An Article by:

Ben Tanosborn

This past Sunday another citizen of the world, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, started his walk in that never-ending pilgrimage we refer to as immortality.  And he did it, not just as a laureate man of letters, but as a man of well thought-out choices, conscience and true humanity; a man who proudly and joyfully accepted his Russian beginnings, but also conceded highest priority to dignity and humanity as inalienable rights for every man.

News of his death came to me over the Internet as I was reading an article by AP writers Charles J. Hanley and Jae-Soon Chang, “Seoul probes civilian ‘massacres’ by US,” that had just come over the wire.  Thoughts from those two pieces of news were running parallel in my then emotionally-charged mind: here is a man searching for truth (Solzhenitsyn) and, running parallel to it, here is truth searching for a man, some American great man acknowledging that truth… and finding no one.

While reading data of the horrific victimization, actually murder, of countless Korean civilians – as usual, mostly women, children and old people – at the hands of the US military during that 1950-1 period, I couldn’t help but think of the Gulag created by Joseph Stalin, “the whiskered one,” as described by Solzhenitsyn, and emulated militarily by followers of our own American empire: first in Korea, later in Vietnam and, these days, in Afghanistan and Iraq.

How many thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, innocent civilians were strafed by bullets, or napalmed, in Korea?  Indiscriminately, yes, for our soldiers couldn’t tell “one gook from the next,” as they claimed… from the North, in flight to the South… or simply trying to find safety, refuge…anywhere.  Over 200 incidents; some, like the one that happened at No Gun Ri, where survivors estimate 400 Koreans died at American hands, have been kept under wraps from the American citizenry; all the military brass needed to do is just classify any and all the facts with the “secret” or “top secret” stamps thus letting the angry-radioactivity cool off, as if converting it to depleted uranium or denying it to be uranium at all, until two or three generations have passed.  By then, who will be charged with war crimes?  It’s not a cover-up since Americans pretend, and some actually believe, that we never engage in torture or cover-ups.  The White House has for decades given a free hand to the Pentagon… after all, crimes of war “just happen,” and the only crime Americans are not permitted to commit is one which may result in lowering the morale of the troops; or one bringing dishonor to the country.

Then I thought of Solzhenitsyn, and his recollection of being an officer in the Soviet Army, observing the inhumane treatment that the Soviets had inflicted on the Germans, military and civilians, in 1945 as WWII came to a close; perhaps crimes that many would excuse as retribution for what the Germans had done years earlier to them; a retribution that he would not find acceptable. 

Today’s counterpoint is simply the ease in which the American military accepts crimes of war, often candy-coating them and making them PR-acceptable, as simply “collateral damage.”  Our American military has gained vast experience at decriminalizing many repugnant acts of war during the past six decades, from No Gun Ri to My Lai to Fallujah, expecting future generations to be the ones passing judgment, if at all.  It will probably be three decades or more before we get to know the truth of what happened in Fallujah, Haditha and some of the other unresolved war crimes committed in the Middle East.  Documents will then be declassified as memories fade and many, or most, of the witnesses to the war crimes, as well as the perpetrators, are dead.  Also, after much of the anger in the victims’ families has subsided.

Solzhenitsyn was a loving son of Russia and its history; but his humanness made him a great citizen of the world.  He denounced what to him needed to be denounced in every facet of life, whether it pertained to the inhumanity of man towards man; or the way modern society was evolving, including such areas as music.  To his regret, and in spite of his desire for privacy, he was used in propagandistic ways by men he did not hold in high esteem, such as Ronald Reagan; and even criticized by many liberal-secularists who failed to understand that his acceptance of religion in the form of Christian Russian Orthodoxy had little to do with faith, and the inhumanity that faith may have caused, and much to do with history and tradition as basis for change.

Why is it that here in America we don’t produce notable figures, heroes of humankind?
Do we prefer not to be “snitches” to those who commit crimes, not to be “traitors” to the ugly face our country may show at times; this, when in truth we really are, maybe without realizing it, whitewashers of crimes… and traitors to our own humanity?
 

Tags: activism, empire, foreign policy, imperialism, military, religion, social responsibility, war
Categories: Commentary, Empire, Foreign Policy, Religion, Imperialism, military
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An Article by:
Ben Tanosborn

The Brits made an imperial mess of Iraq back in 1930, now it is America’s turn!

We followed the fate of the French in Vietnam; are trying hard to imitate the Russians in Afghanistan; and now, our emulation-in-progress is of our beloved European cousins.  Who would ever think that it was an American philosopher (by way of Spain), George Santayana, who stated just a century ago, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  And American government leaders always seem to be the forgetful ones, although as it happens in all these cases, it is the American people who are condemned to pay the consequences in both blood and dollars.

