Latest News & Analysis April 1-15 2004

APRIL 15

COLUMNIST PROPOSES FILM MEGASTAR AS CONSTITUTION PARTY NOMINEE

"I recently attended a homeschool convention in New Hampshire where I had a very entertaining discussion with Lee Button, chairman of the Constitution Party of New Hampshire, and his volunteers. They had a booth at the convention in an effort to interest homeschoolers in joining the party.

"¼The Constitution Party is basically an ideological movement that cannot provide access to the movers and shakers who make policies in the federal government. One gives to the Constitution Party for ideological reasons only.

"Indeed, what is the function of an ideological conservative political party in today’s largely two-party system? It is to give voice to those who find the two parties and their candidates unacceptable. But it’s a voice that is barely heard beyond the meeting rooms in which the ideologues discuss their plans.

"And so, in the course of our conversation, I came up with a brilliant idea. I told Lee and his associates, 'Why don’t you nominate Mel Gibson for President? That will get you on the front pages of every newspaper in the country.' Indeed, Gibson would be an ideal candidate of a party that mentions the name Jesus Christ in the Preamble to the Party’s Platform."

RN 24/7: It started as an aside at a conservative get together, when columnist Samuel L. Blumenfeld (author of N.E.A.: Trojan Horse in American Education and other books) suggested to a Constitution Party leader that the party ought to consider Mel Gibson as its presidential candidate this year. The idea isn't as quixotic as it might first sound. The record-breaking turnout at the box office for his film, The Passion of the Christ, despite one of the most vicious smear campaigns in recent memory, shows that Mel Gibson spoke for countless Americans with his reverent, traditional approach to the subject matter. Add to that his charisma and literal movie star good looks, past political success of entertainment figures from Ronald Reagan to Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger, a potential campaign "war chest" that would rival (or even surpass) his big party opponents, his conservative views on the issues, and the disenchantment of many on the Right for Bush, and suddenly a run for the White House is all of sudden considerably more plausible. Of course, even if Mel were nominated and accepted (not too likely a scenario), a victory in November wouldn't be too likely, especially because of the rampant vote fraud across the land. "Gibson for President" would, regardless the outcome, be of some benefit to the American political scene, primarily by giving the Constitution Party a significant "jump start" towards visibility in the short run and viability in the long run. Even were he to be nominated without accepting, just from the news angle this could reap dividends for the C.P. And we have a feeling that the current nominee, Michael Peroutka, would gladly step aside to support Braveheart. This is a story that bears watching.

Constitution Party
Official website

Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld
AUDIO TEXT
From HowtoTutor.com

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

"Bin Laden" offers truce to Europe, but not US
"Arab television stations yesterday aired a new audio tape purportedly from Osama bin Laden offering a truce with European states if they stop attacking Muslims, but not with the United States."

Text of "Bin Laden Tape'
"An audiotape purported to be from Osama Bin Laden has been broadcast by the pan-Arab al-Arabiya and al-Jazeera satellite channels. In the tape the voice offers conditional reconciliation with Europe."

Another Phony Bin Laden Tape "From February, with several links concerning falsified messages from the alleged ringleader of the 9-11 attacks."

Italian man becomes first hostage to be executed "Italy's support for the American-led war in Iraq was again placed under pressure last night as it was revealed that an Italian hostage had been executed by his Iraqi kidnappers."

The Income Tax: Still the root of all evil
"From the New Deal to Truman's Fair Deal to Eisenhower's big government Republican administration to the Great Society to Nixon's big government Republicanism to Jimmy Carter's expansion of the welfare state to Reagan's "saving" of Social Security to George Bush's welfare-warfare state administration to Clinton's tax hikes to G.W. Bush's welfare-warfare state polices, all the "evil" of the past seven decades was made possible because the federal government had the power to tax incomes directly."

No Child Left Un-brainwashed
"State-controlled education is the same in principle, no matter what it is labeled. Hitler’s, Mussolini’s and the Bolsheviks’ systems of education were designed to compel the children to embrace the State as their savior. [American Humanist educator John] Dewey had the same goal. The United States has gone far down the path towards having a nationalized education system, where young people are indoctrinated with 'civic virtue' and 'a consciousness of their mission' by the State."

APRIL 14
Bush's Incredible Definition of Credibility
"Outside Bush's head, his statements keep crashing into reality. Tuesday night, ABC's Terry Moran reminded him, 'Mr. President, before the war, you and members of your administration made several claims about Iraq: that U.S. troops would be greeted as liberators with sweets and flowers; that Iraqi oil revenue would pay for most of the reconstruction; and that Iraq not only had weapons of mass destruction but, as Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld said, "We know where they are." How do you explain to Americans how you got that so wrong?'"

President Addresses the Nation in Prime Time Press Conference
VIDEO AUDIO TEXT
From the official White House website

Editorials on Bush news conference

Bush backs Israeli 'peace' initiative
"President George Bush has been accused of inflaming the situation in the Middle East after he backed Israel's plan to start the withdrawal of settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank." Related story

(RN 24/7: It used to that there was at least the formality of having Palestinian representation at peace talks. Now, we just have the president rubberstamping whatever Sharon proposes--"Your wish is my command.")

