Queers and politics

Mary Cheney and Ward Churchill: two Colorado-based renegades at opposite ends of the socio-political spectrum, yet both are equally intriguing.

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney's openly queer daughter Mary Cheney remains an enigma. In my view, she either secretly identifies as a guy - in which case, her politics and actions don't contradict with those of most right-wing elites, at all - or, she's obeying her father, family, social class, and political upbringing over her own physical identity, and the differences that she represents, as a strong, independent, intelligent, career-minded, autonomous, woman-loving-woman kind of person.

News articles in progressive media point out Mary Cheney's confounding support of the U.S. Republicans' anti-gay platform and corresponding legislation, yet few seem to ask basic questions about her orientation from a psychological perspective.

Analyzing Cheney's personal and political life, and her lack of pushing the envelope, isn't my interest. What concerns me is how BIG queerdom is going to factor into future North American politics. Beyond the same-sex marriage issue, focusing on alternative sexualities is a powerful way to manipulate and divide the voting public.

Sex sells, right?

Conservatives in both Canada and the U.S. will likely build-up support by pandering to people's traditional or close-minded views of sexuality and gender (think Christian fundamentalists and recent immigrants with old-world values).

Yet, in the very same stroke, I believe the Right will create indirect opportunities to flirt with Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender (LGBT) communities, and appear more 'queer-friendly' - or, at least, less rigid. Consistent emphasis by media on how close Mary Cheney and her partner Heather Poe are to the Cheney family is a case in point. Yet, watch for an overall trend.

If all the above go according to plan, I believe some progressives may even feel comfortably reassured and unthreatened by Republicans and the Bush administration in the U.S., and by Stephen Harper and the New Conservatives in Canada. I'm seeing signs of it already.

I'm not even including the bitter reality of active government infiltration and influencing of queer and progressive communities, right here in Toronto.

Remember: carrot 'n' stick, carrot 'n' stick... Guess who's the stick, in this case? Osama et al - source of all evil. Yet 'Good Cop/Bad Cop' roles are fluid, so they can easily shift (see posts below).

Prime Minister Paul Martin and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney may also have more in common than we realize. Whether people clue into it or not, the Liberals are facilitating close political, cultural, economic, and military ties to the U.S. With the Liberal party suddenly, and ardently, in favour of same-sex marriage, all the bases are covered - from a conservative, elitist, corporate point of view.


Please see other posts:

'Hello, Mr. Carrot and Mr. Stick'
'Canada-U.S.: Marriage at last'
'Equality mirage'
'Mark Lombardi: Global Networks'
'Many truths'

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Ultra-Conservative Queers

Though it behooves many conservatives, queer folks do exist within their flock. Remember the Kinsey scale?

Mary Cheney, her partner, and probably some of their peers are a few examples. But at the furthest extreme, there are also gay neo-Nazis. As I've pointed out before - much to the consternation of some in the queer community - being gay does not necessarily mean one is politically progressive. Flamboyance can mask ulterior agendas.

There are queers with supremacist views and ideals.[1] Unfortunately, working class queers, who come from broken homes, had abusive childhoods, and may perhaps have a penchant for S&M, are easy recruits for hate-mongering factions. Intelligence agencies and right-wing fundamentalists are both known to support these kinds of groups, indirectly. Not a topic I wish to explore, but just be aware that this isn't as unlikely or uncommon a reality, as one may think. Especially right now.

More discussion to come...

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[1] I don't mean to paint a one-dimensional view. The moles, plants, and enablers I keep referring to are of all types and backgrounds - believe me. I believe rapid increases in the number of moles, and their broadened social diversity, are a direct result of illegal surveillance of myself and many others, during the past few years.

Shifting focus: Churchill vs. Cheney

Is it just me - or is there something wrong with this picture?

In examining companies like Halliburton, 60 Minutes showed how some major U.S. corporations do backdoor business with Iraq. Aired last August, 'Doing Business with the Enemy,' discusses how an investigation began when furious New York City firefighters and police learned part of their pensions are being invested in Halliburton and other companies having sizable military and petrochemical contracts in Iraq and elsewhere.[1]

Formerly headed by current U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney,
Halliburton is known to have questionable financial records, has bilked taxpayers by millions, has been profiting from war for over 70 years, and has large contracts in Iraq's rebuilding process to the tune of possibly billions of dollars.[2]

See OnlineJournal.com's commentary, some not-so-far-out thoughts on Halliburton and Carlyle Group, and On Lisa Rein's Radar: Bye-Bye Cheney.[3]

Instead - the American public and media are absolutely *outraged* at Professor Ward Churchill's harsh critique of U.S. politics. In 'Some People Push Back: On the Justice of Roosting Chickens,' Churchill argues that the downing of the World Trade Center's twin towers was an inevitable result of U.S. corporate and military imperialism abroad. Not an uncommon view - yet the media is suddenly pulverizing the guy for having written a controversial, yet fairly obscure, essay, which was penned right after the 9-11 attacks.

Ward Churchill is not a government official; this paper is simply one man's opinion.

Funny how news articles emphasize Churchill's salary and pay cut, while playing up the fact taxpayers are supporting 'hate-mongering' academics.[4] U.S. Republicans are also calling for Professor Churchill's dismissal from the University of Colorado in Boulder.[5]

If ever you had any doubts about the power of media, and who or what controls it, please lay them to rest. Corporate America's message to progressives, critical thinkers who question the status quo, and especially to 'Ethnic Studies' people is clear: toe the line, or else.


Recent Articles:

'Ward Churchill: Enemy Of The State' by Bob Newman, mensnewsdaily.com (Feb. 18, 2005)

'Ward Churchill's pickup vandalized' by Hector Gutierrez, Rocky Mountain News (Feb. 3, 2005)

See people's responses on FreeRepublic.com


Forget about hate-mongering. What about the people actively responsible for starting wars, killing large numbers of people, silencing or murdering those who get in the way of their plans, and developing weapons of mass destruction for profit?

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[1] 60 Minutes' exposé parallels arguments I'd made on a school listserv in 2000. People's righteous attitudes about global and corporate responsibility can often be shortsighted. I pointed out that many people, or their parents (who may be supporting their offsprings' education), have pensions or own mutual funds, which support companies that may have: a) unethical business practices, or b) foreign contracts or investments that are seriously compromising our planet's well-being.

[2] More about Dick Cheney: the fifth estate's 'The Unauthorized Biography of Dick Cheney,' supplementary site, unofficial profile of Dick Cheney (informative), and Answers.com.

[3] Since my surveillance began, intelligence agencies have found it ridiculously easy to recruite moles. Many people who seek truth, or question the 'official line,' are going to be closely monitored and infiltrated. People whose sites I've posted on this weblog are an example of likely targets. Yes, it's that insidious. 'Big Brother' can track the site and author, study your habits, put a few friendly folks in your path, or co-opt your friends/colleagues, and bang: they have a lock on you. Nazism worked the exact same way - yet without digital conveniences.

Note: Several important links and one article I've posted have mysteriously gone offline.

[4] Is Ward Churchill's overall position, and his essay about September 11, really 'hate-mongering'? Judge for yourself. See also 'Johnson: Churchill not alone in pointing accusatory finger,' and posts from February 21 and February 22.

[5] Much is also made of Ward Churchill supposedly not being Aboriginal. Found this Wikipedia page; it's created on January 29, 2005 - after news of Churchill's essay exploded into headlines. It does a very good job of undermining his credibility. Attacks on his identity have mainly been levelled by top American Indian Movement (AIM) representatives, who, themselves, could be government plants or converts. Ironically, I happened to have discussed Aboriginal identity issues with two acquaintances, who are part Aboriginal, during my surveillance. Will also post articles later about the prevalence of government moles in native communities.


