Hi Mike!

Welc☺me to the Sunday FDL Book Salon!

Welcome to FDL, Mike!

Welcome, Mike and Robert.

To commenters, as always, please stay on topic during book salon. If you want to go OT feel free to do it on the previous post.

Great honor to have both Mike and Robert here at FDL.

Hi Mike, the books sounds great!

The trip you took to Honduras for Salvadoran refugees in need of medical supplies was really affecting. Did you see the GOP debate? Was it hard to hear all that Ronald Reagan hagiography having seen first hand the “horror” of his Central American policies?

I almost lost my lunch.

Mike, do you feel the “mainstream media” trivializes actors who get involved in politics?

Mike,

Thank you for coming here today to tell us about your book.

I am thrilled you have come to visit the lake!! I can’t wait to tell my partner, who watched every episode and rerun for years and still scans for them while on a break.

Your commitment to antiwar messages was so welcome then and is so now.

Mike, what issue(s) are you most focused on now?

watertiger @ 8

Mike, do you feel the “mainstream media” trivializes actors who get involved in politics?

Excluding, of course, Ronald Reagan and Fred Thompson, both of whom so richly deserve to be trivialized, he added sarcastically.

Hi, Mike. Nice to meet you. Love your work.

Still have very fond memories of a particular MASH episode that you did with iirc Susan St. James, now back to read the post.

Welcome Mike.

-GSD

Mike,
No questions, just a thanks to you for all you’ve done over the years for peace and progressive causes. And I still watch M*A*S*H re-runs over most of the rest of the cr*p that gets shoved onto the tube. :})

Welcome, Mike — allow me a moment of fangirl gushing because I adored you in MASH. Thanks so much for the laughs and the eloquence — both on that show and in this book. Bravo. Nothing like putting your beliefs into action, and living your values with you choices.

And Robert, you know that I adore you. Thanks so much for giving Mike such a great intro.

Mike Farrell, I have listened to you many times on NPR over the years. Thank you for the work you do and the awareness you generate by being active and vocal.

Wow — an author introduced by Robert Greenwald with a front-cover recommend by my hero George McGovern! I just bought it. Can’t wait to read it. Welcome, Mike Farrell!

Welcome Mike,
My question is has your activism cost you any jobs or roles?

it is my pleasure. The book is wonderful.And in regard to the question of actors in politics, no problem if the name is Ronald R, ARndol S, or Fred T…..ha..

Hi Everybody. I had a bit of trouble finding you. Sorry.

Mr. Farrell:

The GOP seems fond of promoting film actors for elective office. Mr. Reagan, Mr. Schwarzenegger, and now possibly Fred Thompson. Surely there are actors who are not Republicans who could run for office and be very good for the nation and the world. George Clooney, perhaps yourself, Sean Penn among others others come to mind. Care to comment?

Mike Farrell @ 21

Hi Everybody. I had a bit of trouble finding you. Sorry.

Some days, we have trouble finding ourselves.

robert greenwald @ 20

it is my pleasure. The book is wonderful.And in regard to the question of actors in politics, no problem if the name is Ronald R, ARndol S, or Fred T…..ha..

Don’t forget the Unity08 attention being lavished on Sam Waterston!

Jane Hamsher @ 7

The trip you took to Honduras for Salvadoran refugees in need of medical supplies was really affecting. Did you see the GOP debate? Was it hard to hear all that Ronald Reagan hagiography having seen first hand the “horror” of his Central American policies?

I almost lost my lunch.

Thanks for all the hellos. No, I managed to miss the debate, but I’ve heard a lot of the talk about Saint Ronald. Disgusting.

EvilDrPuma @ 23

Mike Farrell @ 21

Hi Everybody. I had a bit of trouble finding you. Sorry.

Some days, we have trouble finding ourselves.

Once here, we have trouble finding anywhere else.
Hope you like it. There’s some really sharp folks that like to talk politics here all day and night.

Word to Mr. Greenwald too.

-GSD

Hi, Robert. I know it’s a bit OT but looking forward to you testifying next week on war profiteering. Do you know yet if it’s going to be on CSPAN?

Trying to catch up with you all.

Of course the MSM tries to trivialize “celebriites.” They are, as usual, following the lead of the right-wing loudspeakers who resent the fact that people who can get media attention disagree with them about the issues.

Mike, I would like to know what you think the Democratic Congress’ response to George W. Bush’s VETO should be.

Jane at 28 — Thanks for asking that — was wondering if it would be broadcast myself. Thanks for doing the testimony on war profiteering Robert — am looking forward to the hearing. That is an issue which needs so much more Congressional sunshine.

Jane Hamsher @ 28

Hi, Robert. I know it’s a bit OT but looking forward to you testifying next week on war profiteering. Do you know yet if it’s going to be on CSPAN?

I dont know yet if it will be on cspan, some guy who is attorney general or something is also on that day :) but i think it will be webcast for sure, But dont have details, am working on what I will sayin between worrying that mike has found is way onto the chat :)

Thank you, Mr. Farrell, for your efforts and your service to our country. Have you ever considered running for elective office?

Wow, such a warm welcome from Sir Greenwald! Welcome to both of you on this fine sunny day.

Mike, FDL has your name written all over it. Where have you been hiding?

Did someone mention hearings and cspan? *s*

xoites defends Constitution @ 30

Mike, I would like to know what you think the Democratic Congress’ response to George W. Bush’s VETO should be.

I’d like to see them send the bill back with a more firm statement that the funds to protect the troops are necessary and the date for withdrawal is the stated desire of the American people. It’s up to him whether the money for the troops gets to them. All he has to do is sign the bill.

brownandserve @ 33

Thank you, Mr. Farell, for your efforts and your service to our country. Have you ever considered running for elective office?

Not interested, thanks. I cannot go with my hat in my hand asking people for money. The process stinks.

Mike Farrell @ 29

Trying to catch up with you all.

Of course the MSM tries to trivialize “celebriites.” They are, as usual, following the lead of the right-wing loudspeakers who resent the fact that people who can get media attention disagree with them about the issues.

And as usual for the right-wing loudspeakers, they do so hypocritically. In a truly “fair and balanced” world, one would hardly be able to canonize Reagan or Schwarzenegger while denying Mike Farrell or Sheryl Crow or whoever the right to a microphone.

Mike Farrell @ 35

xoites defends Constitution @ 30

Mike, I would like to know what you think the Democratic Congress’ response to George W. Bush’s VETO should be.

I’d like to see them send the bill back with a more firm statement that the funds to protect the troops are necessary and the date for withdrawal is the stated desire of the American people. It’s up to him whether the money for the troops gets to them. All he has to do is sign the bill.

I agree with you on that. The only other alternative I can see is telling Bush to come up with something the Congress can vote for and leave the ball in his court.

Mike — Could you get traction from the “pro-life” meme as an anti-death penalty argument? As in…”How can you claim the label of ‘pro-life’ when you support the death penalty and torture?”

Mike Farrell @ 40
xoites defends Constitution @ 38
Mike Farrell @ 35
xoites defends Constitution @ 30

Mike, I would like to know what you think the Democratic Congress’ response to George W. Bush’s VETO should be.

Interesting thought. Someone said yesterday that the Dems should simply attach the Baker/Hamilton Commission’s report and say the money will come when all those recommendations are met.

I’d like to see them send the bill back with a more firm statement that the funds to protect the troops are necessary and the date for withdrawal is the stated desire of the American people. It’s up to him whether the money for the troops gets to them. All he has to do is sign the bill.

I agree with you on that. The only other alternative I can see is telling Bush to come up with something the Congress can vote for and leave the ball in his court.

Sorry, put my response to you above my last response. Learning, here.

Mike at 41 — You are doing great. And, the rule of thumb in these parts is that once you’ve stopped by to comment, you can feel free to do so any time.

I agree with you on that. The only other alternative I can see is telling Bush to come up with something the Congress can vote for and leave the ball in his court.

He’s gone too far around the bend for that, I’m afraid. He’s got a plan, see, and it’s up to Congress to come up with a better one.

btw, Mike, you met my sister in Adelaide while you were motorcycling across Australia. She was thrilled!

Eureka Springs @ 34

Mike, FDL has your name written all over it. Where have you been hiding?

Yep, between his work on prison reform, environmentalism, civil rights, death penalty and a whole host of other issues we care about, FDL should indeed be a home for him.

If you haven’t read the book, it’s wonderful, a lifelong journey of activism that is really impressive.

watertiger @ 43

I agree with you on that. The only other alternative I can see is telling Bush to come up with something the Congress can vote for and leave the ball in his court.

He’s gone too far around the bend for that, I’m afraid. He’s got a plan, see, and it’s up to Congress to come up with a better one.

btw, Mike, you met my sister in Adelaide while you were motorcycling across Australia. She was thrilled!

Great place! Tell her I said G’day!

Mike Farrell @ 36

brownandserve @ 33

Thank you, Mr. Farell, for your efforts and your service to our country. Have you ever considered running for elective office?

Not interested, thanks. I cannot go with my hat in my hand asking people for money. The process stinks.

Personally I don’t think effective activists should be pushed to run for office. We live in a participatory democracy and all of us can create change without spending the majority of our lives raising funds for the next election. Our elected officials are more influenced by what we think and do than they admit.

xoites defends Constitution @ 46
Mike Farrell @ 36
brownandserve @ 33
Thank you, Mr. Farell, for your efforts and your service to our country. Have you ever considered running for elective office?

Not interested, thanks. I cannot go with my hat in my hand asking people for money. The process stinks.

