the capabilities to continue to antagonize Israel. The more time passes, the more it seems true that Israel has done itself no favors through retaliation against Lebanon. Though it was completely understandable at the time, in the larger picture, it is again a "Western power" reigning destruction down on Arabs and Muslims. It is also worth mentioning that for all of those criticizing Israel with a rather profound zeal, calling for it's dissolution, none of them seem to be also offering up the idea that the United States dissolve itself and return the land on which it rests to those whom it waged genocide against.
By all accounts, the Iranian population are a sophisticated people, and it's a country which is overwhelmingly young in its demographic. Israel, and the United States will be making a grave mistake in punishing this population for it's leaders myopic world view. It's worth it to remember that prior to Egypt and the Arab Spring, Iranians had taken to the streets in protest. They may have been poorly planned, and without a larger, long term strategy, but that is even more reason to believe waiting on the Iranian people to be ready to make their own move toward a real, strengthened opposition is the best strategy. Those who were among the organizers of those protests will have learned exactly how necessary a long term strategy is for success. And with the increasingly stringent sanctions taking their toll, unemployment will continue to rise (already a problem for Iranian youth) and pressure within Iran itself will continue to mount. That is to say, so long as the unifying experience of foreign invasion and attack remains absent from the equation. Few things are as good at unifying any population as the experience of foreign attackers blowing that populations infrastructure to hell.
Let's also not forget that one of the most often referenced extremes in the Muslim world is that toward it's women. The Bush administration attempted to trot out it's humanitarian ideals in giving this reason for going to war in Afghanistan, and in the following decade, even as it's become inevitably clear to the most ardent of interventionist "hawks" that the war in Afghanistan was begun, and largely executed with absolutely no discernible goals and is therefore an absolute mess, the most extreme of those interventionists have continued to pine for the safety of the female population of Afghanistan should the United States completely withdraw from the nation. There should be no doubt or miscommunication, the Taliban's treatment of women was a horrific affront to anyone who believes in the right of the human being to dignity. It was a disgusting exemplification of what happens when one human being is allowed to act on the belief in their right of ownership over another human being. the Taliban believe the men of a society have ownership over the women. All of this, again, given through religious foundations.
The problem with this line of reasoning resides directly in our own homes as well. The most chauvinistic of extremes in Muslim cultures views women as property that men can do with as they see fit. If the last few months are many indications that there are more than a few extremists here who believe no differently in principle, though cultural differences make them unable to take the same extremity of action. In Virginia's General Assembly, a bill that proposed the state's requirement of inserting an object into a woman's vagina without regard to her consent, was disposed of only because there was a swift and well organized opposition to a degree that the extremists in that legislative body aren't quite used to encountering. Regardless of the reasoning, should it be because she is attempting to get an abortion, an ice cream cone, a Jeep Cherokee or trying to understand what her reproductive choices are going to be in the future, the state requiring that a woman have a medically unnecessary object inserted into her vagina is based on the underlying assumption that she belongs either to the state (in this case, overwhelmingly male in it's composition) or the men who are acting in what they believe are the state's interests. Those interests are founded on religious arguments. One can not assume it is their right to require such a thing without first assuming the individual is theirs in propriety or that at least, the privilege of the decisions of medical necessity belong to them, which at the end of the day, is essentially the same thing as treating a human being as if they are an object that can be owned. If one can not have rely on the safety of their person, their body, from unnecessary invasion from the state, exactly what kind of unnecessary invasion from the state can they feel safe from? It is essentially saying that the woman in question does not have the right to the dignity of her own agency, and that without agency must have decisions relating to her well being made by those who do have agency. All of this, is of course, undertaken with "religious freedom" as it's battle cry. The freedom of any individual, male or female, to not have their person invaded without medical necessity apparently falls behind that of these individuals to propel their religious beliefs on others or in this case, actually inside others. To say this is not extreme, physical invasion, mandated by the state, under religious terms is to be either dishonest or without a strong enough sense of one's own agency to understand the degree of insult this is.
That degree of extremism, the degree to which one believes they are mandated by religion to have the right to an invade an others bodily integrity, is a few degrees shy from the basis upon which we see mutilation and murder of women happening in the other religions these very same people have decried as a danger. Bodily invasion in order to induce shame or guilt isn't very many degrees removed from bodily disfigurement, and the many things that follow it. The agency of the individual over which this will is exercised must be disregarded, dismissed or must never have been taken into account as actually existing in equal to that of the individual attempting to exercise their will. She, over whom this will must be exercised, must of necessity, be a lesser being or (more frighteningly) the individual who is attempting to have their will done on the other, must be a sadist.
That kind of sadism is not something absent from the history of the United States either. We need look no further back than the Tuskegee Airmen to understand how pernicious this mentality can be. Americans who had volunteered to serve their country were experimented on without their consent, like lab rats. All of this, essentially because an extremist perspective had been too long tolerated, and the basis of that perspective was the superiority of one group to another, often given foundation in religious terms. There is also the lesser known, and equally shocking program of medical experiments committed on citizens of Guatemala without their knowledge or consent. We can continue to look back at medical history for any number of interesting results, especially in treatment of the mentally handicapped and the mentally ill to see that when a human being begins with being understood to lack agency, that it takes nothing at all for an extreme perspective to therefore impose their own will on them, and all too often that ends with the absolute disregard for dignity and humanity.
All of these examples of this variety of extremism, that has no respect for human dignity, much less for the dignity of the autonomy of the individual, may have threads of religious extremism, but this shouldn't be mistaken to be the fault of religion. To say that religion is the force and the reason for this variety of religious zeal and extremism is to leave individual without responsibility and to take little account of the individuals autonomy. It is to suggest, at the least, that the individuals who have chosen to embrace and to propagate extremism of this variety have never been offered any variety of alternative. That, is patently, demonstratively false. The choice has been presented to them in a thousand different ways. It has been presented in various forms of secular humanism, an alternative most people of faith find hard to accept, understandably, as well as many different traditions of faith offering a very different path, no less religious, no less pious, but full of the respect for the dignity of humanity and the autonomy of the individual.
Those who have been playing the ass, braying about religious freedom while showing themselves to have none of the respect for human dignity that makes all of this freedom and all other freedoms possible (expressed in the Constitution as "We behold these truths to be self-evident, all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happines" even as they were excluding large populations from those Rights, it represents a deeply profound ideal in contemporary context), have made a conscious choice at some point in their lives to follow or continue to follow this extremism. It can not be asserted that an adult, understood to be psychologically sound, here in the United States, could not at some point in their lives, encountered a tradition of deep religious faith that has more respect for human dignity than these varieties of extremism. No one can say that there isn't a degree of cultural pressure in the varieties of extremism that proselytize for it, that the individual may not face exclusion from that community should they cease to espouse those beliefs, but to accept this as an excuse is to again suggest that the individual in the situation does not have or exercise autonomy. It is, a matter of responsibility, to put it in the terms these extreme groups favor. These are people who have abandoned any responsibility to act in an accountable fashion in the context of the larger community in which they exist. They are making a choice to be responsible only to an extremist doctrine and an extremist community that provides both confirmation and affirmation of it.
We have today, in our public sphere, the person of Rick Santorum. He has become a near perfect amalgamation of a number of varieties of American extremism. Santorum is only an example though, as without the mass of hate filled hearts praying for his success, he would be the equivalent of a street corner preacher who is passed without thought by the overwhelming majority of pedestrians. The interview here contains an interesting and notable set of ideas. Santorum provides a commentary on a relatively famous speech by John F. Kennedy in which he proclaimed that the wall between church and state was absolute. Santorum has made the claim that this makes him want to vomit. What Santorum, as a Catholic, and someone who most assuredly knows the historical context of J.F.K's speech, is not only being disingenuous, he's being completely dishonest and is also demonstrating one of the most most horrifically terrifying qualities of this kind of extremism. The historical context for J.F.K's comments are such that he was the first Catholic to have a very good shot at winning the presidency. At the time, he was facing the religious extremists of his own day, who had joined together in a strange cabal of hatred. Not only were there those who were using religion as an excuse to attempt to stop the Civil Rights movement, but there were also those that were horrified at the possibility of a Catholic in the White House. The combination of the two strains of unreasoned hatred were producing a narrative suggesting, essentially, that the Pope would be running the country, and because this was the period during which the country was experiencing a political realignment on race (which itself divided the nations Catholic community), that would also mean black people would be able to do terrible, horrible things… like vote, eat in restaurants white people were also eating in, go to public schools where there were also white children, and so on and so forth.
Santorum is Catholic. One can not grow up with a devout Catholic background in this country without being aware of the exact kind of religious prejudice J.F.K faced while running for office (having come from a family with a few devout Catholics, I assure you, they have not forgotten). J.F.K's proclamation of the absolute wall between church and state was his defense against religious extremists attempting to keep him out of office based (so far as the religious aspect of their argument was concerned) on his being Catholic. Now, Santorum, running as a kind of Catholic Crusader for the 21st century is deriding the man whose decision to do so helped him win the presidency and as a result, has made it easier for Santorum to find his way onto the ballot in the national primary for one of the nation's two major political primaries. Santorum is demonstrating the ability of extremists like this to attempt to outcast and destroy anyone who doesn't agree with them at the very moment they're making any particular argument. If there hadn't been a J.F.K to be the first Catholic president, Santorum would be facing a degree of scrutiny about his religious beliefs that he may not have survived thus far, and it would specifically be coming from exactly the same extremist community he is now courting with these comments. Santorum, it seems, is willing to make a historically inaccurate and genuinely hateful statement about a man to whom he owes a debt of gratitude, in defense of his extremism. Again, in this context, why should any of us question the willingness of extremists like this to throw us to the wolves and disregard any call for a recognition of our dignity as human beings?
Santorum is also espousing the same variety of extreme view related to women, their rights to make their own decisions about their health, and economic views which aren't far behind in the degree of extremism they exhibit. He is also among those most loudly trumpeting the idea that the United States should attack Iran, probably very soon. He is espousing that royal flush of American mainstream extremism, that no community other than his own has the right to the dignity and respect of the fullness of their humanity. Even those who may hold similar views, must at some point ask themselves at which point they may be on the other side of this kind of extremist thinking and willingness to degrade and dehumanize? Should one believe they are going to forever be able to be in complete, exact agreement with this kind of extremism, it's history should be considered, and the number of times it has changed allegiance should be readily apparent. Their hatred may have one target today, but it may be amongst formerly allied communities tomorrow.
Santorum would essentially be a cartoon character if not for the fact that he is one of the front runners for the nomination of one of our major political parties. This is not to single out the Republicans, not to single out conservatives or to single out anyone who often finds themselves on what is popularly considered the political right in the United States. The average person who associates themselves with the American right is fundamentally interested in the question of the governments ability to inject itself into the individual's ability to make decisions for themselves. This is a philosophically and morally decent question to ask, and many of them make both philosophically and morally sensible arguments related to that question. It is a good thing to have around, there should never be any doubt about that. They may be fairly religious as well, and may hold some of those views which the faith organization of their choice espouses. At the same time, they are no more interested in the government inserting itself in their lives on the basis of religion than they are having it insert itself for any other reason. Extremists like Santorum, Pat Robertson, Ken Cuccinelli and Bob McDonnell (Pat Robertson's protegé), Glenn Beck and so forth, have stolen the megaphone from American conservatism and are taking it down a dangerous path of extremist theocracy. This is not to demonize good people who have different opinions. Differing opinions should be valued and should be welcomed. Where that difference should be abruptly and forcefully confronted is when it demands it can and should be asserted on to others.
For those of us who actually believe in religious freedom as a principle, as opposed to a banner to hide our prejudices and hatred behind, we have made a choice as well. We have chosen to remain silent for what now looks to have been far too long. If you wonder why it is the more militant among wide array of people who can be considered part of the atheist community have begun to undertake a campaign of attacking religion as a whole, this is why. Tolerance is a virtue. Taken to an extreme it becomes apathy. This can no longer be the default setting for anyone who is interested in not having their lives, their governance and their society dominated by the varieties of extremism which have been outlined here. It is no longer tolerance. It is no longer in the best interests of a civil society to allow this kind of extremism to go unchallenged. For anyone who thinks this is an alarmist perspective, that somehow, someone, somewhere will come along and speak enough sense to put this insanity to rest, stop waiting. It will only be those people who believe in an actual religious freedom, for all, who will be able to expose this extremism.
This extremism is never going to be successfully battled and sent back to the dungeons of public acceptance, where it belongs, by making claims that religion has no place in contemporary society. Human beings are no more likely, in the foreseeable future, to abandon belief in religion than they are to abandon the idea of living in cities. Both have been a part of civilization since it began, neither is going anywhere soon, and this being a given, it is both ridiculous and wasteful to spend time making these claims and assumptions. It should also be noted that determining whether or not religion should be allowed, practiced or a part of society is, in principle, no different than the different varieties of expulsion these religious extremists call for. There is, contrary to what many of the more extreme religious instigators like to claim, a fundamental difference between the atheist asserting religion must be done away with and the religious zealot demanding all people bow to or be subjected to the dictates of their faith. One is asserting people should be free of the intellectual, emotional and psychological bonds of religion, and therefore, be allowed to look objectively at the choices they have and make. The other is asserting theirs is the only idea or ideal that should be acceptable. Though the sentiment may be coming from a much more respectful and respectable perspective when the atheist makes this claim, they are still denying one variety of choice in their equation, that of religious belief. In a society based on human respect, this shouldn't be the case. The belief in a theology or a deity isn't the base problem, it is the dressing draped over the rotting corpse of a society that has too long tolerated dehumanization.
In the end, the call to end religion from one part of what is a large and diverse atheist community, is essentially a reaction to that dehumanization, and it is that which should be addressed, fully, face to face. Tolerance does not have to mean that a person or that a society accepts the manipulation of their good will in having been tolerant, which is what has become the norm among these extremists. Like their calls to religious freedom, their chief antagonism toward a tolerant society has been to cry discrimination when confronted. Even as those who are religious are the majority, and the majority of the society exists in a way that favors their religious preferences, when confronted about this extremism, they have turned to decrying all of those who have stood firmly to say that tolerance can not mean tolerating discrimination, hate filled rhetoric (that has no basis in fact), and invective meant to dehumanize those of our brothers and sisters toward whom it is directed. That is not tolerance, it is apathy and it is enabling the destruction of that tolerance and the good that it does any society. It also serves to stall the further advance of making a society based on respect and dignity. It devolves into the false dichotomy that we now face, the extremists and the rest of us who would like to be able to get about our lives, in keeping with that respect and tolerance. It serves to keep a society, that like ours, is ever changing and evolving, from being able to take the correct steps to address those changes and the evolution that is inevitable. Instead, the changes come, the evolution happens, and because they are ignored in favor of attempting to keep these same extremists from denying a recognition of that basic respect and dignity, we are all left playing a collective game of catch up, trying to undo problems which could have been prevented with a sober and sane accounting of the facts. The ultimate result is that we are not having the debates and discussions which are actually necessary in order to be sure we are prepared for the inevitable future.
In a world that is more and more connected every single day, in which the actions of people on the other side of the world have more effect on our lives today than they ever have in the past, we must be laying the groundwork and building the infrastructure which will support the weight of that reality. Instead of having the discussion about why it is we are falling so far behind in seeing to it that every community in the nation has access to broadband internet, we are arguing women's rights, the rights of the LGBT community, and essentially ignoring the problem of mass incarceration. This can not continue if we, as a society, expect to be able to be part of the kind of world community that is developing. And in that world community, it is going to take a degree of tolerance and humility to be a vital, effective and positive actor. With the events surrounding Iran right now, we are seeing what the extremes of the ideologies of the twentieth century have produced. If we have any hope of avoiding the same mistakes, we must prepare for the world that is hurling toward us at an ever accelerated rate. We can not afford to continue to be mired down in the arguments of the nineteenth century in a twenty-first century world or we will be cast out from all of the benefits that it has in store.
We, who believe that it is possible to have a society which is based on and takes a real account of human dignity and respect, must no longer stand in our own separate communities. We must no longer stand alone. What has long been on the side of the extremists is that they have become glued together, speaking of one mind, speaking from the same invective filled script, spreading the terror of everyone who is not within ear shot as they go. It's now time that we begin to speak together. It's time now that we begin to stand together. It's time now that we say, "We have tolerated extremism long enough. We have wrestled with our responsibilities to tolerance, to acceptance and to the right of those who would to spread their hatred. It's time now to address those problems that have been neglected as a result, and to prepare for those the future will bring."
This responsibility comes with an important understanding. Those who have come to espouse and push this kind of extremism are our kin, fellow citizens as much as those who have spent their lives working toward creating a world which is based on human respect and dignity. Extremism can no more be expelled from a society or the world than religion, atheism or culture. It would not be an effective or realistic goal. What is a realistic and effective goal is that the rest of us, who don't believe in these hateful ideas, stand together as one people, and act with the dignity and respect we are fighting for. Extremism is defeated with further extremism. Nor is it defeated with anger and invective. It is defeated with the strength of a confident, proactive community which can communicate the values it most deeply believes in. Extremism is defeated by facing people who stand with straight backs, loving hearts, sharp minds and the clear statements of the truths they hold to be self evident. It is time that extremism is exposed for what it is, the terrified cries of people who have lost understanding and bearing in the world that exists. Defeating it means providing that understanding and the symbols that give real meaning.
This is going to mean we must stop waiting for the state, it's chosen methods and the necessary changes that extremism makes impossible. This is to say, that if you are among those who have been the target of this extremism, you must begin to step away from the divisions which have historically existed in American society. We must no longer have women's rights issues. Women's rights issues must be all of our issues. We must no longer have immigrant issues. Immigrant issues must be all of our issues. Issues of the black community must be all of our issues. Issues of the LGBT community must be all of our issues. The issues of the middle class and the poor must be all of our issues. We must begin to see ourselves less as separate communities attempting to reach for the respect and dignity our communities deserve than we must begin to see that this struggle to achieve that recognition is never going to move forward so long as the extremist ideologues who have so long targeted our communities can turn to another community to attack in order to distract attention the second one of our communities begins to make advances. All of these issues are fundamentally related in their struggle for dignity and basic human respect. We must also extend the understanding of what this community to those across the globe who favor the struggle for dignity and respect instead of the struggle for domination and dictatorial control. Without doing so, the extremists among us will always be able to rile an unfounded fear of the other "out there," and we will again be distracted by phantoms and tricks of rhetoric, instead of addressing the very real problems we have and which will be coming in the future. We are the first generation to live in a truly global community. That community is going to continue to grow closer and more intimate, and we have within us the capability to create a vision for the future that is compelling, respectful and dignified enough to be able to put the mistakes and problems of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries behind us, if we are willing to address the extremists that prevent it now.
Another world is possible.
*The images contained here have all been included as a demonstration of the fact that there are varieties of this extremism that have been beaten back before, and also that in order to be able to confront them, they must be faced and looked at for what they are.