President Bush commends Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's plan
VIDEO AUDIO TEXT
From the official White House website

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

Bremer 'is powerless to restrain the US military'
"Divisions within the US leadership in Baghdad are hampering negotiations to end the stand-off between the radical cleric Muqtada Sadr (left) and the 2,500 American troops who are surrounding him."
Iraq cleric offers peace talks, US forces poised
"U.S. forces tightened their grip around one of Iraq's holiest cities on Wednesday and the rebel Shi'ite cleric they have vowed to kill or capture offered unconditional talks to spare Najaf a bloodbath."

US must compromise with Iraqi cleric, says Chalabi
"The United States knows it has to seek a compromise with Moqtada al-Sadr, given the Shi'ite cleric's strong support and the sanctity of the city he is in, Iraqi Governing Council member Ahmad Chalabi said on Wednesday."

Judge will rehear motion Friday in Terri Schiavo's law trial
"A local Florida judge will hold a hearing on Friday on the latest fight in the battle over Terri's Law, the measure approved by the state legislature that allowed Governor Jeb Bush to ask doctors to reinsert Terri's feeding tube." Terri's website

Jews versus Zionism: Stifling important debate
"The recent flap instigated by Abraham Foxman and his Zionist 'Anti-Defamation League' against Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of Christ, is a perfect example of how the powerful word-weapon of 'anti-Semitism' is utilized to poison public opinion. It also demonstrates Zionism’s power."

APRIL 13

WILL AMERICA BECOME A POLICE STATE?

If we go to [code alert] Red ... it basically shuts down the country.
—Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge

We are on the verge of global transformation. All we need is the right major crisis and the nations will accept the New World Order.
—David Rockefeller

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase
a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
—Benjamin Franklin

DoD ready to assist in the event of homeland defense
"The Defense Department stands ready to assist authorities at the federal, state and local levels in the event of another terrorist attack on the homeland, a senior DoD official said here April 8."

RN 24/7: Ordinarily, an article like this, which comes from the DoD's website, might not seem so ominous. But that changed after General Tommy Franks made his fateful Cigar Aficionado interview (Nov./Dec. 2003) in which he predicted that another major attack would cause an abridgement of basic freedoms and a rule by martial law. See Gen. Franks doubts Constitution will survive WMDs attack . (For whatever reason, the interview itself isn't can't be found at Cigar Aficionado online, but it has been saved in its entirety at Alex Jones presents Infowars.com .)

From Tommy Franks, a doomsday scenario
"It was the Nine Years' War in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World that facilitated the seizure of power by the world reformers who then took control of nearly all human and social development. In 1984, George Orwell described Oceania as in a constant state of war with a changeable enemy who "always represented absolute evil." These inventors of the great dystopias understood the way governments use war and its associative fear and instability to consolidate power. Despotism thrives on insecurity. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs puts safety right behind food, water and sleep. Humans naturally crave stability and are willing to sacrifice values such as liberty in its pursuit."

General Tommy Franks calls for repeal of US Constitution
"Franks’ scenario goes much further. He is the first high-ranking official to openly speculate that the Constitution could be scrapped in favor of a military form of government."

(RN 24/7: To be precise, it should be noted that General Frank never actually "calls for" (as in openly advocates) such a "solution," but rather, as the quote says, he "speculates" (as in considers what might occur). This isn't to say that he may well support such a plan, only that he doesn't categorically do so in the interview.)

Who is General Tommy Franks?
RN 24/7: Last May we carried this Featured Story about the murky background of General Franks and it seems appropriate to return to it here.

DRESS REHEARSAL FOR AMERICA'S FUTURE?

In the early hours of April 22, 2000 US federal agents stormed the Miami home of a law-biding Cuban-American, seized six-year-old Elian Gonzalez and returned him to Communist Cuba. Like Waco and Ruby Ridge, this incident was an example of how the some (in this case, former President Bill Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno) in the US government will not hesitate to use armed force to violate the rights of citizens. (Considering the context, the date given above is very appropriate, since it is the birthday of Soviet dictator Vladimir Lenin. Was the selection of that day for the raid intentional?)

PRAY FOR ELIAN

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

83 U.S. troops killed in Iraq this month "The number wounded so far in April exceeds the total for any other full month of the war by more than 220."

"No Child Left Behind" and UNESCO
"Yes, your child may have courses called math, science, literature, geography and civics, but those courses are full of globalist myth and its source is UN programs like UNESCO’s 'Education for All' curriculum."

The sad paradox of religion news
"Thanks to the historic box-office bonanza of Mel Gibson’s movie 'The Passion of the Christ' ($330 million and rising), the topic of religion is 'hot' right now. Still, you get that sinking feeling that for the press, it’s just another raging fad like the Tickle Me Elmo doll or the Atkins diet."

APRIL 12

Target of the Year: The American Soldier

Bloody April
"¼new U.S. military figures released Monday showed April to be the deadliest month ever for American soldiers engaging in hostile action in Iraq since the war began a year ago.

"At least 76 American troops have died in hostile action this month in Iraq, according to the U.S. military."

(RN 24/7: Notice the female soldier [front and center] on the Time cover. It used to be that the subversives defended women in the military by saying they would be in strictly non-combat roles. Now that mask has fallen away, as "GI Jane" clutches a rifle just like her male counterparts. Be sure to read on the above link the article, "General: No more troops to send to Iraq," where General Barry McCaffrey says: "There are no more U.S. troops to send to Iraq. That's why we need 80,000 or more troops added to the U.S. Army. Congress is allowing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to dig in his heels and try to maintain a foreign policy based on a grossly undermanned U.S. military." For the "solution" McCaffrey and others propose, see below.)

