It is almost that time folks. I hope you are all voting….out with the old and in with the new. All you Florida voters get out there and vote “NO” for Amendment 2. We want Gay Marriage in Florida. Let’s get this state out of the dark ages and bring some tax dollars to mend this mess we are in.
Persia
Johnny G,
To answer your question, the fact is most people are waiting for other people to take action. We all want a leader, but who is going to lead. Persia I guess!
American citizens have the freedom to vote in this country, they can also contact congressmen and senators with their concerns and changes they want for their communities. God knows we are all paying taxes shouldn’t we know what those funds are used for
People in the adult industry are not taken seriously because the business is sexually charged. Sex is too much fun, or to the conservatives, it is too dirty or too private. I believe people in the adult biz can do fundraisers for organizations in the community that will take their money. Community service is hard work and most people are too busy with their busy lives to take time and do something to help others.
Legislators are so busy gathering constituents for upcoming elections, and the adult industry is a perfect scapegoat to pacify their supporters. They take their money, then wipe their brow, then go to the first topless bar have a drink, get a dance to get rid of all that oppressive right wing babble they had to listen to in their meeting!!
Once people speak up, the congressmen will be forced to change the vague laws that govern the adult industry. Speak up!!! Porn the Vote!!!! Please vote!! It is a privilege and your right!!
If the general public knew what a billion and trillion dollars really was I doubt that they would still be wondering who they should vote for. A billion dollars is 1000 millions a trillion is 1000 billions. Since Alfred E Newman and Darth Vader have been in control they have managed to take our national debt from 3 trillion to over 10 trillion. We were running surpluses and had paid down the debt from 5 to3 trillion when Clinton left. Meanwhile The head of the Bush Crime Family Poppie has amassed 14 billion in profits for his Carlye Group, a corporation he and all the old spooks from watergate and iran contra run.They make their profits trading in gas oil and coal. Also they own the largest amount of foreclouser properties under different subsidiary corporations. Do you think the housing collapse was planned? Try reading and doing some research instead of watching the corporate owned boob tube. By: D. McGuckian
Post One
I share your anger at the hypocrisy of our court system too. Especially where people who like porn, clash in the American court system, with all the “‘holier than thou’s” who, if you listen to them, supposedly never had sex, never had a sexual thought, and never performed a sexual act that was ‘out of’ the American ‘maintstream.’ I think most Americans see the American court system, at least as far as sex goes, for what it is. Judges (people) who want to be re elected to a very nice, cushy, job with great pay, benefits and power, cater to a subject (sex) that is titillating in our society, for the sole purpose of getting re-elected. I have to say, I think the greatest albatross that has been hung on the neck of America, was that is was founded by Puritans.. you probably couldn’t find a bunch of more sexually uptight people if you tried to find them. Regretfully, they passed that sexual uptightness down to us since the early 1700’s and we’ve been dealing with it ever since. If th ere is a bright spot in our future, it is that, whether you like it or not, America is rapidly changing from a culture based primarily on England and Puritanism….to a culture that comes from South America with it’s acceptance and even embracement, of sex and sexuality. No wonder all the WASPs in the northeast are mustering their forces to stop immigration. God forbid, poor Muffy, would fuck herself silly with some latin guy with the heavy beat of brazilian music in the background. No…of course,….we couldn’t possibly have the masses doing that! Well, I say…bring them on….and all you north eastern, washington dc, power brokers can just go and jump off a great big cliff. Good riddance and I’m glad you will all be gone. finally, at least, with the latin culture, you can have sex for the pure pleasure of it and not be guilty. Good riddance “Muffy”…good riddance..”Brad”…and welcome “Julio” and welcome…’Juanita!”
