From: owner-roc-digest@lists.xmission.com (roc-digest) To: roc-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: roc-digest V2 #427 Reply-To: roc-digest Sender: owner-roc-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-roc-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk roc-digest Friday, February 16 2001 Volume 02 : Number 427 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 15 Feb 01 13:37:37 PST From: roc@xpresso.seaslug.org (Bill Vance) Subject: IRS info in USA Today (fwd) On Feb 15, Rich Martin wrote: [-------------------- text of forwarded message follows --------------------] I don't know how much faith I'd put in this, but I sure didn't want the list to know about it. One thing, you don't file a w-4 with the govt. It is th form you fill our for your employer. Some employers just ask you: how many dependents. The govt does not get copies of the W-4, and as an accountant, I have never seen a request for one. I will be buying tomorrows USA Today. Rich Martin Editor of Slick ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Here is some interesting data. More and more people are forcing the courts to acknowledge that there is no legal basis to force people to pay Federal taxes. Federal taxes are essentially voluntary, but once you file the W-4 you have obligated yourself. This stuff should be interesting. Robert T. In a message dated 02/14/2001 5:35:42 PM Pacific Standard Time, acta@capital.net writes: A full-page ad will appear in USA TODAY, this Friday, February 16th, which will feature the photos and names of three ex-IRS Agents who have resigned their positions and joined a growing number of former and present IRS officers, attorneys, Certified Public Accountants and retired judges who believe and assert that there is no law that requires most Americans to file an income tax return or to pay the federal income tax, and that the entire income tax system is founded upon fraud and is operated illegally. The message will also contain a number of "pearls" concerning the Internal Revenue Code and some brief comments on the recent New York Times article. The ad is sponsored by the We The People Foundation For Constitutional Education. Bob Schulz Chairman We The People Foundation for Constitutional Education 2458 Ridge Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804 (518) 656-3578 http://www.givemeliberty. Cut out the middlemen. Send donations to: Boys Scouts of America National HQ 1329 Walnut Hill Ln. Irving, TX 75162 http://www.SaveOurScouts.com [------------------------- end of forwarded message ------------------------] - -- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RKBA! ***** Blessings On Thee, Oh Israel! ***** RKBA! - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- An _EFFECTIVE_ | Insured | All matter is vibration. | Let he who hath no weapon in every | by COLT; | -- Max Plank | weapon sell his hand = Freedom | DIAL | In the beginning was the | garment and buy a on every side! | 1911-A1. | word. -- The Bible | sword.--Jesus Christ - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- Constitutional Government is dead, LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!!!!! - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 15 Feb 01 15:56:08 PST From: roc@xpresso.seaslug.org (Bill Vance) Subject: [freedomforum] ABORTED BABIES SOLD AS HEALTH FOOD (fwd) Just when I was begining to think it was safe to leave my box of barf bags in the closet..... On Feb 13, Archibald Bard wrote: [-------------------- text of forwarded message follows --------------------] Babies as Health FoodThere is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. -- Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) Archibald Bard Pro Libertate - For Freedom ICQ 83834746 Keep And Bear Arms http://www.keepandbeararms.com INFOWARS.com, a Presentation of the Energetic Alex Jones http://www.infowars.com/index.html From: wireline To: FreedomForum Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 7:24 PM Subject: [freedomforum] Babies as Health Food http://www.abortiontv.com/AbortedBabiesSoldAsHealthFood.htm The following is the text of an article which originally appeared in the Hong Kong Eastern Express on April 12, 1995. For more information, contact Bruce Gilley at The Eastern Express in Hong Kong, telephone: 011-852-27071111, or fax 011-852-27071122. No one could accuse The Chinese of being squeamish about the things they eat - monkeys' brains, owls' eyes, bears' paws and deep fried scorpions are all items on The menu. But most dishes revered as national favorites sound as harmless as boiled rice when compared to the latest pint de jour allegedly gaining favor in Shenzhen - human fetus. Rumors that dead embryos were being used as dietary supplements started to spread early last year with reports that some doctors in Shenzhen hospitals were eating dead fetuses after carrying out abortions. The doctors allegedly defended their actions by saying the embryos were good for their skin and general