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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tonight's the night. Did I mention that? Oh... I did...
"Two Swords." Episode one of season four, written and directed by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. It's a helluva season episode. I've seen it three times now, at various premieres, but I'm looking forward to seeing it a fourth time this evening.
And next week, "The Lion and the Rose," the episode I scripted myself. I haven't seen that one at all, but various folks I trust tell me it came at well, so I'm looking forward to seeing it for myself.
Anyone doing anything special in the way of premiere parties? We're partied out ourselves, after the New York, Brooklyn, and Santa Fe premieres, so we're staying home, gathering round the tube, and laying in some ribs and pulled pork and brisket from Whole Hog.
- Current Location:Santa Fe
- Current Mood: cheerful
( 53 comments )
|Page 2 of 2
|[1] [2]
Apr. 6th, 2014 11:13 pm (UTC)
Can't wait for the premier tonight! We will just have a quiet evening at home.
Apr. 6th, 2014 11:25 pm (UTC)
Our weekly viewing party every year, with a friend having a birthday as well, thus a ginormous five-pound "Happy Name Day" cake as well...no swords involved.
Daniel Womack
Apr. 6th, 2014 11:40 pm (UTC)
Episode 1 plans
Went north and south with a North/Dorne inspired breakfast of bacon, hardbread with orange marmalade, eggs, potatoes, and a veggie blend of zucchini, corn, and pistachios tossed with tikka masala sauce, sriracha, and sprinkled with smoked ghost chili pepper flakes.
Tonight, it's herb roasted chicken, roasted potatoes and grilled onions, roasted asparagus and honey wheat ale.
Dessert while watching Episode 1, is baked pear with honey and cinnamon served with dried berries, nuts and ice cream.
Tonight, it's herb roasted chicken, roasted potatoes and grilled onions, roasted asparagus and honey wheat ale.
Dessert while watching Episode 1, is baked pear with honey and cinnamon served with dried berries, nuts and ice cream.
Victoria Cosia
Apr. 6th, 2014 11:53 pm (UTC)
We get to watch it simultaneously from Argentina so I'm very excited. My mom and I are great fans of yours and the books. We're currently reading the fifth book very slowly so we make it last! Thanks for the amazing times!!
Victoria Pinder
Apr. 7th, 2014 12:02 am (UTC)
Can't wait
The show is getting closer and closer to the end of the books and I'm waiting... This weekend I introduced the fiance to Game of Thrones season 1. So now we're hating Cercei and the Lannisters who killed Ned. Now our feet are up and one hour to go to season 4. Guess the fiance is getting a preview of what's to come.
Jarin Udom
Apr. 7th, 2014 12:12 am (UTC)
The two times of the year that make me really look forward to Sundays: football season and Game of Thrones season :)
Tony Cresta
Apr. 7th, 2014 12:57 am (UTC)
Ommegang Fire and Blood.. Already through one bottle. 5 minutes and the wait is over, and back to waiting for TWOW!
Thank you GRRM
Thank you GRRM
Gary Ferguson
Apr. 7th, 2014 01:11 am (UTC)
thank you
Dear Sir George:
I cannot begin to explain how your work (GOT) has inspired me. I have your entire set and I think I'm on my third reading. I was fascinated to hear you got the idea from Hadrian's wall. You really took that to the next limit. You are a master storyteller and I thank you for all the enjoyment you've given me. I can't wait for your next in the series I hope it comes out soon. Thank you from a serious fan
Gary Ferguson
I cannot begin to explain how your work (GOT) has inspired me. I have your entire set and I think I'm on my third reading. I was fascinated to hear you got the idea from Hadrian's wall. You really took that to the next limit. You are a master storyteller and I thank you for all the enjoyment you've given me. I can't wait for your next in the series I hope it comes out soon. Thank you from a serious fan
Gary Ferguson
Steve Brule
Apr. 7th, 2014 01:21 am (UTC)
So excited!
Me and the wife just finished up A Dance with Dragons and are really looking forward to tonight. Thanks for getting me back into reading, you're amazing!
Edited at 2014-04-07 01:22 am (UTC)
Edited at 2014-04-07 01:22 am (UTC)
Apr. 7th, 2014 01:34 am (UTC)
Sounds like a great time!!
What's to drink? 'Fire and Blood' Ale by Ommegang? [sorry if I butchered the spelling].
Speaking of, what are your thoughts on their beer, especially the Thrones stuff, if you've had it?
What's to drink? 'Fire and Blood' Ale by Ommegang? [sorry if I butchered the spelling].
Speaking of, what are your thoughts on their beer, especially the Thrones stuff, if you've had it?
Julie Davies
Apr. 7th, 2014 02:18 am (UTC)
Looking forward to watching ep 1, but have to have complete QUIET, with no interuptions
Deegan Klimowicz
Apr. 7th, 2014 02:51 am (UTC)
The Same Problem the last 3 years
Sadly I will not be watching the premiere live and have to record it. The problem being is that for the past 3 years it has premiered the same Sunday as Wrestlemania. While I love the show, I love wrestling more. The books, however, would certainly come in closer contention. I have loved your work since I finished the prologue in A Game of Thrones. Also another Jersey boy here and I really want to express how excited I am for this season as I have waited a very long time to see certain events visualized. Thank you for allowing me to view this world in one of my thousands of lives I've lived through reading.
Adam Croxton
Apr. 7th, 2014 03:18 am (UTC)
The first episode was great!
I really hated to see it end though.
Was really nice to see arya get her needle back. That actor does a really good job.
I really hated to see it end though.
Was really nice to see arya get her needle back. That actor does a really good job.
Sam Staggs McKay
Apr. 7th, 2014 03:54 am (UTC)
Yes! My friends and I had an all-girl watch party. I dressed as Melisandre. Others showed up as Daeanerys and various Lannisters. I am the annoying one who has read all of the books numerous times but I do try to keep my mouth shut in the company of those who aren't caught up. Love the new chapter. Loved the first episode of season four. I don't think another actress could pull off Arya Stark like Maisie Williams. There is a certain glint in her eyes that is perfect.
Edited at 2014-04-07 03:59 am (UTC)
Edited at 2014-04-07 03:59 am (UTC)
Apr. 7th, 2014 05:28 am (UTC)
I made Dornish food from the official companion cookbook at my watch party. It was great!
Apr. 7th, 2014 11:21 am (UTC)
Great evening
Was definitely a great night. We went with the Beef and Bacon pies courtesy the Inn at the Crossroads. Both their modern and medieval inspired versions. Both were outstanding. Then because there is always room for more meat we also had a pile of grilled chicken wings We washed it down with Ommegang's Fire and Blood, my favorite of that series. An array of cheeses and fruits throughout the day and just before the premiere we dished out some Lemon cakes and a Chocolate Stout Cake.
Perhaps one area we were lacking in were proper medieval yard games. Jousting or brawling would be a bit much so we had settled for ladder ball and corn hole, our usual tailgaiting setup.
Perhaps one area we were lacking in were proper medieval yard games. Jousting or brawling would be a bit much so we had settled for ladder ball and corn hole, our usual tailgaiting setup.
Apr. 7th, 2014 02:46 pm (UTC)
I did. Were were 8 people gathering at my place for the episode. It was amazing. From start to end. 10/10. I LOVED the inn scene!
Apr. 7th, 2014 05:31 pm (UTC)
If next week's episode is what I think it is, well, let's just say it'll be well worth the wait. And didn't you write "Blackwater," too? You get all the best episodes! Of course, that's probably just writer's prerogative!
Love the show, love the books. Thanks so much for creating this world for us to enjoy!
Love the show, love the books. Thanks so much for creating this world for us to enjoy!
Apr. 7th, 2014 09:23 pm (UTC)
GOT Dinner
For the third year in a row (didn't do it the first season), we have a GOT inspired dinner. This year we had a beef roast marinated in red wine with sauteed mushrooms and blue cheese stuffed pears drizzled in honey. And now that Ommegang has their line of ales, we also enjoyed it with the "Take the Black" stout we had been saving for this premier.
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|[1] [2]
( 53 comments )
- grrm
- George R.R. Martin
- George R. R. Martin
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- a dance with dragons
- a game of thrones
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Page Summary
- greeneyed_devil : (no subject) [+0]
- con_grazia : (no subject) [+0]
- Daniel Womack : Episode 1 plans [+0]
- Victoria Cosia : (no subject) [+0]
- Victoria Pinder : Can't wait [+0]
- Jarin Udom : (no subject) [+0]
- Tony Cresta : (no subject) [+0]
- Gary Ferguson : thank you [+0]
- Steve Brule : So excited! [+0]
- insurrbution : (no subject) [+0]
- Julie Davies : GOT TONIGHT [+0]
- rmholt : Blue roses [+0]
- rmholt : Oh, party? [+0]
- jedit1961 : CRASH! [+0]
- sara_miko : (no subject) [+0]
- Deegan Klimowicz : The Same Problem the last 3 years [+0]
- Hendrew : (no subject) [+0]
- Adam Croxton : (no subject) [+0]
- Sam Staggs McKay : Arya! [+0]
- wolverineone : (no subject) [+0]
- vandor : Great evening [+0]
- jordan_gilbert : (no subject) [+0]
- astraether : (no subject) [+0]
- els1976 : GOT Dinner [+0]