posted by Hollywood
Post two
Here is a game that I hope you enjoy. I have played this game with state representatives, university professors of political science, professional political people, mayors, commissioners and others. This is NOT a game of one upmanship and was never intended to be. It is a game that sort of came to me because I was looking at the world around me and my looking lead to this game. The game is nothing more than 10 questions. I have found that once you answer them correctly your perception of the world and your place in it, will probably change dramatically. And it will change your perception of the world, like I said. I’ll put the answers way at the end of this. By the way, I have an interesting comment on this that I have put at the end of the answers. You might want to get out a drink now, you may need it when you read it. I’ll put a row of x’s, in between the questions and the answers so you won’t be tempted to look ahead. Ready? Here we go. Write your answers d own on a piece of paper so you can compare your answers to the answers…if nothing else, it will be an eye opener. I’ve found this to be a fun game at parties…believe it or not, I’ve had small crowds of people together trying to answer. I’ve even been googled while i was giving the answers, right in front of everyone, so believe me, the answers are right..check them yourself. All the answers are obviously an approximation, but nevertheless, close enough that you couldn’t argue over their validity.
1. What is the population of the United States?
2. What is the population of Canada?
3. We have an immigration problem in America. Does the latin immigration problem come from Cuba or does it come from Mexico?
4. What is the population of Cuba?
5. What is the population of Mexico?
6. What is the population of Florida?
7. What state has the most number of people in it in the US?
8. How many people live there?
9. What state in America has the 2nd most number of people?
10. How many live in this state?
Ok, now lets just ask a few questions about overseas.11. Who is the number one country the US trades with?
12. How many people live there?
13. How many people live in China?
14. How many people live in India?
15. What religious belief system (protestant, catholic, jewish) in America has the most number of adherents in America.
16. Of this belief system what sect is the largest in America?
17. How many people identify themselves as Catholic in America.
18. How many Jews are there in the world.
19. What is the population of Israel.
20. If you add up the total populations of the Arab countries that immediately surround Israel, how many would that come to, approximately.
21. What is the population of the earth
22. How many Catholics are there in the world.
23. How many Muslims are there in the world.
24. What country in the world has the most number of Muslims.
Answers:
1. 300 million
2. 28 million (90% live within 100 miles of the US/Canadian border)
3. Mexico
4. 11 million
5. over 100 million
6. 17 million
7. California
8. 35 million
9. Texas
10. 20 million
11. Japan
12. 125 million
13. 1 and a half billion
14. One billion
15. protestants
16. Baptists (15 million)
17. 60 million
18. 10 million (that’s right, in the entire world there are only about 10 million Jews)
19. 5 million ( the rest of the Jews are scattered all over the globe).
20. 225 million
21. 6 Billion
22. one billion
23. 2 billion
24. Indonesia (200 million)
However you did in this game, I would like you to know something that will either really upset you or make you laugh. I have played this game for years with the people I mentioned above (elected officials of all kinds, university professors, etc.) becuase I have been involved in politics since the mid 80’s and I’ve played this game many times with them. By far and away, the great majority of them were only able to get one question right. Just one. Even in groups. In a global world, WHY DON’T THEY KNOW?
Prison Reform
Florida incarcerates nearly 100,000 inmates. Florida leads all other states in its rate of incarcerations. Nationally, more than two million Americans are currently incarcerated. America incarcerates more of its citizens than any other nation in the world! I do not think that anyone will refute that America has a problem with crime, but the question at hand seems to be rehabilitation. How does prison serve to correct and rehabilitate the incarcerated?
Prisons are defined as “Departments of Corrections”. Recidivism consistently hovers at approximately 75 to 80 percent. What do these institutions correct? The statistical indicators point to little or nothing. One could argue that prisons serve little value beyond warehousing inmates. Removing the convicted criminal from mainstream society may be a geographical cure, but for the most part seems temporary and in the long run ineffective for the criminal and a financial burden on the taxpayer.
The theory prison officials often cite as their operative “raison’ detre” is rehabilitation. Florida Jurisprudence 2nd, defines rehabilitation as:
“. . . to restore to ones former rank, privilege or status; to clear the character or reputation of stain; to retrieve forfeited trust and confidence.”
In re: Stoller,36 So. 2d,443,160 Fla. 769.
Does this definition in any way reflect the character and conduct of inmates returning to society after their period of incarceration? Rehabilitation, as defined above does not square with the reality of the prison environment, nor is it congruent with the reception prisoners returning to society can expect to receive once released.