We are not even speaking of millennia ago, or even centuries; only the recent past.  How can we be so forgetful as to how the British bamboozled a timid Iraqi Parliament, where the true nationalists lacked a voiced, into signing an agreement in 1930 that would have Iraq in turmoil with coup after coup until Saddam Hussein came to power in 1979?  And we all know what has happened since then.  Seventy-eight years later here we are, cramming down their throats an illegal “strategic alliance” that is similar in both content and tone to that Great Britain “imposed” on Iraq almost eight decades ago.

And I say illegal for both Iraq and the United States.  For Iraq, it’s a non-valid agreement since it will be contracted under duress from an occupier’s demands, whatever excuses are brought forward to obtain legitimacy.  For the US, it’s also an invalid pact unless it is subsequently ratified by the US Senate.  We are told that the wording in this strategic alliance has been crafted so as to “avoid such ratification.”  Nonsense, if the provisions in such agreement or alliance have the underlying intent of a treaty, it is a treaty; and as a treaty, constitutionally, it must be ratified.

True that the American Executive Branch has been operating for decades outside of the Constitution in taking the nation to war (undeclared war) and entering into treaties (or agreements) thanks to a spineless Senate and the de-facto consent of Americans, who really care little, or are brainwashed by the White House, unless the conflict turns sour.
It is remarkable that the two senators who will be contending for the highest office in the land next November, McCain and Obama, aren’t exercising their duty as senators, making this issue one of national concern, one to be handled with both transparency and care.  Malfeasance in office by members of the Senate made Bush’s invasion of Iraq fait accompli; once again, it will be malfeasance if the senate remains blind, deaf and mute to this travesty.

It is interesting that Barack Obama claims that “had he been a member of the Senate back in 2002, he would have voted against granting Bush permission to invade Iraq.”  Well, he is a member of the Senate now… but one hears little noise from him on this important issue, one that could keep the United States involved in the Middle East until the area runs out of oil or Israelis, whichever comes last .  Time for deeds, Sen. Obama!

Iraq does not appear to be willing to have the U.N. mandate extended beyond its current expiration date, at the end of this year; and the US really doesn’t care whether its effective control is through a mandate granted by the U.N. or an agreement with a government which may not be of unity or consensus.  The US must have a tacit control of Iraq’s oil while maintaining a solid military presence in that part of the world to counter not just Iran and its nuclear aspirations, but any “problems” that may emerge anywhere in Southwest Asia.

Although the hush-hush negotiations on the Strategic Framework Agreement and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) had reached an impasse by the second week in June – Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki referring the deadlock on what his government felt were critical sovereignty issues – both Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad (US) appear confident that an agreement will soon be reached since both countries are committed to a joint security pact.  Yes, we will have two caliphates out of Baghdad; one ran locally by Iraqis, the other ran by Americans as part of the Empire.

What remains to be seen, even if an agreement is reached, is whether the US Senate will once again capitulate to the White House, allowing its duties and responsibilities to be usurped by Imperator George W. Bush.  And whether the American people really give a damn now that they are paying over $4 per gallon of gasoline, soon projected to be $5, which when added to the other economic miseries the country is enduring calls for either a revolution or surrender.  My bet is on the latter.

Tags: american empire, Ben Tanosborn, colonialism, empire, Global, globalization, imperialism, military
Categories: Commentary, Global, Empire, Imperialism, military, Ben Tanosborn
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An Article by:

Ben Tanosborn

Where are your friends when you really need them? Isn’t that time of need when true friends really surface, sharing their buoyancy as they try to help keep you afloat? Well, we really haven’t seen many of those friends around, not for America, although we have seen the traditional parasites – those who instigate our misguided foreign policy for their own ends, as well as those who either go along with America’s criminal government, or simply look the other way.

In some regions, such as Latin America, one would hardly expect to find any friends of the United States – of the non-servile kind, that is – given the long history of bullying and the oppressive hand this nation has had in that region… but what about Europe? All NATO nations should be America’s true and tried friends, right? But they aren’t… not when they are unwilling to strongly influence our government’s behavior.

For several years some of us have been asking just what this NATO outfit is all about! And no, we don’t seem to find the answer by looking at the baptismal records and its purported reinstatement as “a military alliance of democratic states in Europe and North America for a concerted mutual defense.” Its purpose might have appeared clear back in 1949: a mutual defense pact against the feared advances of communism. But that was then, and now is now. And the now is becoming rather obvious: NATO is just a military toy-tool for the policies drummed up at the White House and the Pentagon.