¼meanwhile, COMING SOON TO A SELECTIVE SERVICE OFFICE NEAR YOU!

THE DRAFT

Nader tells youths to brace for draft "Presidential candidate Ralph Nader this weekend warned his constituents that a military draft is pending, and asked younger voters to prepare. The independent candidate noted that the federal government is filling seats on local draft boards as preparation for a reinstatement of the draft, which was eliminated in 1973."

Retired Air Force general: No easy Iraq solution in sight
"U.S. troops will be in Iraq for a long time to come, according to retired Gen. Merrill 'Tony' McPeak.¼'We're (in Iraq) with about half of what we need. … If it takes the draft, that's what we'll have to do,' McPeak said"

Anyone feel a draft?
"Prominent lawmakers such as Rep. Charles Rangel of New York and others argue that our volunteer military is not representative of society, and that it offends fairness to have casualties in Iraq disproportionately drawn from members of America's less advantaged classes. A presidential election is shaping up in which two veterans of the Vietnam era have had to assert or defend their performance in that conflict - America's last draft-based war."

Beware of attempts to revive military draft "It has been 30 years since the last time an American entered the armed forces through the not-so-tender mercies of the draft, on June 30, 1973. The next time could be just around the corner, if President George W. Bush is re-elected. No, no, no, a thousand times no, say the White House, the Pentagon and Congress. They insist they have no plans for a draft. In any case, take this to the bank: It will not happen before Nov. 2, 2004. Still, the rumors refuse to die, and it was the Pentagon itself that started the buzz. "

Bringing Back the Draft
VIDEO AUDIO TEXT

A PBS Newshour debate between Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL), hosted by Jim Lehrer.

(RN 24/7: The argument that a draft will somehow level the socioeconomic playing field don't have their facts straight. During the Vietnam War, those affluent routinely avoided combat: Not one son of a member of Congress saw duty in Vietnam. Typically the wealthy and powerful were able to avoid service with what was known as a Class II-A, Occupational Deferment. If a young man's skills were deemed critical to a business, such a deferment allowed him a free pass. Although this classification had legitimate applications, such as policemen, firemen, teachers, it was often used as a loophole favoring sons of the influential. Rangel and other supporters of reinstituting the draft can talk all they want about seeing that this doesn't happen again, but history shows that when the rich and famous are involved, they almost invariably have their way and there's no reason to believe this time would be any different. And despite efforts to paint this as a predominantly Republican problem ["if President George W. Bush is re-elected," writes Bob Kessler in the above column], the fact is that it's getting support on both sides of the aisle in Congress, as witnessed by Democratic proponents such as Rangel and opposition from Republican foes like Kirk.)

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

Israel concerned setbacks in Iraq could harm state security
"The defense establishment, monitoring the unfolding escalation in Iraq, is increasingly concerned that American setbacks there could have grave consequences for Israel's security." (RN 24/7: Okay, so now we know why more troops are needed. Incidentally, for anyone wondering, here's a breakdown of coalition forces in Iraq. Please note that of the nations sending military personnel, the United States has by far the largest contingent (no surprise there), while over 25 other countries have sent considerably fewer troops. A careful reading of those nations represented will show that Israel, which is clamoring about how concerned it is because the volatile situation in Iraq threatens its security, has sent a grand total of 0—as in zero—troops, despite the fact that it and none of the coalition nations, could even remotely be said to have reason to fear Iraq? Israeli rationale: Why send Israelis to die when others can be found to risk their necks?)

How much is Terri Schiavo's life worth?
"The world has moved on since the case of Terri Schiavo, whose husband sought to remove the feeding tube that kept her alive, briefly grabbed public attention last fall. But Terri's life remains at risk." Terri's website

A DVD player that 'cleans up' movies
"Clearplay, the Salt Lake City, UT company that aroused Hollywood's anger when it began removing scenes of sex, violence and swearing from its customers' home videos, now has a new weapon in its arsenal -- a $79 DVD player, manufactured by RCA and sold in Wal-Mart stores that has been programmed to skip over or mute possibly objectionable scenes in over 500 movies." Clear Play website

Gibson's 'Passion' is hit in Arab world
"Vocally anti-Semitic Muslims link crucifixion epic to Mideast conflict" (RN 24/7: But wait, if they're Arabs, how can they possibly be anti-Semitic—they are Semites! In fact, they're more Semitic than many [if not most] of the Jews in neighboring Israel.)

In Holy Land, 'Passion of the Christ' is a must-see DVD
"Mel Gibson's controversial film "The Passion of the Christ" has rung up a boffo box-office worldwide. But in the Holy Land, where the biblical epic is set -- and where no distributor has picked it up for theatrical release -- it has become an underground sensation. (RN 24/7: Even in Israel, believe it or not, where the subtitles are in Hebrew!)

Keeping up with 'The Passion' at the box office

APRIL 11

Easter

Bush gave no sign of worry in August 2001

"National security adviser Condoleezza Rice, in her testimony Thursday to the independent commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, spoke of a government on high alert for terrorism in the summer of 2001.

"But if top officials were at battle stations, there was no sign of it on the surface. Bush spent most of August 2001 on his ranch here. His staff said at the time that by far the biggest issue on his agenda was his decision on federal funding of stem cell research, followed by education, immigration and the Social Security 'lockbox.'"