text:
by cath
My mum passed away March 22nd 2012. I hadnt seen her in twelve years as she lived overseas and when I went to visit her there was an exchange of words and we parted on bad terms.I returned home without a flicker of remorse and remained friends with my sisters who live fairly close by to her. (I am the eldest). On December the ninth last year my sister called to tell me the news that mum had been diagnosed with cancer and although it was early days it didnt look good. I wrestled with myself as to what was the right thing to do. The girls told me not to travel across the globe as I have a young family who need me here. My husband gave me the option of going but left the final decision with me. As I had only just begun a new job which I had rallied hard for I was in a very tricky situation. Do I leave and go over to the UK with the chance the door might be slammed in my face? Do I stay here in Australia and take the chance I would cope fairly well with her illness and demise? Only two options but they may as well be two thousand. My mum was one of the most stubborn difficult women I have ever encountered so the conundrum was difficult. When the news was delivered to me that it was terminal I was quiet, I was shocked, I was a whole barrel full of emotions but I dont remember being devastated. I remember being guilty at not being devastated strangely enough. For a few weeks I maintained my aloofness but then one morning in the early hours I was talking to my sisters on the phone and they had moved in to nurse her at home. The cancer had spread rapidly and my experience as a palliative care nurse was vital to them. I advised them and comforted them especially the youngest. (mums favourite) but after the phone call I quite simply crashed. I think the reality hit that the woman who carried me in her body and gave life to me, who was my best friend for the first fourteen years of my life was about to climb off this mortal coil forever. Oh my gosh I was a mess. I had asked several times of the girls if she had mentioned me at all and the answer was always no so I decided I had to write to her. I wrote what started out as a note which soon became a novel of epic proportions. I brought her up to date on all my kids lives and all the news about my own grandaughter who she had never seen. I told her about my new job and my beautiful new home. I mentioned that I was very well although I suffer from a crippling illness.(not nearly as crippling as cancer)and I included beautiful recent portraits of my kids and grandaughter. I said how the girls had told me all about her situation and how they kept me up to speed with all the news and I wound up telling her I understand if she doesnt want to reply as too much water under the bridge etc. I also said I was terribly sorry for leaving the gap to widen so far over the years. I said I understood if she didnt forgive me but I bore no ill feeling for her not contacting me and the door was wide open should she decide to have a relationship with me. I wished her well i told her I loved her and I quickly posted the letter before I changed my mind. A few days later my sister phoned me and said the letter had been received. Mum opened it read it looked at the phots and then threw the letter at my sister and said "you might want to read this" Sis asked her if she wanted to write to me or talk on the phone but she shrugged. I was undetered and still called every second day. A few days later the cancer grabbed her severely. She was only semi-conscious and there were very few windows of lucidity for her. My sister told me ring and I called immedietly expecting the worse, sis told me mum was barely with it and had mumbled ny name. I asked her to put the phone beside her and I spoke to her on the phone. Her eyes opened and she repeated what I was saying to her albeit in a stupified morphine induced state. After a few minutes I asked if she was tired she said yes and I told her goodbye. She was struggling to speak and could barely breathe. My sis told me later that mum had smiled for the first time in days when I began speaking to her. 48 hours later they called me.She had taken a very bad turn for the worse and was in a coma like state. I called several times throughout the day and text messaged. They would reply right away and keep me posted, I began to panic asking was this the end? was this it? When I finished work that night I was Text messaging before I got in the car. They didnt answer. I rang they didnt pick up!!!! I was cranky because they were my lifeline as to what was going on in what had been our family home for three generations. I drove home in a bad mood and as I stepped out of the car my husband was standing in the driveway. It was very late and very dark and I called out hello to him. He didnt answer. I walked towards him and tears were flooding his eyes. They had just called two minutes before. I had missed the call. Mum was gone. He wrapped me in his arms telling me over and over how sorry he was and I began to cry but suddenly an overwhelming primeval sensation came over me. I had the worst pain my heart that i thought I would vomit from the severity. I hated myself and I hated the cancer that took her, I hated my circumstances and the distance half a globe had put between us. This is what it felt like to lose your mother. I had lost a best friend a couple of years earlier which was tragic but it didnt feel anything like this. When my first husband and I split up it didnt feel anything like this. When I crashed my car 20 years before and broke half my bones in my body it didnt feel like this!!!! My heart was broken. This is what a truly broken heart feels like. Since March the 22nd I have cried every day. I have regretted hundreds of times not going over, I have tormented myself and I miss her so badly I dont think I can ever speak about her without a lump in my throat. I see her often in my dreams and I talk to her daily in my head. My faith has given me some comfort and I feel her looking at me watching me and laughing at me when I do something silly. I will remember that pain for the rest of my life and wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. I cant imagine how terrible it must be for someone to lose their mother if they have a close loving relationship with her. I wish to put my arms around all of you who have lost mum in whatever circumstances.
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Delhi celebrates noisy, polluted Diwali
Asthma patients had a tough time this Diwali, with levels of the toxic sulphur dioxide reaching a new high. Overall, there was little respite from pollution, which has become a yearly feature every year, over last year on this day.delhi Updated: Nov 05, 2013 01:28 IST
Asthma patients had a tough time this Diwali, with levels of the toxic sulphur dioxide reaching a new high. Overall, there was little respite from pollution, which has become a yearly feature every year, over last year on this day.
Amid widespread use of fire crackers on Sunday night, the pollutant sulphur dioxide peaked to 114 microgramme per cubic meter — 1.4 times the safe limit. Its maximum impact was seen in Punjabi Bagh, a dense residential area.
"This shows that more crackers with higher sulphur compounds were burnt. Some of the most notorious instances of smog, like the London Smog that had killed 4,000 people in 1952, had high levels of sulphur dioxide along with extremely fine particles," said Anumita Roychowdhury, an expert at the Centre for Science and Environment.
The Central Pollution Control Board said noise levels at the Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, CPCB, Delhi College of Engineering and Dilshad Garden were recorded as 58dB, 62dB, 52dB and 56dB. Last year, the figures for the spots were 56dB, 58dB, 50dB and 49dB, showing that noise pollution levels rose year-on-year on Sunday.
This Diwali, the SO2 range was 35-114 microgramme per cubic metre. Last Diwali, it was 20-88 microgramme per cubic metre. Both minimum and maximum levels have increased this year.
"SO2 is a poisonous gas, an increase of which can lead to extreme breathlessness. It is especially harmful for those with chronic lung diseases like asthmatic patients," Dr Praveen Pandey of Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, said.
The increase in minimum levels indicates that pollution was widespread in the city and also high. The peak can vary according to meteorological conditions as well.
"A lot more public awareness and control methods are needed to make a significant impact," Roychowdhury said.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee chief, Sandeep Mishra, however, saw a few positives.
"Nitrogen dioxide range is similar to 2012. Peak levels for fine particles (with sizes of 10/2.5 microns or less) have come down. The range of carbon monoxide levels is also lower than last year."
The DPCC conducted air-quality monitoring at six locations — RK Puram, Mandir Marg, Punjabi Bagh, Anand Vihar, Civil Lines and IGI Airport.


