Documentary of the Week: "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead"

This documentary literally transformed my family. I had grown up with my mom regularly juicing. It was typical to see carrots and apples whirring through the Jack Lalane and wheat grass growing in the kitchen. Then we moved away from this lifestyle for several years, it had become a distant memory. That is until we watched "fat, sick and nearly dead" two years ago.

This movie documents the inspiring lifestyle change of Joe Cross who is a successful business man in his forties. Along with his business success came a lifestyle that brought him to a place where he was literally fat, sick and nearly dead. He decides that he needs to take a definite measure to "reboot" his body, mere dieting would not be enough. A total lifestyle change is what he needs, and a 60 day juice fast to save his life is his first step in that new direction. Joe does his reboot in the United Staes; the first 30 days in New York City, and the next thirty days driving cross country. Reasoning for partaking in this juice fast are shared, and other people's experiences with juice fasting, at varying degrees, are shared.

Robin, my older sisters, life was literally saved after watching this movie. She had gone from being a super star athlete in high school to being fat, sick and nearly dead at age 25. Small attempts at dieting were made, or cutting certain foods out of her diet, but any weight she lost would come back on very quickly. It wasnt about dieting and restriction, she needed to "reboot" her system; retrain her food palette and body to crave nourishing food.

On a Wednesday Robin watched "fat, sick and nearly dead" and on a Thursday she bought a juicer and was on her own 60 day juice fast. She powered through some major detox and in the end got her life back. After her fast she adapted a plant powered diet, and two years later she is thriving.

I could go on about how wonderful this movie is, how it has effected me, my mother and my friends, but I think it best if you watch it for yourself.

Here you can watch it for free:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/289122

Juice on!

Healing Power of Tea?

So this past month I have taken the plunge into using organic herbal teas to help heal ailments, specifically ones pertaining to my lady parts (ovaries).

About six months ago when someone suggested taking raspberry leaf tea to help with my severe menstrual cramps it was as if they were speaking a foreign language. It seemed like a lot of work, and I was doubtful that drinking tea could really help. BUT my mind was open to the idea (anything so that I would no longer have to take an average of 6 Advil's every month to relieve my excruciating pain). So, I started with baby steps. First I started purchasing organic red raspberry leaf teas and when I drank tea, that would be the tea I drank (maybe 3-4 times a week). This flirtation went on for months until I decided to drink at least one cup a day (which I decided at the start of 2013). I had not experienced any results yet, but I had started researching and talking with people and learning that if done consistently people have experienced positive results.

This leads me up to the present time where I have decided that if I am going to use tea to heal that I would do it right and give it a chance to actually work. After extensive research I finally decided on a tea concoction that I would drink everyday. My new lady parts tea consists of red raspberry leaf, burdock root, motherwort and chaste-berry teas, all organic. I ordered the teas in bulk, along with reusable tea bags, and measure out 1 tablespoon of each into one tea bag. I have been soaking the bags in 4 to 8 cups of hot water and drinking it each day. I am at the very beginning of this tea journey, I have only been doing this for one week now. So far I can not praise or criticize the effectiveness of these teas.

Why these four teas?

About a month ago I was researching tea "recipes" and this one came highly recommended for ovary health and seemed simple enough. Then I read into each tea individually and discovered interesting healing properties about each of them. Below is some of the information I have come across:

Raspberry Leaf Tea:
-contains vitamin C
-contains calcium
-tones the uterus (strengthens the uterine wall while relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus)
-helps with heavy periods
-relieves symptoms of PMS
-Helps prevent dehydrations
-remedy for soar throat, irritation of oral cavity and gum disease
***warning for this tea: contradicting opinions on whether or not to drink while pregnant. Some say to not drink during first trimester, but to drink later in pregnancy to help with labor

Motherwort Tea
-helps ease menstrual disorder (mood swings, anxiety, cramps)
-helps ease menopausal discomfort
-mild sedative
-helps lower high blood pressure
-aids in Treating thyroid hyper function
-relives pain during childbirth
***warning
Possible side effects: DO NOT drink while pregnant, but good for labor
diarrhea, stomach cramps.
Blood thinner, hard to stop wounds from bleeding

