Stumbled upon this today while conducting google searches out of sheer boredome. It is a list of 1,470 very good reasons not to vote for Bush this November, which includes links to pertinent articles. If that weren't enough, there are the latest headlines and editorials.
One thing that really caught my attention on that page (because this is the first I've heard of it) was this:
Bush wants to test every American for mental illness--including you! And guess who will create the tests?Next month, President Bush plans to unveil a broad new mental health plan called the “New Freedom Initiative.” Never mind that it couldn’t have less to do with freedom; if you’re a thinking American, this initiative should scare the hell out of you.
The New Freedom Initiative proposes to screen every American, including you, for mental illness. To this end, the president established a New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, to study the nation’s mental health delivery service and make a report. It’s interesting to note that many on the staff appointed to the Commission have served on the advisory boards of some of the nation’s largest drug companies.
The commission reported that “despite their prevalence, mental disorders often go undiagnosed,” so it recommended comprehensive mental health screening for “consumers of all ages,” including preschool children because “each year, young children are expelled from preschools and childcare facilities for severely disruptive behaviors and emotional disorders.”
Children and school personnel will be the first to be screened. The panel concluded that schools are in “key positions” to screen the 52 million students and six million adults who work at the schools. By doing this, the commission expects to flush out another six million persons not now receiving treatment. But who will decide the screening criteria? Bush and his people? The drug companies? What are their qualifications?
One recommendation of the commission was that the screening be linked with “treatment and supports,” using “specific medications for specific conditions.” It is no coincidence that the treatments recommended for specific conditions are the newest state-of-the-art treatments that will bring in the most revenues for the drug companies. One of these emerging treatments is a capsule implanted within the body that delivers doses of medication without the patient having to swallow pills or take injections. If a government wanted to exert control of its citizens, think of the implications of using this device.
The Texas Medication Algorithm Project, or TMAP, was named by the commission as a “model” medication treatment plan that “illustrates an evidence-based practice that results in better consumer outcomes.” Medical algorithms are a decision-tree approach to treatment. If symptoms A, B, and C are evident, use treatment X. In 1995, TMAP began as an alliance of individuals from the University of Texas, the pharmaceutical industry, and the mental health and corrections systems of Texas. This plan was trumpeted by the American Psychiatric Association even as it asked for increased funding to implement TMAP. When an employee of the Inspector General’s office revealed that state officials with influence over the plan had received money and perks from drug companies who stood to gain from it, the plan came under severe criticism.Allen Jones, an employee of the Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General, wrote a whistleblower report in which he stated that behind the recommendations of the New Freedom Commission was the “political/pharmaceutical alliance” that developed the Texas project, which promotes the use of newer, more expensive antipsychotics and antidepressants. He further claimed that this unholy alliance was “poised to consolidate the TMAP effort into a comprehensive national policy to treat mental illness with expensive, patented medications of questionable benefit and deadly side effects, and to force private insurers to pick up more of the tab.”
In an article in the British Medical Journal, Jones shows that many companies who helped launch TMAP are also major contributors to Bush’s re-election funds. For example, Eli Lilly manufactures olanzapine. This is one of the drugs recommended in the New Freedom plan. Lilly has numerous ties to the Bush administration according to the British Medical Journal. It says George Herbert Walker Bush was once a member of Lilly’s board of directors. Our current President Bush appointed Lilly’s chief executive officer, Sidney Taurel, as a member of the Homeland Security Council. Eighty-two percent of Lilly’s $1.6 million in political contributions in 2000 went to Bush and the Republican Party.
Now don’t get me wrong. The medical algorithm approach used in Texas shows promise as a treatment tool for mental health and other illnesses. But make no mistake; this initiative is not really about treatment tools. Masquerading in the lamb's fleece of providing mental health treatment to needy folk is the greedy wolf called Big Pharma. Helping out Big Pharma in the form of the TMAP has nearly bankrupted Texas. So why would our president want to do that to the rest of the nation?
To understand this, one must look at the big picture.