Personally I don’t think effective activists should be pushed to run for office. We live in a participatory democracy and all of us can create change without spending the majority of our lives raising funds for the next election. Our elected officials are more influenced by what we think and do than they admit.

I wish I’d said that.

Mike, how do you feel about the privatization of prisons?

Jane Hamsher @ 44

Eureka Springs @ 34

Mike, FDL has your name written all over it. Where have you been hiding?

Yep, between his work on prison reform, environmentalism, civil rights, death penalty and a whole host of other issues we care about, FDL should indeed be a home for him.

If you haven’t read the book, it’s wonderful, a lifelong journey of activism that is really impressive.

Thanks for that. I’m glad to know about FDL, but as you can see, I’m still a babe in the woods with regard to this process.

Mike, pretend you said it first and use it anytime you like with my compliments. :

LS @ 48

Mike, how do you feel about the privatization of prisons?

Dead wrong. Profiting on the maintenance of incarcerated people only guarantees that the circumstances will be more dehumanizing.

Mike,
in regards to media talking heads trivializing actors: I recall how you put the screws to Robert Novak during an appearance on Crossfire. He kept sarcastically referring to you as a ‘big time hollywood actor’. He was, of course, trying to insult and demean you.

You, venomously, scowled back at him by saying something like, “Excuse me, but, what are you? A small time media pundit, Mr. Novak? He basically turned white with fool dripping from his face. So deserved!

Thanks for that. I’m glad to know about FDL, but as you can see, I’m still a babe in the woods with regard to this process.

Be forewarned: It’s terribly addictive, being around these whipsmart and funny people.

Kitt @ 52

Mike,
in regards to media talking heads trivializing actors: I recall how you put the screws to Robert Novak during an appearance on Crossfire. He kept sarcastically referring to you as a ‘big time hollywood actor’. He was, of course, trying to insult and demean you.

You, venomously, scowled back at him by saying something like, “Excuse me, but, what are you? A small time media pundit, Mr. Novak? He basically turned white with fool dripping from his face. So deserved!

Thanks. I was surprised to be asked back. That time he asked me if The Dixie Chicks knew anything at all. I said they knew enough to be embarrassed by President Bush.

I read that in California, Blackwater is attempting to build a “training camp” and is going to use its mercenaries to control the border. Is there any buzz in your circles about that and, if so, what is the reaction?

Mike, as an activist, how to you keep your batteries charged?

There are different styles on how activists work, some go headlong until they get burned out and then take a break and others pace themselves learning how to say no. Any words of wisdom for those of us who are learning how to do it?

Mike Farrell @ 41

Learning, here.

aren’t we all? please be welcome and thank you very much for joining us today.

after all your experiences over the years, how do you see our present times?

lately i’ve been feeling a bit more hopeful than during the previous few years… in your opinion is this a rational response?

Kitt @ 52

Mike,
in regards to media talking heads trivializing actors: I recall how you put the screws to Robert Novak during an appearance on Crossfire. He kept sarcastically referring to you as a ‘big time hollywood actor’. He was, of course, trying to insult and demean you.

You, venomously, scowled back at him by saying something like, “Excuse me, but, what are you? A small time media pundit, Mr. Novak? He basically turned white with fool dripping from his face. So deserved!

Oh, sweeeeeet! I’m sorry I missed that.

LS @ 55

I read that in California, Blackwater is attempting to build a “training camp” and is going to use its mercenaries to control the border. Is there any buzz in your circles about that and, if so, what is the reaction?

I just met the young man who wrote the book about Blackwater. I’m, of course, blanking on his name right now, but he says they are not only all over Iraq, they’re here as well. The government is funding them in ways that few know about – except, of course, Robert Greenwald – and the potential for abuse is chilling.

selise @ 57

Mike Farrell @ 41

Learning, here.

aren’t we all? please be welcome and thank you very much for joining us today.

after all your experiences over the years, how do you see our present times?

lately i’ve been feeling a bit more hopeful than during the previous few years… in your opinion is this a rational response?

Extremely so. We are on the cusp of taking back the country. But we have to be careful to not fall asleep just because the Dems have taken back a slim majority in Congress.

Jeremy Scahill wrote the Blackwater book. I think.

TheOtherWA @ 61

Jeremy Scahill wrote the Blackwater book. I think.

Right you are. Thanks.

Mr. Farrell, I have the utmost respect for you both on the best TV show ever: M*A*S*H and now your subsequent work as an activist. I am hoping to become involved in helping others as well. Keep up the great work and, as always…Peace ;-)>

Mike Farrell @ 59

LS @ 55

I read that in California, Blackwater is attempting to build a “training camp” and is going to use its mercenaries to control the border. Is there any buzz in your circles about that and, if so, what is the reaction?

I just met the young man who wrote the book about Blackwater. I’m, of course, blanking on his name right now, but he says they are not only all over Iraq, they’re here as well. The government is funding them in ways that few know about – except, of course, Robert Greenwald – and the potential for abuse is chilling.

Jeremy Scahill, who used to work with Amy Goodman full time and now is doing many other things as well.

Roger S. Smith @ 63

Mr. Farrell, I have the utmost respect for you both on the best TV show ever: M*A*S*H and now your subsequent work as an activist. I am hoping to become involved in helping others as well. Keep up the great work and, as always…Peace ;-)>

Thank you. MASH was, of course, the highlight of my career. It was also one of the most important experiences in my life in many ways.

Mike Farrell @ 59

LS @ 55

I read that in California, Blackwater is attempting to build a “training camp” and is going to use its mercenaries to control the border. Is there any buzz in your circles about that and, if so, what is the reaction?

I just met the young man who wrote the book about Blackwater. I’m, of course, blanking on his name right now, but he says they are not only all over Iraq, they’re here as well. The government is funding them in ways that few know about – except, of course, Robert Greenwald – and the potential for abuse is chilling.

Jeremy Scahill (sp)…Wow, it would be great to shed some light on how they are funded and get that into the MSM.

Mr. Farrell, I heard you interviewed on –I believe– Fresh Air and your book sounds fascinating! I’ll look for it at the Library as funds are in short supply in our household right now.

Hi Mike,

What are your thoughts about Instant Runoff Voting? I think it could profoundly affect the quality of candidates who are elected and eliminate the spoiler effect of 3rd party candidates.

- Tom

LS @ 66

Mike Farrell @ 59

LS @ 55

I read that in California, Blackwater is attempting to build a “training camp” and is going to use its mercenaries to control the border. Is there any buzz in your circles about that and, if so, what is the reaction?

The fund

I just met the young man who wrote the book about Blackwater. I’m, of course, blanking on his name right now, but he says they are not only all over Iraq, they’re here as well. The government is funding them in ways that few know about – except, of course, Robert Greenwald – and the potential for abuse is chilling.

Jeremy Scahill (sp)…Wow, it would be great to shed some light on how they are funded and get that into the MSM.

The funding is straightforward. They are let contracts by the Bush Administration. Robert has chronicled that in his film, “Iraq for Sale.”

Scahill says he found Blackwater people in New Orleans after Katrina. They are being used in many ways.

Privatizing everything is dangerous, IMO. Prisons, police, and infrastructure like bridges and roads should NEVER be privately owned. All of society needs these things, and they have to be run correctly, not however will benefit the shareholders the most $$$.

Mike Farrell @ 65

Roger S. Smith @ 63

Mr. Farrell, I have the utmost respect for you both on the best TV show ever: M*A*S*H and now your subsequent work as an activist. I am hoping to become involved in helping others as well. Keep up the great work and, as always…Peace ;-)>

Thank you. MASH was, of course, the highlight of my career. It was also one of the most important experiences in my life in many ways.

As great as MASH was I havwe to disagree that that was the highlight of your career. Your career also involves shedding light on the truth which you have done for many even if you only count your radio interviews. Please do not sell your work or yourself short.

Margarete @ 67

Mr. Farrell, I heard you interviewed on –I believe– Fresh Air and your book sounds fascinating! I’ll look for it at the Library as funds are in short supply in our household right now.

Understood. We’re trying to get it into the libraries, of course. Not an easy task. You might try asking for it.

I haven’t actually been on Fresh Air yet. Would love to be.

How did you guys get the blurb out of Bill-O?

First of all, Mike Farrell is an honest guy. Then you add in that he’s a stand-up gy as well. The conbination means his book, Just Call Me Mike, will entertain and inform you far behond most autobiographies. Farrell’s life is fascinating and his journey is well worth your time. – Bill O’Reilly, anchor, FOX News Channel

There is just no way he read the book. He would’ve had an aneurism.

TheOtherWA @ 61

Jeremy Scahill wrote the Blackwater book. I think.

With the rapid degradation of any kind of regular U.S army forces in Iraq, I wonder whether BushCo. is hoping for to supplement it with an army of Hessians. I mean, since they’re not showing signs of pulling out of Iraq in the near future.

TheOtherWA @ 70

Privatizing everything is dangerous, IMO. Prisons, police, and infrastructure like bridges and roads should NEVER be privately owned. All of society needs these things, and they have to be run correctly, not however will benefit the shareholders the most $$$.

i coudn’t agree more. That’s the purpose of government, which is supposed to be both transparent and answerable to the people.

watertiger @ 52

Thanks for that. I’m glad to know about FDL, but as you can see, I’m still a babe in the woods with regard to this process.

Be forewarned: It’s terribly addictive, being around these whipsmart and funny people.

I have to agree with Watertiger. Here I am, in the office, but I can’t resist stopping by,

eya mike

gotta read and type like crazy to keep up with this FDL gang.

good to see ya here, good luck with the book!

come and post again when you can take er a little slower.

superb bunch of wide awake pranksters here!