Chasteberry Tea
-helps with menopausal symptoms
- helps with PMS (bloating, headache, irritability, depression and breast tenderness)
-helps with menstrual irregularity and infertility
-lowers prolactin levels, which regulates menstrual cycle and encourages normal ovulation
-anti cancer benefits. Killing tumor cells of various cancers; breast, ovarian and colon.
(Livestrong.com)
***warning
Possible side effects: DO NOT take while pregnant
dizziness, acne like rash, stomach upset
Interferes with oral contraception

Burdock Root Tea
-eases PMS symptoms
-diuretic, increases urine flow (allows toxins to exit the body)
-promotes perspiration, toxins exit through pores
-blood purification abilities
-contains iron
-contains vitamin C
-anti fungal and anti microbial properties
-helps get rid of gallstones and kidney stones
-lowers blood sugar
-clears congestion in respiratory, lymphatic, urinary and circulatory systems
-topically* used to treat skin disorders: acne, psoriasis and eczema
***warning
DO NOT take while pregnant, could cause miscarriage or birth defect
Over use can lead to dehydration (because of diuretic properties)

With this information in hand I am encouraged to give this tea an opportunity to see how effective it can be. I will post a update in three months to see how its going.


*** I have to note, I am not a doctor and if anyone's decides to implement healing teas into their lives they need to consult their doctor and do their own research, independent from this blog***

Who is Mayor Menino?

It has recently come to my attention that I do not know much about the man who holds a lot of power in this city that I love, Boston. In my quest to educate myself I have come across some interesting information.

Thomas Menino was elected mayor of Boston in 1993, he was the first Italian American mayor of Boston. He has also broken the record of longest serving Mayor in Boston, five terms. His appeal is that he is a "people's mayor." It is much more likely to find him in the streets of Boston then in his office. He has said that he has to talk to the people of the city in order to know what the current issues are. A survey was given in which people rated how well they like him as a mayor; one of the questions asked if they had met him personally and over 50% said that they have.

Consistently his focus has been on improving the city, one city block at a time. Some have commented that this is a foolish approach, that a mayor needs to focus on the big picture. This course of action has worked for him. Being interconnected with the people of the city and their needs has set the standard for any mayor who follows him, they will need to continue having a direct connection and focus on the people. Part of his plan is focusing on improving education and the economy.

Part of the reason why people of Boston can relate to him is because he does not come from a privileged background. Born and raised in Hyde Park he later went to UMass Boston. He has a very strong Boston accent and is often difficult to understand. It is not uncommon for him to mix up his words and say the wrong thing. This habit has earned him the nick name of "mumbles."

Though he is a generally popular Mayor, there are some controversial choices he has made that need to be noted. In 2008 Menino's administration was brought into question by the attorney general because they attempted to sell 200 acres of public parkland for development. In addition o this, his campaign strategies have also been questioned. Is is said that his allies make it near impossible for serious competitors to have work in the area, so they need to move away.

This brief introduction to this man has sparked a curiosity in me to pay attention to what he and his administration are currently doing in this city.

The Amazing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

I have recently started learning about the wonderful benefits of apple cider vinegar. Unrefined, cold pressed, organic apple cider vinegar can do some amazing things.

Topically it is great for acne. I have been applying this to my face daily and my skin is clearer than it has been in years.

It is also said to treat warts, and an apple cider vinegar bath soak is said to relieve the pain of a sun burn.

The next application I will be trying is an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. 1 tablespoon ACV mixed with one cup water rinsed through hair (after shampooing) is said to be a great conditioner that leaves hair shiny and more voluminous.

Drinking apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons each day, is said to do wonderful things for your health. It detoxes the body, balances your internal ph, assists in weight loss, helps with diabetes and with lowering blood pressure.

The trick to drinking it is, well, its not so yummy. One way I have tried drinking it is mixing it with warm water, raw organic honey and sometimes a cinnamon stick. This helps it to go down a little easier.

In addition to all of this, it can also be used around the house. In the dishwasher as a detergent, mixed with water in a spray bottle to clean surfaces in the house, and as a toilet rinse.

One simple item with the ability to do so much. I'm excited to incorporate apple cider vinegar into more areas of my life!

A Sickly Economy is Caused by Sickly People

A great contributing factor to a sluggish economy is sluggish people. In his book "Thrive Fitness" Brendan Brazier highlights this simple cause that has the potential for great devastation.

It is becoming more and more clear that the U.S. is less competitive in the global market. This is greatly due to the American people being in a poorer state of health. In his book Brendan outlines how the economy declines as the health of the people declines. To start, sickly people are not at productive in their day to day work. Also, as more people become sick, there is a burden on the taxpayer healthcare system. This causes taxes to increase and a decrease in spending. There are other contributing factors, such as the shady mortgages that people were being sold, but the bottom line is that sluggish people lead to a sluggish economy.

