The Freedom Exchange Online

President Harry S. Truman, the man in the White House when the United States intervened on behalf of the millions of innocent people who were being displaced and massacred by Hitler’s Nazi Germany, claimed to have practiced his piano lessons for two hours every morning during his childhood. Likewise, President Warren Harding was said to be able to play every instrument except the trombone and the clarinet. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) played the organ. Of course we all remember President Clinton and his saxophone, but did you know that President Nixon was an accomplished pianist?

And more recently a girl who was a musician long before she became an academic and then a world-famous diplomat, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a very accomplished classical pianist. As she was growing up in the Rice home music was a family affair, and as early as age 3 Condi played piano at family gatherings. Her Dad was a minister and she often accompanied her organist Mother in church. The name “Condoleezza” is from the Italian phrase con dolcezza, which refers to playing music “with sweetness.” While other kids in her neighorhood were playing outdoors, she was more likely to be found practicing the piano or reading a book.  Read more... (600 words, estimated 2:24 mins reading time)

My friends at Generation Cobweb are running a series on the destruction of America. Here at the Freedom Exchange we certainly agree our rights are being eroded. When I came across this little tidbit I was both amused and frightened. Without further ado I give you the eight signs of terrorism (according to our government) and my comments.
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Terrorist operations usually begin with extensive planning. You can help prevent and detect terrorism — and other types of crime — by watching out for suspicious activities and reporting them to the proper authorities. Be alert for the eight signs of terrorism!

1. Surveillance- Someone recording or monitoring activities. This may include the use of cameras, note taking, drawing diagrams, annotating on maps, or using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices.
So the next time you go on vacation don’t look too long at any national monument and for God’s sake leave your camera at home.

2. Elicitation- People or organizations attempting to gain information about military operations, capabilities, or people. Elicitation attempts may be made by mail, email, telephone, or in person. This could also include eavesdropping or friendly conversation.
Elicitation, now that’s a real nice big word, I’ll bet George Bush was never able to pronounce it. If I’m reading this correctly – and I probably am – anytime someone talks to you or someone else it could be a terrorist action. And if you happen to overhear them talking then you could be a terrorist. Turn yourself in now. They saved the best for last – now I should also be suspicious of friendly conversation. I don’t want to be a hermit but I guess I’ll have to otherwise the terrorists win.  Read more... (912 words, estimated 3:39 mins reading time)

Will Manly, a reporter for the Hays Daily News and The Stir has a little gem circulating the States via email titled Dear Barack: You’re wrong about small towns. I have reprinted it at the bottom of this article, but first my response.

Will Manly is wrong about small towns.

Mr. Manly may believe he is from a small town, but Hays Kansas prefers to think it’s a city. From their web site: “Hays Kansas is the largest city in Northwest Kansas at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and US Highway 183. This city, which has approximately 20,000 residents, was incorporated in 1885. Hays is a growing city with excellent opportunities.” (emphasis mine)

I live in a town of less than five thousand. I grew up in a town that boasted 1,100 residents. In retrospect I believe that to be a cumulative total. The point is, I know about small towns. Small towns are made of people, real living people, not the caricatures Manly and Obama have painted.

“We don’t vote for Democrats because we’re self-reliant so we don’t like the government trying to “solve” everything for us.” So I guess Plainville didn’t appreciate the government’s help when the Schult Homes announced it was closing earlier this year. Plainville is a small town of roughly 2000 residents 25 miles north of Hays on US183. The one hunderd laid off workers there are scheduled to receive a workers assistance package that includes classes on resume and skill building, tuition reimbursement and help in relocating.  Read more... (1554 words, estimated 6:13 mins reading time)

There was never a justification for invading Iraq. No wmd’s, Saddam Hussein had no part in 911, Al Queda was not using Iraq as a staging ground for attacks against the US or our allies. George Bush decided to go to war and that was that.

After five years and hundreds of thousands dead the war still goes on. It needs to stop. Now.

They held the coronation
Up in Washington
Gallant balls and celebration
If you’re connected, son
I tried to tell myself
It’s only four more years
But it’s the changes in between
That are feeding my fears

King George’s War
Watch your rights just slippin’ away
King George’s War? ?
On the streets of Baghdad
Or right here in the USA

Another mother’s son
Supports the country he loves
Random fire cuts him down
When will it finally be enough
A mother’s cry in any toungue
Still sounds the same
Her child dies in any land
She feels the same pain

King George’s War
Watch your hopes just slippin’ away
King George’s War
On the streets of Baghdad
Or right here in the USA

lyin’ in my bed
Trying to get some sleep
But the problems in my head
Well they just won’t keep
I tried to tell myself
It’s only four years more
If it all don’t go to hell
Fightin’ King George’s War

King George’s War
Watch your dreams just slippin’ away
King George’s War
On the streets of Baghdad
Or right here in the USA

One of the most perplexing, political conspiracy theories of our time is, of course, the theory that the U.S. government was behind the tragedies that occurred on September 11, 2001. A host of claims have been made, yet, three theories stand out as being the most common among conspiracy theorists: 1) Controlled demolitions used to bring down the WTC towers; 2) cruise missile used to attack the Pentagon; and, 3) the shooting down of Flight 93.

Unfortunately, the war in Iraq combined with the numerous failures of the current administration serve as useful fodder for grand conspiracies of this magnitude. The long history of distrust against government has proven to be a useful defense mechanism, as most Americans have always encouraged a healthy degree of skepticism when being presented with information from an authority figure. Therefore, from the perspective of the brave American protecting his liberties and rights, the “truth” movement seems refreshing–almost invigorating.

Yet, the line between rational and irrational thought becomes thinner and less prevalent during dark times. Conspiracy theories gain momentum not from convincing scientific evidence presented in their arguments, but rather from mass hysteria and paranoia.”

My favorite conspiracy theory has always been that conspiracy theories are really a conspiracy hiding the real conspiracy. Which is funny if you think about it but anymore I’m not that amused. The idea that the ‘government’ engineered 911 is just as debilitating to effective change as the idea there is a terrorist around every corner. Both are based on fear, not just of an external threat but your own lack of control over the situation.  Read more... (389 words, estimated 1:33 mins reading time)