Jane Hamsher @ 73

How did you guys get the blurb out of Bill-O?

First of all, Mike Farrell is an honest guy. Then you add in that he’s a stand-up gy as well. The conbination means his book, Just Call Me Mike, will entertain and inform you far behond most autobiographies. Farrell’s life is fascinating and his journey is well worth your time. – Bill O’Reilly, anchor, FOX News Channel

There is just no way he read the book. He would’ve had an aneurism.

ROFL! Well, we always knew the man was a shill. Somebody finally found a way to pervert him to good ends.

Jane Hamsher @ 73

How did you guys get the blurb out of Bill-O?

First of all, Mike Farrell is an honest guy. Then you add in that he’s a stand-up gy as well. The conbination means his book, Just Call Me Mike, will entertain and inform you far behond most autobiographies. Farrell’s life is fascinating and his journey is well worth your time. – Bill O’Reilly, anchor, FOX News Channel

There is just no way he read the book. He would’ve had an aneurism.

Odd thing. I’ve been on his show a number of times. We disagree about everything – although he says he opposes the death penalty – but despite our open disagreements, he always treats me with respect (at least when I’m there). That being the case, I thought I’d ask him if he’d consider reading a galley-proof and commenting on it. He said yes. Surprised me.

Mr. Farrell,

I understand you served in the Marines. Do you have any insights into how the corps is holding up given the multiple deployments to Marineland (Anbar province)?

Mike, what’s your take on the LAPD attack on the immigrant protesters on Mayday? It was very similar to the “Miami Model”. I heard that a bunch of actual LAPD police were held off work that day and possibly replaced by…you guessed it, Blackwater. In the videos, the police had no LAPD signs on their suits or visible numbers. Chilllinnngggg….

watertiger @74

With the rapid degradation of any kind of regular U.S army forces in Iraq, I wonder whether BushCo. is hoping for to supplement it with an army of Hessians. I mean, since they’re not showing signs of pulling out of Iraq in the near future.

Of course they do. No pesky Uniform Code of Military Justice for private armies, so they’re free to do any thing they want. Disgusting.

mike -

looking forward to reading your book – when i saw you briefly on c-span with my congressional rep (jim mcgovern), it went on the “to read” list.

are there any issues in particular that you would like to see us (loosely the “netroots”) help you with? please feel free to direct our attention to any particular current concern.

brownandserve @ 80

Mr. Farrell,

I understand you served in the Marines. Do you have any insights into how the corps is holding up given the multiple deployments to Marineland (Anbar province)?

Sorry, no insights. I fear the grunts are suffering terribly. I’m sure you’ve seen the reports about PTSD and mental collapse on the part of our people over there.

LS @ 81

Mike, what’s your take on the LAPD attack on the immigrant protesters on Mayday? It was very similar to the “Miami Model”. I heard that a bunch of actual LAPD police were held off work that day and possibly replaced by…you guessed it, Blackwater. In the videos, the police had no LAPD signs on their suits or visible numbers. Chilllinnngggg….

I’ve heard nothing about a Blackwater connection. I’d frankly be surprised if that turned out to be true. Chillling indeed.

Mike Farrell @ 53

Thanks. I was surprised to be asked back. That time he asked me if The Dixie Chicks knew anything at all. I said they knew enough to be embarrassed by President Bush.

Oh Snap! It’s hard to come up with sparkling rejoinders on the fly. Have you done much improv and does that help in this regard?

Now that Jane’s pointed out the Bill Orally endorsement, I am reconsidering my purchase…. *g*

Mike, are you endorsing in 2008? Does your work benefit by being associated with a Prez campaign, or do you find you can be more effective being unaffiliated?

MikeFarrell @68
Scahill says he found Blackwater people in New Orleans after Katrina. They are being used in many ways.

I saw them on the TV footage during Katrina and about went crazy to see they’d been unleashed there and people were still on roofs begging to be saved.

Mike Farrell @ 85

LS @ 81

Mike, what’s your take on the LAPD attack on the immigrant protesters on Mayday? It was very similar to the “Miami Model”. I heard that a bunch of actual LAPD police were held off work that day and possibly replaced by…you guessed it, Blackwater. In the videos, the police had no LAPD signs on their suits or visible numbers. Chilllinnngggg….

I’ve heard nothing about a Blackwater connection. I’d frankly be surprised if that turned out to be true. Chillling indeed.

It is not unusual for police officers who are about to club a crowd of people to remove their badges before the fact.

selise @ 83

mike -

looking forward to reading your book – when i saw you briefly on c-span with my congressional rep (jim mcgovern), it went on the “to read” list.

are there any issues in particular that you would like to see us (loosely the “netroots”) help you with? please feel free to direct our attention to any particular current concern.

Thanks. Jim’s an old friend.

We need more awareness of the damage being done our society by the continued use of the death penalty. Fundamental violation of human rights and a contributor to the coarsening of our national morality, as evidenced by the wilingness of young Americans to take pat in torture of “the other” in Abu Ghraib, Bagram, Gitmo and black sites elsewhere, in addition to our jails and prisons in this country.

hwmnbn @ 86

Mike Farrell @ 53

Thanks. I was surprised to be asked back. That time he asked me if The Dixie Chicks knew anything at all. I said they knew enough to be embarrassed by President Bush.

Oh Snap! It’s hard to come up with sparkling rejoinders on the fly. Have you done much improv and does that help in this regard?

Some. And it doesn’t hurt.

Hi Mike,

Do you think the slippery Karl Rove will ever be held accountable for the damage he’s done to our country?

- Tom

Hello Mr. Farrell, an honor……

Please take a minute and tell us about the things of which you want the world to be aware, the things you are most involved with right now….soapbox format is ok…..

thanks for being here with us at the firedoglake. it’s addictive. being informed by all of the bright minds here does that to you.

TomR @ 92

Hi Mike,

Do you think the slippery Karl Rove will ever be held accountable for the damage he’s done to our country?

- Tom

One can only hope. God bless Henry Waxman! Joe Wilson said the other night that he’s the least likely hero to come out of West Los Angeles in history, but watch him now!

TomR @ 92

Hi Mike,

Do you think the slippery Karl Rove will ever be held accountable for the damage he’s done to our country?

- Tom

And Mike, if you know the answer to that one can you give me tommorow night’s lottery number too? :)

Mike Farrell @ 59

selise @ 57

aren’t we all? please be welcome and thank you very much for joining us today.

after all your experiences over the years, how do you see our present times?

lately i’ve been feeling a bit more hopeful than during the previous few years… in your opinion is this a rational response?

Extremely so. We are on the cusp of taking back the country. But we have to be careful to not fall asleep just because the Dems have taken back a slim majority in Congress.

I feel this, too. Hello, Mr. Farrell, Robert, & firepups…

Holy Moley, Mike Farrell in our midst!

Kewl!

That looks like a very enlightening and interesting book; I’ll have to check it out.

About Blackwater … I don’t want to be a blogwhore but our little DFA group invited Jeremy Scahill to speak last week and his talk was spellbinding, if he comes to anyone’s area, I would encourage you to go see him. And I did 4 posts (so far) on Blackwater on my little blog if you want to check it out (click my name)

Anyway, Mr. Farrell, what do you think about Der Boobengrabber’s (Schwarzenegger) plan for new prisons?

Some of us hereabouts think there are Dems that bear careful monitoring, notwithstanding the recent (and gratifying) takeover of Congress….

dmac @ 93

Hello Mr. Farrell, an honor……

Please take a minute and tell us about the things of which you want the world to be aware, the things you are most involved with right now….soapbox format is ok…..

thanks for being here with us at the firedoglake. it’s addictive. being informed by all of the bright minds here does that to you.

Thanks. There are too many. Fundamental human rights need to be the focus. We have a Bill of Rights and we have international human rights and humanitarian law. They spell out the value and dignity of the individual, things that are going begging in a society that values profit over people. We need to provide hope for people, provide health care, an education, jobs, dignity. We need to end the death penalty, re-establish our nation as the legitimate leader of the human rights movement in the world, take responsibility for trashing the environment, reorder our priorities so that people once again matter.

i want to echo the praise for jermeysbook on blackwater. Really smart and read mikes book to get inspired and jeremys to figure out some bad guys to go after

xoites defends Constitution @ 88 says:

It is not unusual for police officers who are about to club a crowd of people to remove their badges before the fact.

I give you Chicago, ‘68 as an example of police riot extraordinaire.

Mike Farrell @ 90

We need more awareness of the damage being done our society by the continued use of the death penalty. Fundamental violation of human rights and a contributor to the coarsening of our national morality, as evidenced by the wilingness of young Americans to take pat in torture of “the other” in Abu Ghraib, Bagram, Gitmo and black sites elsewhere, in addition to our jails and prisons in this country.

i am still, in my heart of hearts, amazed at what we are doing – out in the open and apparently, without shame.

john in sacramento @ 97

Holy Moley, Mike Farrell in our midst!

Kewl!

That looks like a very enlightening and interesting book; I’ll have to check it out.

About Blackwater … I don’t want to be a blogwhore but our little DFA group invited Jeremy Scahill to speak last week and his talk was spellbinding, if he comes to anyone’s area, I would encourage you to go see him. And I did 4 posts (so far) on Blackwater on my little blog if you want to check it out (click my name)

Anyway, Mr. Farrell, what do you think about Der Boobengrabber’s (Schwarzenegger) plan for new prisons?

It stinks. Instead of new prisons and new beds we need programs to meet the needs of those incarcerated and better and more thoughtful sentencing standards. We need to recognize drug abuse as a health problem and not a criminal justice problem. We need to be paroling mroe people, healing them, teaching them and training them to re-enter society.