At the recent Inequality Matters Conference, Bill Moyers illuminated listeners on the front of a new class war being waged against us by the wealthy leviathan corporations. “Their stated and open aim is to change how America is governed, to strip from government all its functions except those that reward their rich and privileged benefactors…. Their leading strategist in Washington, the same Grover Norquist, has famously said he wants to shrink the government down to the size that it could be drowned in a bathtub. More recently, in commenting on the fiscal crisis in the states and its affect on schools and poor people, Norquist said, ‘I hope one of them’--one of the states--‘goes bankrupt.’ So much for compassionate conservatism…. The White House pursues the same homicidal dream without saying so. Instead of shrinking down the government, they're filling the bathtub with so much debt that it floods the house, water-logs the economy, and washes away services for decades that have lifted millions of Americans out of destitution and into the middle-class. And what happens once the public’s property has been flooded? Privatize it. Sell it at a discounted rate to the corporations.”
On a website describing the Take Back America conference in June of 2003, Moyers is paraphrased: “[The Bush Administration] would privatize public services in order to enrich the corporate interests that fund campaigns and provide golden parachutes to pliable politicians. If unchecked, the result of these machinations will be the dismantling of every last brick of the social contract…. I think this is a deliberate, intentional destruction of the United States of America.”
The destruction of America is evident in many ways. Do not be fooled; the Bushites intend to control all they can, and if that can include your brain, they will do it. If Big Pharma benefits, all the better. The New Freedom Initiative is an early step toward both, and $20 million has already been set aside to implement the initiative.
Work now to maintain your grip on your first great freedom, the power to control your own thoughts. Work now to maintain your grip on your secondary freedom of being able to control the approval for your own medical treatments. Ask your congressmen and senators today to put an end to the New Freedom Initiative.
Find your congressional representatives and senators here!
Jordanne Graham is a writer and researcher in the Midwest. She is doing all she can to protect the country and the environment.
Posted Sunday, August 8, 2004
It makes my hair stand up on end. When I was a teenager I had a dream that I'll never forget. One of the most lucid dreams of my lifetime. I dreamt that I was a little girl again and that our country was being controlled by a very evil man. In my dream, he was the devil. This man was using a drug to gain control of people's minds. Him and his "soldiers of the new world order" (as they were in my dream) were targeting children as a priority because their minds were still so maleable. My parents were revolutionaries in the dream, saving the children from this evil ruler and his terrible mind control drug. In my dream, there were safe havens. Places where my parents would hide the children where we would all be safe from the devil and his soldiers. One of the safe havens was this big tall building. My parents took us there, as we were being pursued. It was them and us, a large group of children.
For some reason they had to leave me alone in a room in the building. They took the other children with them and promised to be right back. I sat down in a chair. Suddenly, a man appeared in another chair across from me. I knew who he was the moment I saw him. I knew he was the demon who was trying to control and manipulate our minds. He spoke to me telapathically. He held out his hand and in it was a little foil package. He told me with his thoughts "take it." I said "no." I was speaking without moving my lips or making a sound. He insisted "don't you just want a little taste?" I said "no." He tossed the package at me and my hand reflexively reached out to catch it. The foil wrapper fell open in my palm and a pale green gel leaked out onto my skin. He asked me again "don't you want to taste?" I was compelled. I touched my tongue to my palm. I could taste it. In my dream I tasted it. It was sweet and cold and stung a little. My mind began to twist upon itself. I looked at the man across from me and his face distorted into a horrible mask of evil. His soul began to reveal itself and it was ugly. It reminded me of when Jack Nicholson exposes himself as satan in "The Witches of Eastwick." I jumped up and tried to run. His arm shot out and he gripped my wrist tightly. I wrenched free of him and began to run again. I ran and ran until I woke up from the dream. I know it sounds crazy, but I honestly believe that it was a premonition. If this article is true, it only confirms it. But I never imagined that the goal would be for the drug companies to prosper. That is truly the most dispicable thing that I can imagine at this moment.