The United States was simply supposed to be another NATO member, just like Canada and the European members, regardless of size and economic-military strength. But if you believe that, you believe in fairy tales, particularly when Bush makes that reality clear time and again. His latest proclamation last week in Croatia made it clear once again when he delivered a mixture of mini-harangue and cheerleading chant to a crowd from that state, formerly part of communist Yugoslavia. Joining the organization, they were told by Bush, would mean their nation would be defended by “America and the NATO alliance.”

and NATO, you say? Was it yet another of Bush’s ignorant misspeaks? No, not really. America, or rather its present government, thinks of itself as a distinct and separate entity, all powerful and meritorious… the rest is the lesser NATO, a janissary pool of troops commanded not from Brussels but from the Pentagon.

Truth be said, NATO is an illusory relic that has served past its needs and now should be given a burial; or better still, it should be broken up to reflect a true world’s desire to achieve and maintain peace. If Europe, or more apropos, the European Union, feels a need to retain defensive military teeth, so be it; but its defense force must be its own without providing hegemony to, or be dictated by, anyone else. Can anyone just picture the proximity of the waters in the North Atlantic and the poppy fields of Afghanistan?

Shouldn’t Europe be more assertive in its dealing with the peoples of the Middle East, instead of sheepishly following the lead, or be under the leash, of the United States? A greater harmony would likely develop between the Muslim population throughout Europe and native European people who are hosting and/or assimilating them. If such were the case, one could foresee a greater probability of success for a quicker and long-lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in which the United States has continuously served as a gully instead of a bridge.

Shouldn’t Europeans try to find more common ground with next door Russia, and try to secure stronger economic ties, instead of providing a source of friction and unnecessary confrontation by submitting to the forced military requirements of the US? Much of the existing divisive tribulations affecting the Ukraine and Georgia have been caused in no small part by US sub-rosa involvement. The Europeans should ask themselves, to what end is this conflict-seeding by the US beneficial to them?

One needs to ask, just what are the Europeans afraid of? Being, perhaps, cut off from energy sources unless the US remains on top? A less beneficial world trade situation for them as a result? Nonsense, the opposite would likely happen as a result. And one would think that tensions would lessen uninviting more cold wars, and offering greater prospects for peace throughout the Middle East.

And for America, the return of the prodigal European friends, as brothers tendering advice and help of the right kind – not just troops for a struggle in Afghanistan that will only be resolved via mediation with the Taliban – not just vassals and prostitutes for an empire that, if unchecked, will ultimately claim both peace and the economic well being of the American people. That’s what our European friends could do for America.

Tags: Ben Tanosborn, Drug War, economics, empire, latin america, military, neoconservatism, politics, power
Categories: Commentary, Economics, Power, Politics, Empire, military, neoconservatism, Ben Tanosborn
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An Article by:

Steve Hammons

December 21, 2007

According to a recent Scripps Howard News Service/Ohio University poll, “Nearly two-thirds of Americans think it is possible that some federal officials had specific warnings of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, but chose to ignore those warnings.”

That was the conclusion explored in a Nov. 20, 2007 article by Kevin Crowe, a reporter for Scripps Howard News Service, and Guido H. Stempel III, director of the Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.

Crowe and Stempel noted that in a Scripps Howard/Ohio University survey in July 2006, “more than one-third of Americans thought federal officials assisted in the 9/11 attacks or took no action to stop them so the United States could go to war in the Middle East.”

The survey looked at Americans’ distrust of the federal government in general and at specific topics like the 9/11 attacks, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, rigging of international oil prices and questions about what the federal government knows about UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation to Earth.

Crowe and Stempel reported that the survey “was conducted by telephone Sept. 24 to Oct. 10 among 811 adult residents of the United States who were selected at random. The survey was conducted by the Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University under a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation and has a margin of error of about 4 percent.”

In their article, Crowe and Stempel quote several experts and authors on facts and theories involved that may affect Americans’ views on alleged cover-ups and conspiracies.

Of course, when we say “the federal government,” we must look at many individuals, groups, departments and agencies as well as forces behind the scenes. There are many good and honorable people and groups within the federal government. There may also be people and groups that do not fit into these categories.

Two apparently unrelated topics of interest addressed in the survey were the 9/11 attacks and questions about UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation. Looking at these might provide examples of the reasons for doubts by Americans.

QUESTIONS ABOUT 9/11

Various questions have been raised by the 9/11 Commission, experts, investigators and the general public. These questions apparently have fueled mistrust of the “official story” of the 9/11 attacks.

Some of these questions include, but are not limited to, the following:

- FBI agents, intelligence officers, national security officials and international intelligence personnel reportedly were raising red flags about a pending attack, but their intelligence allegedly was not responded to by the appropriate civilian chains of command.

- Certain people and groups publicly indicated that “a new Pearl Harbor” was needed to provoke Americans to expand certain military operations and defense spending.

