 In the United States there is a day set aside to recognize not only those serving in the military today but also all those who have ever served, taken the oath to defend the Constitution of the USA and defend her from all enemies foreign and domestic. That day is November 11. Other countries, including close allies of the USA celebrate their version of Veterans Day on November 11 as well. These include: France, England, Canada, Belize, India, Kenya, South Africa and Australia (which call it "Remembrance Day") Poland and Belgium. November has also been designated as Native American History month in the United States of America. Did you know that Native Americans were not granted the right to vote until 1924? Let me put this in context for you. African American men were granted the right to vote in 1870, with the 15th Amendment to the Constitution. Women of all races except Native Americans, were granted the right to vote in 1920, with the passage of the 19th Amendment. Did you also know that Native Americans were not allowed to practice their religion legally until about 1980? The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was not passed into law until 1978. That same year the Indian Child Welfare Act was finally passed making it more difficult for Indian children to be forcibly removed from their families and tribes by US government agencies. After the physical attacks, policies of cultural genocide were put into place against Native Americans for over one hundred years. The tactics against Native Americans included forced relocation, children removed and imprisoned in boarding schools far away from their families and communities, severe punishments for speaking their own languages, tribal and spiritual leaders arrested, imprisoned, corrupt government officials (mostly non-Native Americans) inserted into reservation political positions, law enforcement and medical clinics placed under the fraud ridden Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Reservations have a consistent record of the highest unemployment and poverty rates in the entire United States. Native Americans also have a high percentage of their youth enlisting in the United States military. Native Americans have voluntarily served in all branches of the US military even while genocidal policies and disenfranchisement were in place. "Historically, American Indians were known as warriors. It is a deep tradition that has continued to modern times. This is perhaps the reason the Pentagon reports American Indians and Alaska Natives participate in the military at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States." Native American women serve at over 11% of their population. The overall rate for Native Americans serving is 18.6% and has been as high as 23% of their population. Native Americans were vital to our success in communications/intelligence/cryptography in World War II-a number of Indigenous languages were used including Dineh (Navajo) and Lakota (Sioux). www.southdakotamagazine.com/clarence-wolf-guts?fbclid=IwAR1zeeeXMQigZm69GooBbif9kiz8a6lk5L6YkEnOwZCV8v1A0zIpaJpYREs#.WgYYXfV2ino.facebook nativenewsonline.net/opinion/veterans-day-american-indians-serve-military-higher-rate-racial-ethnic-group/ Statistics as of 2016, report that only 7% of of the US population has "military experience"-a very broad definition of a veteran-with less than 1% of the population actively serving, and of those only 9% are female-this is combined for all branches of the military including the US Coast Guard. Given the percentages, our family has participated in the US Military more than most-for generations. My family has veterans in all branches of the US military. My brother closest in age (I have four brothers) served as a US Marine, my (deceased) x husband served in the USAF as a PJ (Pararescueman). Uncles on both my maternal and paternal side served in the US Navy, US Army and US Marines from World War II through the Vietnam war. My elder cousins served in the US Marines, as paratroopers in the US Army, and in the US Navy. My younger cousins and nephews are currently serving in the US Navy and USAF. I work and have worked on military bases and off, with hundreds of active duty and veteran members of all branches of the armed forces. Over the decades, my work and life in conflict zones exposed me to experiences which correspond to those who have served directly on battlegrounds, and in field clinics and hospitals. Most of the time I lived and worked "outside the wire" every day. Many veterans return to work as contractors in the same countries where they once were active duty military, but as a civilian in similar or different capacities. Below are a few photos of my family and close colleagues who are/were veterans. Some are still living and some are now deceased. None of my family members still serving in any branch are included. Please respect my wishes and do not copy/save or post any of these photos without contacting and receiving permission from me first, thank you. The captions include more details. What most people don't realize is that contractors still do many dangerous jobs with and for the military in conflict zones around the world but they are not as protected, nor are they covered for as many medical conditions, injuries or illnesses on the job; or from what may result after their contracts finish. Many will suffer in silence or put off treatment if it means they must notify their supervisor, country director and/or HR. They are not usually permitted or entitled to use military base hospitals or clinics and must pay for their own way to another country with adequate health care and lose pay during that time. If their condition requires more than a "quick fix", they may be terminated. Often contractors would rather risk losing their health than being unemployed. Sometimes this results in death during a contract. Most contracts do cover 'costs of transfer' for their employees, but not all companies cover these expenses. One has to read the fine print carefully. While many veterans will seek treatment for physical injuries, conditions or pain-they are much more hesitant to ask for help for emotional/psychological issues, conditions and suffering. They also know as contractors, and even as employees in other areas of the workforce; that having a label of "disabled", especially in terms of post trauma reactions, will hinder, restrict and even end their career, their means of work and income. There is definitely a stigma about having post traumatic stress (PTS) in most societies and communities as well as in families. Veterans, and many other people, often decide to deny, hide or self medicate their symptoms. These symptoms include: insomnia, aphasia, acting out by risk taking behavior, depression, nightmares, addictions, outbursts, mood swings, communication problems, challenges in ability to concentrate, sleep walking, digestive disorders, sexual dysfunction, impulse control, hyper vigilance and suicidal tendencies. I know first hand about many of these symptoms from my Traditional Chinese Medicine practice treating hundreds of patients, and because my husband of many years, Marty Schmidt experienced these during our marriage, divorce, and until the end of his life. His symptoms arose not only from his time in the military, but also from the stresses and trauma experienced in his job as a high altitude mountain guide and extreme sport enthusiast. Marty told me he felt claustrophobic and restless on the "horizontal plane" and that his various symptoms were "no biggie" but they manifested continually, adversely affecting our family and our household. I'm understating the problems we had since I don't believe our personal situation needs to be described in detail here. Instead, I am writing a general overview in the hope that more people who have similar experiences might connect and recognize these signs in those they love, work with and care for, and in themselves. Post traumatic stress does "rewire" our brains. We know now there is an epigenetic component to trauma, which means there is a genetic tendency which may be dormant over generations or may be active or activated; it is possible in Marty's family and many families, including mine - that trauma has been passed along or 'passed down' over time. All the more reason to address any symptoms and look for appropriate modalities for treating and "curing" post trauma reactions and not passing this suffering onto the next generation(s). www.whatisepigenetics.com/what-is-epigenetics/ I did not know until after we were married and our son Denali was born, that Marty came from a family who had also experienced trauma. Marty's paternal grandparents lived through the Russian revolution and most of their family were forced into transport and died in Siberia. His grandparents escaped to Poland and then Germany, only to have their three sons taken into the Nazi youth groups and then the German army while they were still teenagers. How heartbreaking for them. Both Marty's parents grew up and both participated in Nazi youth groups and residential work camps as teenagers in Germany. They lived through and were in World War II. His father was a decorated officer in the German army, serving on the Russian front. His mother was part of the Reichsarbeitsdienst der weiblichen Jugend - RAD/for women when she was 19/20 years old, then she worked for Dr. Hans Lembke in the "seed building" business appropriated by the Third Reich. They emigrated from Germany to the USA shortly after the war, married in California where they had four children. They are both still alive in their nineties. Their immediate family members (Schmidt and Apelt) were divided up between living in Germany, Argentina and the USA. Most of that generation are now deceased. I have posted some photos below of Nazi youth groups from that era and of German soldiers on the Russian front; one who looks uncannily like Marty's father when he was younger. The expression on their faces and posture in these photos is worth noting. It is also important to consider that in a world with millions of traumatized children and families because of wars over the last century, living under siege from the Third Reich Nazis, by