PS - To Ward Churchill, they may also be messing with your health.

Phenom...what?

Just came across this line in a site about phenomenologists: 'philosophical ideas cut across political affiliation.'

I'd never read anything about phenomenology before (didn't know what it was), but last week, I heard it mentioned on a popular American talk show, during which three calls from Canada were fielded in a row. I found this unusual.

According to this research methods site, 'phenomenology explores the structures of consciousness in human experiences.'

What is phenomenology?

Wiki definition.

More about phenomenology from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

About the School of Brentano.

Browsing through all this erudite stuff, I can appreciate why I and others, who challenge oppression and advocate for socio-environmental change, or who may simply be part of progressive communities, would be surveilled so intensely.

The spin on Ward Churchill

More articles about Ward Churchill's amazing leap to centrestage:

'The fuss about Ward Churchill' by Linda Sue Grimes, BellaOnline

'Prof Resigns as Department Chair Amid Furor Over 9/11 Remarks' - Fox News Channel (Associated Press; Jan. 31, 2005)

Notice how the U.S. Republican right is suddenly using the exact same words, ideas, and even social protest tools and actions, as the left?[1] Amazing.


The 'Little Eichmanns'

Excerpt from Amy Goodman's radio interview with Ward Churchill on Democracy Now!:

Ward Churchill: Well it goes to Hannah Arendt's notion of Eichmann, the thesis that he embodied the banality of evil. That she had gone to the Eichmann trial to confront the epitome of evil in her mind and expected to encounter something monstrous, and what she encountered instead was this nondescript little man, a bureaucrat, a technocrat, a guy who arranged train schedules, who, as it turned out, ultimately didn't even agree with the policy that he was implementing, but performed the technical functions that made the holocaust possible, at least in the efficient manner that it occurred, in a totally amoral and soulless way, purely on the basis of excelling at the function and getting ahead within the system that he found himself. He was a good family man, in his way. He was loved by his children, participated in civic activities, was in essence the good German. And she [Arendt] said, therein lies the evil. [...] anyone in this sort of mindless, faceless, bureaucratic capacity could be the Nazi. That he was every man...was what was truly horrifying to her in the end. [Source.][2]

Media's political smearing of Ward Churchill as 'treasonous,' based on his Eichmann remarks (see end) actually makes comfortable allies of corporate Jewish Americans and former Nazi Germany. Pretty wild. It's kind of like Jewish political theorist Hannah Arendt's love affair with pro-Nazi philosopher Martin Heidegger, pre- and post-World War II: partnerships are possible, in spite of profound ideological differences.[3]

See my other post, Media contrasts and coincidences: Jan to Feb.'[4]


Of Puppets and Pawns

I have reason to believe the uproar about Ward Churchill's writings was a pre-planned event intended to distract people from the U.S. Republican party's responsibility in:

a) Having foreknowledge about the September 11th attacks, and (deliberately?) failing to act;

b) Having senior U.S. officials who have profited from both the 9-11 aftermath and the resulting wars; and

c) Launching two major wars on Afghanistan and Iraq, where countless civilians have died.


Even Hamilton College's original invitation to Professor Churchill, the sudden 'discovery' of his 3-year old article ('Some People Push Back: On the Justice of Roosting Chickens'), and their present stance on supporting 'free speech' are worth questioning.

Watch out America: media hype and distortion, plus political corruption, are kicking into third gear.


Academia in the Real World

I heard Ward Churchill speak at a Racism and National Consciousness conference in October 2003. I had posed a few questions, and talked openly about surveillance and harassment, social representation in media, and so on. My mentally-handicapped uncle Joseph died two weeks later, under suspicious circumstances. I had predicted his passing.[5]

Funnily enough, a relative of mine (by marriage) attended a job interview in Hamilton, Ontario, last March, which I also suspected was a set-up.[6] Lack of seriousness given to the job interview - considering this person was one of three people shortlisted for a departmental chair position - was unbelievable. Yet, I wasn't surprised, having had doubts about this being a 'real' interview beforehand (not because of my relative's capabilities). Afterwards, this relative was offered a ride to Toronto by a man named Killingsworth; his area of specialization includes CRTC regulation. How curious is that?

There's more to this mini-saga, which may shed light on cross-border strategies, Canada-U.S. cultural integration, and so on, but I'll try to limit my wild theorizing for today.


All-Knowing Technologies

If my family's emails are being tapped, which I believe they are, and my relatives were subsequently surveilled (due to our uniqueness, and NOT for criminal wrongdoing, for the last time!!!), much could be discerned about each of us.

I had quoted from this relative's work in an email I sent five years ago. [Actually, I had sourced quotes by past Canadian prime ministers that happened to be in this person's book. It's not nepotism, it was just convenient.]

That same year, I also responded to a listserv post that called on students to protest a visit by a foreign ambassador, believed to have ties to ultra right-wing groups in Europe. I replied that hotbeds of hate groups exist right here in Canada, so why don't we work together to counter oppression and support common causes by starting within the university and working outwards. (Uh-oh...)

Regrettably, my bold ideas and challenging style tend to silence or threaten people, shutdown discussion, and may even foster apathy or despair. This has been powerful learning for Big Brother.

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[1] I don't personally believe in a 'right' or 'left,' but it's an easy way to refer to long-standing political groups and ideological positioning. In my view, real transformation requires holistic knowledge and action. Yet, in my naivete, I didn't realize how unscrupulous ultra-conservative elites can be in appropriating people's ideas and experiences, and applying these towards a rather nasty master plan.

[2] More about Hannah Arendt: her bio, work summarized, wiki page, quotes, and more quotes.

[3] Martin Heidegger apparently 'foresaw the computer [and internet], what he called the "language machine," explains Samuel Ebersole in Media Determinism in Cyberspace (1995).

[4] If you really want to get deep, check out: 'A Glossary of Jungian Terms' by Craig Chalquist (scroll to 'Some history...').

[5] My uncle Joseph may have been mentally handicapped, yet he embodied innocence and was loved by all. His sensitive spirit often reminded me that beauty has many forms.

[6] What's up in Hamilton? Well, their Brain Bee , for one thing. (See post 'I'm a slooow learner.')

More editing...

Being long-winded and unable to focus, it takes me MANY drafts to figure out what the hell I'm trying to say!

So I just updated 'Food and water, givers of life,' and 'Media contrasts and coincidences: Jan to Feb' - again.

Certain people may also be interested in edits to 'Computing your way to freedom?' I don't expect to be believed, but I thought I'd clarify, anyway.

PS - Yes, I'm pretty intuitive. That's partly why the government found me interesting: I can sense others' responses in certain situations, particularly if they're negative or painful ones. And no, I've never spied or eavesdropped on anyone else's email.

Surveillance and silencing

Wish I could stick to one topic: surveillance. Yet understanding this complex issue requires reading my long-winded, baseless theories and self-centred thoughts, as these indirectly convey the why's and how's of government surveillance and harassment, plus general invasion of people's privacy.

My critiques of different people and cultures, for example, have benefitted my surveillers greatly. Famous political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal recently mentioned in a taped interview how Muslim people were being tortured and imprisoned, to force them to spy upon, and betray, their own communities.[1][2]

Unfortunately, by listening to my various commentary, and observing my constant encounters with prejudice, intelligence agencies have learned how to achieve the same results - on a very broad scale. They're now adept at pitting people and groups against one another, with just a few well-placed words, incentives, or subtle pressures.


Academics and Social Critics Beware

Recent developments of aboriginal academic and activist Ward Churchill being asked to step down as Chair of Ethnic Studies at University of Colorado, Boulder are fascinating. Churchill may even be forced to give up his tenured position.

