There is a good chance that you, or someone you know, have experienced abuse in a relationship.

I did.

My ex had me convinced that he deserved preferential treatment. He did a great job of blaming me or making me feel guilty about anything that went wrong in our lives. If I was concerned about a problem or an issue, he usually found a way to minimize its importance. I was over-reacting. Or his problems were always more profound and deserving of attention. He set the agenda for everything in our lives.

What is truth?  In January of 1999, several United States Senators outdid themselves in calling for `truth' `honesty' and `integrity in the oval office. Anything less would confuse our children and destroy our society.

Here is my second diary from researching the Congressional Records, I have pointed out statements that are so powerful they still reverberate today. As with my first diary, I did not take their statements out of context, or play with quotes to change their meaning.

Shouldn't We Bring Democracy To the UAE Before We Let Them Manage Our Ports?

President Bush and some of his supporters are saying that opposition to this sale is racist and anti-Arab. I decided to learn more about the United Arab Emirates. Most of the following was obtained from the websites of the U. S. State Department and the CIA World Fact Book.

The United Arab Emirates is a loosely knit group of seven rulers. They do not have political parties or any form of Democratic government. Each ruler holds power on the basis of their dynastic position in their tribes. Yes--dynasty, tribes. Doesn't sound very American does it? Unless you are Bush.

There are not clear borders between the U. A. E. and its' neighboring countries of Saudi Arabia and Oman. That sounds pretty unstable. Here is what the CIA site says: "Location and status of boundary with Saudi Arabia is not final, de facto boundary reflects 1974 agreement; no defined boundary with most of Oman, but Administrative Line in far north."   An erratic perimeter in a volatile region. They can't keep their own borders safe. Yet we are handing them the keys to ours.

Nine long time Republican Representatives have gone on record. They have vehemently and eloquently made a case for impeachment when we have a President who lies.
 I was very impressed at how outraged they were, how concerned they were about ensuring honor and integrity in the White House.  They believe that if the President continues such behavior it would ultimately destroy the fabric of our society and the foundations of our government for future generations.
They were quite firm in saying that such issues were above partisan politics.

If you don't have time to read it all, in summary they said that: A lying President is the antithesis of Truth, Justice and the American Way.
I am relieved, because now I know that they will have to impeach George W. Bush.
This will be the first of a series of diaries where I will share what I learned with you.

Dear Congressperson:
It is time to take down whoever has to go in our government. Those that have lied and manipulated us into war and loss of civil liberties. Those who have destroyed lives, careers, and our reputation as a country. I no longer want the word `American' to be associated with lies, torture, and pointless harm. With using weapons such as depleted uranium and phosphorus. With eavesdropping and wiretapping and nasty behavior. We have never been a perfect country, but I know that we are better than this.

As with any bully, you have to stand up to make them stand down. Whether it is Rove, Cheney, Rumsfeld or Bush -- I know the stakes are higher than they were in the schoolyard--but the idea is the same. However, I believe R.W. Emerson when he said:
"When a resolute fellow steps up to the great bully and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers."

on c-span (11 a.m. ET)

Democratic Congressmen lead by John Conyers said they have repeatedly asked for hearings about Bush's wiretapping and not using FISA. Repugs
have ignored them.  

So they are holding their own--it can't be called a 'hearing' because it's not sponsored by leadership.  

They are hitting hard on Bush claiming that Congress approved this as part of the War Powers they gave him. And Bush's claim that he has the right anyway as President.

Right now Congressman Wexler is speaking about how appalled he is that this was done without legality, how peace groups have been spyed upon.

He is calling it not only a violation of our civil liberties, it is a tremendous waste and diversion of intelligence on 'wild goose chases'.

Several congressman have stated that Bush should have come to them if there was a problem with FISA, rather than 'declare by fiat' and in secret that they can do whatever they want.

They (President) prey on a culture of fear to destroy Civil Liberties. "Terrorists hate our freedoms" the president said.

Wexler says "So why is our President circumventing the most basic of OUR freedoms?"

Watch it, publicize it and give them your support.

Thanks.

I have always had strong political opinions. Throughout my life I have written letters and editorials, posted on blogs, passed out materials and worked on elections. In November of 2000 I went into shock. I didn't come out of it until Dean woke me up to `take back our country'. We all know what happened next.

Perhaps we have gotten the government that we deserve. There is no doubt that "Freedom isn't free." However it's not just some anonymous member of the military that needs to pay the price. It is you. And me. No exceptions and no exemptions.