communists, soviets, ISIS/Daesh, the Taliban, Muslim Brotherhood, violent extremist groups and criminal gangs which indoctrinate young children by violence and trauma based conditioning; that we have metastasized post traumatic stress reactions and created more potential suffering, victims and perpetrators of violence, cruelty and self destruction thoughout the globe. Post trauma reactions are also the result of trauma due to sexual violence, abduction, child abuse, witnessing trauma in it's many forms, trauma as a result of natural disasters, accidents, horrific national events-think assassinations/attacks/massacres against a nation, a people. All these possibilities affect a large number of our world's population and especially our Indigenous populations. Trauma changes the landscape and functioning of the human brain over time. I do not use the PTSD label since it is most often inaccurate. It is not a "dis order" but a compilation, sometimes a series of reactions. It is possible to "cure" and successfully treat the symptoms. The human brain and neurological systems plasticity means it is possible to change configurations physiologically which will resonate because of changed thinking and actions. It is not a condition that necessarily persists continually in it's intensity for the duration of a human being's life. However, post traumatic stress reactions have to be identified accurately, acknowledged and treated for therapeutic progress to happen. If you want to know more in depth, I am including a link to a published paper on this specific subject: www.scitechnol.com/peer-review/managing-post-trauma-reactionschanging-the-dialogue-and-protocols-4dbv.php?article_id=6525 The treatment used in many western societies for post traumatic stress is pharmaceuticals,medications which can cause more side effects than relief for the patients. Traditional healing ceremonies and traditional modalities such as acupuncture, herbs, sweat lodges, retreats in nature, arts therapies and loving support as well as understanding from those who share similar experiences and who have coped healthily; are all proven to relieve and usher the individual forward from their trauma reactions and gripping memories. However these options are still not paid for/reimbursed nor supported by the federal government or their programs. Most insurance programs do not cover these 'alternative' treatments. They only cover western/allopathic medical/pharmaceutical modalities. Tragically the rate of suicides by veterans far exceeds the number of fatalities in all branches of the military during their service. The terrible statistic is "22" meaning the percentage of veterans who take their own life is 22% higher than the rest of the population. 20 veterans a day (includes active duty and reserve), almost one every hour, take their own life and these are only the "verified" suicides. Veteran suicide is at epidemic levels in the USA. www.stripes.com/news/us/va-reveals-its-veteran-suicide-statistic-included-active-duty-troops-1.533992 I have written letters to Senator Rand Paul and other senators who are working on new health care reform packages. Tricare, medicaid and medicare should include at least some of these options and cover expenses if long term treatments/therapies are needed. I urge you to email/tweet/fax your representatives to work toward more comprehensive programs and to cover more treatment options for veterans and their families. This is one action you can take to serve those who served. By focusing first on veterans, the ripple effect can be positive for our entire nation and the options open to everyone if we work together. One man, one great leader who fought bravely for the USA, as a Navy veteran in World War II, and who worked to de-escalate the Vietnam war and promote peace in the world, particularly in Europe after World War II; was President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. JFK suffered from injuries he received during the war for the rest of his life though he is known for not displaying or complaining about his war wounds. November was the month he was horrifically set up and assassinated in the state of Texas. We still do not have the de-classified documents, the actual names of those involved, the real deconstruction of how it was planned and implemented, who was bought off, which witnesses who came forward were murdered, and who ordered their execution. We do not have the truth yet. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born May 29, 1917 and assassinated November 22, 1963. I remember vividly the day it happened. We were in a parochial school and asked to kneel down and fervently pray for the rest of the afternoon. This tragedy and the events of September 11, 2001 were traumatizing events for the American psyche and for American citizens. The late President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a human being who served us mightily. Hear a few excerpts from his speeches if you do not remember his words. It is less than 10 minutes. See and listen to the man himself. His vision and words were bold and prophetic. We will heed and remember him. We will not forget! www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DbhTwahqPg Thank you to all of you who are veterans, family/supporters of veterans and to you who are still serving for your country, your communities and your families. May you be protected, guided, return home safely to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.
Goodnight until next week, Jo
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When is it that we recognize we are at a turning point in our lives? Do we only know it was a turning point after the fact, upon reflection; or are we at least subtly aware at the time of how important a decision we make will be for the rest of our lives? Will a change in direction take us down a path we cannot ever backtrack and lead us away from everything familiar? Do we actually need a compass or a map for orientation on our inner journeys? Are we part of the turning points of our nation as well as of our individual choices? Each must answer these queries on their own.  Often journalists, historians, ordinary citizens ask what would have happened if the United States had not directly attacked Iraq after the events of September 11? Not only would citizens in the United States have been affected differently, but also those in Iraq and then in other countries torn by war in the Middle East and Central Asia - who are still suffering. What decisions were transposed by that event and response by your nation? This is one example most of us in the world have been altered by in the 21st century. It was a powerful turning point in the history of humanity. In a similar way as in the 20th century, people were asked and recalled where they were on the day the US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated; generations now will recall where they were on September 11, or in my case since we were in New Zealand, September 12, 2001. Before the planes crashed into buildings in two different states, did you personally have any sense that life was about to change? Did you hear the whispers in the wind of plans being hatched to shock and terrorize us? Some did, some warned, some dreamt, some painted, some wrote, some danced of the maelstrom to come. What about now? Do you sense a change about to occur which will redirect the course of your life, your family, your community, your nation? Personally, I do-but I write this post to solicit your viewpoints, your premonitions, your responses. What direction will you take because of signals you receive, you feel? Will you walk through the storm or is it time to take shelter? Are you called to join a "fight" or do you choose to run or to hide? Which way will you go...  "Terrain"-by Bangarra Dance Theatre of Australia Artists throughout the existence of human civilization(s) have been the harbingers and commentators on significant changes and junctures in their societies. Visual and performing artists are able to transmit messages through their talent, skill and visions without political censors (often) knowing what they are trying to convey. Since the world and populations are more closely connected because of the internet and satellite communications, artists are able to view each other across space and time and exchange ideas, reflections, criticism and praise for their work in a free (though public) forum. Many were/are prescient and this is verified looking back at when they saw ahead and painted, sculpted, wrote, played music or danced for us to see, if we opened our "eyes, ears and minds". Most don't until it is too late. Below are some different artists views in various mediums from a number of countries over the last 100 years. They dare to show us what the majority of people will never speak about. Are you able to see what they have to say? You are being forewarned. While writing tonight, I am listening to a musical master whose compositions transport me to a landscape where thought, vision and decisions are more possible. I am on the threshold of another turning point in my life and receive conflicting signals and advice of what steps to embark on next. Almost all human beings have similar junctions-especially women-in terms of decisions regarding if they will: devote time to study early in their life, get married, have children/not have children, risk losing economic security but gain personal liberty, make efforts to mend relationships, reveal the truth even if it means isolation, cut off ties to toxic situations and persons, venture into the unknown, stay in a comfortable, familiar environment, forego career advancement for less stress, do further studies or just be still for awhile. It is my deep belief that while we make our choices walking, striding or trudging on our life path-our destinies, our nation's and humanity's turning points are ultimately in God's hands. There are however, times when biology, geography, genetics, age and nationality definitely narrow our chances for choices. Be mindful my younger readers, that the opportunities you have in your twenties and thirties in all realms, do not present themselves in the same way (if ever again) later on in your life; if indeed you are able to live into and past your thirties.  Sharing the music of the Ukrainian born guitar master Estas Tonne, who grew up in both Ukraine and Israel, then went to New York city in September 2001-where his music blossomed and his own style was refined. He travels all over the world now but in November, he will be touring in the USA for those fortunate enough to reside where he will perform live. He has a facehook page with his tour dates and venues. The image above is from his album "Internal Flight". A musical excerpt is linked below. Do take the time to listen-you won't be disappointed and you, too, might be transported to ethereal spaces. In those spaces your internal compass may be evident and your points to turn be clear.