The professor's comments about victims of the September 11th attacks, among other things, were controversially-worded. Yet, the sudden political pressure being placed on this outspoken, yet relatively harmless academic is inexplicable, and ironic.[3] I'll discuss the relevance of all this, later.

'Political Animal' by Kevin Drum examines political and media dimensions of this well-hyped affair (Washington Monthly; Feb. 25, 2005).

This is the essay for which Professor Ward Churchill is resigning his position, and may even be fired from the University of Colorado:

'Some People Push Back: On the Justice of Roosting Chickens' (Churchill; Sept. 12, 2001). Updated version here.

Churchill has written extensively about Aboriginal genocide in North Amerca. He has been under FBI surveillance for a long time. His first wife died in an untimely car accident. None of the news articles mention these facts, as possibly influencing his decision to resign as Chair of his department. Why this sudden fury about his work, anyway?

Michael K. Smith's essay, 'Ward Churchill's Real Sins,' compellingly dissects Churchill's notions around free speech and theories of compliance in Nazi Germany (Feb. 8, 2005). I agree with certain ideas from both Smith and Ward.

Smith's essay offers insight into the current War Against Terrorism, propaganda, and public apathy. Indirectly, it gives clues as to how and where we as citizens of supposedly free and democratic countries should focus our efforts, if we want good governance and lasting peace.

The debacle around Ward Churchill is a clear sign that anyone questioning the events of 9-11 and the 'Official Story' - particularly people from marginalized groups - will be in for rough times.

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[1] Excerpt from freemumia.org: 'Mumia Abu-Jamal is a renowned journalist from Philadelphia who has been on death row since 1981 for allegedly shooting Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner. Mumia has received international support over the years in his efforts to overturn his unjust conviction.'

[2] Brief bio on Mumia (same as above). The case of Mumia Abu-Jamal' by Terry Bisson. More on supporting Mumia; his commentaries and Freedom Journal.

[3] Check out articles on Professor Ward Churchill's and Professor Nancy Rabinowitz's respective resignations from key posts:

'Prof quits chair over 9/11' - DenverPost.com (Feb. 1, 2005)

- Ward Churchill gets blamed for criticizing corporate America's part in provoking international retaliation; yet, as a 60 Minutes news program has shown in 'Doing Business with the Enemy,' New York City firefighters and police were outraged to discover part of their pensions are being invested in American companies doing business in Iraq, which includes military contracts - Halliburton being a prime example. Are any of those big-wigs facing any media heat, major protests, or resigning their positions? Ridiculous. [Edit: See 'The spin on Ward Churchill.']

'College official resigns after furor over guest speaker' - WBOC-TV (Feb. 21, 2005)

'N.Y. professor loses post over Churchill controversy' - DenverPost.com (Feb. 11, 2005)

9-11 truth: Campaign sites

Apologies to 9-11 activists and truth-seekers. I've replaced a highly reactionary link under, 'hello, 9-11,' with UnansweredQuestions.org. Lots of info.

There's more than enough factual data and anomalies to prove a cover-up, and put forward a solid case. I suspect communicating all the information to ordinary citizens, and building momentum for legal action and proper government review is the real challenge.

Another organization to pay attention to is Lawyers Against the War.

Also, an intelligent review of Fahrenheit 9-11.

Identity issues

A huge topic I'll comment on later is: cultural identity.

Last week being the Lunar New Year (commonly referred to as Chinese New Year), I didn't know if I should broach this subject. It's not a significant occasion, for me, but I imagine other people may assume it's meaningful, given my seeming pro-Asian bent. (pro-Asian, or just anti-oppression?)

We started observing this event in the past few years. My mother and I went out for dinner - that was our 'big celebration.' We also ended up visiting with my step-grandmother, a few days later, due to her recent upset with her tenant-roommate.

Christmas is our main family gathering - although I missed three out of four recent celebrations, due to my surveillance, depression, anger, and feeling seriously misunderstood. We've started doing Kris Kringle (each person receives one gift, and gets a gift for someone else), which is nice: it keeps things simple, so one can enjoy the spirit of the holiday season (Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and so on). I try not to accept monetary gifts. Being unemployed is bad enough; I don't need to feel more ashamed, obligated, and dependent.

Four key reasons why I had a major falling out with my relatives are: surveillance and harassment, my emotional unwellness, politics of gift-giving, and chauvinism. Loooong story.

Writing a new reality: Peter C. Newman

Great quotes on politics, etc, by journalist and author Peter C. Newman.

Tribute to Lois Hole

This is a fitting tribute to the late Lois Hole, drawing from her own words and insights; it's simple, honest, and sincere.

Too bad those who may have strategized the whole media hoopla and regional outrage over Adrienne Clarkson's absence had to mar Lois Hole's passing, and turn it into a negative occasion. (Kind of like me, come to think of it: angry, negative, and destructive.)

I'm not endorsing the Governor General's inaction. If Clarkson is doing a poor job, give her the boot. If the position is costly and unnecessary, as some say, then go ahead and cut it. I'm simply trying to understand the timely machinations that lead up to this well-hyped and divisive event. I believe there will be many more to come.

(Also, if I don't sound like the bleeding-heart liberal I once was, believe me, I have good reasons.)


Going South

If you want Canada to become a U.S. subsidiary, with just a different flag, then make that choice in an informed way, and help shape the outcome.

I can still remember the shock, despair, and utter disbelief when former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives pushed through the Canada-U.S. free trade agreement - without consultation, and in spite of valid, widespread, well-reasoned concerns from so many groups, organizations, farmers, workers, and so on (over 1500 organizations country-wide signed a petition - including some major ones).* Slam, bam, thank you, folks, for putting us in a position to do this. People's voices meant NOTHING. As this trend continues, people will still be shaking their heads, wondering how it all happened.

*Note: Sometimes I'm deliberately vague for a reason.

If you voted Conservative in the 1988 election, please find out if and how Canada has benefitted from free trade, or if the country has been fundamentally undermined, due to lack of public input. Try talking to people who work in industries other than your own - especially those sectors that are key to Canada's physical survival and prosperity (natural resources, agriculture, etc). Neither blind conservatism or blind liberalism will be much help, dude.

Legal and electoral systems exist for a reason: use it or lose it.

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Variety of Information on Free Trade:

'Keeping Canada Independent' - The Claire Foss Journal

Canada - United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Canada - US Free Trade Agreement (1989) - Historica

Canada - US Free Trade Agreement (1989) - Texas A&M University

'The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement: Now or Never'* by Michael I. Krauss

NAFTA - Public Citizen: Protecting Health, Safety & Democracy

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - U.S. Department of Agriculture: Foreign Agricultural Service

*Note: Krauss' 1988 pro-free trade policy analysis and theoretical arguments have not been borne out. Monopolies continue, stronger than ever; competition has not improved; the economy, employment, farmers and manufacturers have not benefitted. (Believe me, I've been seeing it first-hand in this city, but continuing company closures and outsourcing of work should be clear indicators. Canada is clearly heading towards the totally dependent, socially and economically polarized, ghetto state that many predicted.)

Saw an excellent article on all this (searching...).

Faxes can be tampered with

Part 1: The Applicant Always Rings Twice

I got off my butt last week, and tried applying for jobs. Went to my usual trouble. Carrying my heavy backpack with me everywhere (my main records of surveillance), I shuffle to various places, taking my usual precautions: anonymizing my internet access and job sites I visit, deleting cover letters I write, and instead of using *free* resources at an employment centre, I fax from places like Kinko's. Why? To try and deter illegal eavesdropping, or even non-delivery, of my faxes. But I don't think it makes any difference.