- There reportedly was a desire by some to invade Iraq (and possibly Iran and/or Syria) and a justification for the American people and the international community was needed.

- Several air defense military maneuvers and training activities were ongoing around the time frame of 9/11. These exercises depleted available U.S. Air Force air assets and caused confusion among military and civilian air traffic controllers and air defense personnel.

- Stock market transactions, known as “put options,” were made regarding the stock of the two airlines involved prior to the 9/11 attacks. These particular transactions were especially unusual.

- Certain officials were reportedly advised not to fly around the time frame of 9/11.

- At the Pentagon, the debris and type of damage done to the building is not consistent with the impact of a passenger jet, according to some determinations by experts.

- In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the debris field at the alleged impact site seemed inconsistent with the crash of a passenger jet, some people state.

EXTRATERRESTRIAL VISITATION

Since the late 1940s, the sightings of unusual objects in the sky have been a topic of great interest in the U.S. and around the world. There have been many indications that some of these objects could possibly be related to spacecraft from outside our normal understanding. That is, they may not be conventional human-made craft or other technology.

Some of the questions and discussion about so-called “unidentified flying objects (UFOs)” include, but are not limited to the following:

- References to unusual flying objects can be found throughout human history in written material and art.

- American WWII pilots reported seeing “foo fighters” during military operations. These were unusual objects flying near U.S. aircraft.

- In 1947, Army Air Corps personnel at Roswell Army Air Base in Roswell, New Mexico, apparently concluded that a “flying saucer” that may have been extraterrestrial in origin had crashed nearby.

- After that event, some researchers allege that President Harry Truman created a special group of scientists and top military officials to try to understand and coordinate this challenging situation.

- There are reports that as part of the evolving developments, further U.S. diplomatic contact was made with more than one extraterrestrial race that was visiting Earth. According to some of these claims, advanced technology was provided to U.S. officials in exchange for cooperation.

- Sightings and contacts of various kinds between people around the world and what are alleged to be extraterrestrial activities have been reported in many countries.

- Other aspects of the alleged situation involve efforts to prepare the American people, and people around the world, about the surprising development of contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. Books, articles, movies and other communications platforms reportedly have been used to help in this process.

NEED TO KNOW

The concept of “need to know” is one used in various military, intelligence and other circles. That is, some information is sensitive and if a person does not have a need to know it, don’t tell them.

Certainly, information security can be important and this has its place. At the same time, freedom of information, knowledge and understanding are also important for us, especially in a democracy. Secrecy can sometimes be unwise, unethical or dangerous.

The distrust of certain elements of the federal government reported in the Scripps Howard News Service/Ohio University poll are both cause for concern and might also be a healthy and natural response to our current situation. There may very well be valid justifications for this distrust.

As we decide what we have a need to know and what we do not, Americans will undoubtedly continue to be vigilant in protecting their Constitutional rights and liberties, perceiving various internal and external dangers, and maintaining a healthy understanding about the dangers of excessive secrecy and power on the part of the federal government.

Research like that in the Scripps Howard News Service/Ohio University poll can help us “get on the same page” and recognize that many of us are thinking along similar lines. This might unify us and move us toward success, peace, progress, preparedness and prosperity in the future.
- - -
To read the article on the Web site of the Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University, visit:

http://newspolls.org/story.php?story_id=66

******************

AmericanChronicle.com
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=46800

Tags: agency, anomalous cognition, citizens, government, military, Steve Hammons, Terrorism
Categories: Commentary, government, Terrorism, military, Steve Hammons
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Time Magazine, in their annual declaration of the individual that qualifies as the most influential person of the year, cited Ron Paul, not as the most influential, but as a person worthy of mention. However, in the brief description of Ron Paul and his political advocacies, Time Magazine incorrectly portrayed Paul as an isolationist when it comes to foreign policy:

Booed by Republicans for his [bold face added to original text] isolationist foreign policy views and anathema to Democrats for his anti-government philosophy, the Texas congressman was proudly out of step with both political parties. But marching to his own drummer, the grandfatherly libertarian found himself leading an online parade. Millions of dollars poured into his quixotic presidential campaign, raising an inevitable question: What’s next for this free-thinking and strangely compelling grassroots crusader?

This characterization of Paul is patently false, and Time Magazine needs to correct its erroneous description of Ron Paul and his political positions.

In actuality, Ron Paul is a non-interventionist; which is certainly a marked distinction from the foreign policy philosophy of an isolationist. Ron Paul does not want America to look inward, not taking an interest and a role in geopolitical affairs. Rather, Paul is opposed to a foreign policy that is modeled upon an international activist programme, whereby America feels obliged to intervene in the domestic affairs of other countries, even if through military force.