Give it a try. Exercise your free will and choose to listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGTxqhSN8bE Live, love, keep creating while ye may-our world is changing rapidly. Until next week, Jo Links to artists sites: www.bangarra.com.au/ www.ottodix.org/ alexeysteele.blogspot.com/ www.neondystopia.com/cyberpunk-art-photography/the-future-is-now-an-interview-with-josan-gonzalez/ Vrej Kassouny interview linked: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyU5x-9EquM  "We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us." This quote by Charles Bukowski (American writer 1920-1994) informs my week so I pass it on to you, dear reader. Many of Bukowski's bold poems and fictions dare us to search and reveal our "authentic" selves, raw spirits, to unfetter our unique creativity. Even his titles demand our attention: "War All the Time" or "Pleasures of the Damned", "Hot Water Music", "The Captain is Out to Lunch and the Sailors have Taken Over the Ship" and "Tales of Ordinary Madness" to name just a few. He did not write to shock, he wrote to express his particular experience of life and describe those parts of urban USA/LA that most were too timid to expose. Charles Bukowski was considered at the time, an 'underground writer', but he walked the streets and called out pretense, posturing and depravity. When he writes of living our lives "well", he implies both living our lives fully and living our lives on the right path. He praised those who braved pain. "What matters most is how well you walk through the fire," Bukowski wrote, reminding us to take risks, to persevere, to face the fires of life. There are many types of 'fire' and fire fights these days. There have been attacks in many parts of the world reported this week. On a macro scale it is difficult to discern what the real motives of the attackers were/are. There are a number of narratives spun through media. What truly happened? Who are these people actually? How are the photos, videos, interviews and text constructed to engineer reaction, opinion, follow on? Is what is 'credible' legitimate and genuine? It appears the word 'investigation' is used as a stall for the public more than a vigilant course of action. It is often easier to dismiss most of the reports in much of the media as "fake" news. Who is sincere in their proclamations whether it be to claim 'solidarity and brotherhood' with a cause or people, or to robustly condemn an action-very hard to tell these days, but one spokesperson I never trust is Linda Sarsour, who does a complete about face on her spouting of hatred for Israel, her support of violent Islamist leaders and organizations for a photo op and speech professing "love" on behalf of her position as the leader of MPower Change. She makes sure all the media knows she will do this in front of the Pittsburgh synagogue, during their vigil on Sunday. Is this an authentic change of heart, mind, political position? Her lengthy history of Antisemitism makes such an action unlikely at best. For more documentation read the article linked here: www.investigativeproject.org/7678/pittsburgh-synagogue-massacre-exposes-sarsour-two Even on an individual level do we ask ourselves when an opinion forms in our mind or a condemnation passes from our brains to our mouths....is this really me or is this just me repeating someone else's judgement? Are we conscious of how our thoughts originate? Do we have a foundation of our authentic selves not a script played from images we ingested via all types of media? Are we still capable of allowing our emotions, feelings, perceptions to evolve without self censorship? Have we discovered who we are apart from the constructs, ambitions and repressions of our families, our employers, our religious affiliations, our national identity stereotypes? Do we ever let the mask(s) drop anymore?! Do you remember that last time you did something that was completely spontaneous and your own idea? Can you recall when you spoke your original thoughts freely? I hope you do. My hope for you is if you were with someone else, that she/he/they responded in a way that validated your means of expression, whether it was singing aloud, speaking, dancing, drawing, running, designing, weeping, shouting, rolling about in the sand, down a hill, between the sheets, in the mud, on a mat, leaping, carousing, meditating, protecting, gathering, stretching, creating a new recipe, planting a tree, swimming out into the waters, diving beneath them, or cradling a child, playing like a child, wondering with open eyes. I am not speaking of material actions-spontaneous purchases, spontaneous twitter comments for recognition, spontaneous driving, or of swearing indiscriminately, criminal impulses or imbibing, ingesting substances that cloud or destroy your authenticity. I am writing about unwrapping a hidden self or part of one's personality perhaps even one's soul, about having the courage to uncover it to yourself and in the company of other human beings. By unequivocally allowing the adventure of self discovery and capabilities to reach deeper/higher levels we add to the resonate music of the spheres, the energies of truth in the universe. To do this you have to confront your fears, to be not afraid of who you truly are, of what actually happened in your life, of what you may have done you do not wish to face, of what you really dream about doing, about your potential competencies, about loving wholeheartedly, about telling and revealing the truth. Our courage in doing this forms resilience and authenticity which can resist powers of imposed conformity which aim to re-make us, to counterfeit the human beings we are meant to be in our short lives. Be aware-once you find your authentic self you may experience forceful push back from those who are fearful of your truth, your power, your spirit and your bravery.  IF you are fortunate enough to have at least one person in your life who rejoices and reinforces the authentic "you", who re-directs you when you doubt yourself and bolsters you against those who seek to tear you down or plaster over your true self with another persona they want to be with; then so much more is possible. The most arduous struggle is to do this all alone in life. Although a profound belief in God or a Divine guidance may maintain you in times of struggle and confusion, being a human being on this Earth requires at least some affirming, actual contact with other human beings from time to time, ideally with those who speak your own language. My paternal grandparents were my greatest mentors and advocates in my formative life. They were also the most vivid, remarkable (and what some outsiders might label "eccentric") people I knew. My grandmother encouraged in her children, her students and her family-original thinking, attention to causation, observation and the value of cultivating spiritual discipline. She easily broke out into song in a number of languages, could dance until the end of her life and was openly affectionate to those who deserved her hugs and vigorous kisses. My grandfather was staunchly outspoken, a warrior against injustice, an avid reader with a most expressive voice, laughter and discerning eye. He was not a big man, but I saw him go up against much larger men including the Gambino family members who at one point lived next door. He used his words and his wit as his weapons most of the time, but he wasn't afraid to jump into a fray if need be. He loved generously and when he married my grandmother readily adopted my father and his sister. He was a wonderful grandfather to us all. He tended his garden himself till the end of his life. Grandpa Peter often repeated to me in a voice with a grave tone: "Evil flourishes when good men do nothing," and he would urge me to ask myself when a decision was called for, "What is the right thing to do? Do it because it is the right thing to do, not just the expedient thing to do." They were vital people, speaking with their hands and their bodies not just their mouths, they were my greatest fans, sometimes driving hours to see me at an event, at a graduation ceremony, speaking at a conference or performing onstage. I was their first grandchild and received the most time from them in their younger years. They urged me to use my "God given talents", to develop and refine my skills even if they might not earn me money. They also reminded me there are "no guarantees in life". You could "do all the right things, meet all the right people, go into a respectable profession and still your life could be miserable." My grandparents were tremendously proud to be Americans and proud of their Sicilian/Italian/Sardinian heritage. They never saw a conflict with their layered ancestry or tried to be "the Anglos". They articulated their strong opinions in private and questioned why I held some opinions I did. They urged debate and civility and the chessboard was never far away from the dining room table. They lived through the Great Depression and the second world war, through sudden deaths of family members at a young age, through prejudice against them, financial hardship and as victims of crime. Luckily for me, they were a formidable team, united in love until the very end of their fully lived lives. They were "characters", unique, memorable, not able to be replicated and never easily swayed to do or say anything they felt would endanger their family or their integrity. For the sake of peace at family meals one of them would caution, "No talking politics at the dinner table!" since there were different party allegiances and perspectives on issues within our own and extended family. My grandparents would often comment that swearing and/or using foul language just meant you had "a very limited vocabulary" and therefore "a very limited way of thinking." Below I have included 2 photos with my grandparent(s) in their later years: 1) at my graduation from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. 