Some very successful companies understand this. One of these companies is Google. Googleplex in Santa Clara, California has incredible amenities for its employees. Recreation facilities equal to those of a high end resort: swimming pools, gym's, beach volleyball courts and more. Most importantly they have incredible culinary options.There are multiple cafeterias with a vast varies of food, including vegan plant based options, raw foods and smoothies. In addition to all of this employees can order whatever they want, even if it's not on the menu.

Google isn't doing this out of the goodness of their hearts. They understand the return on investment, and that the bottom line has been great since they implemented this in 2003.

Each individual, whether they realize or not, is contributing to the health of this nations economy; whether we are helping to improve it or make it more sickly. Its our responsibility to be aware of this and in our own lives do what we can to bring about improvements. One person can not do it alone, but collectively a difference can be made.

Gary Johnson for President

Gary Johnson is a third party candidate for the 2012 Presidential election. He is running under the libertarian party. Many people have not heard of him because he is excluded from debates and main stream media.

During college he started a one man handy man business, which then grew into one of New Mexico's largest construction businesses. He later became governor of New Mexico. When he entered office the economic situation in New Mexico was very bad, and when he left after his second term he left the state with a large surplus budget.

The main attributer to this is his record breaking use of the veto. He said with every bill he looked at the cost-benefit ration, and if it was not beneficial he would slash it. He decreased the size of the New Mexico government and did not raise taxes.

He is running for President on the libertarian idea that a smaller government allows the people the freedom to prosper.

As a voter, I feel that if he can make drastic improvements as the governor of a state, then he could do the same as the president of our country.

Unlike the other candidates for presidency, he has demonstrated the principles he is campaigning on, and has shown that they are effective.

With that said, my vote is for Gary Johnson in 2012.

Arsenic in the Rice

Recent analysis of brown rice, grown in the United States, is showing to contain an unsafe amount of arsenic. One of the main causes of this is the bodies that have been embalmed and buried underground for years and years. The arsenic from the embalming process is seeping up into the soil and making its way into the rice that we eat.

The FDA, as well as independent Consumer Reporters, are collecting data and testing the rice to see how much inorganic arsenic is contained within the rice. Both agencies found that some of the rice has more arsenic in one serving then what the Environmental Protection Agency states is safe for an entire quart of drinking water.

The FDA declined to name specific brands while they conduct more extensive research over the next few months. On the other hand, Consumer Reports released the name of the rice agencies that contained the highest amount of arsenic. They include Martin Long Grain Brown rice, Della Basmati Brown, Caroline Whole Grain Brown, Jazzmen Louisiana Aromatic Brown and Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Long Gran Brown rice.

Although the FDA advises consumers to not change eating habits, every individual needs to make that decision for them-self. In addition to avoiding rice itself, there are also rice cakes, cereal, cereal bars, rice drinks and even some juices that contain high levels of this arsenic rice.

It is essential that as consumers we are aware of what we are feeding both our families and ourselves.

Harvard Advocates a Plant Based Diet

Though Harvard School of Public Health has not taken the leap in advocating a plant based vegan diet, they have very clearly stated that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains is the most beneficial to our health. They even acknowledge that milk is not the best source of calcium, and to limit our consumption of it. In place of pushing the consumption on milk, they are advocating drinking water to quench our thirst and hydrate throughout the day.

Harvard School of Public Health has released a "Healthy Eating Plate" which diagrams how much of the above foods should be consumed. This new nutritional guide is leaps and strides more accurate than the Food Pyramid many of us grew up with. Now we just need to get this information out to the nation at large, and people of to make an informed decision about every piece of food they put in their mouths.

Ag-Gag Laws- Keeping Factory Farm Conditions Hidden

 

It has been said that if slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian. Since they do not, people create these "glass walls" for each other by going into factory farms, filming everyday conditions, and releasing this footage to the public. Nothing exaggerated or extreme, just the every day circumstances in which these animals live ( I use the term "live" lightly).

The release of this information has paved the way for strides to be taken in changing the brutal treatment of these animals. Many people who have seen this footage stop eating animal products altogether, which collectively lessens the demand for this cruelly obtained food. Bills to change this brutality have been pushed to Congress. All as a result of the release of this footage. 

