Truth for a Birthday Present...

I'm just getting ready to meet some friends for a drink or two in celebration of my birthday, when I thought I'd check on the news. What do I find? "A Coup Has Occurred," by Daniel Ellsberg at consortiumnews.com.

The story is actually a transcript of an apparently somewhat extemporaneous speech Mr Ellsberg delivered at the American University on 20 Sept.

Read it - please! (here)

It is not good news, but it is a gift nevertheless. It is precious because our nation is daily emerging as more and more fascist and reactionary. Aggression in the cause of wealth and power is painted as freedom-fighting while assaults to our freedoms are codified into law by those sworn to protect them. It is precious because our Leader's violence is not limited to those abroad, but increasingly directed to any voice of sanity and humanity here at home. It is a gift because it is courageous and because it is truth.

Don't read it and think it over-dramatic. If you can only occasionally stomach a direct look at those things you would normally rather not think too much about, let that moment be now as you read this article.

There are darker days ahead, but perhaps not total oblivion. This is a looming storm we can fight and fight it we must. This article is but a forecast...

Peace, peace, peace.

I just want to get a couple of pics up from Peru (May 2006). This is Machu Picchu...

This is Huaynapicchu - up above Machu Picchu which we reached via the steepest trail I've ever attempted. It nearly killed me! I swore to myself I'd never smoke again (that didn't work). Lori was ever-so-patient, but I think she must have barely resisted leaving me behind...

Over-looking the Sacred Valley of the Incas just a few kilometers beyond Cuzco... This was a really good trip - but exhausting!