2) Visiting my grandfather after the death of my grandmother-Gertrude Inez Ziniti Patti Munisteri and the lst birthday of my son, Denali-in Brooklyn, New York, 1989. Unfortunately I never was able to see him alive again since we lived overseas. Peter Pino Munisteri died in 1994. He was in his late eighties and was still living independently before he passed on. We did not take many photos in those days and I do not have photos digitalized of my grandparents when they were younger, but the kinesthetic contact I had over decades with them is imprinted in my memories. I still hear their words and remember their reactions in regard to discussing teaching strategies, on how to listen to music carefully and on ways to analyze texts and motives. My grandfather was especially direct and unafraid of calling out anyone he considered "a phony". My grandmother was a scientist with a sharp eye and a diplomat's demeanor-an uncommon combination. Each of them was "one of a kind". With surveillance in most public places a fact of life, with 'eyes and ears' in the skies, on the streets, embedded in our appliances and tools for communication; an evolution is taking place. The 'tech iron masks' are self imposed by many people. They have been successfully 'socially engineered' , particularly in regard to their relationship and time spent on social media. They can now 'create themselves' in accord with social media "permissible" algorithms. "Look at the socially constructed 'me' will you?!", is the new cry for attention and approval in cyber space.
If anyone decides to express a viewpoint outside the parameters of corporate/political 'correctness'-they will be 'deleted' online. They will be effectively erased from wider social networks. Analytical algorithms will relegate them as non-conforming-and "disappear them" much as regimes from history in various parts of the world found a way to "eliminate undesirables" from their populations. For some, it will be as if they never even 'existed' once they have been de-platformed. This is already happening to hundreds of "pages and sites", every week. The protests against this have been anemic so far. Why aren't more people, especially in the "west" standing up to this heinous phenomenon? Could it be we are already bowed down in submission to the technocracy, machines and artificial intelligences (AI) we have created? Authentic connection, human to human, is becoming a rarity. Closing tonight by including a link to a video of the late, fully expressive, authentic Yemeni/Israeli singer, Ofra Haza. She sings the Kaddish soulfully and offers a prayer for the whole world which is sadly appropriate, especially this week in the USA, a place which used to be known as a safe refuge for so many peoples, but especially for Jewish people. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hQ0OkcLKuE Until next week, Jo  No security clearance is needed to view the current President's National Security Strategy released to the general public and media in December 2017, almost a year ago. It is written in comprehensible, straightforward language complete with clear, graspable headings and priorities outlined in less than 50 pages. Anyone with a reasonable high school education should be able to understand this document. Yet few have written about the strategy and priorities outlined by the President (and his advisers, policy analysts) in media commonly accessible to US citizens, nor has it been mentioned in many subject specific journals. The usual mouthpieces such as "Foreign Affairs Magazine"-published by the establishment Council on Foreign Relations, or "Foreign Policy Journal"-published by Graham Holdings company/Washington Post/Jeff Bezos-which are both composed of an editorial board and writers who are vehemently anti-Trump; have been mute. Therefore it is not surprising they do not want to analyze this articulate, clear and comprehensive document which came from the new Trump administration. However there was one blog writer, Elliot Abrams, who did post a piece on the Council of Foreign Relations/cfr.org blog (see link below) which went through the five main points of the new Trump National Security Policy and only disagreed with one point. Mr. Abrams thought when it came to Islamist and jihadist ideas, that they can only be defeated by "better ideas and not police truncheons"; however I believe in this case, he does not understand the complexity and cruelty of the jihadist/caliphate barbaric agenda. Here are two excerpts which were surprisingly affirming of the document. "The criticisms of the NSS came from predictable quarters, and in many cases seemed to me merely to reflect the writer’s attitude toward the President rather than a fair assessment of the document." He goes on to state a quite positive view of the document by saying, "The National Security Strategy, produced far earlier in the life of this administration than are most, is an impressive achievement. The Trump administration will produce other National Security Strategies, because as it confronts that Hobbesian world there will be new tests and challenges, successes and inevitably failures as well, and new evaluations of older approaches. Let us hope that future NSS efforts match the intellectual seriousness of this one." www.cfr.org/blog/trump-national-security-strategy Why does this document matter to us and to other countries we do and do not interact with on a political, economic and/or military platform? What effect could it possibly have on the "ordinary American citizen"? I will briefly answer these questions in this post while hopefully bringing more visibility to the re-directed path of foreign and security policies this administration is trying to implement. You may read the original document yourself by clicking on the links below. All the information presented is open source and easily searchable on all major search engines. The business background and the business experience President Trump has coming from a first generation on his maternal side, and a second generation American on his paternal side; shifts the policy emphasis of "security" to focus on economic security more than in previous documents with other administrations. This emphasis interweaves economic security and protection with what is usually associated with defense as security. www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2017/12/18/trumps-national-security-strategy-unveiled-with-focus-on-economics/ By concentrating on border security this addresses both economic and civil security. By designating stricter controls on universities, research centers and tightening intellectual property rights, cyber security, as well as re-directing manufacturing for IT, weapons parts, weapons systems; this document is rigorous and centers attention on American interests. It is unapologetic for the priorities being: "fair and balanced trade" with the stated preference being on "American first". It does not say, "America only" but American as first priority. American people, American industry, American labor, American intellectual and property rights are designated as the paramount focus. Why not? If you will not give preferential treatment to your own family, your own community, your own country for economic and personal security-who else will? It also maps out the inter-relationship of the pertinent sectors of security operations. Instead of separation of economic-defense-military-law enforcement-joint operations-it considers all in the more realistic mission fields of "Co-Security-Spheres" (see unclassified slide below). This document concentrates on 'reciprocity' both domestically and internationally. In my opinion a positive and practical shift which heightens areas of responsibility while respecting "staying in the lanes" of each sector. As others have reported, designating criminal networks, cartels, as narco "terrorists" would also release more resources to manage these security, safety and health "challenges" in a conflict directed manner. This different label should prove more effective in harnessing assets, as well as more powerful courses of action, to battle and eliminate this "invasion"/insurgency in the United States adversely affecting so much of our citizenry due to increased crime, drug related deaths as well as health issues, illegal arms, human trafficking, hostage taking, election fraud and leverage by criminal gangs. All serious concerns.  