health. A trend was set and soon reports circulated that doctors in the city were promoting fetuses as a human tonic. Hospital cleaning women were seen fighting each other to take the treasured human remains home. Last month, reporters from EastWeek - a sister publication of Eastern Express - went to Shenzhen to see if the rumors could be substantiated. On March 7, a reporter entered the state-run Shenzhen Heath Center for Women and Children feigning illness and asked a female doctor for a fetus. The doctor said the department was out of stock but to come again. The next day the reporter returned at lunch time. The doctor eventually emerged from the operating theatre holding a fist size glass bottle stuffed with thumbsized fetuses. She said: "There are 10 fetuses here, all aborted this morning. You can take them. We are a state hospital and don't charge anything. "Normally, we doctors take them home to eat - all free. Since you don't look well, you can take them." Not every state hospital is as generous with its dead embryos as the Health Center for Women and Children. At the Shenzhen People's Hospital, for example, the reporter was in for a surprise. When a Ms. Yang, the head nurse, was asked for fetuses, she looked anxious and asked other staff to leave. After closing the door, she asked the undercover buyer in a low voice: "Where did you (get to) know that we sell fetuses?" The reporter answered: "A doctor friend in Hong Kong told me." "Who? What is his/her name?" The reporter was not prepared for this line of questioning and could not come up with a name. Yang told him that fetuses were only for sale within the hospital, and were not for public purchase. She added that some staff would, however, sell the fetuses on to Hong Kong buyers. The reporter learned that the going rate for a fetus was $10 but when the merchandise was in short supply, the price could go up to $20. But these prices are pin money compared to those set by private clinics, which are said to make a fortune selling fetuses. One chap on Bong Men Lao Street charges $300 for one fetus. The person in charge of the clinic is a man in his 60's. When he saw the ailing reporter, he offered to take an order for fetuses that had reached full-term and which, it is claimed, contain the best healing properties. When a female doctor named Yang - no relation - of Sin Hua clinic was asked whether fetuses were edible, she said emphatically: "Of course they are. They are even better than placentas. "They can make your skin smoother, your body stronger and are good for kidneys. When I was in an army hospital in Jiangti province, I often brought fetuses home. They were pink, like little mice, with hands and feet. Normally, I buy some pork to make soup (with the fetuses added). I know they are human beings, and (eating them) feels disgusting. But at that time, it was already very popular." A Mr. Cheng from Hong Kong claims he has been eating fetus soup for more than six months. To begin, the man, in his 40's, would make the trip to Shenzhen frequently for business and was introduced to fetuses by friends. He says he met a number of professors and doctors in government hospitals who helped him buy the fetuses. "At first, I felt uncomfortable, but doctors said the substances in fetuse es could help cure my asthma. I started taking them and gradually, the asthma disappeared," Cheng said. Now, Cheng only eats fetuses occasionally to top up his treatment, but there was a time when he made regular cross border trips with the gruesome merchandise. "Everytime [I made the trip], I carried a Thermos flask to Shenzhen and brought the fetuses back to Hong Kong to make soup. If they gave me 20 or 30 at a time, I put them in the refrigerator. I didn't have the soup every day - it depended on the supply. "Usually, I washed the fetuses clean, and added ginger, orange peel and pork to make soup. After taking it for a while, I felt a lot better and my asthma disappeared. I used to take placenta, but it was not so helpful." When asked if he was concerned about the fetuses containing diseases, Cheng was dismissive. "I bought them from government hospitals. They would check the pregnant women before doing the operations and only sell them to me if there was no problem. Also, I always boil them over high heat which kills any bacteria." Although Cheng has overcome any squeamishness over eating fetus soup, he says he draw the line at consuming whole dead embryos. He also refrains from telling people of his grisly dietary habits. Zou Qin, 32, a woman from Hubei with the fine skin of a someone several years younger, attributes her well preserved looks to a diet of fetuses. As a doctor at the Lun Hu Clinic, Zou has carried out abortions on several hundred patients. She believes fetuses are highly nutritious and claims to have eaten more than 100 in the past six months. She pulls out a fetus specimen before a reporter and explains the selection criteria. "People normally prefer (fetuses of) young women, and even better, the