We have suffered – for the last 6 years – under a Presidential regime that has acted belligerently toward other nations, and has, indeed, militarily invaded non-aggressor states in order to install regimes that are favorable to the United States. It is precisely this militarism, which is the hallmark of the Bush Administration, to which Ron Paul is opposed.

Please inform the Time Magazine associate responsible for writing this description of Ron Paul that you take exception to his erroneous characterization of Ron Paul’s foreign policy philosophy.

Please consider writing to the editor, in order to ensure that Time Magazine makes a correction to its incorrect portrayal of Ron Paul.  You can find the mistatement regarding Ron Paul at the following uri:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/personoftheyear/article/0,28804,1690753_1690758_1693558,00.html

Russell Cole

Tags: foreign policy, Global, government, imperialism, military, neoconservatism, politics, war
Categories: Commentary, Global, government, Politics, War, Foreign Policy, Imperialism, military, neoconservatism
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Meanings of human ‘intelligence,’ new discoveries are important in 21st century
An Article by:
Steve Hammons

Originally Published on:
December 20, 2007
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=46675

It seems helpful for us to continue expanding the meaning of “intelligence” in the 21st century and recognize that the word intelligence has many meanings, including new meanings.

For example, in my two novels, MISSION INTO LIGHT and the sequel LIGHT’S HAND, the San Diego-based joint-service “Joint Reconnaissance Study Group” intelligence team and their friends conduct research on mysterious topics that have captured the interest of millions of people worldwide.

Readers join the research team of ten women and men in the exploration of strange and unknown phenomena, and of themselves.

I have said it before and I will say it again: Right now, the human race needs all the intelligence we can get our hands on — intelligence in the broadest meaning of that word.

The dedicated members of the “JRSG” intel team conduct investigations into current and future human evolution, deep-memory DNA theories, anomalous cognition (ESP) and remote viewing, near-death experiences, Navy dolphin projects, past and future Earth geological disasters, UFOs, crop circles, and Native American culture and legends.

They travel from San Diego to the Arizona Sonoran Desert, Sedona, Arizona, the “Four Corners” area, Durango, Colorado, in the southern Rockies, New Mexico and Oahu, Hawaii.

The researchers try to put together pieces of a strange cosmic puzzle. They conduct urgent operations to understand emerging intelligence affecting the United States, the human race and planet Earth.

Sudden, seemingly miraculous events surprise even the most open-minded and hopeful members of the group.

Or maybe these events and processes are just natural. Maybe Nature, Earth and the Great Spirit are revealing phenomena the human race is finally ready to understand.

TEAM MISSION

The Joint Reconnaissance Study Group is given a mission that is described as follows:

Mission Identification:

The Joint Reconnaissance Study Group (JRSG) is a research entity designed to utilize the resources of the Department of Defense and national intelligence services in the missions to be defined by the Congress of the United States, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the President of the United States.

JRSG personnel will endeavor to investigate intelligence-related matters deemed relevant to the national security of the United States of America.

Areas to be explored by JRSG will be regarded as TOP SECRET / SCI, using the compartmented code word BOONE. Need-to-know protocol will be in force. Study groups within JRSG will be compartmented to the degree necessary.

Cross-fertilization of data and intelligence will be at the discretion of study group team members and the commanding officer of JRSG. Research and investigative findings will be compiled and interpreted by the senior officers on each team and submitted to the JRSG CO for communication to higher command authorities.

Group Structure and Personnel:

JRSG teams will be structured as follows to enhance cross-service, and cross-agency cooperation and communication. Initial organization of study teams include three, three-person groups. The JRSG CO, Colonel Thomas O’Brien, U.S. Air Force, will have direct command and full discretionary command and control.

- Team One: Commander Daniel Wells, U.S. Navy; Lieutenant Commander James Etienne, U.S. Navy; Captain Amy Mella, U.S. Air Force

- Team Two: Colonel Edward Thompson, U.S. Army; Captain William MacNeil, U.S. Army; Michael Green

- Team Three: Colonel Gene Voss, U.S. Marine Corps; Major Karen Valdez, U.S. Air Force; Jennifer Thorsen

Areas of Research:

JRSG teams will conduct broad-based, yet narrowly focused research and investigations into areas as identified and directed by the JRSG CO. These areas will include, but will not be limited to, the following general categories:

1) Unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Alleged abductions of humans by same. Reported technology and method of operations.

2) Extra-sensory perception (ESP). Alleged perception of information available to human beings through means other than the five senses.

3) Near-death experience (NDE). Alleged contacts with Heavenly persons and afterlife-type phenomena reported by persons experiencing clinical death.