Mike Farrel @ 99

You are right, there are too many. We have fallen behind and allowed the noise machine to distract us fo far too long.

Re: Blackwater’s new site, Democracy Now! did a segment on the Potrero, CA residents’ opposition to the site. The guests were Rep. Bob Filner, Jeremy Scahill and Raymond Lutz

WooT!

your keeping up with the comments real fine Mike!

Kudo’s!

podcat @ 105

Re: Blackwater’s new site, Democracy Now! did a segment on the Potrero, CA residents’ opposition to the site. The guests were Rep. Bob Filner, Jeremy Scahill and Raymond Lutz

Thank heaven for Jeremy Scahill and others – like Robert Greenwald – for having the courage and the willingness to dig into these issues and lay the facts out for people to see. The next step, of course, is demanding that those in government do something about it.

It stinks. Instead of new prisons and new beds we need programs to meet the needs of those incarcerated and better and more thoughtful sentencing standards. We need to recognize drug abuse as a health problem and not a criminal justice problem. We need to be paroling mroe people, healing them, teaching them and training them to re-enter society.

Bullseye Mike.

NFL is filled with players who were homeless for some or all of their youth. It’s hard to do homework in the shelter, but some do. Many of the others end up in jail, which is an awful lot more expensive for the taxpayers. It’s imperative that we do everything we can to help people pay taxes instead of absorbing them.

Mr. Farrell — Would you please post some about what your vision of the future society would entail, and how we get there from here? Danke.

Mike: What can be done about cat & dog food. Should someone be watching what goes into the mix?

Thanks. There are too many. Fundamental human rights need to be the focus. We have a Bill of Rights and we have international human rights and humanitarian law. They spell out the value and dignity of the individual, things that are going begging in a society that values profit over people. We need to provide hope for people, provide health care, an education, jobs, dignity. We need to end the death penalty, re-establish our nation as the legitimate leader of the human rights movement in the world, take responsibility for trashing the environment, reorder our priorities so that people once again matter.

that kinda covers it, thank you thank you thank you. you stand so tall, keep your chin up. everyone here will be watchin’ your back.

Mike Farrell @ 99

dmac @ 93

Thanks. There are too many. Fundamental human rights need to be the focus. We have a Bill of Rights and we have international human rights and humanitarian law. They spell out the value and dignity of the individual, things that are going begging in a society that values profit over people. We need to provide hope for people, provide health care, an education, jobs, dignity. We need to end the death penalty, re-establish our nation as the legitimate leader of the human rights movement in the world, take responsibility for trashing the environment, reorder our priorities so that people once again matter.

Well said Mike. Thank you for your work and sharing here at FDL.

eya Robert Greenwald!

good to see ya here too!

when are ya gonna get a word in here?

what do you think about all the different levels of reality people have depending on what their info sources are?

i spend a lot of time her on the web pointing out the need for people to recognise that phenomonon.

What role do you see educated celebrities, such as yourself, playing in issues such as the environment, capital punishment and solving disputes peacefully? Although people should know and be familiar with the issues before they speak out, it is too easy to dismiss someone’s opinion by saying, “He’s a celebrity, he shouldn’t be saying anything about this”.

Mike,
I don’t know if you know this, but your buddy Robert wasn’t exaggerating one bit when he posted this in the introduction.

“And speaking of long haul fighters, a shout out to the great firedoglake team”–Robert Greenwald

The team here is astounding. They are helping us to take our country back. That same sentiment goes out to you, Mike.

Thank you so much.

Kitt @ 114

Mike,
I don’t know if you know this, but your buddy Robert wasn’t exaggerating one bit when he posted this in the introduction.

“And speaking of long haul fighters, a shout out to the great firedoglake team”–Robert Greenwald

The team here is astounding. They are helping us to take our country back. That same sentiment goes out to you, Mike.

Thank you so much.

I’ve been lurking here, daily, since Katrina, and it’s astonishing what y’all have accomplished.

Regarding the death penalty: Our culture has backstroked itself into solving problems by just eliminating perceived or real threats by killing or locking people up forever with no rights. Paying people to “execute” those orders is now profitable (as you mentioned earlier), how can we develop more compassion for life and sympathy; or better yet, how can we teach people not to use violence to solve of its problems. Little by little the boundaries of the respect for life and the welfare of troubled people have been eroded. What is causing this erosion? Is it a numbness to the exposure to violence in real life, or violent hero worship? How do you get people to look at this?

Mike Farrell @ 102

It stinks. Instead of new prisons and new beds we need programs to meet the needs of those incarcerated and better and more thoughtful sentencing standards. We need to recognize drug abuse as a health problem and not a criminal justice problem. We need to be paroling more people, healing them, teaching them and training them to re-enter society.

Mike,

I don’t know if you’re familiar with Orcinus – it’s a blog by some highly intelligent, caring people (like FDL) but Sara – one of the bloggers had a very insightful and personal post on her brother who is serving time in Soledad prison for drug charges and his experience in the California prison system that absolutely reinforces what you just said. If you want to read it some time it’s here

podcat @ 114

What role do you see educated celebrities, such as yourself, playing in issues such as the environment, capital punishment and solving disputes peacefully? Although people should know and be familiar with the issues before they speak out, it is too easy to dismiss someone’s opinion by saying, “He’s a celebrity, he shouldn’t be saying anything about this”.

Pardon me for butting in, but people who are not celebrities who speak out are heard almost entirely by their friends. Celebrities, or anyone with a voice have a responsibility to speak especially when they see something is wrong. Even the majority of us who are unknown to the general public. The Constitution gaurantees Freedom of Speech and our moral values demand we excersize it.

Crazy Horse @ 109

Mr. Farrell — Would you please post some about what your vision of the future society would entail, and how we get there from here? Danke.

You know, there are no secrets. It’s pretty much laid out in the founding documents of this country. Though they thought they were only talking about white, male landowners, the founders spoke in visionary terms that include all people. As a result, though we’ve screwed up royally in the process along the way, there is always this hopeful vision of a country where people’s best interests are primary, leading to a world where there is reason to believe that one can stretch to the limits of her/his potential and, in the process, encourage others to do the same.

A belief of mine is that we’re on a journey, you and I, a journey from the caves to the stars. There are always those around us who live in fear and want to crawl back to the caves – and they want to drag as many as they can back with them because they don’t want to be wrong. The fearmongers are among us, as you know, and they do everything in their power to spread their poison to others so they won’t feel so alone. But we have the capacity to reach out, to believe in ourselves, to believe in the power of love and to keep reaching for the stars.

Dom Helder Camara, a Brazilian bishop and a believer in what’s known as Liberation Theology, says, “I like the sort of bird that falls in love with stars and drops, exhausted, from trying to catch the light.”

podcat @ 114

What role do you see educated celebrities, such as yourself, playing in issues such as the environment, capital punishment and solving disputes peacefully? Although people should know and be familiar with the issues before they speak out, it is too easy to dismiss someone’s opinion by saying, “He’s a celebrity, he shouldn’t be saying anything about this”.

I’m not Mike, so I can say, Thank God for entertainers who spoke out when no one would listen to us. DC insiders, pundits and elected officials only started interacting with us recently. If it hadn’t been for people like Mike speaking my mind over the years, I would have totally lost it.

Gotta love ‘em. :)

Hey Mike, longtime fan from M*A*S*H,
We in Canada are facing a growing Neocon movement, who are in charge of the country albeit as a minority govt. Are you networking with any groups up here to help us reverse this trend?

i think you exemplify the adage of lead by example.

Mr. Farrell, thank you for all you have done in the past on the many issues troubling America in the past and especially right now.

Unfortunately, I was one of those who let you do the hard work while I was busy doing life. Then Bush II got elected and I got angry. One day a man asked some questions “What I want to know…” and I woke up. Late but definitely awake and mad as a hen. Thank you for your work while people like me slept during the ‘takeover.’

Everyone has already asked the questions I could think of. Please return. Joe Wilson often stops by for Sunday book club and would love to hear your added voice.

dmac @ 122

i think you exemplify the adage of lead by example.

Seconded.

Your command and commitment to a host of complex issues is really impressive.

podcat @ 114

What role do you see educated celebrities, such as yourself, playing in issues such as the environment, capital punishment and solving disputes peacefully? Although people should know and be familiar with the issues before they speak out, it is too easy to dismiss someone’s opinion by saying, “He’s a celebrity, he shouldn’t be saying anything about this”.

Consider the source. Celebrities are no different from anyone else. They’re smart and dumb, tall and short, talented and not, involved and uninvolved. But they get attention because the media plays the celebrity game. So when the smart and caring ones get involved and bring some good information to people who will listen to them, I say good for them!

When the dumb, self-involved ones make everyone else look like fools, I cringe. What are you gonna do?

Petrocelli @ 122

Hey Mike, longtime fan from M*A*S*H,
We in Canada are facing a growing Neocon movement, who are in charge of the country albeit as a minority govt. Are you networking with any groups up here to help us reverse this trend?

not so far. We’ve been looking to Canada for leadership in many ways.

Mike Farrell @ 126

Petrocelli @ 122

Hey Mike, longtime fan from M*A*S*H,
We in Canada are facing a growing Neocon movement, who are in charge of the country albeit as a minority govt. Are you networking with any groups up here to help us reverse this trend?

not so far. We’ve been looking to Canada for leadership in many ways.

Our leadership as peacemakers is getting waylaid by the current govt. Please ask your friends to help us reverse this trend. Thanks for your help and good luck in all your endeavors.

tell ya mike,

up here in canuckistan

we’re up against the same greedheads.