first baby and a male." She adds: "They are wasted if we don't eat them. The women who receive abortions here don't want the fetuses. Also, the fetuses are already dead [when we eat them]. We don't carry out abortions just to eat the fetuses. "Before, my sister's children were very weak. I heard that fetuses were good for your health and started taking some to my nephews," Zou says, without remorse. "I wash them with clear water until they look transparent white and then stew them. Making soup is best." But she admits there are drawbacks to this dubious delicacy. "Fetuses are very smelly and not everybody can take the stink, " she said. "You can also make meat cakes by mixing fetuses with minced meat but you have to add more ginger and chives to get rid of the smell." Hong Kong legislator Dr. Tan Siu-tong is surprised that it could be within anyone's capability to overcome the stench of a dead fetus, even if their stomachs are lined with lead. "When all the placental tissue is dead, the smell is awful and is enough to make you feel sick. It is like having a dead mouse in the house," he said. The fetuses allegedly eaten by the Chinese are all provided by China's extensive abortion services. Last year, doctors in the People's Hospital - the biggest hospital in Shenzhen - carried out more than 7,000 terminations, 509 on Hong Kong women. The Hong Kong Family Planning Association (FPA) estimates that 24 per cent of all abortions on Hong Kong women are performed in the dubious surroundings of a Chinese hospital. A Ms. Li from Hong Kong has had two abortions in Shenzhen but has never heard of people eating fetuses. "But I didn't want the babies, so after the abortions, I just left them with the hospital," she says. "I didn't want to look at them, and I certainly didn't want to keep them. Fetuses of two or three months are just water and blood when they come out. They are so small, how can you eat them?" Doctors in the territory have responded with disgust and incredulity to stories of people supplementing their diets with fetuses. Many have read articles of fetal cannibalism but none has been able to verify the reports. They are treating the issue with skepticism. Dr. Margaret Kwan, a gynecologist who until two weeks ago held the post of chief executive at the FPA, says: "This is the strangest thing I have ever heard coming out of China. I just hope it is not true." Dr. Warren Lee, president of the Hong Kong Nutrition Association, is aware of the unsavory rumors. "Eating fetuses is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine and is deeply founded in Chinese folklore. In terms of nutrition, a fetus would be a good source of protein and fats, and there are minerals in bone. But I don't know if eating fetuses is just folklore or more than that," he says. According to Lee, it is conceivable that fetuses are rich in certain hormones that are beneficial to the adult human body, but should this be the case, the fetal matter would have to be converted into an indictable form for best results, as most hormones including the hormone for diabetes, insulin - are broken down in the digestive system before they have a chance to be absorbed by the body. But Lee suggests that anyone who eats a fetus would be seeking a remedy that is far more elusive than a hormone or mineral. "Some people may think there is also an unidentified substance or chemical that has healing powers, but there is no evidence that this is true." Lee urges people to be wary - "There are people out there who just want to make money and they will come up with all sorts of formulas or substances, which, they say will cure diseases." As a child, Patrick Yau was fed on human placentas by his mother who worked at a local hospital, but in his current position as a psychologist with the Social Welfare Department he is both repulsed and shocked by the notion of eating fetuses. "As a Catholic, I object to abortions because I believe the fetus is a human life, and I certainly object to eating a dead baby after it has been aborted," he says. Yau concedes that in China, where the one child policy has turned abortions into an acceptable remedy to an unfortunate human blunder, people may have adopted a new outlook on life before birth, such that embryos are stripped of their status as human beings. But Tang fails to understand how anyone anywhere can convince themselves "that they are just eating an organism when they are actually eating a dead body". "It may not be a formed human being, but when they think about it most people would think: 'Ugh! No, I can't eat that.' I don't think civilized people with an education could do that sort of thing." Dr. Wong, a Hong Kong doctor who practices Western medicine, thinks only the ignorant would eat human fetuses. He explains that fetuses contain mucoploysaccharide, which is beneficial to the metabolism, but states that it can be found in a lot of other food - Chinese doctor Chu Ho-Ting agrees that there is no place for fetuses in medicine, and