Top 27 pieces of evidence that Condi Rice perjured herself in front of the 9-11 commission
"If you watched Rice's testimony to the 9-11 Commission very carefully, you might have noticed the rare occasions when she was somehow able to refrain from smiling. True, it must have been a joyous occasion for the National Security Advisor, but for the rest of us the event was a bit more sobering. I refer specifically to Rice's artfully choreographed dance around the truth."

Dr. Condoleezza Rice's Opening Remarks to Commission on Terrorist Attacks From the official White House website

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

Who said the war was over? Take one charismatic son of a martyr, mix in a people tired of the disintegration of their nation with heavy-handed US troops and you have the recipe for disaster

President warns of more casualties in Iraq "President George W. Bush today braced the country for the possibility of more American casualties in Iraq while insisting that the US-led mission is just.

Poll shows Floridians split on fate of Terri Schiavo "A new poll shows Florida residents split on the issue of Governor Jeb Bush stepping in six months ago to ensure that Terri Schiavo's estranged husband did not end her life by removing the feeding tube that is allowing her to live." Terri's website

Sharon's seeks US approval for his plans
"Israeli political sources said on Sunday Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will get a written U.S. pledge that in exchange for a Gaza pullout, Israel will not have to give up all of the West Bank under a future peace deal." Related story (RN 24/7: Business as usual.)

Israeli nuclear whistleblower’s day of freedom nears
"After serving nearly 18 years in an Israeli prison—1112 of them in solitary confinement—Mordechai Vanunu should be a free man on April 21. Now 49 years old, he has spent the prime of his life locked in a 6-foot by 9-foot cell in Ashkelon prison for blowing the whistle on Israel’s secret nuclear arsenal."

APRIL 10

Who killed Jesus?

Poor Jews! You invoked a dreadful curse upon your own heads in saying: ‘His blood be on us and our children’; and that curse, miserable race, you carry upon you to this day, and to the End of Time you shall endure the chastisement of that innocent blood. O my Jesus! ... I will not be obstinate like the Jews. I will love thee forever, forever, forever!

—St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

The following column appeared in the 1950s in a rather obscure newsletter known as The Point. (We are, for the moment, uncertain the exact date, but will add it if found.) Despite its humble origins, we think it worth carrying in light of the controversy over the film, The Passion of the Christ. Following it is a link to an article by a Jewish convert that tells the origin of the claim "the Romans did it." A link to a devotional site is also below. (Photo at left: Mattia Sbragia, who portrays the Jewish High Priest Caiphas in the aforementioned movie.)

The Liberal Catholics of our country are now making another concession to Interfaith charity and Brotherhood benevolence. They are saying, "It was not the Jews who crucified Christ; it was the Romans."

I should like to ask these Liberal Catholics a few pointed questions on the subject of Our Lord's death.

Was it the Romans who came out to seize Him in the Garden of Olives with swords and clubs on the night of His Passion, and who brought Him bound to the High Priest, and then to Pontius Pilate, demanding that He should be killed?

Was it a Roman who betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and was it to Romans He was sold for thirty pieces of silver?

Was the High Priest a Roman, who rent his garments and accused Our Lord of blasphemy when He declared Himself to be the Eternal Son of God?

Was it a Roman crowd which stood before the tribunal of Pontius Pilate and shouted: "If this man were not a malefactor we would not have handed Him over to you ... His blood be upon us and upon our children!"

Was it the Romans who disowned Jesus as the King of the Jews, and did not want the inscription placed over His head on the Cross when He hung, crowned with thorns, and with nails in His hands and His feet?

Was it God's judgement in Heaven that the Romans had killed Christ, and was that why the Power of the Almighty some thirty years later razed the Temple of Jerusalem to the ground, and left not one stone upon a stone, and has never allowed it to be rebuilt from that day to this?

In the prayers of the Mass for Good Friday of Holy Week, the priest refers to the "perfidious Jews" as the ones who betrayed and crucified Christ. Should he be saying the "perfidious Romans"? And has it been wrong for the Church to put it the first way for as long as her history?

When Our Lord hung upon the Cross, His first recorded words were, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

Do the Liberal Catholics really think Our Lord was referring to the Jews when He said, "They know not what they do"? Was it the Jewish Chief Priests, the Scribes, and the Ancients, with whom He sat daily teaching in the Temple and who, when He was crucified, wagged their heads and mocked Him and shouted: "He saved others; himself He cannot save" -- was it these who knew not what they did, and whom Our Lord asked the Father to forgive?

Saint Luke tells us clearly that Jesus said this of the Roman soldiers who "dividing his garments, cast lots." And Saint Matthew tells us that these same Romans, after Jesus expired on the Cross, cried out in one voice with their Centurion, "Indeed, this was the Son of God!".

†

A Jewish convert looks at the Crucifixion

The meaning of the Way of the Cross

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

US offers Fallujah truce, more Marines close in
"Insurgents and U.S.-allied Iraqi officials agreed in principle for a cease-fire in Fallujah starting Sunday, but the deal depends on the doubtful prospect of American soldiers withdrawing from the city, a member of Iraq’s Governing Council told The Associated Press."

More jobs—but only new immigrant groups need apply "So you thought there was good news on the job front—finally? According to Friday’s announcement, slightly more than 300,000 jobs were created in March. That’s the biggest monthly rise in four years. But look again: The job gains are stunningly skewed—toward Hispanics and Asians. And a significant number of them immigrants."

FBI disputes Rice testimony
"The FBI on Friday disputed National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice's testimony that it was conducting 70 separate investigations of al-Qaida cells in the United States before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks."