4) Research in sub-atomic and quantum physics and how these fields may affect or illuminate the above areas.

5) DNA and other genetics studies and how these fields may affect or illuminate the above areas.

6) Native American culture and history and how it may affect or illuminate the above areas.

7) Cross-theoretical/cross-cultural religious and philosophical studies and how they may affect or illuminate the above areas.
Methods and Goals:

JRSG personnel will conduct field interviews and other information and intelligence gathering tasks as directed by the JRSG CO. JRSG teams will pursue intelligence and reconnaissance based on their investigative discretion and initiative.

Senior officers Commander Daniel Wells, Colonel Edward Thompson, and Colonel Gene Voss will report directly to the JRSG CO. JRSG CO Colonel Thomas O’Brien will report directly to the National Security Council, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the President of the United States.
JRSG teams will endeavor to conduct reconnaissance on the seven general areas of study and maintain security of the intelligence collected. The JRSG will be granted the full cooperation of all military commands and civilian governmental agencies. Reports will be channeled from JRSG field teams to the JRSG CO on an as needed basis at the discretion of senior team officers.

UNCONVENTIONAL GROUP

In MISSION INTO LIGHT, what starts out as a phone call and job offer to forty-something Arizonan Mike Green quickly evolves into a mystifying adventure into the unknown.

Mike is recruited into a quasi-scientific Defense Department research team based in San Diego. He starts his job with the Joint Reconnaissance Study Group on San Diego’s Point Loma peninsula. Ten women and men comprise the JRSG. Several loyal allies, and deadly opponents, soon emerge.

The JRSG and its friends search for information on unusual national security-related issues and mysteries. They look into crop circles, dolphin intelligence, deep DNA memory theories, UFOs, ESP, modern physics, near-death experiences, so-called “Earth changes” and “pole shift” concepts, and Native American culture and legends.

Connections between these areas are discovered as well as links to the past and the future of Earth and the human race. The women and men of the research group explore ancient questions and modern discoveries crucial to the evolution and survival of humanity.

They face experiences that are scientific, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The group uncovers dangerous threats to their investigation, to the United States, Earth, and human civilization.

Mike feels he’s getting in over his head at times. Even with the support and fellowship of the research group and friends, he faces extreme circumstances alone.

In the midst of dangers and challenges, there is romantic heat between him and Amy Mella, one of the group’s dolphin researchers.

This is also a story of relationships between women and men, military and civilian, the intelligence community and the average American. It is an exploration of phenomena and mysteries that now rightly hold the interest and attention of millions of people worldwide.

The story climaxes in a hidden canyon on the Navajo Nation in far northeastern Arizona. In a kiva, one of the large sunken stone circles of the ancient Anasazi people, many VIPs attend a special field conference. Sudden discoveries, dangers, and the experience of the strange unknown shock those present.

The characters in MISSION INTO LIGHT follow paths of discovery and knowledge to find new understanding of their nation, the human species, and the hoped-for breakthrough that will change the world.

FRIENDS AND DISCOVERIES

In MISSION INTO LIGHT, members of the JRSG, their friends and associates work together and carefully share information about research areas related to their missions.

For example, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, JRSG members Mike Green and Army Special Forces Captain Bill MacNeil interview Dr. Brenda Carruthers, associate professor of anthropology, New Mexico State University, about unconventional research topics.

Another interesting development is when former U.S. Marine and World War II Navajo Code Talker Joe Bear has a vision during a sweat lodge with fellow former Code Talkers near his home on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona.

On an operation in the Sedona area, in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area, Mike has a near-death experience and enters into an apparent DNA deep-memory phenomena. He learns about connections between UFOs, extraterrestrials and Native Americans in the era before European conquest of the ancient Cherokee homeland in the Smokey Mountain region. He also learns about pending unconventional developments.

Later, JRSG member Air Force Captain Amy Mella has a vivid dream about a huge catastrophe on Earth, possibly geological in nature. She and Mike meet with fellow JRSG member Navy Commander Dan Wells to discuss Wells’ knowledge about theories of Earth geological changes, including crustal displacement and crustal pole shift theories.

Also in the novel, based on the real-life 1997 “Phoenix Lights” event that made national headlines, multiple witnesses in Arizona and the metro Phoenix area see a large triangle or boomerang-shaped craft drift silently over the city, going from northwest to southeast, one evening.

And in the final chapter, at a special seminar of sorts in an ancient kiva, at the bottom of a hidden canyon near the Monument Valley area, dozens of guests and VIPs witness, and experience, a strange anti-gravity phenomenon. As this unfolds other unusual and urgent developments at the top of the canyon include the appearance of a triangular-shaped craft that plays a key role in the final climax.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

In this sequel, LIGHT’S HAND, readers continue on a thought-provoking metaphysical adventure with the top secret Joint Reconnaissance Study Group.