If people do not know what is going on, they do not realize that there is need to change anything. Under the first amendment, everyone deserves to know the truth about what happening in factory farms, in order to make an educated decision on whether or not they want to participate in this system.

Ag-Gag laws are in the process of being passed in states across the country. They have already been passed in five states (Iowa, Utah, North Dakota, Montana and Kansas). These laws make it illegal to release accurate, truthful images from inside of factory farms. This is a violation of the first amendment, so these laws are written in such a way to be legally passed. For example, making it a crime to lie on an application to work in a factory farm. So, if someone says they are not affiliated with an animal activists group on the application, and they really are, they can be incarcerated as a result.

We need more transparency, not less, when it comes to factory farms. We need to look up to see if there are pending Ag-Gag laws in our states; if there are, write to our State Representatives and voice our opposition and why. People are making a lot of money off of this brutal business, and care more about protecting their profit then protecting our rights. Freedom is not a given, we need to actively participate in order to protect it.

-Kelly

 

State Representatives

What is a State Representative? Each state is a little different, but is generally the same in that state representatives are voted for by the people of the state to represent them in the state legislature. This is where laws pertaining the the individual state are made. State Representatives work with State Senators to make laws. Both houses (the Senate and Representatives) work together to make law, and if a bill (that wants to become law) passes it goes on to the governor. The governor either veto's the bill, lets the bill pass into law by not doing anything for 10 days, signs the bill into law, or sends it back to the legislature with recommended changes.

State Representatives each represent a district. It is important to find out what district you are living in, and who is representing you. This way you can look at their voting record and see if they are supporting your interests. If not, then look into different candidates and vote for a different candidate in the next election.

If you live in Massachusetts you can find out what district you live in on this website:

Massachusetts Representative Districts

It is also important to find out when to vote in your state. To find out the election dates for your state, click on the link below:

Election Dates and Deadlines

These individuals are meant to represent the people of their district when working to pass laws. In order for this to work, citizens of those districts need to be active participants. Representatives have the power to make a big difference in the lives of people living in a state, and its important that we do our part, as the general population, to make sure these differences are for the better.

As President John F Kennedy said, "the ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all."

Obamacare: the Solution is Simple and Inexpensive

Whether an individual is in support of, or against, Obama's Affordable Care Act, one fact can be agreed on: health care is an extremely expensive issue in this nation. As a nation we spend $2.2 trillion a year on health care, 5 times more than the defense budget. We spend more per person than any industrial country, yet we are sicker than any other. Something is not working. When, as a nation, are we going to see that our "health" system is not healthy, and turn to a solution that actually works.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said, "let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." The solution is literally that simple. As a nation we are caught in an addictive cycle of eating foods that make us sick, then getting medical care that relieves some of the symptoms but keeps us sick. The perfect recipe for being the nation that spends more money on health care, but has the most sickly population.

Instead of perpetuating this cycle, it is time to implement a system that actually works. It is time to start educating people on what foods heal us, rather than make us sick. The healing diet is one free of all animal products (meat, dairy, eggs), refined sugars and processed foods. It is rich in plant based whole foods; fruits, vegetables, beans, rice, etc.

While our government is busy debating how to pay for these alarming health costs, our nation is getting continuously more ill. The real issue at hand is not even being acknowledged. If our health care system will not help us to be healthy, it is our responsibility to educate and heal ourselves. An excellent source to start learning is a documentary called "Forks Over Knives." Below is a link watch it. It costs only $4 to rent, and has the information to change your life and bring real health and vitality.

Watch "Forks Over Knives"

Instead of continuing the debate of whether or not the government should step in with health care costs, it is time to start looking for a solution that has the potential to eradicate both health care costs and the health crisis. 

United States Declaration of Independence

In the Spirit of our Independence Day I want to read through the Declaration of Independence. The document that started his nation. To remind myself of why our founding Father left a powerful nation in order to form their own, and to see if we have upheld their standards for freedom.

I am posting the document here for anyone else who would like to read it with me.

Happy Independence Day, God Bless America (and every other nation in the world)

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Happy Birthday Jack

Today, May 29th 2012, marks what would have been John F. Kennedy's 95th birthday. In honor of this day I want to reflect on a few of the great things the birth of this man has brought to this nation.