The practical reality of the prison setting is that it is not geared towards rehabilitation, but is predicated upon the practice of retributive punishment. Such treatment is not conducive to rehabilitating offenders, and sadly, the opposite behavior results as the rates of recidivism will support.
I am reminded of statements made by General Janis L. Karpinski in response to questions about the abuse of Iraqi inmates by American soldiers at Abu Gharib Prison. General Karpinski revealed that she was instructed by her superiors to treat the Abu Gharib prisoners like dogs and to never allow the inmates to think that they were more than animals; that if she were to fail in this mandate, then she would have lost control of the Iraqi prisoners inside of Abu Gharib. This is chilling logic. Some readers may feel it is incendiary to compare events at Abu Gharib to what occurs in American prisons, then I would suggest that they review the results of the Stanford University Prison project. The Stanford project occurred in the early 70’s. Abu Gharib over 30 years later is Stanford revisited. Stanford was the theory, Abu Gharib the practice, literally.
It is also worthy of note that prior to being called to active duty in Iraq, several American service personnel implicated in the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in Abu Gharib worked as civilian prison guards in state and federal facilities. Review of record of their conduct while employed in our national prison reveals numerous abuse of prisoner allegations and in at least one case, a civil lawsuit for abuse filed by an American prisoner. A pattern of habitual practice emerges.
Mark Twain is famously quoted as suggesting that “Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform”. It seems to me that this is sound advice to the Florida taxpayer. Rather than continuing to support an ever failing status quo, constituents would better serve their own interests by applying critical thinking to the issues of crime, incarceration and prisons to determine which is the preferable result:
Rehabilitative incarceration with an emphasis on returning to society, sane, well trained men and women. Individuals who while incarcerated addressed their personal issues through treatment obtained viable trade skills and subsequently, could integrate into society as employed, law abiding citizens. OR:
Incarceration with continued retributive punishment. Current patterns demonstrate reinforcement of criminal thinking and behavior. Consequently, you will have an inmate that is released from prison only to commit some headline grabbing crime so deplorably vicious that the first question asked is “Why was this person released from prison?”. Right idea, wrong question. The real question is “Why did this individual enter prison delinquent only to emerge much worse?” Answering the question begins to confront the real problems and failures of the system.
In concluding, a motivational question the readers might ask themselves is: “What kind of inmate do I want released into my neighborhood or living next door to me?”
Michael Anthony Wachter
The War On Terror
The war on terror is an abject failure. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the theory was that the U.S. would take war to Al-Qaeda and/or any other terrorist organization presenting a threat to America or American interests. Surgical attacks to eliminate terrorists cells wherever they were identified. This was and still remains a sound operational theory. Consequently, America has wound up pinned down in Iraq and Afghanistan without any solid accomplishments to show for it. Iraq in particular has become a reprise of Vietnam. Iraq is a war without end if it continues on its present course.
The current Presidential administration claims to want to bring democracy to Iraq, however, the reality is that Iraq does not wish to become a democracy. Iraq is a theocracy, in fact, it is a society dominated by Islamo-fascism. Attempting to impose democracy in this country appears to be an exercise in futility. As long as Iraq is controlled by Islamic law, no amount of military might will change the country into a peaceful, democratic society. This is a war without end! It is a war that America lost before a single shot was fired.
A practical solution might be to address Muslim violence. Violence is a part of the culture and is an Arab problem. Don’t we want to keep the violence in the Middle East? Why not extract American troops and allow Iraq to devolve into whatever Theocratic permutation it will adopt? We cannot stop these maniacs from killing themselves; so let them slaughter one another and keep them contained while they do so.
America can enforce strict border control and isolate fundamentalist Islam from the civilized world. Let the Arab nations do as they wish inside of their borders. We cannot control them, so we should cease trying to do so and utilize our military to enforce containment. The supply of oil fuels this war (no pun intended). Let us redirect our funds to strengthen our borders and seek alternative fuel sources. Finding viable fuel sources is a vastly, more obtainable goal than coercing Muslim extremists to adopt democratic principles and begin to play nicely. Use American troops inside of our country to secure our nation against terrorist attacks.