9-11 Incongruities
"The salient fact that emerges from [Richard] Clarke’s book, Against All Enemies, is that the neoconservatives who control the Bush administration wanted to invade Iraq. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon gave the neoconservatives the opportunity they wanted. All they had to do was to spin the terrorism issue and point the finger at Saddam Hussein."

APRIL 9

Good Friday

"The threat that dare not speak its name": The real reason for the Iraq War

WHO GOT US INTO IRAQ?
"The Asia Times reported last week that a gentleman named Philip Zelikow (below, left), a member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board in 2001, said in a speech months before the war that 'the real threat' of Iraq was not to the United States but 'against Israel.'"

9/11 Commission Director: Iraq War Launched to Protect Israel
"The statements are the first to surface from a source closely linked to the Bush administration acknowledging that the war, which has so far cost the lives of nearly 600 U.S. troops and thousands of Iraqis, was motivated by Washington's desire to defend the Jewish state."

Former 9/11 Commission Member Cleland: 'The White House Has Played Cover-Up'
''...a pair of public interest groups, The 9-11 Family Steering Committee and 9-11 Citizens Watch, have called for the resignation of the director of the independent 9-11 commission, Philip Zelikow.''

More

(RN 24/7: If you want to show people proof positive of how the Israel lobby succeeds in spiking stories it doesn't want the average American to see, just bring this up. Unless they keep up with what the independent press is carrying, odds are they won't even know about Zelikow's remarks. Then, again, they're not supposed to. But if any question a news blackout, invite them to try a simple test: Enter the following search words--"Philip Zelikow" speech Israel "September 2002"--into Google or the search engine of their choice and see how many major news sources they come up with--or, to be more precise, how many they don't come up with. As mentioned above, Zelikow is the executive director of the 9-11 Commission , an entity formed with the approval of President Bush. An interesting sidelight to the hearings is the fact that he also co-authored a book, Germany Unified and Europe Transformed, with Condoleezza Rice. So, contrary to the expectations of some war opponents, when Rice testified before the commission, it was far more of a comfort zone than a hot seat for her! Zelikow has also been the director of the Aspen Strategy Group, a policy program of the Aspen Institute. Oh, and by the way, check out how six weeks before 9-11 Condi Rice was already beating the war drums for 'resolute' action against Iraq.)"

Uprising Could Signal a Second War for Iraq
"The widespread insurgency that has erupted in Iraq in recent days may be the first stages of a second war for the country that could determine whether the conflict degenerates into a military bog for the United States."

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

Victim's Mother Reacts to Rice's Testimony
"Marion Kaminek of West Dundee was watching. She doesn't believe Condoleeza Rice. 'No. It's her job. It's a spin,' Kaminek said. Kaminek's 33-year-old daughter Mari Rae, a lawyer and one-time collegiate gymnastics champion, was killed when one of the hijacked jets slammed into the Pentagon."

Congressman Ron Paul: Don't Expand NATO
"The further expansion of NATO is in reality a cover for increased US interventionism in Europe and beyond. It will be a conduit for more unconstitutional US foreign aid and US interference in the internal politics of member nations, especially the new members from the former East."

"The Passion" wasn't violent enough "While much of the controversy over the 'Passion' concerns the film's graphic nature, I hold the position that the movie's portrayal was not gruesome enough. I am convinced, through Scripture, that the torture and crucifixion of Christ was far worse than the movie's images." (RN 24/7: Even before this movie opened there has been a hypocritical hue-and-cry by the controlled news media was about how horribly violent and bloody The Passion of the Christ was going to be and that criticism hasn't really let up from those sources. As always, seeking to carry what isn't being seen in the mass media, we're happy to provide not just a dissenting view, but one completely the opposite, not just to be contrarian but more because the writer has a point.)

APRIL 8

"Neocon" Critics of 'The Passion of the Christ'
"I tend to shake my head when I hear someone described as a 'neoconservative.' A 'neoconservative,' to me, is the same as a 'fiscal conservative.' In other words, neoconservatives/fiscal conservatives are, in reality, not conservatives at all; they are liberals, albeit a bit more sophisticated in their arguments than the ordinary, run-of-the-mill liberal. They support Republicans insofar as Republicans promote a particular type of foreign policy, or a particular view of economics. But neoconservatives seemingly have little or no concern about the moral law and the evils that are destroying our culture – abortion, contraception, assisted suicide, pornography, and the homosexual agenda. And, for all practical purposes, they are anti-Christian.

"These neoconservatives, like their liberal counterparts, have a problem with Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ The film is anti-Semitic, they assert. Oh, yes - they also say it is pornographic and sadomasochistic (!).¼"

"The Passion of the Christ'--Opening shot in spiritual war
"No, there are not yet mass conversions. No, it wasn't like hordes took to evangelical tubs to immerse themselves -- the River Ganges come to Mulholland Drive. No, it was not quite that type of watershed event. But the movie based on the Passion of Jesus has had a great effect on many believers (warm and lukewarm alike; click here if you don't believe that, or here) and has also had a profound effect where one might expect it to have a profound effect: in Hollywood."
Billion-Dollar 'Passion' Enrages the Left

Film inspires wave of crime confessions "Critics of Mel Gibson's controversial blockbuster 'The Passion of the Christ' have expressed fear the film would spark an outbreak of violence, but instead it continues to prompt criminals, from burglars to murderers, to confess to crimes committed as long as a decade ago."
The power of 'The Passion'