The 35th President of the United States had many great accomplishments during his short time in the Oval Office. At the heart of it all was an attitude he instilled in the nation: that by helping and supporting one another this world can be made a better place. He encouraged this through both his speech and action.

Among his accomplishments, President Kennedy is the one who pushed the United States to reach the moon. Though he did not live to see this dream accomplished in 1969, he was the one who created programs for this nation to explore the new frontier of space.

Forming of the Peace Corps, in which young Americans travel abroad for two years doing volunteer work (whether they teach, farm, nurse or doctor), was formed by John F. Kennedy. This organization is still functioning today, and many people throughout the world have greatly benefited from this program since its foundation fifty years ago.

President Kennedy also took great strides with Civil Rights. He addressed the nation, saying that all citizens deserve to be treated equally regardless of the color of their skin. He proposed Civil Rights legislation, which would be passed into law shortly after his death by President Lyndon B. Johnson in memory of Jack.

The Cold War was at a high, and President Kennedy worked over time to keep peace. He was able to create an agreement with the Soviet Union to stop nuclear testing.

These are just some of his accomplishments.

If there was one message that President Kennedy consistently gave, it was a message of peace. That we work to create a world in which instead of killing each other, people worked together to uplift each other. He worked to implement this idea through his actions as the President. Though he is no longer with us today, his spirit is still strong and his work is continued.

As President Kennedy said,
"a man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on."

Ralph Nadar and Bruce Fein Criticize Constitutional Crimes in U.S.

Harvard Law School Forum presented a lecture by both Ralph Nadar and Bruce Fein. They spoke about many issues pertaining to our government violating the Constitution of this great nation they were given the responsibility of leading.

Within Bruce Fein's part of the talk, he spoke about how each citizen is responsible for our government's actions. Fein said it is, "not an option to be a spectator in politics." As John F. Kennedy warned fifty years ago, there needs to be open debate and dissent in order to maintain liberty and an honest government.

One of the issues Fein brought to light is the fact that, according the the Constitution, only Congress has the right to authorize war. This was meant to be a check on the President's power. Within this limit, only Congress can authorize the money for war. Obama has found a way around this check. He has found a way to get money from the Pentagon instead. Since it is not audited, they are able to do this. According to Fein this is enough grounds for impeachment. He spoke about our fundamental rights, that have been laid out by our forefathers in the Constitution, being eroded as a result of non enforcement.

Ralph Nadar highlighted issues that have come to the forefront since 9/11. He pointed out that the United States government waited until after it was clear that there was no chance for a second strike to then declare a war on terror. Since this time "national security" has been a major issue for this nation.

Nadar points out a few items, much more immanent than the dangers being focused on, that should be considered under "national security". Some of these are the 45,000 people who die each year because they do not have health insurance, 58, 000 deaths per year due to work related issues, 100,000 deaths each year from hospital malpractice and more. Hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths to citizens of the United States that are not even considered a part of "national security."Instead huge amounts of money, that this country does not have to spend, is used to kill alleged terrorists who live on the other side of the world. In addition to killing these men, innocent women and children are killed in the process.

Ralph Nadar said, "when it goes on year after year it becomes institutionalized." These practices that are not doing any good for our country, and taking funds and liberty away from the people, become normal over time. In the past decade alone liberty has been taken from the hands of the people, and unwarranted power has been placed in the hands of the government. All of this in the name of "national security."

Below is a link that Nadar and Fein referred to during their lecture. The article highlights how freedom has been lost in post 9/11 America.

Ten Reasons the U.S. is No Longer the Land of the Free

John Adams would agree with Bruce Fein and Ralph Nadar. He warned two hundred years ago, "the jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking and writing."

As a nation we need to wake up to this fact. We need to voice our dissent to our Constitution being violated, and fiercely defend liberty.

One way to do this, as Nadar and Fein both advocated, is harassing the government until the National Defense Authorization Act (which allows the government to arrest any citizen they suspect is a terrorist, and hold them indefinitely without a trial) is repealed. Go to the link below, look up your Senators, and email them insisting that this Act is repealed. Then share the link with your friends.

United States Senators

This is one small step on the road to freedom.

Below is a link to their full lecture if you would like to watch it.

America's Lawless Empire

(can you locate me at the beginning of the video?)

Constitutional Crisis - Harvard Law Professor Larry Lessig

Harvard's Institute of Politics launched their winter events; Larry Lessig, professor at Harvard Law School, was the key note speaker. He gave a very compelling talk about our Constitution being in crisis, and proposed a solution to fix this.