text:
Vogue American Designer 1350; ca. mid 1980s; Ralph Lauren - Misses' Shorts and Pants. Flared shorts mid-thigh, wide legged shorts or pants have front pleated into button waistband with carriers, side pockets and mock fly zipper. View B above mid-knee. Views B and C: back welt pockets. Purchased tops.
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I bet these resets brought a smile to Monica's face. There is nothing more that woman likes than great printable coupons for toilet paper! Angel Soft is one of the brands that seems to be on sale quite frequently, so grab some prints if interested. That $0.50/1 coupon is super for those whose stores double coupons up to $0.50. Here are the preclipped links:
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Today I'm interviewing Andrew Jones of Horsham Fence Contractors about how he plans to grow his business using online methods. We had planned to do a video interview, but unfortunately technology let us down, so we've resorted to the old-fashioned method of writing!
Andrew has been running his business for about 3 years and is a very proficient fencer. He's been a popular member of several off-line networking groups for a couple of years and has found that word-of-mouth has been a great help in getting his fencing business going.
But now it's time to expand and Andrew feels that he needs to advertise his services in order to attain the next level. He has one team fully occupied but would like to add another team and a second vehicle, with all the risk and additional investment that entails. In order to ensure that he keeps all his staff busy, Andrew is planning to promote his business.
After looking at all the alternatives, Horsham Fence Contractors have decided that the best method of promotion is the internet. There is scope to advertise in local magazines and papers, but the results are uncertain and not easy to measure. It's felt that small village mags may bring the best returns, but although they are fairly cheap, it's surprising how much they add up when each one has a monthly cost.
So Andrew has started his online campaign by commissioning a website and doing some Google Ads. Although the ads are hit and miss at the moment, it's felt that they could bring in business and keep him going until the website starts to rank on the search engines.
Andrew has employed a local web designer and SEO expert to help in his efforts. He spent about £1,000 on the website itself (click on the link at the top of the page) and now he's investing in ongoing SEO. That in itself is a risk because it's an inexact science and one has to have faith in the person you employ. Having done a lot of research, this business owner is confident that his expert has the skills to ensure he dgets some results.
But it's not a fast process. SEO takes time and it's only been 2 months since the site was first launched. It takes patience to see results and that's something that not everyone is prepared to understand. However, the website is slowly being recognised since it was well written and adds something to the world wide web. The web designer is Tim, who tells Andrew that the key to having a well-ranked website is to give value. That means the site should be very well written (not by a non-English speaker hired from a dodgy website) and it should contain a lot of useful and relevant information.
This is why Andrew was prepared to spend a lot of money and be patient! He is following the daily progress of the website and is confident that by doing the right things his site will gradually rise in the rankings of all the major search engines. When that happens, he should start to get business directly from the website.
Although SEO is pricey, it will mean that the company can stop all other forms of advertising and settle down to a monthly retainer.
That's the plan. And along with the SEO goes a social media campaign that sees the company regularly posting on Facebook and other platforms to keep their profile in front of their potential customers. They have learned how to use Facebook ads to promote themselves too and by combining all these facets of their campaign, they reckon they have a bright future.
I hope so too because Andrew and his team have worked hard on their fencing business and now are putting a lot of effort into their marketing.
Good luck Horsham Fence Contractors!