suggests that it might even be unhealthy if the pregnant woman was infected by disease. "Most bacteria can be killed under 100 degree heat but some require 400 degrees. Some people believe eating fetuses can strengthen the immunity of the human body against diseases, but this is wrong. Although fetuses contain protein, they are not as nutritious as placenta, which contains different kinds of nutrients. But even placenta has to be taken with other Chinese herbs." [------------------------- end of forwarded message ------------------------] - -- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RKBA! ***** Blessings On Thee, Oh Israel! ***** RKBA! - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- An _EFFECTIVE_ | Insured | All matter is vibration. | Let he who hath no weapon in every | by COLT; | -- Max Plank | weapon sell his hand = Freedom | DIAL | In the beginning was the | garment and buy a on every side! | 1911-A1. | word. -- The Bible | sword.--Jesus Christ - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- Constitutional Government is dead, LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!!!!! - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 15 Feb 01 19:42:55 PST From: roc@xpresso.seaslug.org (Bill Vance) Subject: *** The Fortress *** (fwd) On Feb 15, InTheRiver wrote: [-------------------- text of forwarded message follows --------------------] The Fortress An allegorical look at America's struggle for freedom Editor's note: Amy Stanford is a 17-year-old home-schooled senior who lives near Austin, Texas. She has a strong interest in journalism as a career. © 2001 WorldNetDaily.com What great men dared to choose Small men now dare neither win Nor lose. - --Archibald MacLeish, "Brave New World" - ----- In a far away land that is surprisingly nearer than you thought, there is a fortress disguised as a palace, a barricade as a courtyard. It was built by a very brave and radical people who would have rather died than suffer under the cruel heel of tyranny any longer. And thousands did sacrifice their lives -- men, women, and children -- to build this haven of safety and freedom. After much labor, sweat, blood and tears, the beautifully hewn stones and carved pillars were erected to an impenetrable height. It was not a flimsy, impromptu affair, but a structure designed to last for centuries to come. The foundation was solid, the walls strong. The people who built it realized the Fortress would be constantly under attack, and so they impressed upon their children the importance of ceaseless vigilance and prayer to make certain the walls would remain strong. This people's story is an inspiring one, and no doubt you have heard bits and pieces of it, although it is not as widely told and celebrated as it once was. But I am not here to tell what has gone before. I am going to tell you what must yet come. Now something must be understood: Many battles were and are being fought for the Fortress. The individuals who died in these battles did not die for themselves, nor for their children, nor even for the Fortress. These soldiers died once, their mothers, wives, sweethearts and sisters died many times over, for a dream, for an ideal, for Seven Personages who are as real as you and I, and who are the main characters of this story. Some people class these seven entities with Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, as myths. Nevertheless, they are living, breathing persons that have abode in the Fortress by invitation and by choice since its beginning. They could choose to leave at any time, yet they stay, for they have come to think of the Fortress as their home. Yes, these seven persons have names -- Liberty, Justice, Uncle Sam, History, Wisdom, Innocence, and Truth. Oh, yes. And the Eagle, the Protector of the Fortress. It and Uncle Sam cannot really be called individuals, neither can they exactly leave at any time. But they are both important and vital figures. "Why would they want to leave such a secure place as you have just described anyway?" you may well ask. Many years have passed since the building of the Fortress. It is not the tower of security it once was. The Enemy, seeing that direct attack upon the massive structure was futile, resorted to craft and deceit. He fed the people of the Fortress false philosophies and subtle lies, causing them to gradually let down their guard. The Enemy ceased his violent attack upon the walls and let several generations pass without a battle, causing the people of the Fortress to further slip into a false sense of security and confidence. As the Enemy, overjoyed at his success, stepped up the flow of false teachings, the foundation of the Fortress began to crumble from neglect and the nibbling of the Enemy. The Seven watched these events with despair, for the people began to reject their advice. Particularly Justice and Truth's. As the people became more and more corrupted with the Enemy's lies, Uncle Sam and the Eagle were also corrupted, for they were made up of