He began by saying that Congress is corrupt. Only, it is not the politicians themselves that are corrupt, it is the system in which they work. People in Congress spend 30-70% of their time raising money for Congress itself or their campaigns. As a result of this they are dependent on funders, not the people (only .01% of the population give $10,000 or more for campaigners). So when they pass laws they have funders in mind, not the people. This system leads to three things:

1. Money buys results in Congress

2. People lose confidence in the institution (only 9% of the population has confidence in government)

3. Low trust leads to low participation

What is the solution? Citizen funded campaigns.

"Grant and Franklin Project"

In this system everyone gets $50 of tax money back as a democracy voucher. This voucher can than go towards their candidate of choice. The candidate can only get this money if they agree to use only these funds for their campaign. The absolute most money that can be put towards a candidate is $100. That way there will only be small money funding. Using this system, if something is going wrong in Congress, it is at least known it is not a result of money corruption.

This is a good start, but there is another issue that needs to be resolved.

There is a super pac dynamic. Shortly before election day an incumbent (someone who is already in Congress and is going for re-election) is almost ensured to win. Than a super pac of $1million is dropped on the opposing side's campaign. To protect themselves Congressmen/women have "super pac insurance." The premium they have to pay is acting a certain way; passing certain laws and voting down others. This ensure that money will be there when and if they need it.

Many people in Congress are concerned with setting up their lives after Congress, in which they will be able to benefit from this system and make a lot of money. As a result of this a new Bill would not easily be passed to change this system.

What is the solution? An Article 5 Constitutional Convention.

An Article 5 Constitutional Convention is different than a total Constitutional Convention where the Constitution can be thrown out and re-written. An Article 5 Constitutional Convention needs to be called by 34 states, and can only add amendments. Then 38 states need to ratify (support) any amendment that is made.

Proposed 28th Amendment:

"Congress shall have power to limit, but not ban, independent political expenditures within 90 days of an election"

This way politicians will not always be paying their "premium" and voting for big business interests. They will actually be able to vote in the interest of the people.

These proposed plans are very thought provoking, and they sound like sound solutions. The only question is, is it possible to actually get both Public Funding for Elections and a new Amendment? Is there enough support to set these plans in motion?

Massachusetts Senate Race: Scott Brown vs. Elizabeth Warren

This September of 2012, residents of Massachusetts will be voting for one of the people who represents us in the United States Senate. Scott Brown (Republican) was voted in to complete the late Ted Kennedy's term in the Senate, and now he is up for re-election. He has serious competition vying for his seat in Elizabeth Warren (Democrat).

Brown campaigned as an underdog himself who has been working against the odds his whole life. Coming from a humble background, where he had to work hard for everything he got, he brought hope and a sense of the American Dream to his campaign. He drove a pickup truck, and related himself to the working class man. Creating jobs was at the top of his priority list. Being an independent, and voting to represent his state even against pressure in D.C., was very important to him.

Since then, there have been citizens of Massachusetts who feel that he has not done what he has promised. Jobs are not being created, and he himself voted against the Job Acts Bill. This Bill would have put in place building bridges, schools, roads, etc, and would have employed many people.

To read more on his position in important matters, visit his website:

Scott Brown

Elizabeth Warren has stepped forward from a prestigious background teaching at Harvard Law School, and working for Obama's administration. She has used these arena's to bring to light issues with the middle class; mainly that it is disappearing. She has been studying this matter for years and it is a deep concern for her. She believes that Washington works well for big Corporations who can hire lobbyists to push their agenda's. These corporations include pharmaceutical companies and bank among others. This is system is of no help to the middle class. She wants to do her part to change this.

To read more on her position in important matters, visit her website:

Elizabeth Warren

Whichever candidate appeals to each of us, it is important to take a little time and familiarize ourselves with these individuals. We are deciding who will be in a position to make important decisions on our behalf in government for the next six years.

It is time to talk with our families, neighbors, co-workers, etc, about our opinions of these candidates. Without open debate and sharing of ideas a democracy can not thrive. Even if we do not know much about either Brown or Warren, it is a good place to start by talking with the people around us.

As John F. Kennedy said, "The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all."

The Effect of Courts Overstepping with Civil and Gay Rights

Its the beginning of a New Year. It has been a while since I have written on here, and I have really missed it. For the New Year I am making a re-dedication to this blog.