text:
|11 Aug 2012
Can you change the size on ....
Can you change the size on the windows that come up when you drag your mouse on the icons in the bottom?
Like I play world of warcraft and when i am waiting or making a raid or something and i have South Park in the background, and i drag my mouse over the VLC player where i have South Park playing, and just a little window comes up... Can I make it bigger in a way?
|My System Specs
|11 Aug 2012
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
|My System Specs
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|General Discussion
how do i change max file size?
i am trying to use a recording program and it automatically cuts my recordings down to 4gb and this is only about 1.30min. thankyou
|Music, Pictures & Video
Any way to change type size but NOT icon size?
I want to increase the type font display size globally, for all applications & windows features, but I want to preserve the smaller desktop icon size. Is there any way to adjust them independently? I know about the advanced display settings for window color & appearance, and that has some good...
Change Thumbnail Size?
Is there an easy way to change the size of the thumbnails Windows shows on "big"? The huge ones are too big, the big ones are too small (and I'm not even at a full HD resolution). Tweak UI had a feature like that, but I think it's not compatible with 7.
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Breach And Clear Is an action fighting role plying video installment that was developed by under the banner of very popular gaming industry named as Mighty Rabbit. In this installment there are so many new features are added. Player has to face many new challenges in this he has to kills his powerful enemies. The Player is control of four special forces units who must enter an area and kill all enemies in that specific area for saving the life of innocent peoples and their army unit. Download Breach And Clear Game For PC. In this player has to used his sharp mind in killing their powerful enemies.
Screenshots Of Breach And Clear Game:
As you can see that in this screenshot there is a fighting between the player and enemies. In this player has to select one king of army and that will be equal to One man Army means he has to knows all roles and distractions of installment As you can see that player used guns for killing enemies. In this installment the main thing is that army men ware specific uniform in this there us a lot of security for them means in this there is bullet proof Jacket with the help of this jacket there is no impact of the Bullet on the army man. Breach And Clear Game Free Download For PC Highly Compressed. The player plans the actions of all characters in advance and the turns are resolved for IOS.
System Requirements Of Game:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows, XP,7,8
- Processor: 2.7 GHz
- Total Hard Disk Space: 4 GB
- Mouse
- Keyboard
- Video Card: 1 GB
- Sound Card: Yes
How To Install:
- Click On The Link
- Extract the File
- Open The Folder
- Enjoy!