How can and will this document impact us as individual citizens? Consider the individual intellectual property rights in the 21st century of programs Google corporation has such as 'dragonfly' and 'skynet' (see my previous blog posts on ECHELONs, October 2, 2018 ). By placing a security priority on intellectual rights as security and human rights, as part of our "identities", and personal information to be protected from 'theft' by other countries or corporations; our personal privacy and identifying traits and information have some degree of assurance by policy and law, at least in the United States. This is an evolutionary move to protect the constitutional rights the USA has fought to maintain for each citizen against ever mounting odds of technological over reach and internationally funded interference. It is possible to have corporations that censor free speech, promote violence and bias, soon designated as "enemy combatants". This is not far fetched and is possible, legally. This would open a channel for arrests, cease and desist orders, imprisonment and more appropriate rules of engagement. Enforcement of these laws and policies is another problem with it's own complications, but this document provides a framework for building upon infrastructure-both legal and practical-and directing funding and interest to these matters. Moreover, next week the US Supreme Court (with newly installed Justice Brett Kavanaugh) has agreed to hear a potentially landmark case which would rule on the role and responsibilities of tech & social media companies to be more transparent in their policies regarding demonetization and censorship of sites. A new ruling could clarify if these companies (Twitter, Facebook, Amazon) are "state actors" and therefore have those corresponding liabilities. www.economist.com/democracy-in-america/2018/10/17/the-supreme-court-takes-a-public-access-tv-case partner-mco-archive.s3.amazonaws.com/client_files/1513628003.pdf  Caravan of migrants breaking fences to illegally cross the border into Mexico en route to the USA, October 2018 While the USA has many of it's own political leaders actually advocating violence citizen against citizen, calling for assassination of political leaders openly and not condemning violence; and while there seems to be no punitive actions to deter physical, property and verbal assault - a new level of "security" needs to be implemented in our 'land of the free and home of the brave' if we are to remain safe and free. It is mostly cowards who hurl their fists, feet, bottles, rocks, insults while covering their faces in black masks like thugs and terrorists, scattering in mobs to attack and run. However, there are experienced disruptors, cyber criminals, doxxers, brain washed persons who militantly train, threaten and plan to murder US leaders and even their families as well as ordinary public servants in all branches of government. These are serious "threats" and warrant different security measures than we have applied previously in the United States. If we do not respond vigorously, the entire world will see that we are inadequate in securing our own borders, our own population, our own system of government. www.naturalnews.com/2018-09-28-civil-war-alert-leftists-openly-plot-mass-executions-of-conservatives-senators.html
A salient point was made about the "caravan of potential immigrants" rushing toward Mexico and the USA. Many carried Honduran flags or flags of other countries. This is not the usual modus operandi for those seeking asylum - this is what invaders, those wanting to conquer and place their stamp on a place do. Reflect on this and then decide which reaction is appropriate to counter such an invasion. If you know history, you can look back to the riots in Germany tearing down the Weimar Republic, or review the designer 'color revolutions' bought and paid for to disrupt elections and "start revolutions"-most of them funded by the Soros organization ironically called the Open Society-and see that if history is not to repeat a negative step back for anti corruption and freedom of expression, for the right to protection from search, seizure of privacy as well as property rights; these next months are critical for the USA, for the "west", and for those in the rest of the world watching who still believe in and support the founding principles of the Republic that is the United States of America. There are still earnest, deeply "good", strong people who believe in the necessity of the rule of law, of the right to vote and the necessity of voting. We do have people who are vigilant, and who labor to uncover voter fraud, vote tampering, graft and corruption. May they also be guided and protected so their important work prevails. Fortunately this is still a country where you won't get blown up going to the polls. Moreover twenty states and Washington, D.C. allow voters to return ballots via email or fax. The places to vote are open for at least twelve hours if not longer. The entire process is very easy for almost everyone, it is just a question of a little planning and will power. Make it a priority to vote in these mid-term elections in the USA. This is a crucial one for the survival of our Republic. Take care wherever you may be this week. Leaving ya'll with a song from a more united, simpler time to "Rock in the USA". Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHAtjaFpaFc Until next week, Jo  Aftermath of fire set in St. Vladimir's church, Lviv, Ukraine Most people, even those who consider themselves Christian or Orthodox Christians, will not know of the news considered to be "the worst crisis in centuries" for the Christian Orthodox churches. This past week, after years of debate and pressure from outside forces, the Ukrainian Orthodox church announced a split from the Patriarch Russian Orthodox church which has been in existence for over 1,000 years. Unfortunately for Ukraine her fertile lands, strategic location, healthy and attractive people, temperate climate, have made her a battle ground for western European countries (Polish-Lithuanian empire, German Third Reich) and for a time a vassal of the USSR. Ukraine has been torn by the soviets (Holodomor-where over 10 million Ukrainians were starved to death) and their policies of "Russification" which included closing all churches, detaining, imprisoning, working to death millions of Ukrainians, making the official language Russian. To add injury to injury, in 1986 the disaster in Chernobyl, with the horrific consequences for Ukrainian people-radiation poisoning, death and environmental destruction-revealed a terrible lesson to the entire world. Yes, Ukraine has been ravaged and scarred, yet rises resilient again and again. Her people are strong, humble and quick to adapt. Ukraine's bid for independence was finally realized in 1991. The United States, the UK and the newly formed EU in the 1993, counted on Ukraine leaders wanting to join their ranks and moving away from Russia-no longer the Soviet Union, but it's own country again. In the 20 years following, the USA in particular, watched the internal politics, the oil and gas prices/pipeline negotiations/ pipeline locations, with alarm. Slowly and steadily the USA implemented programs to assure Ukraine and Poland would be "buffer zones" essentially under their control, should it be necessary to threaten or attack Russia or should Russia decide to expand it's influence and territory. Now there is another attack which adversely affects Ukraine. Major power players on the world stage are pushing for dividing, diminishing and decimating all Christian influence, property and followers-whether by outright killing and genocide perpetrated by those who are their minions-or by splitting and conquering from within and without (scandals, confiscation of wealth, lawsuits, bombing churches, displacing Christian communities). These "players" have scored a major victory after battling behind the scenes in Ukraine for years. They have utilized the current president of Ukraine to galvanize and incentivize the Ukrainian Orthodox Christian church to break from what he calls, "the shadow of the Russian church". There have been a number of highly publicized events over the last year which have added fuel to his incendiary speeches and in some cases desecration, temporary closures and arson against Russian Orthodox churches. www.asianews.it/news-en/The-two-Churches-in-Ukraine-and-the-bleeding-child-42871.html Responses from other countries including the very small Orthodox population in Turkey has prompted fiery rhetoric in response: On Thursday a Synod meeting in Istanbul backed Ukraine's request for "autocephalous" — or self-governing — status and reversed the excommunication of Patriarch Filaret, who hopes to lead the newly independent church based in Kiev." themoscowtimes.com/news/russian-orthodox-church-threatens-tough-response-over-istanbul-backing-of-ukraine-split-63182 The Eastern Orthodox Christian churches of the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran) and Eastern Europe (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Russia, Serbia) Europe (Greece, Cyprus, Moldova, Malta, Macedonia,Albania,Romania,Montenegro,Poland, Finland, Bosnia, Czech Republic) and Africa (Egypt,Ethiopia,Libya, Eritrea, Sudan); their large congregations in Canada, Australia, India and the USA, and smaller congregations in Israel, Japan, Uzbekistan and Turkey; have co-existed and supported each other for over 1,000 years while each having autonomy in their respective countries. They do not have a "pope" but different "Patriarchs" and "Primates" and "Archbishops" by region. They are strongly united in theological beliefs, prayers and the rites, including communion. They wield influence in their parishes and wider communities, and often in political and economic decisions in their respective countries. They own property, are mostly tax exempt and control land, positions and to an extent-people. They have their own sacred languages. United they are a force to be reckoned with and constitute a more devoted and faithful following than many other Christian denominations. Those with malevolent intentions see this unity as an obstacle. They do not want any form of worship to a Divine entity, to God, over their own rule. Communism, Atheism, Monarchies and Fascism proclaim this openly for these forms of governing. They demand all allegiances must be to "the state", or "supreme" or "royal" leaders first. Communism does not tolerate any religions. Theocracies such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan only tolerate one religion and prohibit all others. 