Revenge – The Killing of Our Former Man in Iraq

This article by Robert Fisk points to the recent historical background of our relations with Saddam Hussein. Perfidious America! Beware, the rulers of Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They must have some real concern. This trial will never be accepted by the world as a proper trial by law, but as an American dictated act of revenge. For certain it will not decrease the civil war raging in Iraq. I guess this is another "stuff happens" event. Like so many acts of the Bush administration it could have been done better. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Saturday, December 30, 2006

Truthdig – Robert Scheer: Ike Was Right

This article is an important reminder of a final speech by President Eisenhower where he warned of the growing power of the military industrial complex. My final address in 1970, as retiring Chancellor of the Lincoln Academy, was on the same subject. As for Iraq, yes oil certainly fit in the mix of lies foisted on us by the Bush administration but the oil companies have seen little compared to the merchants of death. Not only the Cheney connection but many others besides the Carlyle Group which enjoys the support of the Bush family. What about the nearly 3000 killed and tens of thousand seriously wounded, not to forget those Iraqi's killed in this immoral war? Can you imagine what the monies spent and to be spent in Iraq would do to solve some of the pressing domestic problems in America? After Vietnam and Iraq we are a nation becoming dependant on the industries of WMD's, on killing people. No wonder the rest of the world is fearrful. And this is not just a Republican trip, the Democrats have not moved enough to stop it. They also are concenred for their access to lobby funds which are the mothers milk of todays political establishment. We, as a nation, really must go way beyond anything being considered in the hoped for clean sweep in Congress. We must stop promoting and creating wars. The alternative-maybe that climate change won't do us in but the merchants of death will supply the means of hastening the end of our world. Think about it, if not for yourself but for the children and grandchildren. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Gore Vidal: The Only Standard Is Truth

Linda Sutton, the photographer has embarked on a new project, interviews about education. This is certainly one of the major problems we face in America. Her first interview is with Gore Vidal. As I am a friend of Gore's, Linda invited me to come to Mary Winograd's salon to hear Gore expounded on his new book and the state of the nation. I thought the interview would interest all of you. I must disclose that we have optioned for film his "The Messiah" about a religion which takes over the world. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Friday, December 22, 2006

Ahmet Ertegun by his friend Michael Butler

Personal remarks of the passing of a great friend
Posted by Michael Butler, Sunday, December 17, 2006

Timothy Garton Ash | Bush Has Created a Catastrophe in Middle East

I know, I know we have read all of this before but Timothy Ash sums it up better than anything I have read. We are not just faced with our Iraq and Afghanistan problem. We are seeing the entire Middle East threatened by these actions of the Bush administration and the compliant politicians of both parties who supported them. Now comes the time when we must prove if we have any metal left to straighten out this, our mess. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Thursday, December 14, 2006

About Our Blogs

Hello, Many requests for access and information have been received. I hope that my explanations and Nina's FAQ's will clarify those points. I pray you will find these of interest and value to interact in the areas of your interest. Have a great 2007. Be prepared for 2008 to be a threshhold as important as 1968. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Sunday, December 10, 2006

Film Review: Bobby

Do see this film. A docudrama which really shows many slices of America at a critical time in our history. A great film quite different from what one might expect. Emilio Estevez does an excellant job directing and acting. The roster of important actors starts with Anthony Hopkins and Demi Moore. Martin Sheen and Laurence Fishburne increase the range of approachs, Freddy Rodriquez does an outstanding job as the busboy who cradled Bobby. I had tears at the end from what we lost and my deep personal memory of Jack and Bobby. How different would our world be if Bobby had lived. MB Enclosed the Amazon information page as it shows so much information though the DVD is not yet out.
Posted by Michael Butler, Saturday, December 2, 2006

A Real Somers Storm

Susam Somers is a rightous lady doing a lot of good. Michael Galitzer is also a doctor of mine. Some very interesting observations in the world of life-extension therapy. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, November 20, 2006

Tompaine.com – Botero Art After Abu Ghraib

What a change from what we are familiar with Botero's work. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Thursday, November 16, 2006

A MUST-SEE POST-REPUBLICAN MUSIC VIDEO

Mark Petracca aka Dusty Wright sent this which is one of the best we can view. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Friday, November 10, 2006

Garrison Keillor | The Retiring Type? Not Me

I'll wager most of us are real fans of Garrison Keiller, either his writings, humour or showmanship. In this article he really lays out a personal credo and an observation of national demise. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, November 6, 2006

Fashionistas Read On

Great friend suggested this link. Hitting on it I found it fascinating and in depth. Some insight and information as to the world of high is rarely found. Your interest? Read on! MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Saturday, November 4, 2006

Do We Really Need Bad Reasons To Be Good?

Sam Harris is one the most important alternative voices of our day. He has suddenly emerged as a clarion voice to express a point of view which needs to be heard. One may not agree with his positions, some may even be offended by them. It important to me to keep an open mind to many propositions in this period of controlled media; dominated by those who really abuse their power in using force both physical and mental to control us. And don't forget emotions generated by fear. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, October 23, 2006

“Jesus Camp” is a Film You Must See

I had been hearing about this documentory for some time. I went with a phsycologist friend. We were stunned by the message and the quality of the film. If you have children or grandchildren or an interest do not miss this. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Sunday, October 1, 2006

Michael Butler: Pakistan Next!

The Bush regime has put us into an intolerable position with their stupid 'shoot em up' philosophy. Does anyone doubt the Armitage threats? Sure sound like the Boss with his cowboy swagger.
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, September 25, 2006

Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon

When I first heard this I knew I would never forget it. I amcertain you feel the same and would love to hear it again. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Saturday, September 23, 2006

Head-in-the-Sand Liberals

IMPORTANT READ: Sam Harris creates strong opinions with what he writes. This is on a slightly different tack from his usual positions. It is a clarion call to be less fuzzy as to threats we all face. As with most of his writings if you will read it and rumminate, I guarentee you will get something out of it. Peace and Love, Michael
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, September 18, 2006