GrandmaJ @ 124

Mr. Farrell, thank you for all you have done in the past on the many issues troubling America in the past and especially right now.

Unfortunately, I was one of those who let you do the hard work while I was busy doing life. Then Bush II got elected and I got angry. One day a man asked some questions “What I want to know…” and I woke up. Late but definitely awake and mad as a hen. Thank you for your work while people like me slept during the ‘takeover.’

Everyone has already asked the questions I could think of. Please return. Joe Wilson often stops by for Sunday book club and would love to hear your added voice.

No point in beating yourself up about it. It’s good that you’re awake and aware now.

My wife just mentioned that she heard you on the Diane Rehm show and was very impressed.

(It’s available online at http://wamu.org/programs/dr/07/03/27.php#12739 for those Firepups who want to listen later)

brownandserve @ 131

My wife just mentioned that she heard you on the Diane Rehm show and was very impressed.

(It’s available online at http://wamu.org/programs/dr/07/03/27.php#12739 for those Firepups who want to listen later)

Thanks. I like her.

Petrocelli @ 128
Mike Farrell @ 126
Petrocelli @ 122
Hey Mike, longtime fan from M*A*S*H,
We in Canada are facing a growing Neocon movement, who are in charge of the country albeit as a minority govt. Are you networking with any groups up here to help us reverse this trend?

not so far. We’ve been looking to Canada for leadership in many ways.

Our leadership as peacemakers is getting waylaid by the current govt. Please ask your friends to help us reverse this trend. Thanks for your help and good luck in all your endeavors.

I’ve heard about the move to the right up there and am sorry about it. How can we help?

brownandserve @ 131

My wife just mentioned that she heard you on the Diane Rehm show and was very impressed.

(It’s available online at http://wamu.org/programs/dr/07/03/27.php#12739 for those Firepups who want to listen later)

Alo a great inter view on Democracy Now!

http://www.democracynow.org/ar…..amp;tid=25

Mike Farrell @ 131

brownandserve @ 131

My wife just mentioned that she heard you on the Diane Rehm show and was very impressed.

(It’s available online at http://wamu.org/programs/dr/07/03/27.php#12739 for those Firepups who want to listen later)

Thanks. I like her.

I’ll tell my wife you like her. *g*

xoites defends Constitution @ 134

brownandserve @ 131

My wife just mentioned that she heard you on the Diane Rehm show and was very impressed.

(It’s available online at http://wamu.org/programs/dr/07/03/27.php#12739 for those Firepups who want to listen later)

Alo a great inter view on Democracy Now!

http://www.democracynow.org/ar…..amp;tid=25

Nice to hear. Amy way embarrassed that she hadn’t had time to read the book. But she was very supportive nonetheless. I hope to go back after she’s read it.

the hard thing here on the web

is getting people out from behind their “sigs’ and organising.

thank god for the exceptions!

kudo’s to you Jane!

Mike Farrell @ 120

Crazy Horse @ 109

Mr. Farrell — Would you please post some about what your vision of the future society would entail, and how we get there from here? Danke.

You know, there are no secrets. It’s pretty much laid out in the founding documents of this country. Though they thought they were only talking about white, male landowners, the founders spoke in visionary terms that include all people. As a result, though we’ve screwed up royally in the process along the way, there is always this hopeful vision of a country where people’s best interests are primary, leading to a world where there is reason to believe that one can stretch to the limits of her/his potential and, in the process, encourage others to do the same.

A belief of mine is that we’re on a journey, you and I, a journey from the caves to the stars. There are always those around us who live in fear and want to crawl back to the caves – and they want to drag as many as they can back with them because they don’t want to be wrong. The fearmongers are among us, as you know, and they do everything in their power to spread their poison to others so they won’t feel so alone. But we have the capacity to reach out, to believe in ourselves, to believe in the power of love and to keep reaching for the stars.

Dom Helder Camara, a Brazilian bishop and a believer in what’s known as Liberation Theology, says, “I like the sort of bird that falls in love with stars and drops, exhausted, from trying to catch the light.”

Crazy Horse, did you get your answer?

Mike @ 119

N’Yaweh (much thanks) for the coherent response to my question about vision. Your answer showed why your activism has such strength, because there is a coherent vision behind it. We all know that vision provides the foundation for our daily quest, but it’s often too lost in responding to the latest travesties.

In these times where so many messages are lost in the 24/7 multi-media onslaught, it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in our pursuits. Your career is just one example, of which we need so many.

I wish in my time in Hollywood i had met you. i hope i can also be like the bird which falls in love with stars, but i’m not ready to drop.

If only our politicians had 1/10th the passion and conviction that you do Mike, we would be in a much better place. MASH is my all-time favorite TV show, and my wife can’t understand why I watch the reruns over and over. BJ Honeycutt and your portrayal of him was one of the most decent and human characters ever seen on TV. Thank you!

Mike Farrell @ 138
Mike Farrell @ 120
Crazy Horse @ 109
Mr. Farrell — Would you please post some about what your vision of the future society would entail, and how we get there from here? Danke.

You know, there are no secrets. It’s pretty much laid out in the founding documents of this country. Though they thought they were only talking about white, male landowners, the founders spoke in visionary terms that include all people. As a result, though we’ve screwed up royally in the process along the way, there is always this hopeful vision of a country where people’s best interests are primary, leading to a world where there is reason to believe that one can stretch to the limits of her/his potential and, in the process, encourage others to do the same.

A belief of mine is that we’re on a journey, you and I, a journey from the caves to the stars. There are always those around us who live in fear and want to crawl back to the caves – and they want to drag as many as they can back with them because they don’t want to be wrong. The fearmongers are among us, as you know, and they do everything in their power to spread their poison to others so they won’t feel so alone. But we have the capacity to reach out, to believe in ourselves, to believe in the power of love and to keep reaching for the stars.

Dom Helder Camara, a Brazilian bishop and a believer in what’s known as Liberation Theology, says, “I like the sort of bird that falls in love with stars and drops, exhausted, from trying to catch the light.”

Crazy Horse, did you get your answer?

I don’t know about Crazy Horse but i got it. :)

I’ve been a little more mouthy than usual here today, but just gotta add—

I always have said the highest compliment that could be paid to me is–she is a fine human being……..

Mr. Farrell, you are a fine human being…….

Crazy Horse @ 139

Mike @ 119

N’Yaweh (much thanks) for the coherent response to my question about vision. Your answer showed why your activism has such strength, because there is a coherent vision behind it. We all know that vision provides the foundation for our daily quest, but it’s often too lost in responding to the latest travesties.

In these times where so many messages are lost in the 24/7 multi-media onslaught, it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in our pursuits. Your career is just one example, of which we need so many.

I wish in my time in Hollywood i had met you.

Me too.

Twisted Martini @ 140

If only our politicians had 1/10th the passion and conviction that you do Mike, we would be in a much better place. MASH is my all-time favorite TV show, and my wife can’t understand why I watch the reruns over and over. BJ Honeycutt and your portrayal of him was one of the most decent and human characters ever seen on TV. Thank you!

Thank you. I had a wonderful time and feel lucky for having had the opportunity.

Hi Mike.

I am in awe of your activism. It is refreshing to see someone stand up for his beliefs and so consistently follow through on his words.

I wish you would run for public office. We need such highly principled people like you speaking for us. Keep up the good work.

It seems that no matter how many times I watch M*A*S*H reruns I never tire of them.

dmac @ 142

I’ve been a little more mouthy than usual here today, but just gotta add—

I always have said the highest compliment that could be paid to me is–she is a fine human being……..

Mr. Farrell, you are a fine human being…….

Thank you.

Jane Hamsher @ 7

The trip you took to Honduras for Salvadoran refugees in need of medical supplies was really affecting. Did you see the GOP debate? Was it hard to hear all that Ronald Reagan hagiography having seen first hand the “horror” of his Central American policies?

I almost lost my lunch.

Can you tell us about your trip to Honduras, Mike?

Margie @ 145

Hi Mike.

I am in awe of your activism. It is refreshing to see someone stand up for his beliefs and so consistently follow through on his words.

I wish you would run for public office. We need such highly principled people like you speaking for us. Keep up the good work.

It seems that no matter how many times I watch M*A*S*H reruns I never tire of them.

I love hearing that. I think there were levels of depth to the show that keep being revealed. And then there was just the fun…

Mike Farrell @ 132

Petrocelli @ 128

Our leadership as peacemakers is getting waylaid by the current govt. Please ask your friends to help us reverse this trend. Thanks for your help and good luck in all your endeavors.

I’ve heard about the move to the right up there and am sorry about it. How can we help?

Al Gore has come out and condemned the Canadian Govt.’s giant leap backwards in regards to climate change. A European Minister at the last conference on global warming actually asked our Environment Minister if she was really Canadian. That would be a good place to start, but our abortion rights will come under attack if these guys get a majority govt. They will implement Bushism 101 – they have already begun sowing the seeds of separating the regions – the old divide and conquer gameplan.
Please link up with Al Gore if you know him, Kim Campbell, Paul Martin and see what can be done to turn public opinion against these neocons. Many of your Canadian friends in Hollywood must know what’s going on, we must nip this in the bud. These guys are right of Mulroney.

Bushism 101?

You mean they progressed beyond Bushism 100?

john in sacramento @ 147

Jane Hamsher @ 7

The trip you took to Honduras for Salvadoran refugees in need of medical supplies was really affecting. Did you see the GOP debate? Was it hard to hear all that Ronald Reagan hagiography having seen first hand the “horror” of his Central American policies?

I almost lost my lunch.

Can you tell us about your trip to Honduras, Mike?