the people. And then the unthinkable began to happen. Slowly, without the people realizing it, the Enemy gained access to the very persons their ancestors had fought and died to protect. Only Truth saw him coming, easing, creeping, sneaking his way into the Fortress. She ran first to Liberty. "We are under attack! The Enemy is here, he will enslave as before!" Liberty looked around in alarm. She didn't see any Enemy. Stroking her graying temples thoughtfully, she told Truth, "There is no one here, the people are still free." Truth insisted, "He is here. I saw him walking among the people. They accept him. We are in danger." "No doubt you think you saw someone, Truth, for you do not lie." Here Liberty laughed at the obviousness of the statement. "But we are safe in the Fortress, the Enemy cannot invade us." "But he has--" Truth was cut off by a careless wave from Liberty's hand. Truth's forever-young face fell in disappointment and grief, and she walked slowly away. A few minutes later, softly, quietly, the broken shackles at Liberty's feet were mended and gently replaced around her wrists. Her flaming torch dimmed slowly to a mere flicker of a candle. She looked up in surprise. There was no one but her six friends and the people of the Fortress. The Enemy had become so commonplace, almost a reassuring presence to the people, he blended in, he was invisible. Nobody would be able to see him coming. Nobody but Truth. Liberty turned to Uncle Sam. "The Enemy is among us. I have been shackled again. Free me as you did before! He has taken away the people of the Fortress' freedom. Now he is able to destroy them!" Uncle Sam snorted good-naturedly. He seemed much bigger than he ever had before, more powerful. "You've been listening to Truth. She's been telling everyone that the Enemy is right here in the Fortress. What nonsense. You are not shackled, Liberty, it is a figment of your imagination. Why, look at the people. They are just as free as they have ever been." Liberty obediently examined the people. It was true, they seemed happy enough, working, playing, going to school. She brought her chained wrists up to her face to inspect the shackles. They were not too heavy. But little things here and there bothered her. She mentioned them to Uncle Sam. He laughed her off again, saying, "What? Would you have us destroy all laws? You know that without fairness, there is no real freedom. Everything is just fine." Liberty protested, "That's just it. It's fairness, not justice, you are giving to the people." Uncle Sam looked at her in confusion. "Is there a difference?" "I ... don't know. I will ask Justice." Liberty walked away to find Justice. She was sitting alone on Court Terrace, facing the sunset. Liberty wondered why, as Justice's blindfold did not allow her to see it. Sometimes Liberty pitied her, never being able to take the blindfold off, but it was vital, Liberty knew. Justice heard Liberty's footsteps and turned with a rather uncertain, but pleased smile. Her blindfold was gone. Liberty gasped, and ran closer. "Justice, your blindfold. ..." Then she noticed something else. "Your sword ... what happened to them?" "He said it wasn't right that my eyes were covered. He said I needed to see if my judgment was fair. He took away my sword. He said it was too cruel, too intimidating, I shouldn't use it anymore. He gave me this to use instead." Justice held up a ridiculously little wooden spoon. Liberty gazed at Justice in amazement. The Interpreter of the Law's eyes were a soft, sparkling blue. It was sad they had been hidden for so long. "Justice, who's 'he'?" "Why, I don't really know. I heard this nice voice speaking to me, telling me why I needed to take my blindfold off. He took my sword, handed me this spoon, then took my blindfold. I could see, and nobody was there." Justice hesitated. "I heard also Truth's voice. She was warning me not to listen to him. She said he was the Enemy, but he seemed much too pleasant for that. After he took away my sword ... she spoke no more." Justice's eyes fell to Liberty's wrists. "Why are you shackled, Liberty? I thought we were free." Justice's naïveté touched Liberty's heart, and she hastened to reassure her. "Oh, these are not serious. Just some little laws here and there that we need so we can be fair to everybody." But Justice caught the uncertainty in her voice. "Fairness. ... I suppose it's all right. But Truth seemed so sure that it was the Enemy." Justice paused in thought. "Will I have to change my name to Fairness?" Liberty turned this over in her mind. "I don't really know. Anyway, I came to ask you a question. Is there a difference between justice and fairness?" Justice glanced down at the pair of scales in her hand. "Before I would measure them against each other in the scales, but now that I can see to judge for myself ... he said that I should." "The man who took away your blindfold said that?" "Yes. Perhaps he is right." Justice took a deep breath and tossed away her scales. "In that case, I