So, what has kept me away these past couple of months? In a word, school. My mind has been consumed by fascinating class subjects and extra curricular activities. Right now I am working on an undergraduate degree in government with a minor and Spanish. After obtaining that I will continue on to law school. This path is motivated by my interest in politics.

This past fall semester I took three law classes, that were all equally fascinating and informative. I learned about many aspects of the legal world. One topic in particular really changed my view on a very important court case, Brown vs Board of Education.

Brown vs Board of Education was passed in 1954, and it made "separate but equal" unconstitutional. In other words, separate facilities for black and white people was now against the law.

In theory this sounds like the most righteous Supreme Court ruling. In reality, I have been learning, it could have actually been detrimental to Civil Rights. A totally controversial idea, but one that has been well researched by the legal historian, constitutional law scholar, legal professor at Harvard Law School, Michael Klarman.

To begin, one can look around the United States and still see today a large social divide between white and black people. This observation alone demonstrates the ineffectiveness of the court ruling.

In the 1950's social change was gradually occurring. Black people were getting jobs as police men, as professional athletes, and in other positions. The KKK had all but disappeared, and these changes were being gradually implemented without violent backlash.

Then the court ruling came, overstepped the gradual process that was happening, and people violently clung to their bigoted ideas (that they HAD been letting go of). The KKK was reborn, peaceful protesters were viciously assaulted, it was an overall outburst of violence. Down to their core, white southerners fought to keep the social bias. This could explain why even today, over fifty years later, this bias still permeates our country.

Where if change had been allowed to happen gradually, it would have taken longer for the Civil Rights Acts to be passed (it was passed in 1964) and schools would not have been de-segregated for a long time after that, but the change could have been effective. We could live in a different society today, one of equality.

Micheal Klarman details the regression caused by the Brown vs Board of Educations ruling in his book From Jim Crow to Civil Rights: the Supreme Court and the Struggle for Racial Equality.

So, how is this relevant to legal issues today? People have drawn a parallel between Civil Rights and Gay Rights. Michael Klarman, among other people, have learned from Court overstepping with Brown vs Board of Education, and feel that they should wait until there is enough popular support to pass any legislation pertaining to gay rights.

They do not want history to repeat itself. Below is an article which addresses this issue in detail:

Are the Courts Ahead of the Public on Gay Rights?

I had thought that my mind had been made up about Brown vs Board being a great and necessary court case. I also thought that the Supreme Court needed to act in support of gay rights. Now my mind has been opened to a totally different way of looking at it. This topic has effected me the most out of anything I have learned this past semester.

Occupy Harvard

The other evening, Wednesday November 9th, I accidentally witnessed the inception of Occupy Harvard. It started with the gates being on lock down, and a Harvard ID being required to enter the yard at all. Then when I walked into the yard there was a crowd of people in front of the John Harvard Statue. From what they were saying I understood that they were Occupy Harvard, that they would parade around Harvard Yard, and then meet other protesters who were not allowed in the yard (because they did not have ID's) in front of a building outside of the gated in part of campus. I captured this on film then headed off to my Harvard Extension class. Turns out there were hundreds of people gathered that night.

Before deciding whether I was in support or not of this movement I wanted to find out more. So, the next evening, Thursday, I went in the cold rain to see what their intentions are. In the yard in front of the John Harvard statue this time there were tents pitched in addition to a group of people gathering. It turns out I showed up at the exact right time again, right as their General Assembly was beginning, and they were going to talk and come up with exact intentions for their Occupy Harvard movement.

Before having a large group discussion, we broke into smaller groups and discussed specific reasons for the movement. Some people said it was to support the Occupy movement that has spread throughout the country and globe. Another intention was for the Harvard Corporation to have more transparency. Another intention was to bring awareness of the Occupy movement to the Harvard campus. That these are the best and brightest, and are the people to make the changes needed. At this point I had to leave and get to class. I missed them getting back into a large group discussion and deciding collectively what the set intentions would be.

Everyone in my group did agree on this being a peaceful and relatively non-disruptive movement (any protest can not be totally non-disruptive). Mainly, violence and disruption would turn people off to the movement before even hearing what it is all about.

Talking with other people from school, classmates and policemen who are guarding the gates, I have heard mixed opinions about Occupy Harvard. What I have heard is "they don't have any purpose, any goal," or that "they are hypocrites, that they are the 1%". I have also also heard other opinions that this is great, people gathering to make a change on the Harvard campus.