Well, it’s a rather long story, but the short version is that I went to deliver medical supplies to camps for refugees who had been driven out of El Salvador by the US (Reagan) trained Salvadorna military that was waging war on its own people. I went for Concern America, a refulgee aid and development organization with which I’ve been working for almost 30 years. We visited refugee camps and saw the devastation visited on the people there by the Salvadoran Army.

That – and the fact that the Salvadoran military was trained, armed and maintained by Reagan’s anit-communist zealots (who saw commies in every liberation movement or popular uprising) – got me deeply involved in stopping the attempt to turn Central America into another Vietnam.

Petrocelli @ 149
Mike Farrell @ 132
Petrocelli @ 128

Our leadership as peacemakers is getting waylaid by the current govt. Please ask your friends to help us reverse this trend. Thanks for your help and good luck in all your endeavors.

I’ve heard about the move to the right up there and am sorry about it. How can we help?

Al Gore has come out and condemned the Canadian Govt.’s giant leap backwards in regards to climate change. A European Minister at the last conference on global warming actually asked our Environment Minister if she was really Canadian. That would be a good place to start, but our abortion rights will come under attack if these guys get a majority govt. They will implement Bushism 101 – they have already begun sowing the seeds of separating the regions – the old divide and conquer gameplan.
Please link up with Al Gore if you know him, Kim Campbell, Paul Martin and see what can be done to turn public opinion against these neocons. Many of your Canadian friends in Hollywood must know what’s going on, we must nip this in the bud. These guys are right of Mulroney.

Thanks for the update. And sorry to hear it.

Petrocelli @ 121

Hey Mike, longtime fan from M*A*S*H,
We in Canada are facing a growing Neocon movement, who are in charge of the country albeit as a minority govt.

The Straussian Neocon philosophy is quite frightening when you think about it: a group of so-called elitists are free to outright lie to the public in order to manipulate their perceptions of reality. Noble lie? I think not!

I’m still wondering how we can get Bill Kristol off our public-owned airwaves.

- Tom

Recently on Talk of the Nation the topic was restorative justice. Under the program, victims would meet with the perpetrators face to face. What is your opinion of this program?

Thanks for being here today – what a treat for the mind and heart! Will you be doing a west coast book tour that includes the Monterey Bay region? Heartfelt thanks and many blessings to you and yours!

TomR @ 153

Petrocelli @ 121

Hey Mike, longtime fan from M*A*S*H,
We in Canada are facing a growing Neocon movement, who are in charge of the country albeit as a minority govt.

The Straussian Neocon philosophy is quite frightening when you think about it: a group of so-called elitists are free to outright lie to the public in order to manipulate their perceptions of reality. Noble lie? I think not!

I’m still wondering how we can get Bill Kristol off our public-owned airwaves.

- Tom

The answer is not so much to get Kristol off so much as it is to get more countervailing voices on. With good information coming out to counter them, these people destroy themselves.

Mr. Farrell,

It was a pleasure to meet you at the ACLU event in San Diego last month.

Mike at 132.
“”Our leadership as peacemakers is getting waylaid by the current govt. Please ask your friends to help us reverse this trend. Thanks for your help and good luck in all your endeavors.

I’ve heard about the move to the right up there and am sorry about it. How can we help?”"

Mister Farrell, an honor.

I tihink that getting rid of this administration, in the most explosive way(impeach, Cheney, Bush, Rove) will be the best thing that could happen to Canada. That would placate the efforts the media in installing a perpetual conservative majority.

Mike, did you/do you find it hard to hold on to your beliefs in the Hollywood star system?

It seems like “Go along to get along” is the order of the day, and only really big players like George Lucas or Peter Jackson can write their own rules.

podcat @ 154

Recently on Talk of the Nation the topic was restorative justice. Under the program, victims would meet with the perpetrators face to face. What is your opinion of this program?

I think it’s great. I gave the keynote speech at a Restorative Justice conference in Santa Rosa on Friday.

Wonderul idea that needs far more support than it’s getting.

and Mr. Farrell, the commenter Crazy Horse, who wishes he would have me you, and you him, is in Germany and is involved in wind energy technology…….just so ya know.

Sunshine Jim @ 128

tell ya mike,

up here in canuckistan

we’re up against the same greedheads.

The French have got themselves a new poodle for Bush. Just in time for Blair’s departure.

xoites defends Constitution @ 149

Bushism 101?

You mean they progressed beyond Bushism 100?

Dobson’s people are up here and have the P.M.’s ear to speak into as much as they like – this from someone in his caucus, who now sits as an independent.
They have started to spread the “A fetus is a human being” message and we know where that leads.

Twisted Martini @ 159

Mike, did you/do you find it hard to hold on to your beliefs in the Hollywood star system?

It seems like “Go along to get along” is the order of the day, and only really big players like George Lucas or Peter Jackson can write their own rules.

“Write their own rules” is a tough one. Not too many get to that level and when they do, too many turn out to be Mel Gibson.

Believing one’s own publicity is the danger. Knowing who you are is the trick. Staying true to yourself can be hard when people are dancing all kinds of attention and offers and seductive things on you, but that’s the test of character, I think.

Mike Farrell @ 132

I’ve heard about the move to the right up there and am sorry about it. How can we help?

In addition to Petrocelli’s offerings elucidated above @ 148, by working together as patriotic Americans to pull the plug once and for all on your homegrown neocon jackasses…Keep up the good work, mssrs. Farrell and Greenwald.

Mike Farrell @ 151
john in sacramento @ 147
Jane Hamsher @ 7
The trip you took to Honduras for Salvadoran refugees in need of medical supplies was really affecting. Did you see the GOP debate? Was it hard to hear all that Ronald Reagan hagiography having seen first hand the “horror” of his Central American policies?

I almost lost my lunch.

Can you tell us about your trip to Honduras, Mike?

Well, it’s a rather long story, but the short version is that I went to deliver medical supplies to camps for refugees who had been driven out of El Salvador by the US (Reagan) trained Salvadorna military that was waging war on its own people. I went for Concern America, a refulgee aid and development organization with which I’ve been working for almost 30 years. We visited refugee camps and saw the devastation visited on the people there by the Salvadoran Army.

That – and the fact that the Salvadoran military was trained, armed and maintained by Reagan’s anit-communist zealots (who saw commies in every liberation movement or popular uprising) – got me deeply involved in stopping the attempt to turn Central America into another Vietnam.

Mike, friends of the group i worked with back then (The Community for Creative Non Violence) smuggled photographs of mutilated women and children out of the country and got them to us. We blew them up to poster size and stood with them 24 hours a day in front of the White House. Every day people came from all over the country and entered the tour line of the White House and sat down on the way out and refused to leave. Those of faith prayed. All, of course, were arrested. We called them the June Pray Ins. June, 1980 (if my memory serves.) On the last day over a hundred people were arrested.

During the who;e time not one word in the press. On the last day a Washington Post reporter had seen enough and decided to get arrested as well. The Post reported that in section D and simply said a Washington Post reporter had been arrested at “a protest” at the White House.

Mr. Mike-

what is your favorite positive thing that is going on right now?

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Honduras over the last thirty some years. I fell in love with the country and it’s people. I plan to move back there upon retirement and teach math and English to kids. Small contribution, I like to think of it as my last attempt to walk my talk.

Quebecois @ 158

Mike at 132.
“”Our leadership as peacemakers is getting waylaid by the current govt. Please ask your friends to help us reverse this trend. Thanks for your help and good luck in all your endeavors.

I’ve heard about the move to the right up there and am sorry about it. How can we help?”"

Mister Farrell, an honor.

I tihink that getting rid of this administration, in the most explosive way(impeach, Cheney, Bush, Rove) will be the best thing that could happen to Canada. That would placate the efforts the media in installing a perpetual conservative majority.

I buy this. If Mike Farrell continues to do the important work he does and we keep doing what we do and building on that, especially when it comes to showing how disastrous the neocon agenda is for us and the world, it will support the Canadian people who seek to oppose the rightward turn. (She says with a prayer!)

a 52 yo swooning here~ so much admiration for such a fine person~ thank you for all you do

LS @ 11

Mike, what issue(s) are you most focused on now?

xoites defends Constitution @ 166
Mike Farrell @ 151
john in sacramento @ 147
Jane Hamsher @ 7
The trip you took to Honduras for Salvadoran refugees in need of medical supplies was really affecting. Did you see the GOP debate? Was it hard to hear all that Ronald Reagan hagiography having seen first hand the “horror” of his Central American policies?

I almost lost my lunch.

Can you tell us about your trip to Honduras, Mike?

Well, it’s a rather long story, but the short version is that I went to deliver medical supplies to camps for refugees who had been driven out of El Salvador by the US (Reagan) trained Salvadorna military that was waging war on its own people. I went for Concern America, a refulgee aid and development organization with which I’ve been working for almost 30 years. We visited refugee camps and saw the devastation visited on the people there by the Salvadoran Army.

That – and the fact that the Salvadoran military was trained, armed and maintained by Reagan’s anit-communist zealots (who saw commies in every liberation movement or popular uprising) – got me deeply involved in stopping the attempt to turn Central America into another Vietnam.

Mike, friends of the group i worked with back then (The Community for Creative Non Violence) smuggled photographs of mutilated women and children out of the country and got them to us. We blew them up to poster size and stood with them 24 hours a day in front of the White House. Every day people came from all over the country and entered the tour line of the White House and sat down on the way out and refused to leave. Those of faith prayed. All, of course, were arrested. We called them the June Pray Ins. June, 1980 (if my memory serves.) On the last day over a hundred people were arrested.