see no difference between fairness and justice." Liberty looked doubtful. "That seems OK, but now I remember Wisdom saying something about the difference between the two. Are you sure in your judgment?" Justice sighed. "No, I am not. I just don't know. This is all so new to me. The man said to trust myself, but perhaps we should ask Wisdom after all." "Yes, let's. I'm sure she will know." And so the two women made their way to the Fortress' school and library where the younger people learned how to live life. But Liberty and Justice did not find Wisdom, instead they found an extremely attractive young man who looked like he was fresh out of college. He was teaching where Wisdom had once taught, but with a different theme. Liberty accosted him politely. "Excuse me, sir, where is Wisdom?" The young man laughed derisively. "Wisdom? Who needs Wisdom? I am Knowledge. I am a better teacher than Wisdom, I have more power than her. She would teach these kids to follow stuffy, bigoted, hypocritical rules that would hinder them in their exploration of life. Wisdom is a useless old fool." Knowledge eyed Justice and her downcast expression. "Congratulations on being de-blindfolded. Now you have more power, more knowledge. Why are you not happy?" Justice dropped her eyes shyly. "I ... I am, I suppose. It's just that, well, Liberty and I had a question." Knowledge puffed out his chest and boasted, "Ask away. I know everything." Liberty took a sudden strong disliking to Knowledge. "No. We will ask Wisdom. Where is she?" Knowledge sneered, "She is gone; she will never show her face in this room again. And there's nothing you can do about it. You are chained." Liberty glanced at her shackles in shame. Knowledge continued in an insolent tone. "I am sufficient to answer your question. Ask me." Justice looked bewildered. Liberty hesitated, then walked resolutely off. Justice turned to follow, but Knowledge caught her by the wrist, speaking in a soft, silky voice. "Stay a little while and let me tell you more, Justice." Justice jerked away, blushing, with her eyes down. "No ... no, I must go." And she hurried after Liberty. When she caught up with her, Liberty was muttering angrily. "Who does he think he is? I need Wisdom, and I will find her. He cannot tell me what to do." Justice asked pitifully, "What's wrong? Is the Enemy really in the Fortress? How did he get in? Where is Wisdom?" "Hush, dear. I am thinking. I cannot do much to free the people of the Fortress now, but I can warn the others. We must find them." Justice obediently fell silent, trotting behind Liberty's long strides. Soon they reached the Great Room, the meeting place of the Seven, and where a horrible spectacle met their eyes. The Enemy was there to be seen plainly, holding a sword to History's throat as he whispered in her ear the lies he was forcing her to record. With a shock, Liberty recognized the sword as Justice's. Truth lay in a corner, bound and gagged with Justice's blindfold. Uncle Sam stood rigidly, his suspenders cut, and his pants around his ankles. His boxers were humiliatingly polka dotted. The Eagle was wheezing weakly and his once-noble feathers tattered and muddy. He dragged a broken wing beside him. The arrows that used to be so strongly clasped in his claw were broken and scattered about the room, and the olive branch was wilted and useless. But by far, the worst of it all was Innocence. She was bruised and bleeding, sobbing hopelessly into Wisdom's lap. Wisdom stroked Innocence's fine, tangled hair with a wrinkled and shaking hand. Liberty and Justice walked slowly across the room to Wisdom and Innocence, and Liberty knelt down beside the old woman and the girl. Justice stood still, her eyes smoldering. Liberty asked gently of Wisdom, "What happened to her?" Wisdom answered in a brittle tone, "Knowledge." Her voice broke, and tears fell on the golden head in her lap. "He raped her. My little Innocence." Justice opened her mouth to proclaim furious judgment on the offender, but a raucous laugh startled her, and she whirled. The Enemy stood there, smirking at the Seven's sorrow and rage. "I am winning," he taunted. "The little people of the Fortress, they do not care. They welcome me with open arms! Your humiliation, your disgrace, it is my glory! You are beaten, give up the Fortress to me!" There was silence broken only by Innocence's weeping. History watched, hoping, praying. She had come to the Fortress trusting that she would be able to record accurately and objectively the events of time. In other places, her arm had been twisted to put down facts that glorified wrongs and praised evil. Here she had been able to write with freedom and truth. Until now. She watched as her friends who had protected and encouraged her gave up hope one by one. Even Liberty's broad shoulders sagged. History's sharp eyes darted to Wisdom. She had faith in Wisdom. It was not unfounded. "Do not despair totally. There is yet hope. If the people of the Fortress realize the danger, they will