I'll explain later the many ways that one's computer files can get read. I'm not exactly sure how, or when, it's happening; I just know my information is never private.

What does it matter if the government eavesdrops on my faxes?

I learned from radio interviews on CKLN 88.1 FM that CSIS agents actually pretend to know the suspect in question, then, ply people for information, or cast aspersions on that person's character. I recall one case involving a Toronto Muslim man, whom I believe was arrested for being a terrorist suspect. Everything his wife described in the interview sounded so much like what I seem to be experiencing.

My point is, intelligence bodies can say anything about me, and make it appear as if I'm a wrong-doer or criminal. They might say, 'Did this applicant apply here, and try to tell you...blah, blah, blah.' Who the hell would hire me after getting a call from the authorities?

I know I'm unwell; I've botched my own share of opportunities. But, in most cases, organizations I apply to should know nothing about me, nor be prejudiced in any way by my personal interests, activities, or disposition.

Here's a recent example of fax freakiness:

I faxed five organizations last week. Yesterday, I called one place to make sure the application got there. I find out it never reached the human resources person. Strange, considering I had even called the day I faxed it in (Feb. 8), and left a message. I also have the fax confirmation slip, plus an audio recording of my call to the organization. (Am I desperate, or what?)

Now, you could say, oh, these things happen. Yes, they certainly do. And they happen to me a lot. I've been suspecting 'problems' like this for over two years. Yet, this is the first proof I have of things going astray.

There's more. Yesterday, at 1:00pm, I finally cleared space in my voicemail box, in case I get called for an interview. (It's been full since January 21; I save many of my phone messages - for back up.)

Less than 12 hours later, my voicemail is full again. I've got two new calls: one from a number I don't know (no message), and this second call...(wait 10 secs):

Whenever I clear out a few messages, my voicemail gets filled, almost immediately, with calls from people I don't know. It's been like this for about two years.*

Hard luck, I guess. Or maybe I'm just popular.


*Note: Phone clicking began in 1998, and followed me from my mother's home to the first apartment I lived at (1999 to 2000), then, to the second apartment (2000 to present). Crank and wrong number calls began in early 2001.

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Part 2: Fictionalizing Trauma

You may not know the stress I've been through, but hopefully, some may appreciate why I'm so mistrustful and paranoid, and how part of my anger is being actively provoked.

Since 2000, I've been to see over ten different therapists. Several practitioners saw me regularly, for a time. Yet, only one was willing to listen to my phone messages (many of which I haven't posted, yet).

Can you imagine seeing someone, week after week, and telling them that you're being harassed, yet neither the therapist, or anyone else, believes you?

When they ask for proof, I sound like an idiot, when I say: Well, I don't have heat, my neighbour bangs and slams things, I get these phone calls, people say strange things to me, I have internet problems and email spam...and, um, my mother's things break down on specific days, strange incidents are happening to people I know, and certain people have gotten ill or died.

Uh-huhh...NUTCASE.

Recent editing

I edited these posts: 'Food and water, givers of life' (February 10) and 'Brad and Jen: Moving millions' (January 26).

Notes on Kinsey

Hollywood has a long history of censorship.[1] Some may be aware that 'the Hollywood system' actively reinforces certain social and political values.[2] One obvious example is that most or many of Hollywood's most famous leading men are, or have been, homosexuals. Yet, the public never knows about this, at the time. Quite an illusion.

Given this context, and Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky's classic work, Manufacturing Consent, here are four tiny details I noted about the film, Kinsey:

a) Director's name is Bill Condon. (Um, okay. Name-play on words has been part of both my surveillance and news events I've highlighted (see 'Gay Abbate,' more to come.)

[Edit: I also saw him being referred to as Willy Condon in a mainstream news magazine.]

b) Director Bill Condon has been working in television for 20-plus years. It's his first Hollywood film, yet he seems to have much pull and support. Kinsey is also up for an Oscar, which most people wait a lifetime to be nominated for.

c) Bill Condon 'told [reviewer Roger] Ebert, “but they [Motion Picture Association] thought it was a serious and informative film and they passed it with no cuts” - in spite of graphic sexuality and homosexual scenes (see Plugged In review, below).

d) Actor Laura Linney is cast as the wife. No significance there, but...

Last week, I happened to be watching Frasier and noticed three odd things: i) an Asian person was one of the extras (probably a first); ii) Jennifer Tilly (Bound) appears as a trashy, almost Asian-looking, mentally unstable vamp opposite the wholesome Laura Linney, while Frasier decides where his true love lies...whipped cream and all; and iii) Frasier is competing against a tree-hugging, environmental guy for Linney's affections.[3][4] The entire episode pumps your primal senses.[5] Many themes I've mentioned, either in this blog or in emails, appeared in this half-hour show; they're very specific situations and social dynamics.


More About Kinsey

'Facts about Kinsey, the film' - The Kinsey Institute

'Movie Review: Kinsey' - Plugged In Online (reviews for family viewing)

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[1] See post on political censorship: 'Learning in the Trenches,' November 10, 2004.

[2] Operation Hollywood: How the Pentagon Shapes and Censors the Movies by David L. Robb. MotherJones.com interview with author Robb. About.com book review.

[3] Hollywood's closeting of queerness is one of its biggest propaganda illusions. Yet, being 'out' as a queer actor can negatively affect one's public appeal and marketability. Likewise, playing a homosexual role can set one's acting career way back, unless one is already a major celebrity. Many women have to vigorously re-establish their 'straight' image to ensure steady work. After her role in Bound, I suspect queer stigmatizing may have affected actor Jennifer Tilly's opportunities. Her appearance as a down-and-out 'sex freak' in this episode of Frasier said a lot about her absence from cinema, in general. Reviews on Bound : scene360.com, movie-review.net, and CenterStage.net.

[4] I talk about sex, sexuality, and sexual freedom, but it's more conceptual, rather than actual lived experiences. Yet, much like Seinfeld's Cosmo Kramer, and his 'kavorka' effect on women (an Orthodox Armenian nun fell for him in one episode), I did seem to bring out instinctual responses in many people, with my own unsteady drives. (I was haywire during my depression, but didn't really act on it.) Flattering, yes, but what the government has also learned is how easily Asian women are perceived as sex objects. I believe this 'Suzy Wong' stereotype will be used to cancel out more positive, empowering images of Asian women. Several thousand years of social programming should give you an idea of how respect plays out in any 'virgin vs. vamp' split. (More on this, later.)

[5] Frasier is a great show. I'm just pointing out what I perceive to be funny coincidences.

Broadcasting consent: housewives and judges

Did anyone catch last night's episode of Desperate Housewives on TV? Almost every scene in this segment of the highly popular series closely resembled my many musings and rants about social positioning, vertical mosaics, and the future of global politics - or rather, 'psychological warfare,' as character Lynette puts it, while pretending to choose between spatulas to spank her naughty boys with.

I know: vague, vague, vague. Better examples soon to come.

My concerns about media propaganda aren't solely centred on 'race issues.' The whole breaking down of the super ego (?) and toying with primal drives, kink, and other stuff, has been surfacing widely in TV, movies, and news. One may analyze a qualitative shift in mainstream news and entertainment from 2003 onward - be it subjects, themes, social depictions, or psychological approaches. The movie Kinsey comes to mind.


Perverting Justice

Here's one example of what I mean. Several people's court-type shows air on TV everyday. During my month of TV overdosing, I gravitated towards these interesting snapshots of slice-and-dice justice. Even though it's a 'wild west' approach to law, the judges are intelligent, experienced, and entertaining.

The shows in question: Judge Joe Brown, Judge Judy, Judge Matthis, Divorce Court.

The intros to the shows go something like this: 'The cases are real. The people are real. All rulings are final.'