During the who;e time not one word in the press. On the last day a Washington Post reporter had seen enough and decided to get arrested as well. The Post reported that in section D and simply said a Washington Post reporter had been arrested at “a protest” at the White House.

The level of cowardice in the media is disgusting. Thank God for those with courage.

dmac @ 167

Mr. Mike-

what is your favorite positive thing that is going on right now?

The awakening of the American people to their power – and to their responsibility as citizens.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 168

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Honduras over the last thirty some years. I fell in love with the country and it’s people. I plan to move back there upon retirement and teach math and English to kids. Small contribution, I like to think of it as my last attempt to walk my talk.

Bless you. I was there a couple of times in the last two years with the Center for International Policy, talking about illegal logging and the impact on the poor in that country. Still many problems, but a wonderful, decent, thoughtful people.

Mike Farrell @ 155

The Straussian Neocon philosophy is quite frightening when you think about it: a group of so-called elitists are free to outright lie to the public in order to manipulate their perceptions of reality. Noble lie? I think not!

I’m still wondering how we can get Bill Kristol off our public-owned airwaves.

- Tom

The answer is not so much to get Kristol off so much as it is to get more countervailing voices on. With good information coming out to counter them, these people destroy themselves.

I hope so. We’ll all do our part to get that countervailing information out there.
Well, I’m off to mow my lawn. Thank you very much Mr. Farrell for taking the time to chat online with us today. It’s been an excellent discussion!

- Tom

Wow.

Mr. Farrell, as a peace-loving Canadian and huge fan of your work and intelligent commentary, I say hello, eh. Peace.

Mr. Farrell, thanks for all you do. Have any of your former M*A*S*H cast-mates ever joined you in any of your efforts? I would have thought Mr. Alda would have.

In any event, thanks for being here, and thanks for being so open and responsive.

I’ve said for years the media is the modern day messiah, more people, with the power of the media, should stand up and say, wait a minute! Thank-you for standing up all these years and saying, wait a minute!

Nicolette @ 171

LS @ 11

Mike, what issue(s) are you most focused on now?

Ending the war. Stopping torture. Stopping the genocide in Darfur. Ending the use of the death penalty. Exposing Bush/Cheney for the disastrous, lying murderers they are.

Mike Farrell @ 172

dmac @ 167

Mr. Mike-

what is your favorite positive thing that is going on right now?

The awakening of the American people to their power – and to their responsibility as citizens.

Man, I so second that.

Are you going to endorse a Presidential candidate for 2008, or have you?

I would guess Mr. Farrell since your involvement with refugees from El Salvador you will be happy when the John Negrapontes and Elliot Abrams of this administration are out of power for good. The damage they have done and the fact that US governments employed them is an ugly mark on us all.

Thanks for the introduction, dmac. i still can’t believe everything that happens here at the Lake. What Jane and Christy have produced, along with the brilliant front pagers and the comments, is a phenomenom unto itself. i suppose i could say “kewl.”

TeddySanFran @ 181

Are you going to endorse a Presidential candidate for 2008, or have you?

Haven’t yet. I think this pre-primary race is a lousy, media-created thing that will waste hundreds of millions of dollars that should be better spent elsewhere (schools, health programs, etc.). Having said that, it’s happening, so I watch and wait to see who stands up and speaks the truth.

AZ Matt @ 182

I would guess Mr. Farrell since your involvement with refugees from El Salvador you will be happy when the John Negrapontes and Elliot Abrams of this administration are out of power for good. The damage they have done and the fact that US governments employed them is an ugly mark on us all.

I will be dancing as well. Their return on the scene was sickening.

AZ Matt @ 182

I would guess Mr. Farrell since your involvement with refugees from El Salvador you will be happy when the John Negrapontes and Elliot Abrams of this administration are out of power for good. The damage they have done and the fact that US governments employed them is an ugly mark on us all.

Their return – and the implied endorsement of them as honorable men – is one of the great insults Mr. Bush has committed.

Mike Farrell @ 178

Nicolette @ 171

LS @ 11

Mike, what issue(s) are you most focused on now?

Ending the war. Stopping torture. Stopping the genocide in Darfur. Ending the use of the death penalty. Exposing Bush/Cheney for the disastrous, lying murderers they are.

Good Luck and Godspeed with all your great work Mike & Robert. You truly represent the best of America and Americans.
If you are ever in Toronto, do look me up. The MOD can give you my e-mail address.

Is there a way to change how our politicians are elected? Seems that once a person is elected, s/he tends to do things that are counterproductive. Not all turn out to be as corrupt as most of the administration and many of the Congress are, but it seems to be a trend.

Mike Farrell @ 178

Nicolette @ 171

LS @ 11

Mike, what issue(s) are you most focused on now?

Ending the war. Stopping torture. Stopping the genocide in Darfur. Ending the use of the death penalty. Exposing Bush/Cheney for the disastrous, lying murderers they are.

Good list.

Gotta run doggies, time to make the pork chops! Mike, it was an honor and privilege to talk to you, keep up your amazing work, and please come back to the Lake often. Cheers!

I am glad you mentioned Henry Waxman earlier in your comments. We can’t seem to get enough of that Congressman here at FDL. As soon as the dust cleared after the last election I think the anticpation of Waxman and oversight was a bright spot we were all looking forward too.

Aloha Mr. Farrell.

I’ve read all your posts at Crooks & Liars and I’m really looking forward to reading your book.

I remember seeing you on a fantastic panel discussion, filmed inside a prison discussing the Death Penalty. The panelists were you, a prisoner, a guard and a fourth I can’t remember. It was some years back but I’m sure you remember. I’d love to know the name of it and try and track down a copy.

My question to you is, with everything going on globally and geopolitically, what can we do to get more voices talking about an internal atrocity such as the Death Penalty? Will we be able to hear more of your voice on the airwaves getting people talking about this during the political cycle?

Mike, You may be saying good bye, but if you’re out there, I have a sickening question.

It’s about the murder of assistant United States attorneys.

More than a few of we devoted firepups cling to the hope that we may yet have an opportunity to ReElect President Gore in 2008. In the happy event the honorable Al Gore might be persuaded to seek the office would you be joining those of us doing the Snoopy Dance of Elation too? Just asking. ;~)

Jane @ 188: Good list.

typical keep it short brilliance.

personal question-

how do you balance personal grooming, breakfast, attention to spouse, everyday demands with thoughts of what is to be done in the world, travelling, phone calls……..how do you keep an equilibrium?

how do you function with all that you have said and done?

podcat @ 188

Is there a way to change how our politicians are elected? Seems that once a person is elected, s/he tends to do things that are counterproductive. Not all turn out to be as corrupt as most of the administration and many of the Congress are, but it seems to be a trend.

Power is terribly corrupting, as has been noted. We have to keep the bad ones’ feet to the fire and support the good ones.

The only healthy change I can suggest is supporting the movement for public financing of elections. And I would add to that the requirement that all legitimate candidates be given the same amount of free air time on radio and television to promote their candidacies, but there should be a requirement that only the candidate can appear and speak for her/himself.

AZ Matt @ 191

I am glad you mentioned Henry Waxman earlier in your comments. We can’t seem to get enough of that Congressman here at FDL. As soon as the dust cleared after the last election I think the anticpation of Waxman and oversight was a bright spot we were all looking forward too.

And he doesn’t disappoint.

Mike, I do not wish to embarrass you, but this is my first time here. I came because Crooks and Liars said you would be here. You are a very decent human being and I thank you for being yourself. To all of you at Fire Dog Lake I would have to say I am impressed at the civility here. I will be back.

Nate @ 192

Aloha Mr. Farrell.

I’ve read all your posts at Crooks & Liars and I’m really looking forward to reading your book.

I remember seeing you on a fantastic panel discussion, filmed inside a prison discussing the Death Penalty. The panelists were you, a prisoner, a guard and a fourth I can’t remember. It was some years back but I’m sure you remember. I’d love to know the name of it and try and track down a copy.

My question to you is, with everything going on globally and geopolitically, what can we do to get more voices talking about an internal atrocity such as the Death Penalty? Will we be able to hear more of your voice on the airwaves getting people talking about this during the political cycle?

We have to keep raising the issue. We have to get people to understand that it is crucial to the proper functioning of our society to begin to behave like civilized people.

As far as hearing my voice on the issue, you will if the media pays attention.

Mike Farrell @ 196

podcat @ 188

Is there a way to change how our politicians are elected? Seems that once a person is elected, s/he tends to do things that are counterproductive. Not all turn out to be as corrupt as most of the administration and many of the Congress are, but it seems to be a trend.

Power is terribly corrupting, as has been noted. We have to keep the bad ones’ feet to the fire and support the good ones.

The only healthy change I can suggest is supporting the movement for public financing of elections. And I would add to that the requirement that all legitimate candidates be given the same amount of free air time on radio and television to promote their candidacies, but there should be a requirement that only the candidate can appear and speak for her/himself.

Dumping the Electoral College would help also. Hi Mike!

xoites defends Constitution @ 198

Mike, I do not wish to embarrass you, but this is my first time here. I came because Crooks and Liars said you would be here. You are a very decent human being and I thank you for being yourself. To all of you at Fire Dog Lake I would have to say I am impressed at the civility here. I will be back.

Hello xoites… Good to see you over from C&L. I’m like the bartender who gets off work at C&L and then heads over to the FDL saloon for community and discussion. :) Welcome!

xoites defends Constitution @ 198

Mike, I do not wish to embarrass you, but this is my first time here. I came because Crooks and Liars said you would be here. You are a very decent human being and I thank you for being yourself. To all of you at Fire Dog Lake I would have to say I am impressed at the civility here. I will be back.