fight back and rescue us." The Enemy snickered. "And who will tell them, old woman? You are all my prisoners, to do with as I please." Wisdom glared at the Enemy with her faded blue eyes. "No, not all. You may shackle Liberty, you may take away Justice's power, you may mock me, you may destroy Innocence, you may distort History, but you cannot bind Truth. You cannot destroy or stop her. She will always be more powerful than you." "Quiet, old woman! Cease your babbling!" The Enemy thundered. "It is not true. Truth is silenced!" "Only by the misuse of Justice!" Wisdom turned to Justice, whose rage had subsided into a confused sullenness. "Go release Truth." "No, stop! You are in my power." The Enemy's face was purple with fury. Justice hesitated. "Go on, Justice, he cannot stop you." This was from Liberty, who had a new, but dim, light in her sad brown eyes. Justice walked to Truth, who had been watching alertly, knelt down beside her, and undid the bonds. The Enemy stomped and raged and threatened, but that was all. Truth stood very still, waiting for instructions from Wisdom. "Go to the people of the Fortress, warn them about what is happening. It will not be easy. They are self-satisfied and comfortable. But you must succeed. The Fortress depends on it." Truth had no trouble hearing Wisdom's soft words over the Enemy's roaring. But suddenly it ceased. He watched warily as Truth walked directly toward him. The Enemy seemed paralyzed as Truth boldly took Justice's sword from his very hand. She regarded him very much as one regards a mad dog. Truth turned to Wisdom, who still had Innocence crying into her lap. She knelt down and lightly kissed Innocence's head. "The hurt that has been done to you shall be avenged. I swear this." Truth rose and approached Liberty. "Give me your torch. It is not as bright as it once was, but it will help light the darkness of the Enemy's lies so the people of the Fortress can see that they are no longer free." Liberty gravely held out her torch. "God be with you." Truth nodded, took the torch, and walked to stand before Uncle Sam who had not said a word. "You have believed a lie and shamed yourself and the Fortress in the eyes of the world. It has been so recorded by History. It is now my responsibility to regain the respect that the Fortress has lost by you." The Enemy watched, still silent, as Truth knelt by the wounded Eagle. Stroking its head, she murmured comfortingly, "The Fortress' brave and unconquerable protector ... now conquered by its own people. I will persuade them that you should be healed and strengthened instead of broken down. Mend your arrows and pluck another olive branch, for you shall be strong again soon." The Eagle cocked its still-proud head and followed Truth's movements with piercing eyes. She walked to the door of the Great Room, then turned. Her six friends, the Eagle, and the Enemy were watching her. In the six and the Eagle, she saw a quiet and patient hope. They had all suffered before. In the Enemy, she saw the small, shivering, worthless soul of a coward, masked by a cruel and tyrannic face that expressed a desire for them to suffer more. Truth raised her hand in farewell to her friends. "In God we trust." Without looking back, she walked out the door and into the world of the people of the Fortress. [------------------------- end of forwarded message ------------------------] - -- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RKBA! ***** Blessings On Thee, Oh Israel! ***** RKBA! - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- An _EFFECTIVE_ | Insured | All matter is vibration. | Let he who hath no weapon in every | by COLT; | -- Max Plank | weapon sell his hand = Freedom | DIAL | In the beginning was the | garment and buy a on every side! | 1911-A1. | word. -- The Bible | sword.--Jesus Christ - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- Constitutional Government is dead, LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!!!!! - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 15 Feb 01 19:44:45 PST From: roc@xpresso.seaslug.org (Bill Vance) Subject: OT, Feminists Loose Their @$$ Off Topic, but too funny to leave alone. BREAKING NEWS! Dateline Bellingham, Washington At Evergreen State College, Feminists had, "erected", a giant 6' female genetalia, to announce/advertize, "The Vag*na Monologues". Well, it's vanished. Some say they've seen it runnung amuck through the countryside, while others theorize that it will be found years from now in some special place of hobor in some Frat House or other. Feminists were aghast, Aghast I say, to learn of the, "Up Yours", message of it's replacement, a giant male genitalia. Word has it that the Feminists are becoming aroused, There is, no doubt, more to come, on this breaking story.....:-) - -- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RKBA! ***** Blessings On Thee, Oh Israel! ***** RKBA! - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- An _EFFECTIVE_ | Insured | All matter is vibration. | Let he who hath no weapon in every | by COLT; | -- Max Plank | weapon sell his hand = Freedom | DIAL | In the beginning was the | garment and buy a on every side! | 1911-A1. | word. -- The Bible | sword.