'Globalism' espouses only 'secular democracies'. Globalists view Christianity, especially Eastern Orthodox denominations, as obstacles to their new world order. Disparaging "family values" (to break up the strongest units of society) "biblical law" and promoting materialism, hedonism and militarism by every means possible; is an integral part of the strategy of 'globalism' to unhitch any loyalties which might make an individual stronger in their uniqueness or connection to the Divine. Media and 'education' are used to shove the insidious globalist ideas down and through the ears, eyes, throats and hearts of the target population. The means to do this is ushered in through "programs provided" often with funds, by international and US based "aid" organizations as well as complicit non-government organizations (NGOs) which are thought to all be non-profit, but that is certainly not the case. They are contractors, hand in glove, with the various governments they work for and with, all over the world. Those organizations that many people believe are "humanitarian, unbiased and doing good deeds" are often only covers. Beware wolves in the sheep's clothing of the avowed 'secular' USAID, Peace Corps, World Health Organization, UNICEF and even "Doctors" without Borders. All of these organizations have been involved in activities which can, and often do interfere in the political, economic and social fabric of the society they are 'helping'. They have enabled intelligence operations from rival nations, and even aided criminal activities in a number of countries-including (and especially) in Ukraine. These actions have been documented by whistle blowers and investigative reporters including George Webb, John Kiriakou, the late Sergei Magnetsky, the late Pavel Sheremet, Rasna Warah and many others. One recent example of USAID and the US Department of State interference and collaboration with George Soros, and other nefarious individuals; was reported today by the reputable US site, Judicial Watch: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-new-documents-show-state-department-and-usaid-working-with-soros-group-to-channel-money-to-mercenary-army-of-far-left-activists-in-albania/ "The animosity between the country’s Moscow and Kiev patriarchates has intensified since the start of its bloody but undeclared war with Russia in 2014. Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko appealed to Bartholomew in April 2018, for church independence – also known as autocephaly – and he says the formation of a national church is a crucial step in Ukraine’s bid to escape centuries of Russian domination". www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/russian-orthodox-church-warns-of-violence-and-schism-over-ukraine-1.3631073 President Poroshenko is using the time tested tool of dividing the power of the church for his own political ascendancy. In addition, he hurls a pointed barb against Russian religious guidance and encourages disengaging from the Russian patriarchs. “There won’t be any pressure — every Ukrainian will have their own way to God,” he (President Poroshenko) said. “And the government will respect the choice of those who decide to stay parishioners of the church structure that retains unity with the Russian Orthodox Church.” Although, on the other hand, Poroshenko said that the government will protect those who “voluntarily decide to quit the Moscow church” and “choose Ukraine.” He does not promise the same protection for Russian Orthodox, clergy, churches or congregants. www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/poroshenko-lets-not-allow-kremlin-to-start-religious-war.html President Poroshenko also proclaimed that supporting the Russian Orthodox churches meant "supporting Russia" as in the Russian government and President Putin. He repeatedly reminded Ukrainians of the terrible treatment by Russia during the time of Stalin and the Soviet Union as well as the pressure by Russian church clergy on Ukrainian church clergy during those times. This rhetoric is encouraged and applauded by his US advisers. Poroshenko, who was placed in Ukrainian Presidency by a coup, continually presses for more aid, more support in terms of cash, weapons, advisers, training and favored nation economic status. Meanwhile Ukraine has become a game board for "information operations", psychological manipulation/social engineering experiments, pharmaceutical testing, human trafficking and the further "balkanization" (carving up, severing) of eastern Europe. More and more evidence is being released concerning the "coup" the US created under the Obama/Clinton administration and endorsed by the late Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona. There is a plethora of evidence on open sources including documentaries and investigative reporting via videos online. You can start with these articles: www.veteranstoday.com/2018/02/20/shocking-new-evidence-maidan-snipers-confess-they-were-under-orders-from-coup-leaders-to-shoot-police-and-protesters/ washingtonsblog.com/2014/12/head-stratfor-private-cia-says-overthrow-yanukovych-blatant-coup-history.html  The late Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy on a platform with Svoboda Neo-Nazi leader Oleh Tyahnybok The significance of neo-Nazism in Ukraine and the tacit official U.S support or tolerance for it should be clearly understood: "This did not begin under President Trump but under President George W. Bush, when then Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko’s “Orange Revolution” began rehabilitating Ukraine’s wartime ideologues who still followed the anti-semitic and Nazi teachings of Stefan Bandera. "It grew under President Obama, who, along with Vice President Joseph Biden, were deeply complicit in the Maidan coup and what followed." www.thenation.com/article/americas-collusion-with-neo-nazis/ Joseph Biden's son, Hunter Biden-who was discharged from the US Navy reserve in 2014, due to his use of illegal drugs including cocaine-was placed on the board of the Ukrainian major gas company, Burisma Holdings. Hunter Biden was back in the headlines in March 2017, when his estranged ex-wife claimed that the younger Biden “squandered his family’s money on hookers, strip clubs and drugs” in divorce papers, according to the New York Post reports. "Then too, the American mainstream media scarcely noticed. Still worse, when a founder of a neo-Nazi party and now repackaged speaker of the Ukrainian parliament visited Washington in 2017, he was widely feted by leading American politicians, including Senator John McCain. [Joseph Biden] and Representative Paul Ryan. Imagine the message this sent back to Ukraine—and elsewhere". www.dw.com/en/who-are-hunter-bidens-ukrainian-bosses/a-17642254 Neocons and Hawks circled around Ukraine vying for lucrative training contracts and weapons sales for themselves and their supporters. Senator John McCain was there from the inception of the "Orange" revolution and unabashedly supported Neo Nazi, fascist parties Svoboda, Privy Sektor and the Azov militias, taking photos and giving speeches, profiting handsomely and laughing at Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Jane Nuland's vituperative outburst caught on tape (Fxxxx the EU!) while authorizing billions of dollars to "support democracy" in Ukraine. McCain was part of the group which included George Soros, choreographing a successful coup to replace an actually democratically elected president, Victor Yanukovych, with Petro Poroshenko, the US and NATO puppet. They had no conscience or qualms about promoting a civil war between Ukrainians, slavs against slavs, brother against brother. There is even a "white paper" outlining the ideal strategies for gaining Ukrainian land, but without Ukrainians if they are in any way favorable toward Russia and anything Russian. John McCain's name is set to be the new name of a street in Kiev, Ukraine's capital and scene of the Maidan massacre. A few comments posted about the photo above, and article linked-are worth re-posting here: "As seen with McCain 2014, Oleh Tyahnybok leader (Fuhrer) of the ultra-nationalist political party Svoboda(1) (Social-Nationalist Party) leading figure both during and after the coup which ousted Yanukovich, along with other neo-nazi outfits such as Right Sector (Praviy Sektor) led by Hitler wannabee Dmitry Yarosh who spearheaded the coup in Kiev; these have been joined or changed their names to inter alia the Radical Party, and Patriots of the Ukraine. These neo-nazi outfits have been supplemented by the fully militarised punitive right-wing militias, most notoriously the Azov Regiment responsible for numerous atrocities in the Don Bas. (1) The Social-Nationalist party as it was formerly known chose as its logo an amended version of the Wolfsangel, a symbol used by many SS divisions on the Eastern front during World War II." (2) In commemoration of this 'great honor', can the street be painted red and a black swastika every ten meters with John McCain’s name on each arm. This evil man McCain and his murderous associates, deserve to be remembered for the next century as the foul humans they were." off-guardian.org/2018/09/20/kievs-ivan-kudrya-street-to-become-john-mccain-street/ Once again Ukrainians are "sacrificed" for other nations and power players benefit. As one of my Ukrainian colleagues remarked after a US military trainer insulted the "lack of effort" made by their Ukrainian trainees, "Why should we train harder and learn more effective ways of killing our brothers? In the end, we are all Ukrainians fighting for other people's interests. We should not be enemies of each other." There are sane American voices urging a different policy toward both Ukraine and Russia. Read this article excerpted below for cogent arguments from a defense journal. www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2018/03/12/it-is-a-mistake-to-arm-ukraine/ "At its heart, international politics is about strategic competition between states. It is a cutthroat game that forces all countries, including the United States, to make wise, informed decisions about which battles are in the national interest to fight and which are left for the region itself to manage. Picking a fight with a declining, nuclear power over Ukraine is the exact opposite of wise; remember, Ukraine is not an ally. Russia has so much more at stake in the outcome than the U.S., so the former will always be more willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve its desired political end state". "Ukraine has promised U.S. construction firms contracts for future infrastructure projects in Don bass, brokered a $80 million coal deal with the U.S., signed a $1 billion deal with GE Transportation for new locomotives, and hired former Republican National Committee chairman Haley Barbour to help Ukraine lobby the Trump administration." www.cato.org/blog/ukraine-trump-javelin-missiles www.rt.com/politics/441098-kremlin-defend-russian-ukraine/  A younger Yulia Tymoshenko with Vladimir Putin-perhaps he is displaying his bear claws? For the past months there has been a concerted effort by the Russian