Posted by Maria at August 10, 2004 05:09 PM | TrackBackDid you ever wonder why kids nowadays seem to be taller, bigger, stronger than you when you were that age? Hormones in food? It's not a coinkydink, Maria. Nor are these "initiatives" disguised as "for the good health of the people" This kind of bullshit is just a backdoor for the failed TIA (Total Information Act). The necons will stop at nothing to get the full frontal on all of us. From health to our buying habits. They want it all.
Posted by: Nunya at August 10, 2004 05:29 PMBut isn't this the same dude who's taking "powerful anti-depressant drugs"???
I believe this statement is what made Presidential aides concerned:
“Keep those motherfuckers away from me,” he screamed at an aide backstage. “If you can’t, I’ll find someone who can.”
Oh. The 'man of God' has a potty mouth....
I see the tinfoil beanie supply hasn't run out yet.
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 10, 2004 05:50 PMGeoff. Maria's asked us nicely to stop. I think she's earned our respect and then some. I guarantee you she has mine. I think a rule of thumb is to stop personalizing differing points of view. We pose no threat to one another except perhaps ideologically.
But that's all and it's an obscure threat not a real one.
What say you? There's a good man.
To Maria:
Missed you too dollface. I still haven't mailed you my photos of the palazzi last May-June. I've been crazy busy... but thought of you often. Neil sends regards. He actually asked after you yesterday in fact. We've just gotten home from three days in Provincetown and met the most interesting Anglican Priest. We went to Pepe's on the harbour for the most amazing feast of Steamed Clams and Lobster. Good company.. and interesting perspectives. The old town's in full swing. There's the most wonderful change in the air here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts... you can actually sense the discontent of the disenfranchized (and to a degree the suburbanites as well... not that they're any less 'disenfranchized') and the palpable interest in the November elections. I just love the Commonwealth. No place like it for "firsts" ;-)
Be well. I'll be in touch before I leave. :)
Posted by: Richard at August 10, 2004 06:06 PM"there's a good man" hehe, too funny.
I liked what Mike Moore said on Bill Mahre a couple of weeks ago - that this election will hardly be close. I agree with him. I think enough people are angered and even more people realize how much their vote does count. Folks have had 4 years to stew over a stolen election. I really will not be surprised if Kerry wins by a nice sized margin.
Posted by: nunya at August 10, 2004 08:16 PMActually, your ego is to big. I was referring to the original topic, not your comment. When I'm talking to you, you'll know. Until then, back in your cage.
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 10, 2004 09:03 PM;-) "too". (Grammar 101)
And Geoff old man... my 'ego' is neither bigger nor smaller than it need be. It suits me and those who I allow to 'stroke' it.
With due defference to our hostess' wishes my fellow statemate, I'll bid you farewell.
Posted by: Richard at August 10, 2004 09:53 PM;-) "deference" (spelling 101)
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 11, 2004 09:49 AMRichard: Send Neil my regards as well! That's sweet to know that you guys think of me. I think of you often too. I look forward to the photos! (But don't stress about it, I know how it is getting around to all the things a person intends to do...) XOXO
Nunya, I certainly hope you're right about this election. I beg the gods and goddesses every day to prevent the Bush administration from pulling any dirty tricks to try to steal the election again. I know they will try. But I believe we will prevail. Our lives, freedom and future depends on it.
Posted by: Maria at August 11, 2004 11:59 AM"Kindness". (Human heart 101)
You simply cannot find it in yourself to be anything but unkind Geoff, no matter what civility is extended your way. I'm assuming no one's been awfully kind to you generally throughout your life and I'm sorry. But I'm curious, what sours a person so thorougly? I'm truly interested. This isn't meant to incite a jab or a nasty response. The phenomenon couldn't have escaped you. You simply seem to lack the milk of human kindness.
*******************************************
Maria?
Thanks. Will send along shortly.