Well, remember what I said about actors-cum-special-agents? Suddenly, I've been noticing a downhill slide in these programs. Every so often, it appears, to me, that a fabricated case comes up, emphasizing race, or race and sexuality, or just sexuality. My concern? I think they're trying to UNDO the judge's impartiality. Do I have proof? No, but I've been experiencing this same crap in my own surveillance.

Having watched these shows, every Monday to Friday, for over a month, I can tell you exactly which episodes I suspect have something fishy going on. You can probably see for yourself. But, in some cases, it's pretty subtle, yet may still affect the case's outcome, or at least, the judge's behaviour and performance.

I first saw what appear to be 'pseudo legal cases' on Judge Judy, then, Judge Joe Brown. I assume it may be happening on the other shows, as well.

The reason intelligence agencies have gotten good at this stuff - I believe - is partly due to my surveillance. I honestly suspect the personal struggles, conflicts, and social dynamics they've observed have helped to open up new vistas of insight and power for them. Not just because of me, of course, so many people and things have been involved - some of which I can't talk about because of ongoing threats.

Watch these programs for yourself. If you see the male judges getting a little glassy-eyed or titillated, for example, listen closely and watch the plaintiffs, defendants, and witnesses. Also, pay attention to the camera shots (eg, panning, close-ups, angles). Justice isn't perfect: we're all fallible and human.

I'll revisit this topic, later.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Other Information Resources:

The classic book: Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky (1988).

The film: Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media (1992, Canada); directed by Mark Achbar and Peter Wintonick.


Note: Critically examining media isn't my deepest wish. Yet the bottom line is: 1) I'm under intense surveillance and harassment, and 2) I'm not going to passively watch, as corruption reigns unchallenged, people and creatures are oppressed, and our earth is purposely destroyed.

Computing your way to freedom?

(Edited Feb. 27/05)

Being Believed

People tend to doubt things I say - especially in the past few years. It's been like this all my life, actually.[1] I'm somewhat wacky and unpredictable, so people give credit to some things, but not others. Understandable. Yet I'm usually right.

Being increasingly stereotyped based on looks, however, partly due to the large influx of East Asian immigrants into Toronto, I find it even harder to say things, without having instant assumptions being made, or my being misunderstood or dismissed. If I say, 'jam,' you may hear, 'peanut butter.' It's that offbase, sometimes.

So my reactiveness naturally extends to my online communications. My surveillers have learned a lot from this - not just with me, but with many people. People's psychological filters increase and trust levels diminish, if you happen to be different. Yup, that's me.


Computer Whiz...Or Not?

So, today's neurotic explanation is about my computer knowledge. For a few years, now - and especially last year - internet and email quirks have continued to pop up on listservs I participate on, at very specific times. It goes beyond the usual spam, virus, computer glitch-type problems. And I sense that some people secretly suspect that I'm the culprit behind these things, though they won't come out and say so. (examples to come)

Yes, I do talk about internet privacy and protection a lot, and I even describe ways that one's online activities could be spied upon. Does this mean that I know how to do these things? Sorry to disappoint you, but the answer is, NO.

I've spent countless hours on the computer, and have learned a lot, conceptually, yet my technical abilities are fairly limited. I'm not going to drone on about how much or how little I know about computers and the internet. I'll be posting some information, eventually, in case others find it useful.

'How Information Privacy is Compromised' by Media-Awareness.ca is a good primer on this subject.

Ironically, this site requires a cookie. See how to block cookies, below.


Cleaning Up Your Computer

I've got so many website links in this weblog, I feel compelled to remind people to get some free software to minimize tracking of online activities. The ones, below, are reliable and come highly recommended by many sources (don't take my word for it - do a Google search):

POP-STOPPER

I like Pop-Up Stopper (free edition). They even have a Report Pop-Up page, in case any pop-ups do get through.


SPYWARE REMOVAL

Ad-Aware

Spy-Bot Search & Destroy


CLEAN INTERNET TRACES ONLY

CleanCache for Internet Explorer and CleanMOCache for Mozilla, Opera, etc. (same site)

IE Privacy Keeper cleans internet traces on Internet Explorer.


CLEAN INTERNET TRACES & SHRED COMPUTER FILES

Eraser

Window Washer (trial only)

Cyberscrub.com (trial only) or from PCMag.com


Also go to the 'Tools > Options' part of your browser to clear out cookies, passwords, and other info. Set your 'Remember visited pages to '0' (zero).'

Almost all websites track their visitors, be they commercial or personal. Some even place cookies and spyware in your computer to monitor all your surfing and email activities.[2] That's pretty invasive. This information may be used by, or sold to, companies and other third parties.

Even personal websites track visitor statistics - it's standard, if you have your own domain address. My blog is hosted on Blogger.com, and I haven't made any efforts to get a web counter. I almost don't want to know. But I'm pretty sure visitors to my blog are being monitored by 'others.' (More info on web counters.)


Get FireFox - The Browser

I also recommend using Mozilla's FireFox browser . It's free, and far more secure and flexible than Internet Explorer.

If you do download this browser, and add useful 'extensions,' make sure you get either their privacy 'X' or 'X-kiosk' and Ad-Block and PrefBar extensions to help you clean up. Just click 'Install.'

[Edit: To put the 'X' privacy button on your browser's toolbar for easy clicking, go to 'View > Toolbars > Customize,' then drag the 'Paranoia' icon onto your toolbar.]

Finally, for those who've seen evidence of my various 'web efforts,' and think I must be a techno-wiz, here's how I do it: find easy programs, like OpinionPower.com.

OpinionPower.com is great! Let's see if you can create a web poll in less than five minutes.


[1] Certain people from my former program may find this hard to swallow, but the reason I've often been disbelieved in my life is due to more subtle and multifaceted factors, like gender, lack of self-confidence in speaking, my inability to organize my thoughts clearly, my offbeat ideas, and so on. Until my return to Toronto, and being in a rather imbalanced state after backpacking abroad (pics to come), I had NEVER been known as a sly or deceitful person. Yet even after five years of therapy, I still get painfully nervous around issues, or physical reminders, of power or money. And yes, I suck at paperwork and bureacratic requirements.

[2] I don't actually know if cookies or spyware can track your emails, but I sense there is some overlap. Emails can definitely be traced, intercepted, and read, yet there are different forms of eavesdropping, and I'm not quite sure what the government uses on me (and so many others), as I move from computer to computer.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Further Reading on Internet Privacy:

'Dangerous data - the death of privacy' - Guardian Unlimited (Aug. 12, 2001) PLEASE READ!

'Considering the "Private" Citizen' (May 1999)

'EFF's Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy' - Electronic Frontier Foundation (April 10, 2002)

'Protecting Your Privacy on the Internet' - Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Except for the last link, all articles above were written several years ago. Imagine how things have advanced since then.

Fuller dimensions

Stereotypes are simpler, more convenient.

To show how subtle harassment is going on, I often highlight certain facts, and leave out unimportant details. Yet I end up writing about things in a dualistic, objectified manner. Anger and frustration are sometimes factors. My February 4 post, 'Murder by numbers,' is one example of many. I'm sorry for pigeonholing anybody.

Drawing attention to my financial situation, or neurotically detailing my spending, also happens for various reasons. For example, I used to see my therapist on a sliding payment scale and, having sent my blog link to many who know me, I feel obligated to explain certain things.

When I bitterly comment about my mother's financial stress, I'm probably displacing guilt and blame I feel about putting her through so much hardship. (No, she isn't homeless or completely destitute, but people can still suffer. Pictures may help tell the story better than I can.) I'm also expressing valid anger towards those who know both my mother and I, as I've felt deeply betrayed by their disbelief in my situation.