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South Jersey has seemingly escaped the worst predictions for Wednesday's northeaster, with tidal flooding remaining in the minor category, according to the National Weather Service.
However, the snowfall across the entire area has left up to three inches across much of the inland areas of Atlantic and Ocean counties.
The combination of heavy wet snow and strong winds overnight has left more than 7,700 Atlantic City Electric customers without power, including more than 5,000 in Atlantic County, the majority of which are in Absecon, Galloway and Mullica Township.
Major roads in the region are clear of ice and snow and temperatures are, for the most part, above freezing.
The snowfall of 2.5 inches at Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township set a record for the earliest in a season that amount has been recorded, according to the weather service.
Water levels at Steel Pier in Atlantic City reached 6.6 feet during high tide early this morning, which was well into the minor tidal flooding threshold, according to the National Data Buoy Center. Water has mostly receded from those areas that experienced tidal flooding.
All weather-related warnings have been dropped by the weather service, however seas remain rough. Skies will clear today and temperatures will warm to near 50 degrees, the weather service said. By this weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the mid 60s.


text:
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) Construction of a new terminal at the Jackson Hole Airport could begin as early as June or July.
Airport officials this week accepted a bid of roughly $30 million for the project.
Airport director Ray Bishop said bids for the terminal building came in about $1 million higher than expected while the baggage system came in about $500,000 lower.
Construction is expected to take about two years, during which time the airport located in Grand Teton National Park will remain open.
The project will increase the airport terminal's size from 54,000 square feet to 93,000 square feet.
Most of the funding for the project comes from the federal government.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.


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$24.99 $39.95 (37% off)Free Shipping
eBay has these Fila Men's Slam 12C Shoes on sale for $24.99. The same shoes sell at Amazon for $39.95. Shipping is free. More Info »Claim Deal » Expired 10/26/16
7,693 people have signed up for our eBay deal alerts. Want to join them?
This eBay deal was added and was re-verified . It has been clicked 124 times and, according to the feedback of users such as yourself, has a 100% success rate. Buyers of this Shoes deal have saved $14.96 each.