--Jesus Christ - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- Constitutional Government is dead, LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!!!!! - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 16 Feb 01 10:28:20 PST From: roc@xpresso.seaslug.org (Bill Vance) Subject: SRA - Gun Op-Ed: "A Double Dose of Discrimination". (fwd) On Feb 16, Brad3000 wrote: [-------------------- text of forwarded message follows --------------------] FYI - Read. Subject: Gun op-ed: "A Double Dose of Discrimination" Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 08:45:48 -0800 From: Dr. Michael S. Brown Friends, Feel free to use this article in any way you like. Take Care, Mike Brown Vancouver, WA ******************************************* A DOUBLE DOSE OF DISCRIMINATION The term "legal blindness" is often poorly understood, which may partly account for a new context in which it has appeared in the media. Most states issue concealed weapon permits to any adult citizen who can pass various tests and extensive background checks. In recent months, controversy has flared when it became known that permits have been issued to persons who are legally blind. News stories have quoted outraged anti-gun lobbyists who feel that this a terrible and shocking new problem. These handicapped permit holders are being hit with a double dose of discrimination. Not only are they treated differently because of their handicap, they are also stigmatized as gun owners. Many persons with impaired vision are affected by the stigma attached to the word "blindness". In fact, being legally blind is not synonymous with complete blindness. The definition of legal blindness is corrected vision no better than 20/200 or a loss of peripheral vision that leaves only the central 20 degrees of vision. Many legally blind persons use their remaining vision to perform a large range of visual tasks. Firing a handgun in self defense does not necessarily require good vision. Almost all defensive gun uses occur at short range and many within arm's length. Studies of video from security cameras has shown that most defenders do not even use the sights to align their handgun with an attacker. At close range, simply pointing the weapon instinctively is the norm. Another important fact to remember is that the vast majority of defensive gun uses, roughly 95 to 99%, end without a shot being fired. Criminals almost always break off an attack when they see that their intended victim is armed. The handicapped have a legitimate fear of physical assault. They are often targeted by criminals for robbery and rape because they appear to be easy targets. Women who are pregnant, the elderly, or people who are affected by a temporary illness are also at risk. The system of issuing concealed weapon permits has been a remarkable success in all thirty two progressive states where a "shall issue" system is in effect. The remaining states have a "discretionary" law - permits are issued at the whim of law enforcement officials. In these states most permits are held by politicians, political contributors, celebrities and relatives of said officials. The most important fact to remember, one that infuriates the gun haters, is that permit holders in every state have proven to be one of the most responsible and law-abiding segments of the population. There is no reason to believe that physically impaired citizens are any different. It is bad enough that society discriminates, even if unintentionally, against the handicapped. Stripping them of the right to self defense adds insult to injury. The mean-spirited cultural war against gun owners is already nasty enough, we don't need to start attacking the handicapped. Dr. Michael S. Brown --The author is an optometrist who specializes in Low Vision care - helping persons with visual impairment read and perform other visual tasks. He is also a member of Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws, http://www.keepandbeararms.com/dsgl. [------------------------- end of forwarded message ------------------------] - -- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RKBA! ***** Blessings On Thee, Oh Israel! ***** RKBA! - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- An _EFFECTIVE_ | Insured | All matter is vibration. | Let he who hath no weapon in every | by COLT; | -- Max Plank | weapon sell his hand = Freedom | DIAL | In the beginning was the | garment and buy a on every side! | 1911-A1. | word. -- The Bible | sword.--Jesus Christ - ----------------+----------+--------------------------+--------------------- Constitutional Government is dead, LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!!!!! - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - ------------------------------ End of roc-digest V2 #427 *************************