(True, it's probably unreasonable of me to expect them to believe in this whole surveillance stuff. But I wasn't feeling very 'reasonable.' I probably needed to be seeing a therapist, but for many complex reasons, didn't manage to.)

Unfortunately, what started out as racist surveillance has escalated to national, if not global, proportions. I've sometimes felt like the anti-Christ.

Indirect ethnic cleansing is underway.

Politics, power, prayer

Today's spout: Canada's major political parties.

But first, my take on the symbiosis between Canada and the U.S.: I fear that people who loyally and fondly support the U.S may not realize what that country is actually doing, how they're doing it, and what this means for Canada.[1]

I don't wish to denigrate the U.S., or its many fine achievements. I'm very much in support of their founding values and principles of freedom, democracy, equality, and justice. Yet I'm concerned about what's going on. For example, consultation with an informed voting public is clearly not what the U.S. is striving for, when polls are being rigged, among other things (see 'Questions about U.S. election' and other posts).

Do you wish the same for Canada? We're already heading that way, yet it will be worse, if our evolution into a 51st American state goes completely unquestioned.

This is not about being blindly anti-American - it's about being fully and realistically committed to Canada and all it stands for, what we are capable of, and so on.

Having choices is important. Do we want to be economically dependent, politically puppeted, and militarily co-opted?

---------------------------------------------------------------

Am I a Closet Conservative?

To prove I'm not anti-conservative, here's a post by The Conservative Hipster that I totally agree with: 'Politics as usual: The G-G is G-Greedy.'

I can imagine how the Conservative party will be using my and others' negative responses to the Liberals to win over voters. Not that I'm against the Conservatives, per se, or any other party. I simply don't trust the dominant mindset, intolerance, and the means used to achieve what I see as 'personal or corporate pocket-filling,' rather than strong nation-building, solid infrastructure, socio-economic-environmental well-being, and general prosperity.

Case in point: the Conservative party often complains about tightening up immigration. They've had various opportunities to do so; yet, once in power, they focus on privatization, benefitting corporations, fostering free trade, cutting back programs and education funding, and so on. This increases chaos, polarizations, and socio-environmental degradation.

Fiscal responsibility, you say? By all means, but why not ensure the resulting benefits are adequately channelled back into society, since wealth is usually produced off the backs of many. Corporations and business people need to be accountable - socially and environmentally. If you think economic resources are being squandered, then show people how to do it differently: educate them.[2]

About the Liberals, what can I say? Here's a party full of hubris, with an incredible sense of entitlement, as described in the post above. Being someone who generally looks beyond the surface of things (part of my frustration in writing this blog lies in getting past stereotypes), my analysis of people in public service would include thinking about a political party's culture, how individual members conduct themselves, and bearing in mind that those who lead the party shape the overall work ethic. Unfortunately, over time, problems get very entrenched.

The Liberals are in serious need of revitalization. Through my surveillance, I've become increasingly exposed to governance issues, and have come into contact with other people involved with these activities and concerns. I also worked at annual dinners for both the Liberal and the Conservative provincial parties. What I see is lots of power and privilege, but no action.

Am I being harsh? The Liberals have been in power since October 1993. As 'Red Tories,' they really aren't much different from the Conservatives. They merely present themselves as moderates, yet they do what most politicians do: pass the buck, look good, serve personal interests.[3]

I know: we're all politicians, in one way or another. Even animals, plants, amphibians, and sea creatures negotiate power relations and survival. Yet those in office are voted in, and are usually paid to serve the public. I've said before, government is an organization, like any other (funny how this exact sentiment showed up on a listserv recently, discussing mobilization for the York free speech protest). Ensuring accountability requires public participation.

NDP and Greens: Ideologically, this is where I'm at. Yet I've seen enough of the world to realize that much work is needed here. I'll comment on these two parties later.

Through my various struggles within organizations, institutions, groups, and so on, I became interested in organizational learning and circles.[4] These approaches do work.[5]

Many of us want a healthy, safe, prosperous, ecologically-sound place to live.[6] Yet, we all need to work together to create a great country.


Undoing the Good

I believe ultra-conservative elites have been successfully co-opting some of the most critical, intelligent, committed, and aware activists I know of. I say this based on my many experiences, struggles, and being psychologically profiled and harrassed. Since much of 'the work' being carried out by moles is in progressive areas and organizations, I suspect converting real activists hasn't been all that hard. My Angry Terror Ways versus the government's powerful influence and many soothing enablers makes for an easy choice. Lord Conrad Black reveres former U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt for, among other things, FDR's skill in 'co-opting the left.'[7] It's simply a matter of spinning propaganda - or, as they used to say in the 60s: creating mind f**ks.

Perhaps these wonderful activists, whom I once trusted for their honesty and political commitment, have a false sense of reassurance?

Here's how it works: they continue to do what they love and believe in, they work with other seemingly like-minded folks, they probably receive some sort of benefits or gain connections - be it monetary or otherwise, they get the 'inside scoop' and 'protection,' and may even feel like they're working towards some just cause (national security, social and political stability, etc). Well, ha-ha: 1) you're being lied to; and 2) these same benefactors also control and carry out the nasty stuff you're working to overcome (hello, 911, AIDS, SARS, environmental disasters).

I keep hoping these once-inspiring activists will realize it's too good to be true. Yet, somehow, co-operating with fascist elements isn't a problem for them. My question to them is: Don't you see that Big Brother is the controller, and you're giving over your power to them and feeding a corrupt system?

Yes, it's a complicated world we live in. Yet, there are processes to help keep things more honest, while creating positive, empowering results. Otherwise, we can only blame ourselves for this Shark Tale-type reality we're heading towards. (Please, see the movie.)

--------------------

[1] Interesting perspective on political renewal in America. I can't argue with it, yet I can't embrace it, either. As we head towards deep integration with the U.S., religious views will surely be shaping the politics.

Note: I'm not anti-religious. My mother's family was raised Catholic, plus many of their good friends are, or were, priests, nuns, an archdeacon, etc. I myself do not follow a particular religion, yet I do respect the common wisdom in all major faiths. The point is, state and religion should be separate.

[2] Sounds like I know what I'm talking about, yet I include myself in the category of people who needs to learn basic accounting and financial savvy. Having bounced cheques and overdrawn my account regularly since 1999, me and administrative details do not go together.

[3] Getting deeper into this cat-and-mouse game of surveilance and harassment, I now see how pathological and twisted some ultra-conservative elites can be. Their 'control' of society is far more insidious than people realize. I was naive and idealistic.

[4] I do tend to use the word, 'conservative,' to negatively describe people who seek power, wealth, status - often by unethical means - or to label people who may be socially intolerant. Conservative can be a positive, as well. If you can suggest a different word, please comment. Thanks.

[5] Some excellent articles on organizational change and innovative leadership, below. Unfortunately, ultra-conservative elites have taken my interests and insights to heart, and are building a more powerful, yet marketable, fascist regime than you or I could possibly imagine.

- 'Managing in a World That is Round' by Frances Hesselbein.

- 'Journey to Transformation' by Frances Hesselbein.

- 'The Invisible Side of Leadership' by James E. Austin.


[6] I talk as if I haven't gone through two major depressions (PTS, agoraphobia, anxiety, and so on). I'm not only interested in circles for organizational change, but I also seek circles of healing, community, and prayer. (Note: My surveillers have tried to put every label on me to justify their activities. Cult member or believer is probably one of them.)

[7] Robert Mason Lee's 'A toast to Lord Black' is superbly written, and an excellent read (Toronto Life, July 2004 issue - print only).

Media contrasts and coincidences: Jan to Feb

Okay, I'm wading into lots of muck, here, and may offend or distance people further. I should probably get off my media and social representation kick - but this one's been percolating for awhile.