Posted by: Richard at August 11, 2004 01:38 PMMaria - I know the book says "don't sweat the little things" but the "little things" floating around this election year are exactly what bothers me. I just read a headline about Al-Qeade is looking to disrupt the elections. One of their slogans was "anybody but Bush." It just feel like there is the "splinter in my brain" about that. I am now terror psychology excpert, but it seems too clean and too obvious for a terrorist to say that, as if the Bush camp themesleve are cooking this shit up and serving it so to scare the voters into thinking "hey, these gusy are afraid of bush if he wins again...." which couldn't be farther from the truth. I don't think it matters who is in office, you know damn well we will be fighting terrorism tooth and nail.
I am just not buying into this bullshit and I pray that most others are not either.
I agree that is complete crap. I don't believe for one second that any terrorist has said that, except perhaps those Americans who are presumed terrorist supporters for their non-support of Bush. I have never seen such manipulative politics in all my life, and according to my parents, neither have they. I don't think terrorists want Bush out of office. He gives them the fuel they need for their fire to burn. He gives them a recruiting pitch. It's harder to recruit and breed terrorists whose target is the U.S., when the U.S. is harboring goodwill from the rest of the world. Since the opposite is true of the present time, as long as Bush is in office, we are facing a terrorist threat like no other before.
Posted by: Maria at August 11, 2004 03:39 PMAnybody with a lick of commons ense can see our pre-emptive unilateral presence in other countries fuels recruiting for terrorists more than no presence. Anyone who opens up half an eye and qaurter of a brain can see that the level of terrorism in Iraq has increased exponentially since our "occupation." It is the nature of things. To say that it is not the consequence of the action is blind denial. You are absolutley correct Maria - the recruiters love Bush's policy because it gives them hard core fact to where they no longer need propaganda to recruit young ignorant uneducated fundamentalists. They can easily say "we need no propaganda, just walk outside your door, what did you see yesterday before they came in and what do you see today?"
Of course, the Bush camp is going to milk this for all they can. Anybody but Bush - they need to get more original with their lies.
You simply cannot find it in yourself to be anything but unkind Geoff, no matter what civility is extended your way. I'm assuming no one's been awfully kind to you generally throughout your life and I'm sorry. But I'm curious, what sours a person so thorougly? I'm truly interested. This isn't meant to incite a jab or a nasty response. The phenomenon couldn't have escaped you. You simply seem to lack the milk of human kindness.
You can't seem to drop it, so rather than reply to your under the radar jabs, I'll ignore you. You're too stupid to understand.
Later, you're dead to me.
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 11, 2004 03:50 PMKnock it off. I don't want to say it again. Geoffrey, you call anyone here stupid one more time and I will edit it out of your comment.
p.s. you may not have realized it, but your response proved his point.
Posted by: Maria at August 11, 2004 03:53 PMI call it like I see it, Maria. You allow snide underhanded comments if they are from "your side of the fence", then when they are responded to you decide to get into the fray. It's fine to have an opinion, but don't portray yourself as trying to keep the peace when you allow one team to be mouthy, but not the other.
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 11, 2004 04:09 PMGeoffrey, I haven't heard anyone here call you any names. Richard asked you a question. It wasn't nasty, rude, perverted or hateful. You responded by calling him stupid. In my book, you're the one that's wrong. It has nothing to do with whose side I'm on, but I'm sure it's easier for you to look at it that way.
Posted by: Maria at August 11, 2004 04:11 PMDon't bother Maria. Just end it right here. You could delete all the comments up until the 3:50pm one - which was the last one on topic.
Posted by: Nunya at August 11, 2004 04:14 PMGeoffrey, I haven't heard anyone here call you any names. Richard asked you a question. It wasn't nasty, rude, perverted or hateful. You responded by calling him stupid.
I responded to the intent of the question, not the words. Fine, I'll play word jousts, then, and ask sincere questions.
Richard, what mental problems have you had in your life that has caused you to be such a self-loathing individual? What makes you hate yourself so much that you have to invent drama in your life, lie to your friends, and cheat on your lover just to gain a little attention? Did your parents ignore you as a child? I don't mean to elicit a nasty response, I just truly would like to understand you better.