Pirated copies of Gibson movie stir Chinese "Christians in China believe their communist government won't show 'The Passion of the Christ,' but pirated copies of the film on Jesus' suffering and death are playing to small gatherings throughout the country."
More on "The Passion" in the land of Mao

(Real News 24/7: It isn't surprising to find the Left up in arms over this film, as it represents (as do the four Gospels) the direct antithesis of everything for which they stand. Less to be expected though--at least in theory--have been the attacks made by conservatives (or "conservatives," as the case may be), even a few of our readers. Some have of the criticisms have been over religious issues, while others have focused on other things. One comment came up at least three times: Any movie which has a producer/cast members who have been in morally objectionable films is automatically bad itself. Yet every movie must be judged on its own merits, not on what its makers did in the past. For most actors, a role is simply a role and in the case of this movie, those are roles in the greatest story ever told. (Jim Caviezel, who played Christ, is an exception to the "just a role" rule, as he deeply identified with the character he portrayed, even to the wearing of a relic of the true cross in his costumes.) Some of the concerns were downright, odd. Columnist Henry Makow thought he saw Illuminati connections: "The logo of Gibson's Icon Productions is a single eye as is the Satanic eye in the Freemason symbol which is on the U.S. Great Seal." Nonsense--Icon's logo isn't the Masonic "eye in the triangle," but a detail from the Catholic icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help. Meanwhile, another revisionist, author Michael Hoffman suggests that Mel Gibson sold out to the Jewish Supremacists. Maybe someone should tell that to the Anti-Defamation League's Abe Foxman, not to mention the rabbis who are wringing their hands as they claim the film might have provoked acts of alleged anti-Semitic vandalism and those who want the US Attorney General to prosecute because it supposedly violates "hate crime" laws. Then there are the bizarre claims that the movie's violence will induce "satanic mind control." Since when, however, did such mind control deepen peoples' faith in Christ or inspire lawbreakers to turn themselves in to authorities for unsolved crime? While we here at Real News can find places in the movie we think could be improved upon, they are, in general, minor points. Overall, we cannot praise 'The Passion of the Christ' highly enough, except to urge those who haven't seen it to do so as soon as possible and those who have to see it again. And for those who have criticized it so rashly, we urge a prayerful reappraisal.)

Keeping up with 'The Passion" at the box office

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

9-11 hearing

Rice: Bin Laden Memo 'Not a Warning'
"National security adviser Condoleezza Rice told the 9/11 commission on Thursday that an intelligence memo that referred to al Qaeda and was presented to President Bush just over a month before the September 11, 2001, attacks focused on history and was 'not a warning.'" (Real News 24/7: The presidential briefing in question was entitled "Bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States." If that's not a warning, what is it? Of course, if the attacks actually were pulled off by the Mossad and evil forces within our government, then the briefing was a red herring used to shift attention.)

Your questions for Condoleezza Rice "Why if you knew nothing beforehand about what was to happen on 9/11, did you call to warn Willie Brown, mayor of San Francisco not to fly on 9/10?"

Iraq

Iraqi stability crumbling quickly
"The situation in Iraq appears to be going from bad to worse, with a key Iraqi minister resigning his position as coalition forces still battle for control in key cities.

Shi'ites may stage Good Friday attacks "Shi'ite militia in Iraq are preparing to launch simultaneous attacks on coalition forces on Good Friday that could also target foreign civilians working in Iraq, an Italian newspaper reported, citing Italy's military intelligence service SISMI."

Is it a quagmire yet?
"Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called conditions in Iraq 'dangerous, complicated and I think we're on the verge of seeing, in some of these areas some of the progress we've made over the last year come undone.'"

also in the news

A NAFTA/FTAA rogues’ gallery
"A behind-the-scenes look at some of the key globalist architects and apparatchiks responsible for launching and promoting NAFTA, FTAA and other 'free trade' traps." (Real News 24/7: Click on photos to get information about those represented.)

Ms. information: Making women angry and afraid "¼tucked in among the beauty tips and dating advice columns, you will find articles that reflect the worldview of hard-edged radical feminism."

APRIL 7

Urban Warfare Grips Iraq
"In the heaviest fighting since the fall of Saddam Hussein a year ago, US forces dropped two 500lb bombs and fired rockets on a mosque in Fallujah, the center of the Sunni insurgency against the occupation."

Former Iraqi Enemies Ally to Fight US "The American dream to bridge ancient Iraqi sectarian rivalries turned nightmarish Tuesday as Shiite and Sunni religious and tribal figures put aside their differences and publicly aligned against the occupation, vowing to rid Iraq of the American-led invaders."

12 Marines killed in Iraq violence
"U.S.-led forces have battled Sunni guerrillas in two cities and have grappled with a radical Shi'ite uprising in a two-front war that has killed at least 33 soldiers and 170 Iraqis in three days."

Two Holy Cities Taken Over by Sadr's Militia
"Armed followers of the firebrand Shi'ite leader Moqtada al-Sadr took full control of the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala yesterday as the radical cleric sought to broaden support for his uprising among fellow Muslim leaders.¼"

Profile: Moqtada Sadr "Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr is a young leader opposed to Iraqi co-operation with the US-led forces in the country. He has repeatedly called for foreign troops to leave Iraq, and his followers have held regular anti-US protests."

In October 2003,Al-Sadr announced a 'shadow government' to rival the US-selected governing council.