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According to the Practical Accountancy Loose Leaf, the two most common foreign exchange transactions are:
You must avoid these two significant foreign exchange risks
#1: If you owe money to someone overseas and the exchange rate increase, you might end up owing him a lot more money than you originally did.
#2: If you receive money from someone overseas and the exchange rate strengthens in favour of the rand, you might end up receiving less money than you originally hoped.
Here's how to stay on the right side of SARS when dealing with foreign exchange transactions.
FSP Business recommends you follow these five steps to ensure you never misstate your foreign exchange transactions:
Step #1: Convert the foreign amount to rands at spot rate on transaction date and record the purchase or sale at the converted amount.
Step #2: Identify any amounts you owe, or amounts that are owed to you, in a foreign currency.
Step #3: Restate the value of any money that you owe, at the spot rate, on each reporting date.
Step #4: Restate the value of any money that you owe, at the spot rate, at the settlement date.
Step #5: Make your final payment on settlement date.
It's that simple. Dealing with foreign exchange transactions will be a breeze if you steer clear of the risks outlined.
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asked by our subscribers over the last tax year – everything from A to Z!
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Employees always sick? How to stop it today
Make sure you develop a leave policy to regulate sick leave in your company.
BONUS! You'll find an example of the leave policy and procedure in this report.
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This FREE e-report will tell you how you can reduce absenteeism in your workplace while avoiding the CCMA and without infringing your employees' labour rights.
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7 Health & safety strategies to save you thousands
Don't let a health and safety incident cost you one more cent. Implement these seven
strategies in your company today.
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Barre is a city in Washington County, Vermont, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 9,052. Barre City is almost completely surrounded by Barre (town), Vermont, which is incorporated separately from the City of Barre.
- TNA House Show - May 8, 2008.
- TNA House Show - April 21, 2013.
External links
- Barre (city), Vermont on Wikipedia


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Vickie Evers
Recent obituariesSee all obituaries
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Recent death noticesSee all death notices
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Funeral, graveside and memorial servicesSee all services
In memoriamSee all memorials
CommittalsSee all committals
Recent cards of thanksSee all cards of thanks
Learn and prepareSee all articles
Find a funeral homeSee all
In the newsSee all
Reaction to death of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Reaction to the death of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington:
"Chester Bennington was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart...Read more
Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington dies in LA at 41
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington, who sold millions of albums with a unique mix of hard rock, hip-hop and rap, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles on Thursday,...Read more
George A. Romero, father of the zombie film, is dead at 77
Associated Press
NEW YORK — George Romero, whose classic "Night of the Living Dead" and other horror films turned zombie movies into social commentaries and who saw his flesh-devouring undead spawn countless...Read more
Recent story contributions
Erik and family, please accept our sincere condolences and sympathy on the passing of your mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Read more
So sorry to hear about Lyle's passing. Brian and I were good friends, and I bought a horse from Lyle in the 1970's--always enjoyed visiting with... Read more
Sending my condolences to Mr. Hensley's Family (especially Sheila whom I worked with at Walmart). Your Father was such a kind and Wonderful... Read more


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Apartment block Turquesa, 28 apts, 4 storeys, built in 2000. In the district of Nova D�nia, 5 km from the centre of D�nia, 200 m from the sea. For shared use: garden with lawn, swimming pool (01.01.-31.12.). In the house: lift. Covered parking. Shop 300 m, supermarket 500 m, restaurant, bar 200 m, bus stop 150 m, sandy beach 200 m. Please note: There are more similar properties for rent in this same residence.
3-room apartment 76 m2 on 1st floor, east facing position, practical furnishings: living/dining room with TV, flat screen TV, DVD and electric heater. Exit to the terrace. 1 room with 1 double bed, shower/WC and electric heater. Exit to the terrace. 1 double bedroom. Kitchen (oven, ceramic glass hob, micro wave, freezer). Shower/WC. Terrace 21 m2, covered. Terrace furniture. Facilities: washing machine. Reserved parking space n 24.
Hotel DVD Player
Hotel Lifts
Hotel Microwave
Hotel Parking
Hotel Swimming Pool
Hotel Television
Room Cooker
Room Shower
Room Washing Machine


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Floppy Disk Musical Orchestra
Floppy disks have become obsolete since the introduction of optical media and USB memory drives years back, so now most of them have either been dumped or kept in collection as part of the history of computing.
But for redditor look_at_my_floppy, he had other plans in place for his floppy disks and an old computer with not one, but four floppy disk drives in total. That's like owning four high-end pieces of computer equipment back in the good ol' days, if you happen to know what I mean.
What he did was to turn the floppy disks and the drives running them into musical instruments by programming the floppies to run at musical frequencies according to a famous musical score. We have previously seen videos of one floppy disk making Star Wars music here before but having four of them playing at the same time surely beats it hands down. Not to mention the fact that two ultra-classic 5 1/4 inch floppies were also used in the making of this floppy disk music.
Watch and listen to the video of the music performed by the ensemble of the floppy disk orchestra below:


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We have a super high-value printable coupon for Hormel Ham available today. This one will save you $3 off a ham and it doesn't have a size restriction. So find yourself a "runt" of one and you will save more money per pound! Here's the link to the coupon:
$3/1 Hormel Cure 81 Cherrywood Bone-In Spiral Ham printable manufacturer's coupon (preclipped/zip 33712)
To change zip codes, go here and change your zip to the one listed with the coupon link above. Use the box on the right side of the page and enter your zip. Click on the arrow to submit the zip code change. Then come back here and click our preclipped link to the coupon and you should see it right away.Extreme Couponing Tip: You can usually get two prints of most internet coupons. To find them in the easiest possible way, use our preclipped links that take you right to the coupon. Then come back and click the same link to get your 2nd print. This will save you the time spent searching for the coupon.
Never miss another hot coupon, deal or freebie again! "Like" Couponaholic .NET on Facebook, Follow us on Pinterest, Follow us on Twitter, Follow us on Instagram or Subscribe to our Daily Email Newsletter!