Orthodox church to avert a schism and by Russian President Putin to support former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko has learned from her years in various positions in the Ukrainian government and from her experience in prison. Tymoshenko, who was Ukraine's prime minister from 2007 to 2010, was jailed on embezzlement charges following her government's defeat by Yanukovych in 2010. Her sentence was viewed by most of the international community as a political move to block her as a viable opponent. She was released in February 2014, and later reelected to parliament. She has already announced her run for the presidency. The election will be held in the Fall of 2019. www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-opposition-leader-tymoshenko-announces-presidential-run/29306750.html Tymoshenko has contacted members of the current US Congress and President Trump, by hiring professional lobbyists. She intends to maintain positive relations with NATO members, as well as honor the Minsk accords. Yulia Tymoshenko is a professed Orthodox Christian and was leader of the Social Christian Party of Ukraine established in 2004. She vows to investigate and clean up corruption, fight for Ukrainian unity including keeping Crimea. She does not need any pushing from the USA for "gender equity" since she is a living example of courage, endurance, competence, diplomatic skills with grace as a survivor, and a mother who speaks: Ukrainian, Russian and English. Let's hope she can rally the necessary votes, energy and fortitude for the battles ahead and the balms to soothe the wounds of the ongoing civil conflict in her beautiful country. www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/the-remarkable-resurgence-of-yulia-tymoshenko I do hold a special affection for Ukraine. In 2015, I was selected to start the first Medical English program for doctors, residents and staff at the Ternopil State Medical University in western Ukraine in a new Peace Corps Response project. In addition, I worked with doctors who worked with the Peace corps main office in Kiev. I treated them with TCM/Acupuncture after their post trauma reactions affected them post Maidan. My personal experience over a number of months, living in the faculty housing at TSMU and working as well as travelling in Ukraine with a number of colleagues, left me with feelings of deep respect for the strong, intelligent, hard working and humble people I encountered. I was invited to "camp retreats" for residents and doctors re-located from Donbass and spoke personally with a number of military medicine doctors at the new wing of TSMU about their experiences in the conflict areas of Ukraine, before I returned to work in Afghanistan. There were many similarities in cases and in treatment/triage protocols and in post trauma reactions in the military and civilian populations affected. Please be alert in the USA. I see similar splitting tactics are being used against our own citizens. The newly formed "Vote Common Good" headed by "pastor" Doug Pagitt of Minnesota, which uses "progressive evangelical preaching" (made up stuff-MSU ) includes such psychological techniques as re-writing the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:8) beatitudes: "Blessed are the damn givers......" pushing LGBT agendas, campaigning for open borders and adopting the anti-Trump, anti anything Trump does/did-as their platform. This group tries to turn Christians against Christians in the political realm. They do not condemn violence by Democrats and the "Antifa", far left participants. They are utilizing the "divide and conquer" tactics, too. They urge people not to vote Republican and to "convert other Christians" to their cause. They are actually endorsed by a Democratic congressman Ted Lieu from California, a number of "reverends" from New York city who say they are pro-family values, yet they 'progressively' advocate abortion, LGBT agendas, open borders and are opposed to the Trump tax cuts. They claim only they are the "righteous voters". Be advised. www.nytimes.com/2018/09/14/us/politics/democrats-progessive-evangelical-election.html Fortunately I am still in contact with some of my former colleagues from Ukraine. I hold them in my heart, my memories and my prayers. I hope you will, too. This week I am Including a short video of Ukrainian national dance, music and dancers-no, this is not "Russian" it is Ukrainian, but you may see similarities in moves, costumes and physical features. (click on the YouTube link below please) Actually, since DNA testing is in the news this week, a search regarding genes presents Russian/Ukrainian genomes as in the same "segments" and distinctly different from German, Armenian, Turkish, English or Jewish genes. They are related physiologically more to "Russians" than any other ethnic group. Regardless of your political affiliations and opinions-I hope you can enjoy and appreciate the artistry, athleticism and beauty of this performance. Do take a few minutes to watch this national treasure which is unique to these people and their country over time. This is not a diluted "global" pc dance/music collection created just for commercial entertainment. It is authentic! www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQlJ6hWhqdY Dobre den (Good evening or good afternoon in Ukrainian) and duzhe dyakuyu (thank you very much) for taking the time to read my missives. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Jo  Opening of the Military Medicine department of Ternopil State Medical University, August 2015, Ukraine with some of my esteemed colleagues Yellow journalism is making a huge comeback via social media. One could argue most of the recent online articles, snippets, comments and hearsay reports about the Supreme Court nominee, now Justice Brett Kavanaugh, without a shred of credible proof, are accurately in that category. "Yellow journalism and the Yellow press" are originally American terms from the newspaper wars in the late 1800s, which many historians believe pushed the USA and Spain into a war in 1898. Yes, there has been "fake news" ever since there has been news in human history. This is unfortunately part of our culture from the childhood games of what used to be called "telephone" to gossip, "she said, he said" and vice versa, to malicious rumors, deliberate smears, misleading or out of context quotes, psyops and outright lies to manipulate others views about a situation, a nation, a people or a person. The poison darts of lies directly targeting a human being are no less deadly to their reputation, their morale and credibility than is a bullet to the heart fatal to their physical life. Even if the allegations, accusations, slander and character assassination strategies do not physically kill - a she/he or they are felled in the eyes of a dumbed down and gullible public who will not take the time to discern facts from defaming fiction. All it takes are public allegations, accusations and the person is "smeared" , a doubt created, a metaphorical 'revolting smell' is spread which will persist even after the facts uncover the lies, or dispute the alleged actions, words or inactions and show the people or person to be "cleared" of wrong doing. The damage has been done to that institution, group or person and the negative effects will linger. He/She will be discredited and have to continually prove themselves, perhaps for the rest of their life. As one philosopher pointed out about human nature, "People will most often question all the good things they hear about you but believe all the negative things without a second thought." Physically assassinating someone kills them once and leaves it possible for the assassin to be discovered, but assassinating character has far less risk for the assassin(s). It leaves them free to attack over and over again. Often with impunity. Witness what has just happened in the US nomination process for the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court. This is a terrifying precedent in my opinion.  There are many motives for those perpetrating the moral crime of character assassination. Power, jealousy, censorship, competition, lack of character on the part of the assassin; are some of the main drivers. The collateral damage of a "successful campaign" of allegations, insinuations and character assassination are immediate and then follow a domino effect making it especially lethal to an organization or individual's professional and personal endeavors. The use of the world wide web and international visibility to carry out the assassination compounds the damage and the follow on consequences for the victim. Anyone associating closely with the victim may be sprayed with the slime of slander. Certainly family members may be emotionally harmed and possibly alienated completely from the one assassinated. Maybe they don't even think to ask the victim about the truth of the accusations because they are so afraid or mortified it will affect them and their life. Colleagues may disassociate because they do not want a hint of connection to someone who is "tainted" with scandal. Privacy will become a past privilege once accusations are made in the community, national or global arena. Amateur sleuths, psychologists, counselors, pastors, politicians, journalists will emerge believing they have a right to comment and condemn without even knowing the victim or their family or their actual history. Only God and the victim will ever really know the truth. Media vultures will circle waiting for their prey and those with nothing better to do will eagerly latch on and hungrily lust for "dirt" on the victim and her/his family and associates. This kind of spectacle makes people of small minds and hearts and minuscule conscience feel inflated, and they will cackle with a sick sort of delight in the suffering of others. This is an exhibit of demonic blood lust. The "blood" is the hurt inflicted, the rips and tears into the fabric of the human being by the perpetrators of the assassination, and others who are complicit. These kinds of people are cruel, narcissistic, sociopaths and pervasive in human society. Be alert to their tactics. I know them all too well from my own first hand experience as a targeted individual.  "A few small pricks" painting by Frida Kahlo 1935  Sculpture by Serbian artist Arpad Slancik Death by a thousand cuts may be metaphorical as well as physical when it comes to character assassination. The worst cuts come from those closest to the victim. These types of betrayals can be the most painful. The wounds inflicted may never fully heal. Fortunately for Brett Kavanaugh, his living family members sat and stood by him, his parents, his wife and children, his close colleagues and the man who put forward his nomination. This must have given him some shield and balance to the slings and arrows thrown against him in the very public forum. Let us hope so, especially for the sake of his young daughters. As a woman who is roughly in the same generation as the main accuser of Brett Kavanaugh, Christine Blasey Ford, I am appalled at the circus she was a willing participant in for her own publicity and financial gain and that of her family, at the terrible cost to Brett Kavanaugh and his family, as well as to the entire committee hearing process. The fact that she was born into a CIA family and used her background to her advantage, trained in psychology not to re-tune her possible traumas but to use her acquired skills to train others as "CIA interns" in psychological manipulation techniques, does not speak well of her own character. Christine Blasey Ford did research and wrote academic papers discussing the results of utilizing tools of "inception", planting false triggers and memories, hypnosis and masking, making her accusations and actions doubly despicable and her "acting performance" before the press and the judicial committee, all the more revolting. She was incredible alright - as in the root definition of the word-not credible, not believable, without integrity. realityanddenial.wordpress.com/2018/10/05/kavanaugh-accuser-christine-blasey-ford-ran-mass-hypnotic-inductions-of-psychiatric-subjects-as-part-of-mind-control-research-funded-by-foundation-linked-to-computational-ps/ The other woman, Julie Swetnick has ties to the Blasey family through Christine's father, Ralph Blasey-CIA paymaster. Julie Swetnick has used her intelligence and attractiveness as a contractor for many corporations including: Leidos/Lockheed, Webtrends, Deloitte, and as a contractor for the US Department of State, US Department of Justice, Homeland Security, Border and Customs Patrol, the IRS, Department of General Services and others. She has listed more security clearances than most of the US Senators and those department heads of the agencies listed above. Very curious. In addition take a look at all the court cases, scandals she was involved in with employers. Her academic credentials are less than most in the IT field. Why was she given these responsibilities and clearances? What is Julie Swetnick gaining financially from testifying? Will she split the "go fund me" proceeds of one million dollars with Christine Blasey Ford? Her TV interview was a disaster for her and her legal team. Her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, is akin to ambulance chasers in terms of his professional credibility. They are two of a kind really and both will be dropped by those that pushed them forward in this diabolical charade. Maybe they are looking for an advance and a lucrative book and speaking tour deal?! www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-who-is-julie-swetnick-20180926-story.html heavy.com/news/2018/09/julie-swetnick-work-history-security-clearance/ Both these women have wittingly or unwittingly been assets for others to push back women's progress in prosecuting actual acts of sexual violence, assault and rape. Those real victims of rape, forced sexual acts, violence, physical and sexual abuse may now not be believed without needing to produce even more corroborating evidence than before, due to these false accusations and the pop culture of the juvenile, narcissistic "Me, too" meme bandwagon. Women, girls, boys and men who have been the victims/survivors of sexual violence, rape, trafficking and abuse statistically do not even report these crimes, much less jump up and down publicly proclaiming their victimization on an international social media forum, "Yes, me, too!". Most of the time they hide their violations for the rest of their lives and in some countries they would be prosecuted themselves for "allowing" rape to happen. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Pakistan as cases in point. The mental and physiological torture that can be inflicted by deliberate character assassination cannot be overstated. Being accused of "raping", being a "sexual predator", a "liar" and "a drunk" in front of your young children-when it is completely untrue and unproven, when it is an intentional lie designed to shred an individual and bring them tumbling down-is a heinous type of psychic torture for the whole family involved. I am including both an image by the Serbian artist Arpad Slancik, and the music and Latin/English lyrics by Carl Orff, "O Fortuna". The illustration for this music on the youtube link below is emblematic of the agony fate can inflict on a human being. The anguish is even greater for those who once knew life as more than mere survival-who experienced the freedoms, nobility, joys and sense of true accomplishment and authority that they earned, only to have these stripped away unjustly, maliciously-then to have to endure the rest of their life in a shadow of what was and could have been. Even the way someone dies or is killed and their accomplishments and character may be "assassinated" along with their physical body. www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5b7tgkdFH0 In many cases where a "hit" is ordered, a fabricated reason or method is released to the press either implying or directly accusing the person as being "to blame" for their own death. A case in point with a number of "overdoses" that were actual homicides, or in the case of one of my former team mates and close friends, the disinformation was spread to news outlets within an hour of her death. They reported her as "proselytizing" Christianity in a Muslim country. This could not be further from the truth, but it made it appear as if she were going against the law and being culturally disrespectful so "she got what she deserved" by being fatally shot by an imam. A campaign may be waged against someone which may continue after their death in an effort to "make them wrong" or "erase them" from history, from memory. Think back to stories circulated about John Fitzgerald and Robert Kennedy and the numerous sexual "conquests" they were reported to have (after their assassinations) as the lynchpin for attention to be centered on their personal flaws rather than their many achievements as well as their efforts to expose and prosecute corruption in their relatively short lives. Making a popular film and in that film denigrating an actual person or casting someone who is decidedly unattractive to portray that real life human being, then writing a script which presents a courageous or unique individual as someone to be despised, dismissed and/or shunned-for example. This is another method of character assassination. "Creative license" to depict a person as being disheveled, with slurred speech, hinting that they may have been drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs, mentally ill or participating in illicit sex-can leave a more lasting impression to resonate for generations to come. A film will fabricate a "frame" of that person as much less than who they really were (or for that matter vice versa). One recent case in point is the film, "Everest" and the caricature characterization of a real mountain guide, Scott Fisher, as man who was not remotely recognizable by those who knew him, worked with him and loved him. He was played by a famous actor who adeptly created a character who was "a hippy" ditzy, jealous, flirtatious, unprofessional, a bit crazy and a seemingly sloppy man. All this just for 'entertainment' effect, yet the character on the large screen is what most people will remember. Those who knew him are chagrined by that 'smear' portrayal of Scott Fisher. Scott was serious about his work, his commitment, his skills, his professionalism, attention to detail, to safety. His generosity, his care for those he was responsible for, and his love of his family (which was never even mentioned in the film) were legendary. But these important attributes were never presented. Once deceptive darts (as images) are launched into the public space and minds eye, it is very difficult to take them back, or for people to have their viewpoints changed, their mental picture of a person re formed. There is a growing segment of the population, especially in the west, who are now groomed to bleatingly follow the "main stream narrative" contrived by large, corporate media. These people can become like deranged, zombie crowds running after, spitting, kicking and hurling insults at people that they don't even know or have not done any background research on themselves. If these people are pointed (and often paid) to go after someone-they blindly obey and do so in front of cameras. Sheeple are part of engineered character assassinations and herd bullying tactics. They also serve as distractions from more significant and perhaps deeply disturbing events such as attempted coups. We saw this phenomenon in action at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. this past week.  If you believe in Divine Justice and/or the Akashic records-eventually all will be revealed if not in this life, then in the hereafter. I pray in this case, we do not have to wait so long for the real story of the Kavanaugh attacks, the character assassins and the attempted coup conspirators against a duly elected president of the United States, to be brought to light. For many reasons I feel the angels wept for America this week. Persevere. While you are alive there is hope. There is still opportunity for truth to triumph and for justice to be served. From the west coast of America-best to you and yours, Jo  Statue of an angel weeping |
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