Timing of Media Releases

As said, I'm becoming a reluctant media-watcher. Recently, I noticed the political gaffe by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson made the cover of The Toronto Sun ('Yo Adrienne! Where have you been?' January 19, 2004, I think?) on the same day Prime Minister Paul Martin announced trade deals with China, and was in Asia to visit the Tsunami survivors. What timing.

Frankly, I never paid the Governor General much attention before: read one speech, and saw Clarkson once on TV many years ago, but little else. I had no idea of the negative sentiments floating around, and could probably care less, if not for my crappy situation. [1]

I saw an interesting and damning critique of the Governor General's vacation in France, the unplanned visit with the Queen, and the whole 'cover-up,' but can't find it (searching...). Yet, besides the obvious blunders, lack of accountability, shirking of duties, attitudes, etc - something about this incident doesn't seem quite right (more below).


Media and Democracy

Days before the Governor General's embarrassing mis-step got full media attention, Prince Harry's costume party incident hit the press.[2] Strange that the Prince would test social propriety and royal protocols to such an extreme (missing link).[3]

Numerous magazines articles, TV documentaries, and movies about the late Princess Diana also seemed to be popping up, during the past month or so. I wondered why the sudden surge.[4] Then, yesterday, Prince Charles and Camilla Bowles announced their marriage engagement. Most people believe media planning and distribution is arbitrary: it's not.

I happened to see 'Studio 2' on TVO last night. Host Paula Todd, Rudyard Griffiths of the Dominion Institute, and Globe & Mail columnist Heather Mallick discussed the upcoming royal marriage.

Mallick seemed deliberately inflamatory, offending not only Monarchists, but anyone with a British background or sensibility. She also suggested Princess Di's tragic death is both unforgettable and unforgivable. Three times, she expressed a strong wish that Prince Charles and Camilla Bowles should not come to Canada. Strange. At the very end of the show, the controversial columnist referred to the royal family as, 'the Battenbergs.'

Besides making herself unpopular during the interview, Mallick calling the royal family by Prince Phillip's mother's maiden name before anti-German sentiment arose in the early 1900s makes no sense. Since Queen Elizabeth II is official Head of State, she and their four children (Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward) carry the name House of Windsor - not Prince Philip's anglicized surname of Mountbatten, or his mother's former name. This bizarre reference seems to imply a symbolic reunion between Britain and Germany, perhaps explaining Prince Harry's strange choice of costume.[5]

Does this newspaper columnist know something, we don't?

Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth II's family is German, yet they rule Britain. Prince Philip is of Danish ancestry, yet his grandfather was King of Greece, and his father was Prince. Most royalty in Europe are interrelated.

I believe Prince Philip's connection to Greece, and the fact that he's the man of the family, is why Mallick made that reference. In the past few years, I've often emphasized the importance of Greek culture, as being the founding roots of western civilization. Yet, in Canada, people of Greek background have been on the margins, as a pretty close-knit ethnic group - and they're not quite perceived as European, but more Mediterranean. As often happens, there's a *disconnect* between historical ideology and contemporary reality.

I believe cultures go through cycles - high and low periods of flowering or regression. My surveillers paid close attention to these ideas, and my various critiques.

For western civilization to renew and fortify itself, several things need to happen. One is to embrace modern-day Greece and its descendants. So, you may notice a gradual enhancement of how Greek people, community, and culture are positioned in the media, plus an increased profile through advertising and sponsorships. One possible example of what I mean is My Big Fat Greek Wedding coming in second in the 'Ten Most Romantic Movies of All Time' list.

I'm glad for Greek-Canadians. As George Stroumboulopoulos of CBC's 'The Hour' recently said, while receiving 'The Greatest Canadian' award for medicare founder, Tommy Douglas: 'He's finally getting the recognition he deserves.' So, too, for Greece.[6]


Digging Deep

For several years now, I’ve been the ‘Bad One’ in many different social situations. Unstable and disoriented, I probably wasn’t getting the emotional support I needed. Intelligence agencies learned a lot from this.

Based on these experiences, I can’t help but notice how strong media focus on Governor General Adrienne Clarkson's obfuscations around her France trip is contrasted by Prime Minister Paul Martin speaking of 'integrity and character,' and also ‘vision,’ being needed to lead this nation (is this a first??), during the public inquiry into the Liberals' sponsorship scandal.[7] Ottawa Citizen columnist Susan Riley was highly impressed, saying: 'It was like a model parliamentary lecture on public administration' (not an exact quote). Yet, then-Finance Minister Martin claims he didn't know how contracts were awarded, and to whom, so he had no knowledge about the $250 million in sponsorships.

So Clarkson gets to be the sneaky, materialistic shopper abroad, while being derelict in her duties at home. While Martin is seen as the humanitarian abroad, and the virtuous, honorable man at home - even in the face of major financial scandals about the Liberal Party, which allegedly took place while he was Finance Minister (FlyOurFlag.ca).

Sudden media attempts to reach the Governor General, plus her office's deliberately vague responses are a little odd. The Prime Minister apparently asked the Clarkson to be on standby for Ukraine's inauguration, while he's away (see 'Cloning not possible'). Interestingly, this ego boost ends up making Clarkson look like a callous, secretive fool for her no-show at much-loved Lieutenant-Governor Lois Hole's memorial.

During the inquiry into the Liberals’ communications spending, PM Martin also actively took the high ground, while others made not-so-subtle jabs at former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, which seemed to call attention to the latter's background as a French-speaking Quebecker from a small town.[8]

Notably, Clarkson was appointed Governor General by Chretien in 1999.[9] Found this CBC summary about the Governor General; it gives pretty a good idea of how 'liberal' the Liberals have been with pay raises.

So here's what I find interesting:

1) I commented in this post that Chretien at least stood his ground with the U.S. government.[9]

2) Since last year, I've been suggesting media will subtly heighten social antagonisms and polarities around ethnicity.


To be clear, I'm not saying it’s all PM Martin's doing. Personally, I think all this goes higher than even the Prime Minister.

Politics is nasty, yes. Yet certain strategies and stances showing up in current media and Canadian politics closely parallel things I've either talked about, or personally experienced, as a widely-travelled, queer, Canadian woman of colour. I can often *predict* what angles or topics will be emphasized, and how things will develop. I've been pretty right, so far. For example, I had been saying for awhile that health care would become a key focus for both the Conservatives and the Liberals (more info to come).

Unusual 'push-pull' dynamics - like those explored in S&M play - are appearing in news events, TV programs, political strategies, and international developments, particularly around race or ethnicity.[10][11]

That's fine. But I suspect the government has been studying my neuroticness, and imitating my bold style, while also benefitting from my low credibility, anger, and emotional reactiveness. I also believe certain media strategies and various topics are being developed and explored, as a result of intelligence agencies' illegal surveillance of ordinary citizens, both in public and private spaces.

I don't expect people to believe me today - but if you could kindly take note of my nutball ideas, that'd be great.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Footnotes:

[1] See Feb. 13 post.

[2] Having open feedback on news articles is a great idea. Among the responses, this sentence caught my attention: 'Of course, I'm sure he [Prince Harry] didn't expect an odious Sun photographer at a private party [...]'. Personally, I think it's pretty convenient timing for the photographer to be there.

[3] 'The Monarchy in Britain - A Brief Guide.'

[4] Princess Diana's passing was a sad and a tragic loss. Like filmmaker Michael Moore, here was someone who used her immense influence to create positive change. Some still have doubts about her death, given how many established powers felt threatened by her charitable campaigns (AIDS, land mines, etc), as well as her massive popularity with both the public and the media.