More on Moqtada al-Sadr

(Real News 24/7: Shortly before the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, ex-Marine and former UN weapons inspection team member Scott Ritter incorrectly contended that US-led coalition forces would never enter Baghdad, because they would face "with armed elements numbering around 7 million --who are concentrated at urban areas." Saddam never got that kind of support and the Iraqi capital fell within weeks of the war's outset. But if Ritter was wrong about that, his prediction of the conflict becoming an "absolute quagmire" as Shi'ite radicals, fighting not out of intimidation from the government, but out of their own nationalistic and religious motives, "will resist us strongly," now seems to be coming to pass.)

OTHER NEWS & ANALYSIS

Blair and the EU
"'Tony Blair today vowed to push the controversial EU constitution — and set himself up for a bitter election battle over Europe’s powers,' reported the March 26 London Evening Standard."

National Right to Life's betrayal of the unborn
Shock waves are still reverberating one week after South Dakota’s bill criminalizing abortion was defeated by a single vote over National Right To Life’s complicity with pro-abortion groups to kill the legislation that pro-abortion lobbyists called the most restrictive anti-abortion measure since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973."

Bush Supports FBI Wiretapping Privileges
"In a move that may signal the Bush Administration's intention to seek additional legislation that some have dubbed "Patriot Act II", the Federal Bureau of Investigation recently submitted an 85-page filing to the Federal Communications Commission requesting that all broadband Internet providers rewire their networks, making it easier for police to perform wiretaps."

Political Correctness at the Los Angeles Times
"In February Los Angeles Times music critic Mark Swed filed a review of the Los Angeles Opera’s production of 'Die Frau Ohne Schatten.' As published in the paper’s February 24 edition, Swed opined that 'Richard Strauss’ epic opera ‘Die Frau Ohne Schatten’ (The Woman Without a Shadow) is an incomparably glorious and goofy anti-abortion paean....' Say again? The 'epic opera' is an 'anti-abortion paean'? What was Swed thinking? Actually, in his unedited manuscript Swed wrote that the opera was a 'pro-life paean.¼'"

4-6-04 Doctor testifies at trial of unborns' pain "A type of abortion banned under a new federal law would cause ''severe and excruciating'' pain to 20-week-old fetuses, a medical expert on pain testified Tuesday."

4-6-04 Church 'will refuse Kerry communion' "A battle in John Kerry's presidential election campaign may soon be fought at the altar rail, if senior traditionalists in the Catholic Church get their way. Priests and bishops across America are being urged by members to refuse communion to the first Catholic to run for the presidency since John F. Kennedy. The sanction would be imposed until Mr Kerry abandoned his permissive views on abortion and other issues such as gay marriages." (Real News 24/7: How typical of the post-Vatican II church: a dispute over whether Kerry should be refused communion. The fact of the matter is that in the Roman Catholic Church before Vatican II, there wouldn't be any such issue, because he would have been excommunicated for advancing policies in direct defiance of Catholic teaching.)

4-5-04 White House denies claims U.S. had warnings of airplane attacks "When Condoleezza Rice takes her seat before the independent 9/11 commission here Thursday her assignment will be nothing short of halting the most serious assault yet on the credibility of U.S. President George W. Bush."

4-5-04 Gun rights: Time for Federal action, not just words "This article concerns the Petition for Enforcement of the Second Amendment to the Constitution. If the project outlined below is successful it will restore the free exercise of Second Amendment rights in ALL states. Do not be misled by the Petition's references to California - the infringements in California are being focused on because of this state's particular legal situation, as outlined in the Petition itself. Again, the Petition has the potential to affect ALL Americans by setting a precedent and/or initiating a U.S. Supreme Court case. Your immediate attention and support are therefore crucial." Petition drive update

4-5-04 Allegations that have been recanted may still cost mom thirty years "Four years ago Nancy Ybanez was falsely accused of abusing her husband's son, whom she had cared for as if he were her own. Sadly, it was Nancy's own children that initiated these allegations. Nancy's two grown daughters, one of their husbands, and the boy in question, all accused Nancy of abuse. All later recanted and apologized. Yet, Nancy may still face up to thirty years in prison, for a crime she did not commit."

4-5-04
The Terri Schindler-Schiavo File: Day CXXVI

ACLJ Files Notice of Appeal of Florida Court Order Denying Intervention for Parents of Terri Schindler Schiavo in Case to Defend 'Terri's Law'
"The American Center for Law and Justice, specializing in constitutional law, today filed a Notice of Appeal stating that it will appeal to the Second District Court of Appeal a March 11 decision denying a motion to intervene on behalf of Robert and Mary Schindler - the parents of Terri Schindler Schiavo - to permit the parents to become directly involved in defending 'Terri's Law'- legislation that cleared the way for Florida Governor Jeb Bush to restore life-saving measures to Terri Schindler Schiavo."

Please help Terri by taking a moment to read the following link and act! Florida Senate President Jim King has expressed regret for supporting the first "Terri's Law." Use the email link to tell him he has nothing to regret and impress upon him the dangers (including murder) of allowing the legal "termination" of those with disabilities based not on a living will or similar document, but solely on disputed hearsay: Thanks for assisting this helpless woman! URGENT! Your support for Senate Bill 692 needed now!

UPDATE! The petition mentioned in the following has been moved from the the Terri's Fight homepage. To access it, please click scroll to near the bottom of that page and click under the heading "How you can help." ACTION ALERT! Terri's family and friends have launched a petition drive urging Florida State Attorney Bernie McCabe to investigate charges that she was a victim of physical abuse. The petition says that McCabe has ignored "well-founded allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation"—all felony crimes under Florida law. Please lend your support by going to Terri's website and filling out the pop-up petition. God willing, Terri someday will be able to thank you for your help!