Although it would be prudent in the extreme to electively and preemptively-now-strike and remove any and all known terrorists; utilize the original theory and make several examples of them so that the consequences of terrorist acts will be known. The use of shock and awe seems most practical and decisive.
What is indisputable and painfully self-evident is the fact that Iraq is a losing-lost battle. The war in Iraq has cost 1 billion dollars per week for four long years. Imagine what our country could have done with that money to develop alternative fuel sources! We cannot continue this war. One way for America and Europe to control the Middle east would be for both entities to develop independence from their oil. America must bring our troops home and secure our national integrity and our soil.
Michael Anthony Wachter
Response:
The war on terror is not an “abject” failure. Hundreds of terrorists training camps have been destroyed and thousands of terrorists have been either killed or captured. The war continues and experts agree it will take perhaps fifty years to reduce the threat to an acceptable level. There has not been a successful terrorist attack in the US since 9/11.
Afghanistan, prior to American involvement, was the capital of terrorist training centers. The Taliban ruled a country of over twenty-five million people denying virtually all rights to women including education and health care. Prior to American involvement all things western were banned including basic principles such as; free speech, freedom of religion and any form of citizen involvement in their government. Today, virtually all the training camps have been destroyed and while the Taliban continues to exist, its influence has been reduced by an estimated 85% to 90%.
Iraq is not a theocracy or dominated by “Islam-fascism”. Iraq has a democratically elected government. The nation is dominated by three major religious factions; the Kurds, the Shiites and the Sunnis. These factions have been and are involved in a deadly struggle to control the government. The Kurds with their own geographical area are at relative peace. The Sunnis who were dominant under the regime of Sadam Hussein are in the minority. The Shiites are the largest of the three competing groups. As Shiites and Sunnis fight for control, Al Qaeda forces supplied and financed by Iran fuel the fire. The overwhelming majority of Iraqis want what all people want, to live in peace and prosperity with a hope for the future. If this goal can be achieved it will change the Middle East and the world in an unprecedented, positive way.
Americans particularly young Americans expect immediate results and gratification-and that is the world we live in. History, however teaches us that dramatic changes for the better or worse takes a very long time, costs many lives and much treasure. Our own history reminds us that from July 4, 1776 it took twenty- three years before we had a Constitution and became the United States of America.
Iraq is a huge nation strategically placed in the Middle East and home to over 25 million people with huge oil resources. If Iraq were to fall today to total chaos and an all-out rebellion the effects of Middle East and the world would be catastrophic.
Islamic fundamentalist cannot be contained, as there are hundreds of thousands of Islamic fundamentalists living in France, England and in fact, throughout Europe, Asia indeed the Untied States (recall the recent attempted attacks). Even if the entire terrorist lived in one area, they could not possibly be contained, consider the relationship between Russia and China and their trade relationship and support for Syria, Iran and other rogue nations. Our “ally”, the Saudis, produce thousands of terrorists (including Osama Bin Laden). How are we to isolate a third of the world? As an aside, it is estimated that by the year 2050, the dominant religion of France will be Islam.
Americans and many of their politicians talk of alternative energy as if this would change our oil dependence overnight. This sounds great and many people pay lip service to this lofty goal in spite of the stark reality. We refuse to build nuclear power plants; we talk about ethanol when it takes an acre of land to produce 50 barrels of oil at an energy cost of over 40 barrels. Hydrogen scientists tell us it is at least 50 years away from being even possible viable. Wind and solar power couldn’t produce more than 2% of our growing energy needs under the most optimistic forecasts. Instead of sitting around waiting for the magic energy fairy to wave her magic wand, how about taking immediate action on things that do work? Nuclear power works. France uses it to supply over 20% of its’ electricity. The Chinese are planning and building an estimated 17 nuclear power plants right now, as is India. America is awash in oil from Anwar, Alaska to the huge reser5ve fields in the gulf. Clean burning new coal fired plants have terrific potential. America has an estimated 500 plus years of coal reserves. If we used our current reserves properly, we could wean ourselves away from Arab oil much quicker while we continue to work on alternative fuels that show potential.