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 11, 2004 04:20 PMFair enough.
Posted by: Maria at August 11, 2004 04:21 PMhow is any of this related to the topic?
Posted by: nunya at August 11, 2004 05:15 PM"I just read a headline about Al-Qeade is looking to disrupt the elections. One of their slogans was "anybody but Bush.""
Sounds like Al-Queda has something in common with Moonbats. I just posted a comment on our site about this that's worth sharing:
"With the political climate of six months ago, the Democrats were set for a sweep had they selected a credible and qualified candidate. Some strategy huh?
They're a victim of themeselves. Rather than focus on a good candidate for America's future, their rallying call became "Anyone but Bush". They put the cart in front of the horse."
Explain to me how Kerry is any less qaulified and credible as Bush?
Posted by: Nunya at August 11, 2004 06:25 PMIn my eyes, his congressional record and platform make him less qualified. I don't know if I would use the term credibility, though, in the latter part of your question. That carries the assumption that he's lying. I'm not willing to say that he is. I will say it's evident that he either doesn't know where he stands on major issues or he doesn't dare say it for fear of political repercussions. That is evident in his campaign.
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 11, 2004 06:52 PMAre you happy with your candidate NeoCUNT?
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 11, 2004 07:17 PMI can respect that stance Geoff. I disagree that his so-called "flip flopping" is a problem. I would hope to God my government has people who think and have the ability to change their mind based on current events.
And yes, Gordon. I am satisifed with Kerry. I think he will do a decent job as President, and his military record will help him be a decent commander in chief.
Posted by: Nunya at August 11, 2004 07:30 PMI'm glad you're happy with him. For purely selfish reasons, in that it benefits me and my goals. I think the Democrats made a mistake in selecting him. That's just my take on it. i'm convince given the politcal climate that you could have swept this. No chance now though.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 11, 2004 10:54 PMMaybe testing crazy bloggers for insanity is a simpler option. This thread alone has great subject matter for testing, it contain very little gray matter and reads mostly like the Mad Hatter. This comment brought to you by Lobotomy Bitch, thanks. ;)
Posted by: Cupie at August 12, 2004 12:59 AMhere is yet another "good one" from the Repukelicans.
http://www.cheneyblog.com/htsite/blog/index.php?page=blog_04081034
Posted by: nunya at August 12, 2004 11:52 AMNeoCUNT,
Are you sure you make a living working on and with computers? You seem to struggle with the comments section a lot. Do you want to know how to link a URL to your keyword?
And no I'm not being a wiseass.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 12, 2004 04:55 PMGee, you could have sure fooled me, asshole.
What is the matter, asshole, you too much of a pussy fuck to admitt that you are too lazy to copy and paste the url? I admitt I am too lazy to wrap the url in a hyperlink reference anchor.
Posted by: nunya at August 12, 2004 05:42 PMand I hope I mentioned that you are an ASSHOLE. Sorry maria, if he is going to detract from the content of the url which states that Dick Cheney makes anyone attending any speech he hold to sign a consent for pledging loyalty to the GOP and that they will vote for them (regarldess of the fact that he is the VP and people have every right to hear what he has to say regardless of the party affliation without having to sign a fucking consent form)
then I am going to detract from my vow that I will be civil. There is no way to be civil to these fucking clowns. That are 40 something frat faggots who never grew the fuck up mentally.
I really just wanted to help Nunya. Get over yourself would you?
If you want to be taken serious it helps to use links rather than just post URL's. Plus it's the human nature of people to be lazy and not bother to copy and paste but if it's a link they are twice as apt to click it.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 12, 2004 06:47 PMIn other words, what you guys are so good at, mislead the people
Remember that post of mine you wrote about the big fish you caught?
Same situation. Reversed roles with exception to you spazzing out.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 12, 2004 07:17 PMHey, where's the nice police to yell at the rule breaker?