This small Defense Department research team continues their intelligence investigation of unusual phenomena.

Other strange phenomena emerge and challenge the researchers, who travel from their San Diego base to the Four Corners area, Durango, Colorado, and Flagstaff, Arizona, as well as the Arizona Sonoran Desert.

The main characters, Mike and Amy, are deployed to the Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona after the National Security Agency reports a strange signal coming from deep space. The message is in Morse code, and in the World War Two Navajo Code Talker code.

In the midst of urgent developments in and around the Four Corners area, Mike and Amy explore the depths of their love relationship and learn more about each other. About their passion, and compassion.

The dedicated researchers put together pieces of a cosmic puzzle just in the nick of time. Because strange and mysterious developments are underway. A sudden increase in crop circles, requests for safe houses on higher ground, and an ancient Cherokee legend are parts of this puzzle.

A breakthrough occurs when a strange event and process kicks the researchers into high gear, and the group acts as a rapid response team to the site of a possible miracle.

MORE INTEL AND RECON

As the second novel begins, two National Security Agency officials visit WWII Marine Code Talker veteran Joe Bear at his home on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. They ask him to interpret signals the NSA has picked up coming from deep space. The signals are in Morse Code and World War II Marine Corps Navajo Code Talker code.

From New Mexico, Mike, Amy and CIA analyst Jennifer Thorsen interview Dr. Ben Westman, former Army intelligence major and anthropology professor at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, about unconventional research topics.

Meanwhile, back in San Diego, Air Force Colonel Tom O’Brien, commanding officer of the Joint Reconnaissance Study Group, returns from top secret briefings and meetings back east. He contemplates the implications of what he has learned and how these things fit into the mission of his group.

Up in the Four Corners, Mike, Amy and Jennifer leave Durango for Flagstaff, Arizona where they visit a book-signing at a local bookstore by a Cherokee author and story-teller.

He tells a story strikingly similar to the vision Mike was given by his grandparents during a near-death experience in MISSION INTO LIGHT. In that experience, Mike seemed to go back in time, and into his own ancient DNA of his Cherokee ancestry to a strange incident.

Mike, Amy and Jennifer conduct a field interview with the author to obtain more information.

Then, many developments begin to converge including increased global appearance of crop circles, detection of undersea fault activity by Navy dolphins and other matters.

Members of the Joint Reconnaissance Study Group continue their operations and prepare for a possible significant event to occur as part of, yet distinct from, a steady process they have become aware of.

Suddenly, in the early morning hours on the north side of Phoenix, Arizona, a strange light slowly and gently emerges. Public safety personnel and the JRSG members respond to the scene … and find that something very significant is occurring, something that changes the world.

Tags: education, government, history, military, war
Categories: Commentary, government, Education, War, History, military
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For a glimpse of “The switch,” please scroll down to the “Preface,” which is presented on this page.

Russell Cole

(please do not confuse me with the actual author of “The Switch.”)

To Contact the author of “The Switch,” please use:

afanofWesClark@yahoo.com

If you are not convinced of this short story’s incisive insight as well as its enjoyable prose, from the “Preface,” please take my own word for it and obtain a full version of “the Switch,” via two methods described immediately below:

For “The Switch” in its entirety, please jump to a page where it is presented in html, by clicking though the following hyperlink:

http://web2sociology.com/papers/the_switch.html

Additionally, if anyone cares to obtain a PDF of “The Switch,” Please indicate so by emailing Russell Cole at:

russellcole@populistamerica

Preface

The Switch is a story built on the notion that, aside from those who are clinically insane, Bush supporters only exist due to being seriously ill-informed. But if you could wave a magic wand to make them all cognizant of the facts then his support would completely evaporate…and it doesn’t take magic to communicate information.

It starts off as a metaphor on how “progress” is a misnomer, but by page 3 the spanking begins. Yes, 40 pages is long, but that’s because there’s that much to spank him for. See for yourself why the mother of a soldier in Iraq said that she was honored to have read it and why a woman who rarely reads couldn’t put it down; and admitted afterwards that she shouldn’t have voted for Bush…

“Democracy is the most difficult of all forms of government, since it requires the widest spread of intelligence…” ~ Will Durant

“Freedom is always in danger, and the majority of mankind will always acquiesce in its loss, unless a minority is willing to challenge the privileges of its few and the apathy of the masses.” ~ R.H.S. Crossman

“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

“…A battering ram doesn’t work if you hold it sideways.” ~ Jeff Poster

Tags: american empire, colonialism, democracy, imperialism, military, money
Categories: Commentary
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BEDSIDE UNBELIEF

Tags: homeland security, military
Categories: Commentary
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by Steve Hammons
The emerging awareness in many segments of society about what is sometimes called “anomalous cognition” is an interesting development that seems to hold much promise. In fact, knowledge about this topic seems to be spreading throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Anomalous cognition is a term that refers to various kinds of human perception which can be highly effective and useful in a wide range of endeavors and activities.