Maybe the world would be a better place if we didn’t have to fight wars, if all countries could live in peace, and kindness and compassion governed nations and all their people.
Well, sorry, this isn’t a damn Beatles song! There are hundreds of thousands of terrorists with very sophisticated weapons and schemes intent on nothing less than killing every one of us.
There are no easy answers, no simplistic solutions to the world’s problems. One last thought…the only thing that is “indisputable and painfully self evident” is that in world politics, war and peace, life and death, NOTHING is “indisputable and painfully self evident”.
By: L.D.
Let me say first that I do not believe that homosexuality is a result of environmental influence. People are born homosexual or heterosexual. Ever met anyone that told you they knew they were gay when they were a child? I have. Grew up with a few too from otherwise normal heterosexual parents and households. Where environment does play a factor is in teen years when peer pressure may influence a gay woman or man to come out of “the closet” and deal honestly with their sexual orientation. I also feel that couples that share a home and financial responsibilities together should be able to benefit from tax breaks or other state and federal programs that married couples have.
Now on the subject of marriage, this is a boundary that I personally cannot accept for homosexual couples. The word “marriage” is taken. The gay community needs a new word.
Persia
Did you all know that October is breast awareness month? Women can get a mammogram at a discounted rate. They usually cost around $250.00. This month a woman can get one for $70.00 or less . I received my prescription for my mammogram and called to make the appointment at a prominent hospital in Ft. Lauderdale. I told the technician that I had the form for breast awareness month and would like the discount to apply. She asked me if I had implants. I told her that I did and was told that discounts don’t apply to women with implants. So breast awareness is only for women without augmented breasts! I wonder how many women that excludes? This is one glaring example of how health care is mismanaged in the U. S.
Persia
“Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.” James Madison
“We the people…”, democracy is founded on certain fundamental rights designed to assure that the will of the people is heard, individually and collectively. Voting is the process where each of us express our opinions by selecting the candidate who best represents our personal values, hopes and dreams. By referendum, the majority of people elect the leader we want as our commander in chief.
Voting is our right and our responsibility!
The past elections reveal increasing apathy with abysmal voter turnout. People choose not to participate either because they are simply lazy or more likely that they believe their vote is insignificant and won’t make a difference in the bigger picture.
People wake up! Every individual counts and stimulates a chain reaction of power. In history, it is proven that when the mass of people unite, there is not an army on the Earth that can stop their inertia or strength.
When citizens shirk their responsibility to vote, they give up their voice in regard to the policies and activities of our government. Porn the Vote exists to facilitate voter registration and to encourage American citizens to register and vote in the upcoming 2008 Presidential election. Use your rights and participate in the democratic process and exercise your vote
I have written essays about issues I feel strongly about. Your input on these issues is welcomed as well as any blogs, chats and emails. Dialogue and debate is encouraged. Individuals are entitled to their views and opinions. Personal beliefs and positions are equally valid from one person to the next. Please refrain from attacking or belittling another person; instead, debate in a logical and unemotional manner.
If a conflict arises, look at your opponent’s position and analyze which statements are supported by fact, or at least those that are related to a logical argument.
Persia’s Palace does not endorse a political party, group or candidate. This would not be conducive to an impartial and fair discussion, and furthermore, we are not going to dwell on polarizing issues to the exclusion of everything else.
An impressionable quote from Gertrude Stein, “Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.” This seems to be the case particularly during election time.
It is vital that as a society we make informed and rational decisions based on facts when we cast our vote at the polls. Our collective vote insures that we are responsible for placing enlightened leadership to direct our Nation’s future.
Hi Persia,
At a show I recently attended there was a discussion going on about the legal climate and the porn industry in this country. Someone raised the issue that the porn industry does not have a Political Action Committee (PAC) to lobby our leaders and donate funds to campaigns. I agree and believe in this country a PAC is essential for any industry to make advancements in trade and regulations. How does the porn industry go about forming a PAC?