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 12, 2004 07:18 PMI guess I am supposed to sit idly by when you guys continue your shit even after Maria asked nicely for us to stop. I did stop. I was willing to let it go. I offered a truce of sorts. But of course, you have to continue the garbage.
Posted by: nunya at August 12, 2004 08:05 PMYa know. I am in a better mood. I am jovial. Hell, I am even feeling the love for Bush. I may just vote this fucking guy in again!
Why? Because I am stting here watching this clown and his wife (who is just as moronic as he is) and it is comical to watch him. He provides good entertainment. Nobody in their right or left minds can honestly say this guy should be president. The only good reason for him being president is the laugh factor.
I am not the best public speaker in the world. My mind can get ahead of me sometiems when explaining certain technical situations. But I never fumble as bad is this fool does.
Posted by: nunya at August 12, 2004 09:45 PMWhat is even better is the fact I am sure the questions Larry King is asking were screened well im advance by the Bush team. Even screen question stump this fuck.
Posted by: nunya at August 12, 2004 09:46 PMAnyone here ever watch the movie "Meet the Parents"? Hilarious. The whole time I just cringed as Ben Stiller went from one humiliating and misunderstood scenario to the next.
I felt the same way for Ben Stiller as I do for Nunya right now. Just plain emberassed FOR him.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 13, 2004 01:22 PMAnd I feel sorry for your wife, "Gordon." I feel pity she has to live with such a super asshole.
Posted by: Nunya at August 13, 2004 05:32 PMnice police? anyone? Name calling is allowed again?
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 13, 2004 06:48 PMI'm hoping you guys will get tired one day. I think I've made it clear how I feel. I really don't want to be a cop. It's not actually fun for me. I just keep praying one day you will just learn to ignore eachother. It's obviously too much to expect from grown men.
Posted by: Maria at August 13, 2004 07:38 PMAnd Nunya, it's true, I asked nicely for the namecalling to stop. That goes for everyone.
Posted by: Maria at August 13, 2004 07:39 PMGrow up, NeoCUNT.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 13, 2004 11:43 PMah, i guess it is ok for "gordon" to continue calling me neoCUNT. Even when I was being civil, it continued. I *DID* ignore them, but you continued to allow them to spout off their bullshit. Am I not allowed to defend myself? Did I not make an effort before hand?
Posted by: nunya at August 14, 2004 12:44 AMNunya, not for nothing, but a few posts back you had said unequivocally that you were through with Geoff and Gordon and you refused to even address them. I read that at least twice within this last week. I am not calling you any names; I am not discussing any politics, and I am not taking any sides. But I do have to wonder why you continue taking the bait. You keep saying your're through with these games but you keep on playing. You call it "defending yourself"; from others' viewpoints it's called taking the bait. Anyway, I can't understand why you feel the need to "defend" yourself and neither can a lot of other people. This back and forth crap has been going on for so long with the same ridiculous lines being spewed on both sides that it's become beyond predictable. Maria starts a topic, and it ALWAYS ends up in the same predictable manner.
Anyway, back to my question, I guess if you're going to continue "defending yourself" then it looks a little silly to keep saying you're through with them forever.
Posted by: Vickie at August 14, 2004 07:51 AMI'm done with you, Vickie!
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 14, 2004 10:14 AMI'm tired of Vickie spewing her crap at me.
Posted by: Gordon the Magnificent at August 14, 2004 10:40 AMWhat the fuck was that for??
Posted by: Vickie at August 14, 2004 11:49 AMOh. More forgeries apparently.
Ok. You all win. Sorry Maria. I think I'm done completely with all of this crap.
Nah, Vickie.
I was joking. Being sarcastic. I assume Gordo was too.
Sorry.
Posted by: Geoffrey at August 14, 2004 12:07 PMFuck. You got me. So many forgeries by him that I assumed it was him since I was talking to him about how he always rises to the bait. I should kick your asses :)
So how about that hurricane?
Posted by: Vickie at August 14, 2004 12:10 PM