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