Included under this umbrella term are several human perceptual abilities and skills. These include, but are not limited to:

- Enhanced intuition and instincts

- Increased awareness of one’s surroundings and environment

- Improved insight into challenges and solutions

- Acquisition of information and understanding about remote situations

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines “anomalous” as “inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected – irregular, unusual – of uncertain nature or classification marked by incongruity or contradiction – paradoxical.” “Cognition” is defined as “to become acquainted with, know – to come to know – cognitive mental processes – a product of these processes.” We may soon need to change the word “anomalous” when referring to enhanced human intelligence of this kind, because it may no longer be “unusual.”

It may become very normal and routine for all of us. In fact, it may be very useful to expand communication and education about research findings in this area as far and wide as possible, and in a timely manner.

RECENT AND CURRENT RESEARCH

Advanced research sponsored by our military and intelligence community, as well as universities and private research entities, has discovered that many, most or all people have the ability to use their “cognition,” their mind and awareness, to perceive and understand things in a much more interesting way than previously recognized.

At the same time, average people around the world are doing their own research because each of us has the working tools to investigate anomalous cognition: Our brains, minds, bodies, and, some say, our hearts, spirits and souls. The technique called “remote viewing” is one of the most common examples.

Remote viewing is a concept jointly developed by the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the CIA and private sector researchers during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Remote viewing is a particular set of methods that allow individuals to tap into enhanced and advanced perception. This has proven to be a useful intelligence-gathering tool. Other applications have also been researched. Anomalous cognition and remote viewing can provide insight about our daily thoughts and feelings as well as previously unknown information – even information that provides insight about situations that are outside of normal understanding about time and space.

It is believed that the nature of quantum physics is such that, in some ways, things like anomalous cognition and remote viewing make perfect sense. They are normal and natural. They are part of Nature. Many average people now read books, take classes and watch video presentations about remote viewing. And, many people find that their intuition, dreams and sensitivity to information bubbling up from their unconscious can be very valuable and helpful.

Professional research into these kinds of human abilities and perception is very useful and seems to dovetail with other accepted aspects of psychology studies. As in some conventional psychology theories, our unconscious mind is believed to be a great problem solver, when given the opportunity. In addition, our individual minds may be connected to a larger unified consciousness.

Some people theorize that there is a “higher consciousness” with profound spiritual and religious implications. Remote viewing techniques also recognize that one element of success in these efforts is allowing the unconscious mind to work. Then, information from the unconscious is allowed to surface consciously where it can be accurately interpreted and applied to practical matters. This, of course, is what many modern researchers have tried to establish: That clear evidence can be demonstrated indicating anomalous cognition of various kinds can provide accurate and useful information and insight. Have they established this? It seems that they have.

ADVANCED HUMAN DEVELOPMENT OR ANCIENT AWARENESS?

Some people learning about these kinds of human abilities might naturally wonder if they reflect advances in the ongoing development of the human brain. Are they new potentials that the human race is now experiencing as we evolve into more advanced creatures. This is one line of thinking. Another view is that these perceptual abilities are old, ancient, and go back into prehistory.

Maybe there is some combination of both aspects. Many ancient human cultures put great value on dreams, intuition, visions, signs, prophesies, spiritual quests and different kinds of awareness. Native American cultures are good examples. They found these types of experiences to be very valid perceptions about reality. Ancient humans may have relied on intuition, internal perception and instincts much more than we do today. As our conscious, logical and intellectual minds have developed, maybe our other awareness skills and internal intelligence declined and atrophied. Some people theorize that animals may have anomalous cognition abilities that are superior to that of humans in many ways.

So, perhaps these skills are not a new development at all, but, rather, the rediscovery and re-emergence of established and fundamental types of human intelligence.

Our instinct that danger is near, our feeling that we should contact someone or our sense that we should do something in particular, are situations that we sometimes experience. These perceptions may have a basis in valid and accurate anomalous cognition. Likewise, we all experience dreams. Dreams, like other kinds of anomalous cognition and remote viewing, also involve the unconscious mind’s ability to provide valuable information.

WWII U.S. NAVY SUB AND CREW SAVED BY DREAM?

As important as, or more important than, the value people place on these kinds of perceptions are reports about how accurate and how useful these perceptions can be. In other words, believing that unusual perception has value is one thing. Actually demonstrating that highly useful information or i