[Real News 24/7 will continue to carry news about Terri when it becomes available, until either her feeding/hydration tubes are reinstated or she passes away as a result of the current cessation of treatment. See our in-depth coverage, including update, from October 15.]

Pray for Terri Schindler-Schiavo & her family

4-4-04 Catholic teacher fired for 'Passion' Stephen Hathorn, a seventh-grade teacher at Northern California’s St. Lawrence School, has dismissed for making the viewing of Mel Gibson's religious blockbuster, The Passion of the Christ, an extra-credit assignment for his class.

4-4-04 Navy Commanders to Cast Doubt on Kerry's War Record "Several Navy officers who supervised Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry when he commanded a swift boat in Vietnam are preparing to publicly question his war record - including the circumstances under which he was awarded three Purple Hearts - a noted Vietnam War historian revealed on Sunday."

4-3-04 Taxpayers fund site pushing religious Darwinism "A new website designed to help teachers teach evolution encourages the use of religion when arguing in favor of the theory and uses federal tax dollars to do so."

4-3-04 Israeli troops seek to erase memory of Rachel Corrie "Early this week four Israeli jeeps, 16 tanks and two bulldozers invaded the highly populated area in the Al-Salam neighborhood in the city of Rafah, along the Egyptian border of the Gaza Strip, an area constantly under continuous firing. They headed straight towards Dr. Samir Nasrallah's home, the very house Rachel Corrie died in front of a year ago while trying to prevent its destruction. Corrie was the 23-year-old American peace activist from Olympia, USA, killed by an Israeli army bulldozer which ran over her while nonviolently trying to prevent the demolition of yet another Palestinian house in the city of Rafah."

4-2-04
The Capture of Saddam Hussein: Day 61

The Saddam Hussein Capture Hoax
"There are certain details of the supposed capture of Saddam Hussein on December 14, 2003 in Adwar, Iraq that raise many questions concerning the version of the event that is being reported in the USA mainstream media. First of all, no journalists were present during the capture operation and the only information being reported was made available exclusively by CIA operatives in Iraq. This information was made available only through photographs and the video that was shown in the well orchestrated press conference conducted by Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez announcing to the world the capture of the Iraqi leader. One of the photographs released shows two Special Forces soldiers (actually CIA operatives) lifting the concrete lid of the underground cell where the supposed Saddam Hussein was hiding.¼"

(Real News 24/7: Please also check the companion article, the link to which you'll at the end of "The Saddam Hussein Capture Hoax." It includes the author's analysis of various "Saddam" photos he uses as evidence to show that the prisoner is really the dictator's double—thought-provoking, but far from conclusive.)

NEW TO REAL NEWS 24/7 The Saddam Hussein Sourcebook "Washington D.C., 18 December 2003 - Newly declassified documents posted today on the Web by the National Security Archive show the British Embassy in Baghdad recommending Saddam Hussein to London in 1969 as a 'presentable young man' with an 'engaging smile,' 'with whom, if only one could see more of him, it would be possible to do business.' U.S. documents published in today's Saddam Hussein Sourcebook quote Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in 1975 telling the Iraqi foreign minister "we do not think there is a basic clash of national interests between Iraq and the United States" (the Iraqi disagreed), and that Israeli influence on U.S. policy would diminish given "our new electoral law" which means 'the influence of some who financed the elections before isn't so great.'"

[Real News 24/7 will continue to carry news and other reports about the capture/incarceration of Saddam when it becomes available, until such time as there he is brought to trial and sentenced. See our daily coverage, dating back to the announcement of his apprehension on December 14th.]

4-2-04 Man goes to jail for putting a sign in his yard "You can look through 'em all." Up to his ears in legal documents, Phillip Dean is fed up with the judicial system. "That's the kind of court system we've got in Jackson County, Alabama and I want everybody to know," Dean says. So he put a sign in his front lawn saying "Our Court System Is a Joke." A message landing him behind bars. "I was in a cell about four foot wide and six foot long and nothing in it but a toilet," he explains.

4-2-04 Unreleased Maps of Columbine Crime Scene "Map 4. The authorities refuse to reveal where they fired into the school. This map clearly shows that they fired into the library, which is where the majority of the students were killed."

4-1-04 American dead butchered ' like sheep' "Fallujah is the cemetery for Americans," declared a resident after four Americans are killed and their bodies mutilated. VIDEO with text VIEWER ADVISORY: (Scenes showing the gruesome treatment of corpses. For mature audiences only.)

4-1-04 Armed pilots: Ending bureaucratic insubordination "Leave it up to the Federal Government's bureaucrats to carry out an act of Congress they disagree with and you can bet they will reinterpret the fine print to undermine the intentions of the legislative body that represents the people of the United States of America."

4-1-04 Navy captain tells truth about USS Liberty "I, Ward Boston, Jr. do declare that the following statement is true and complete: 1. For more than 30 years, I have remained silent on the topic of USS Liberty. I am a military man and when orders come in from the Secretary of Defense and President of the United States, I follow them. 2. However, recent attempts to rewrite history compel me to share the truth. 3. In June of 1967, while serving as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps, Department of the Navy, I was assigned as senior legal counsel for the Navy’s Court of Inquiry into the brutal attack on USS Liberty, which had occurred on June 8th.¼"