Personally, I would like more clarity when it comes to their specific intentions, and will find out more about this in the days ahead. Though, with that said, it is refreshing to see a group of people gathering together in order to make a change. They see something is wrong in the system in this country, and want to DO something about it. There seems to be way too much apathy going around in this nation. Its about time for people to start marching in the streets (and pitching tents on campus). Maybe people get upset when they see this, and want them to go away, because they want to continue in their apathetic daze. They don't want to take a look at and question the way our country is run.

Its a lot easier to just believe what the media is saying about this Occupy Wall street movement. It is being painted in a very ugly light. They are saying that these are a bunch of dirty, trouble making hippies, who have no set intentions. They they are fragmented, disheveled and won't last long. They are showing only the unsightly images and reporting on unsightly moments.

Its a lot easier to just write them off and pretend their not there and have no purpose, than to open our eyes and realize that their must be something going on here. This movement has spread from Wall Street in New York City, across the country, and across the world. It has literally landed on my path to school. Maybe its time to pay attention and listen up.

Its a lot easier to keep things the way they've always been, rather than take responsibility and do our part in bringing about change. People hate change, even when it's for the better.

To read the official Occupy Harvard Press release click the link below:

Occupy Harvard Press Release

To learn more about the Occupy Wall Street movement click on the link to my blog post below:

"Occupy Wall Street"-First Amendment in Action

Don't Eat the Corn

Genetically Modified Foods (GMO's) have become a growing, mostly undetected, problem in the the American food supply. In almost any processed food that a person pulls off of the shelf there is pretty much a guarantee that some ingredient is genetically modified. What types of ingredients can be found in most foods? Soy and Corn (ie: high fructose corn syrup). What are two of the most common genetically modified foods? Soy and Corn.

Most people consume them blindly because they have no idea what they are eating. There is no law or regulation that makes companies label genetically modified food. The reason for this is because if the food was labeled, people would not eat them.

There are no genetically modified foods in Europe. There is only one reason for this, people took to the street and fiercely protested for GMO foods to be labeled. As a result of the food having to be labeled, nobody ate the and GMO foods are not there.

The problem with GMO foods is that we are playing the role of guinea pigs. Instead of a product being tested on animals, it is being tested on us. In fact, when independent scientists tested the effects of GMO foods on rats, every single rat developed cancer. That scientist was silenced.

To read more about GMO foods read my blog post:

GMO's- what are we eating?

So now, Monsanto, the big GMO company, is taking things a step further. So far people have not been supplied with GMO foods directly. They have consumed them either in processed foods or from eating animals that have eaten GMO corn.

This season GMO sweet corn is being sold right in your local food store. Monsanto came out with the corn and food stores, even Whole Foods, is buying it right up. So, unless it is certified organic, don't eat the corn.

"Occupy Wall Street"- First Amendment in Action

The movement called "Occupy Wall Street" is spreading from New York City to different cities around the country. People are gathering together and exercising their right that was set down by our forefathers.

The First Amendment in the US Constitution reads:

"Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances"


Peaceably assembling they are. This Amendment was not made so people could indulge in idle gossip, it was set down so that when the people of this country see an imbalance of power they have the protected right to peacefully assemble and petition for a change.

The foundation of this movement is the imbalance of wealth in this country. They refer to the "ninety nine percent" and how most of us are on this team. Meaning, that the wealth in this county is held by one percent of the population; and they hold it through a system of greed and corruption. They want changes to be made so that there is a greater possibility of equality.

It seems that right now the movement is in a phase of spreading information. What they need is a plan to put into place a system that will encourage equality.

There needs to be a solid, clear, logical plan to get behind.

This is a perfect case to debate these people's rights under the First Amendment. Protesters ( a group of women who were not acting violently) have been filmed being maced by police officers. Protesters have been arrested. They have been barred off from certain areas. It brings up many questions of what they are able to do. Should they be allowed to march down Wall Street? Should they be arrested for the things they are saying?

Should this movement be stifled and quieted or should it be allowed to grow? (I hope the Constitutional answer to this question is clear)

So far the movement has provoked people to at least question the financial imbalance in this country, and question if there is any possibility to bring about a change. Ideas are being spread and minds are being opened. This is why the First Amendment was created.

Below is a link to the "Occupy Wall Street" movement where you can see how it is progressing and/or would like to contribute to the cause:

https://occupywallst.org/