[5] The movie National Treasure makes more and more sense, as international events unfold.

[6] I find the interrelatedness between different people and cultures affirming. For example, in my conversations with 'Jack,' I had mentioned that anglo-saxons are a merging of both anglos (English) and saxons (Germans). Europe has many inter-ethnic ties, even within the British monarchy.

[7] Based on my experiences of surveillance and harassment, and what I believe has been close observation of my and others' social experiences, I believe Canadian and U.S. media will increasingly pump out 'good vs. bad' dichotomies around race.

[8] Funny how former PM Jean Chretien is behaving almost like a satire of his former self lately. People's negative recollections of him are bound to be stirred up, making current PM Martin look all the more saintly.

[Edit: This same media bashing technique has now made Stephen Harper of the Conservative party look like a man of integrity, while Paul Martin was quickly flushed down the drain. Wish I had the Time Magazine's cover from May 16, 2005 to post here. On it, Harper and the three other major party leaders (Martin - Liberals, Jack Layton - NDP, Gilles Duceppe - Bloc Quebecois) are caricaturized in a poker showdown, with Harper clearly depicted as the strong leader. I predicted the rise of the newly allied Conservatives as far back as the June 2004 election. Martin also backpedalled on military ties with the U.S., when faced with public outcry. But now, we've voted in Harper and the Conservatives. How easily people are led. 02/28/06]

[9] Many important or successful Canadians are immigrants, or are born of immigrant parents. Some recent examples I've come across are Maclean's influential editor, columnist, and political pundit, Peter C. Newman, and popular decorator/publisher Lynda Reeves (good article from Toronto Life). (Nice review on Newman; his books.) More thoughts on culture and identity to come.

[10] In my desperate search for community, and to find interesting folks, I once attended attended a BDSM meeting. I've never done S&M, and haven't had much desire to. Yet being far too antagonistic at other community gatherings, I thought I'd explore a different milieu.*

[11] Closing comments in 'Diana would be proud,' never mind the outrageous headline, are very strange. Besides the 'grovelling' part, Prince Charles displacing responsibility for 20-year old Prince Harry's actions onto Prince William, 22, is like something out of Everybody Loves Raymond. By some strange coincidence, this also parallels stuff from my own situation, including observations I've made about sibling relations, parental expectations, and social positioning.

*Note: My air of sexual permissiveness is more intellectual than actual. I'm simply open-minded, curious, and frank about sex.

Food and water, givers of life

Let Them Eat...Anything

My knowledge of global politics is limited. I often find it boring, and I'm terrible with facts, dates, history, and so on. Yet there's a high correspondence between things I talk about, or have mentioned, and current trends in world affairs.

As the harassment became more threatening in early 2002 - to myself and to unwitting others - I became far more security conscious. I happened to mention, a few times, the importance of food security in relation to political empowerment, and how this might also connect to the keeping of nuclear arms (see more on 'water,' below). I gave India, as an example.

Two months ago, I saw an interview on the Tim Russert Show. U.S. alliances and the situation in the Middle East were being discussed, and they noted how the developing economies of both India and China, and their respective workforces, means a 'playing field that is levelling,' and 'direct competition' for Americans.

Many themes in this talk bore a striking similarity to my own concerns, or things I've mentioned. I can't recall the journalist's name, however, he pointed out that North Korea could be humbled on the nuclear arms issue through ostracization and limiting of food resources: 'Let them live off potatoes,' he suggested. (Echoes of the Irish potato famine? Famine summary, and more agricultural info.)

Now, step one of that threat has just been announced: 'U.S. Warns That N. Korea Faces Isolation' (Yahoo News; February 10, 2005).

Five days ago, the U.S. officially decided to remove its ban on Canadian beef, partly as a strategy to get 'other countries to reopen to U.S. beef.'

The mad cow blockout in May 2003, along with the SARS breakout in March that same year, were two serious misfortunes that hit Canada hard during the launch of the Iraq war, and totally bypassed the U.S.


What Predictions?

You may be thinking I'm a little off: this is North Korea, not India, plus there's no mention of food. Well, East Asia is probably a greater threat, plus India produces much of its own food. The latter point is what I had mentioned in 2002.

The U.S., sensing North Korea would balk on nuclear disarmament, is already thinking long-term about food trade bans on that nation. That's pretty serious. However, the question in my mind is: Has limiting food access as a military strategy ever been discussed by the U.S. government or the media in the past 20 years or more? How did I manage to predict this scenario?

By no means am I in support of nuclear arms. Unfortunately, I haven't paid much attention to this issue, since the threat of the Cold War seemed to subside in the late 80s. I know little about North Korea, and I certainly do not support their politics.

(Am editing this paragraph...) As with Lawyers Against the War, I support international standards of governance to resolve disagreements between nations. I'm completely against nuclear arms and energy supplies. Yet I do think in the face of U.S. imperialism (hello MacDonald's worldwide) - and based on my own merciless harassment over the past three and half years - I can understand how smaller countries may feel a need to stand their ground against the U.S.'s imposing force.

People who rule war and corporations are not kindly folks. Power-mongering, greedy, corrupt elites are a ruthless bunch. If and when my (and others') situation is fully understood, you may appreciate how profound and widespread the abuse and violation by authorities has been. Their goal is to dominate at all costs; they do it just because they can. Few, if any, honour codes exist.


Nukes, No Way

North Korea and other countries should certainly participate in nuclear test ban talks. But before one goes looking elsewhere, it'd be good to know what's under the hood, here, in North America.

Even before President George W. Bush's re-election last November, he initiated increased spending on nuclear weapons, and expansion of the defense budget to over $30 trillion dollars. Why, then, is the U.S demanding that other nations stop nuclear arms production? The U.S. is clearly proliferating nuclear weaponry and testing, increasing nuclear energy supplies, and enlarging the overall budget.

'Why Bush is spending so much on nuclear weapons' by Fred Kaplan, Slate (April 23, 2004).

'50 Facts About U.S. Nuclear Weapons' - The Brookings Institution

Nuclear Proliferation: Next Generation Nuclear Weapons page on Gyre.org.

People fail to see that producing military weapons is Big Business. BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE by filmmaker Michael Moore is a must-see.


Too Wacky To Be Believed

As my therapist repeatedly told me, the powers-that-be have vast knowledge and experience, and know how to use these. Yet, I do believe my particular take on things may have helped revitalize strategies for global control and domination by enhancing both their creativity and their understanding of inter-cultural pecking orders, plus human psychology, social dynamics, basic instincts, and so on. Astrology has also played a role, surprisingly enough.

It makes more sense that I've been under surveillance, and that these ideas and experiences somehow got channelled on up, rather than my being such an accurate psychic (though I am pretty intuitive). I didn't even read news articles (on/offline) or watch TV for many years.

This notion of using food as a coercive threat is but one of many examples of my seeming 'predictive abilities.' More to come.

[Edit: For more on war profiteering, see 'Shifting focus: Churchill vs. Cheney.']

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Water is Power

People interested in environmental issues know how vitally important water, food, and air quality are. Here are two funny facts about water in Toronto:

1) The last City of Toronto water report received in the mail was entitled, 'Tapping into the Minds of Torontonians.'

2) Just after my surveillance at work began, at a large venue, I noticed sudden organizational changes (eg, new posters, employee safety, etc); they also started carrying specially-bottled water with the venue's name branded on the label. Yet, despite hosting so many events for Toronto and Canadian-based companies, the supplier is American.*

*Note: One major shortcoming of both NAFTA and the Canada-U.S. free trade deals is that Canada ends up supplying raw materials to the U.S., then buying back finished products at greater cost.

Could surveillance of myself, and eventually others, really have such far-reaching effects? Let's wait and see.