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Thanks for helping us sort this video!
Thanks for helping us associate the correct Pornstars to this video!
Помогите нам: эти порнозвезды присутствуют в этом видео?
Pornstar Name:
No she didn't properly empty his cock - if you keep on going very hard and fast almost every man shoots after a few moments a second load - that's what I call "properly empty" but the Sheila-Style - makes even the toughest guys moan like children :-)
Lucky Blonde - he has such a beautiful cock and he's handsome !
Squeezing the mans balls just adds more to the load !!!Good girl ,I think you emptied his nutsack to the last drop.
very nice show
i'd say lucky guy
Some errors occurred, please try again later


text:
The Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday granted Yunusa Dahiru, alias Yellow, bail.
Yunusa is being tried in the court for alleged abduction and forcefully marrying a 14-year-old Ese Oruru from Bayelsa State.
Yunusa, who hails from Kano State, is standing trial on five counts of abduction, illicit sex and unlawful carnal knowledge of Ese.
The court, presided over by Justice H.A. Ngajiwa, resumed in Yenagoa to rule on a bail application filed by Yunusa's five-man team of lawyers, led by Mr. Kayode Olaosebikan.
The judge ruled that the offences committed by Yunusa were bailable.
He then asked the suspect to provide N3m, two sureties who are resident within the court's jurisdiction and a written undertaking that he would not jump bail.
As part of the conditions for the bail, one of the sureties must be a renowned title holder and a public servant on Grade Level 12 who must provide evidence of first appointment and promotion letters.
The judge further directed that the sureties must provide their tax clearance certificates.
Ngajiwa's verdict was based on an application deposed to by the defendant and supported by a seven-paragraph affidavit in line with the rules of the court on whether or not Yunusa was entitled to bail.
The judge said the application averred that the grounds for bail were within the discretion of the court and in exercising that discretion, the court must act judicially and judiciously.
The judge stated that Yunusa's lawyers in the application argued that the suspect was innocent until proved guilty, noting that Yunusa had no records of criminal behaviour and was not likely to jump bail.
The lawyers argued that since the offence was bailable and there were people who were ready to stand surety for the suspect, Yunusa was entitled to bail.
Ngajiwa also faulted a 10-paragraph application opposing the bail filed by the prosecution.
He said the argument of the prosecution that the accused person would not come for trial since he is not resident in the state was defective and would not stop the granting of the bail.
He cited sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act and section 36 (5) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999, as amended, and insisted that the felonies committed by Yunusa were bailable.
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Water Axe is a Common card from the Isolation set of .hack//ENEMY.
Tips and StrategiesEdit
Water Axe is a powerful Lv. 2 weapon for Heavy Axemen that doesn't require a sacrifice of any sort, but it requires that four different elements be spottable or all monsters in the score pile must be returned to the hand. This can easily be countered by using Recorder prior to playing it, or by playing it early in the game while there are no monsters in the score pile.


text:
$500.00 2 weeks ago
Mens Louis Vuitton sneakers - $500 (Atlanta)
Brand new in box
2 weeks ago
Atlanta, GA
$25.00 1 month ago
Louis Vuitton Mens Wallet Brand New !!!!!!!!!!!!! - $25 (Lancaster)
What is a brand new men's Louis Vuitton wallet the original sells for over $400 grab this one fast cuz it won't last long any questions feel free to text me at thank you
1 month ago
Buffalo, NY
$30.00 2 months ago
Louis Vuitton Mens Damier Wallet Brand New !!!!!!!!!!!!! - $30 (Lancaster)
This is a brand new men's Louis Vuitton wallet the original sells for over $400 if interested grab this one fast because it won't last any questions feel free to text me at
2 months ago
Buffalo, NY
$150.00 2 months ago
Louis Vuitton Mens Shoes - $150 (Bellview area)
Louis Vuitton Mens Shoes. Size 9. Purchased in New York City. Worn twice.CASH ONLY/MEET IN PERSON
2 months ago
Pensacola, FL
$200.00 3 months ago
Louis Vuitton Mens Wallet - $200
Louis Vuitton Mens Wallet
3 months ago
Prescott, AZ
$150.00 3 months ago
$150, Authentic mens Gucci Versace Louis Vuitton
All items are real no BS Gucci men\\\'s belt $80/piece Men\\\'s Louis Vuitton belt $80 Mens Gucci loafers size 9 in US sizes great condition $120 Men\\\'s Gucci high top sneakers excellent condition $200 brand new men\\\'s Gucci slides $250 Versace mens watch $500 all items are official no negotiations will meet in a public place if you want to buy contact deja 4104635198 20707 g
3 months ago
Baltimore, MD
$480.00 9 months ago
Authentic Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite INVENTEUR Mens Belt - $480 (google map)
100% AUTHENTICSize 32-34 but adjusts to considerably larger, that's just the ideal, and as you know the INVENTEUR is reversible so you can go with the solid black side. Comes with the box but no dust cover.Pick up in person and cash only.i know this sounds weird but I'm so sick of the scammers so when you text me include the number 3380 either in the beginning or the end of the text. For the most
9 months ago
South Jersey, NJ
$40.00 11 months ago
Mens Louis Vuitton Belt - $40 (San Bernardino)
Mens Louis Vuitton Belt Size 32-34 $40 Serious Buyers Only
11 months ago
Inland Empire, CA
$200.00 1 year ago
Louis Vuitton Mens Wallet $200 or Best Offer - $200 (Hicksville)
-Louis Vuitton Mens Wallet 3 years old, paid over 400-Selling for $200 or OBO, in no rush so don't offer me like 80 or 100 bucks-Please see all pictures, wallet in great condition beside for MINOR rip in bottom.- I like to make honest sales, so I have included very accurate description and pictures.-MUST pickup Hicksville
1 year ago
Long Island, NY
$300.00 1 year ago
$300, Mens Louis Vuitton Black Boots - Size 12
Have a great pair of Black Leather Louis Vuitton Boots for sale. Worn a few times but they are just like new. Size 12 for Men at $300. Comes with the box. Contact Andrea at (310) 712-1980 for more info or text. Serious Inquiries ONLY! Cash ONLY! No drop. Only pickup.
1 year ago
Los Angeles, CA
$45.00 1 year ago
Louis Vuitton belts, Mens Leather Wallet, Women's Leather Wallet - $45 (Palm Bay)
Louis Vuitton belts from my personal collection. new never used45$and75$Mens Leather Wallet10$ Women's Leather Wallet 15$Can meet in Palm Bay.
1 year ago
Space Coast, FL
$50.00 1 year ago
LOUIS VUITTON MENS BELT BROWN WITH GOLD BUCKLE SIZE 42 - $50 (sacramento)
Pictures tell it all. NewPlease call or text me if you are interested in it. Thank you.
1 year ago
Sacramento, CA
$45.00 1 year ago
Louis Vuitton belts, Mens Leather Wallet, Women's Leather Wallet - $45 (Tampa/St Pete)
Louis Vuitton belts 45$and75$Mens Leather Wallet10$ Women's Leather Wallet 15$
1 year ago
Orlando, FL
Contact Us 1 year ago
Louis Vuitton Mens Tie Damier (Los Angeles area)
Like new worn once classic damier print in brownPurchased from louis vuitton Asking $180keywords: Louis vuitton, gucci, prada, versace, tie mens ysl burberry classic hermes chanel suit tuxedo man dress bowtie yeezy jordan nike suit dress
1 year ago
Los Angeles, CA
Contact Us
$1.00 1 year ago
GUCCI & LOUIS VUITTON Mens Clothes - $1 (Miamisburg)
All shirts are authentic brand new.Size medium Us/ Large Euro.$50 each firmRetail over $300 each.
1 year ago
Dayton, OH
$1.00 1 year ago
$1, Louis Vuitton Mens President Brief cases and GM Voyage soft Briefcase
Selling three of my Louis Vuitton Men\\\'s Brief Cases. All are real and I can meet you at the LV store in Tucson and they can verify my receipts and that the items are authentic. All three come in the original box with the original cloth bag. All three of the luggage tags are stamped with my initials...so i will keep those, but you can buy a new luggage tag in the store and they will hot stamp it
1 year ago
Tucson, AZ