Hi, xoites – see you over at C&L all the time…

Boston1775 @ 193

Mike, You may be saying good bye, but if you’re out there, I have a sickening question.

It’s about the murder of assistant United States attorneys.

Murder?

Nate @ 202

xoites defends Constitution @ 198

Mike, I do not wish to embarrass you, but this is my first time here. I came because Crooks and Liars said you would be here. You are a very decent human being and I thank you for being yourself. To all of you at Fire Dog Lake I would have to say I am impressed at the civility here. I will be back.

Hello xoites… Good to see you over from C&L. I’m like the bartender who gets off work at C&L and then heads over to the FDL saloon for community and discussion. :) Welcome!

Hi Nate. :)

Mike Farrell @ 197

AZ Matt @ 191

I am glad you mentioned Henry Waxman earlier in your comments. We can’t seem to get enough of that Congressman here at FDL. As soon as the dust cleared after the last election I think the anticpation of Waxman and oversight was a bright spot we were all looking forward too.

And he doesn’t disappoint.

We just need more like him. It is hard to sometimes keep up with everything he is investigating. I think the Justice Department is having a hard time too, especially Alberto!

Thanks for the introduction, dmac. i still can’t believe everything that happens here at the Lake. What Jane and Christy have produced, along with the brilliant front pagers and the comments, is a phenomenom unto itself. i suppose i could say “kewl.”

you are so welcome crazy, people like you amaze me……mike farrell—click on crazy horse’s name in comments later and see what he does……….pioneer in wind technology……..and yes, crazy, i read all of the links to articles and such and was educated. felt differently before, you changed my view…..sorry about the off-topic, needed said. was against it before because of the birds.

AZ Matt @ 206

Mike Farrell @ 197

AZ Matt @ 191

I am glad you mentioned Henry Waxman earlier in your comments. We can’t seem to get enough of that Congressman here at FDL. As soon as the dust cleared after the last election I think the anticpation of Waxman and oversight was a bright spot we were all looking forward too.

And he doesn’t disappoint.

We just need more like him. It is hard to sometimes keep up with everything he is investigating. I think the Justice Department is having a hard time too, especially Alberto!

I think he has them all, including Karl Rove, quaking in their hob-nail boots.

Well Mike, as a west coaster.

it would help to have you book some speaking arrangements up here in Vancouver BC and just speak out for our side.

Read the business section of Vancouver Sun for a month or so and see how the corporate press distorts the truth and evidence.

You would make a difference just being here for a week or so for a book signing tour.

I’m an old fisherman and I’m watching the worlds oceans dying.

I have the time to help, Jane has my email.

Hey Mike, i mean Mr. Farrell, i would like like to thank you for the millions of Firepups around the world for being here to help elucidate the vision and concrete concerns which must be embraced if we are to have a future. Some of Don Helder Comara’s birds find flight here.

Mike Farrell @ 204

Boston1775 @ 193

Mike, You may be saying good bye, but if you’re out there, I have a sickening question.

It’s about the murder of assistant United States attorneys.

Murder?

I’m still waiting for clarification. Were you speaking metaphorically, or did something happen that I don’t know about?

Mike Farrell @ 197

podcat @ 188
Is there a way to change how our politicians are elected? Seems that once a person is elected, s/he tends to do things that are counterproductive. Not all turn out to be as corrupt as most of the administration and many of the Congress are, but it seems to be a trend

“The only healthy change I can suggest is supporting the movement for public financing of elections. And I would add to that the requirement that all legitimate candidates be given the same amount of free air time on radio and television to promote their candidacies, but there should be a requirement that only the candidate can appear and speak for her/himself.”

I think they should have to pass a test to prove they’ve at least read the Constitution before they take an oath to protect it before being allowed on the ballot. :)

Mike Farrell @ 199

Nate @ 192

Aloha Mr. Farrell.
I remember seeing you on a fantastic panel discussion, filmed inside a prison discussing the Death Penalty. The panelists were you, a prisoner, a guard and a fourth I can’t remember. It was some years back but I’m sure you remember. I’d love to know the name of it and try and track down a copy.

We have to keep raising the issue. We have to get people to understand that it is crucial to the proper functioning of our society to begin to behave like civilized people.

As far as hearing my voice on the issue, you will if the media pays attention.

“Hearing your voice” in the blogosphere has certainly made me more aware of the scope of your great work. I’ll do all I can to help spread the word about your book.

Do you recall the panel discussion you were in at the prison that I mentioned above? I’d love to track that one down but I can’t remember the channel or the show.

Jim Sofra @ 209

Well Mike, as a west coaster.

it would help to have you book some speaking arrangements up here in Vancouver BC and just speak out for our side.

Read the business section of Vancouver Sun for a month or so and see how the corporate press distorts the truth and evidence.

You would make a difference just being here for a week or so for a book signing tour.

I’m an old fisherman and I’m watching the worlds oceans dying.

I have the time to help, Jane has my email.

I was in Vancouver – and for someone who asked earlier, I was also in Monterey – on the book tour in March, just after it was released.

I just can’t shake it.

If I have read things correctly, two assistant US attorneys in Texas, suddenly dead, and three more attorneys suddenly fired.

The fired US attorney, McKay, was looking into the murder of his assistant. Fired.

And an assistant US attorney in Maryland, disappeared from his desk at work. Died in a ditch, thirty six stab wounds, mutilated.
That US attorney was eventually fired.

It’s a lot of murdered assistant US attorneys.

The only healthy change I can suggest is supporting the movement for public financing of elections.

You nailed it.

You also might want to consider ideas or some iteration of them of giving each registered voters $2 (two dollars) to donate to whatever Presidential campaign they want (same concept could work for all elections). In this way, the only people who can donate to any campaign are registered voters. I am stealing this (and probably butchering the idea) from Sara at THE NEXT HURRAH .

Nate @ 213

Mike Farrell @ 199

Nate @ 192

Aloha Mr. Farrell.
I remember seeing you on a fantastic panel discussion, filmed inside a prison discussing the Death Penalty. The panelists were you, a prisoner, a guard and a fourth I can’t remember. It was some years back but I’m sure you remember. I’d love to know the name of it and try and track down a copy.

We have to keep raising the issue. We have to get people to understand that it is crucial to the proper functioning of our society to begin to behave like civilized people.

As far as hearing my voice on the issue, you will if the media pays attention.

“Hearing your voice” in the blogosphere has certainly made me more aware of the scope of your great work. I’ll do all I can to help spread the word about your book.

Do you recall the panel discussion you were in at the prison that I mentioned above? I’d love to track that one down but I can’t remember the channel or the show.

You know, I confess that I don’t. It must have been a while back. I’ve been in too many prisons, but doing a panel discussion in one doesn’t ring a bell.

Mr. Farrell while I don’t agree with everything you do I’d like to thank your for kicking ass.

Mike thanks so much for being here today. You’ve been an iron man! We really appreciate you coming and chatting. And everyone looking for a great book — please buy Mike’s. It’s really well-written and inspirational, and it will make you feel good not only about what one person can do but about the value of living the life of a committed activist, regardless of the outcome.

And Mike I hope you come back and visit often.

(Not kicking you out, just letting you know how much we appreciate you being here.)

Mike Farrell @ 210

Mike Farrell @ 204

Boston1775 @ 193

Mike, You may be saying good bye, but if you’re out there, I have a sickening question.

It’s about the murder of assistant United States attorneys.

Murder?

I’m still waiting for clarification. Were you speaking metaphorically, or did something happen that I don’t know about?

Probably referring to the assassination of USA Tome Wales in Seattle. (sorry for zigging).

Boston1775 @ 215

I just can’t shake it.

If I have read things correctly, two assistant US attorneys in Texas, suddenly dead, and three more attorneys suddenly fired.

The fired US attorney, McKay, was looking into the murder of his assistant. Fired.

And an assistant US attorney in Maryland, disappeared from his desk at work. Died in a ditch, thirty six stab wounds, mutilated.
That US attorney was eventually fired.

It’s a lot of murdered assistant US attorneys.

It certainly is. I’m surprised, given the scandal Gonzales is dealing with at the moment, that it hasn’t gotten more coverage.

CD @ 218

Mr. Farrell while I don’t agree with everything you do I’d like to thank your for kicking ass.

Thanks.

When will we really have a discussion on the tactics of fear. I recall during the Reagan years how the communists were going to be on our doorsteps. It was a program on Salvadorian orphans I saw, when I was 23, that made me give time to those less fortunate, to whatever degree I could. I went to Nicaragua when they had their tanks in the streets, waiting for us to invade. I wonder why we don’t see all the youth of today out, like the youth of the Vietnam era? Are they marching on their computers, I don’t know?

Audrey @ 212

Mike Farrell @ 197

podcat @ 188
Is there a way to change how our politicians are elected? Seems that once a person is elected, s/he tends to do things that are counterproductive. Not all turn out to be as corrupt as most of the administration and many of the Congress are, but it seems to be a trend

“The only healthy change I can suggest is supporting the movement for public financing of elections. And I would add to that the requirement that all legitimate candidates be given the same amount of free air time on radio and television to promote their candidacies, but there should be a requirement that only the candidate can appear and speak for her/himself.”

I think they should have to pass a test to prove they’ve at least read the Constitution before they take an oath to protect it before being allowed on the ballot. :)

Actually, while that is a lovely thought, I would have to disagree. I would prefer a system that requires signatures from between one to five percent of the registered voters from either each state or a significant portion of them. No private funding and no political ads. Just several televised debates, some with and some without moderators. Just have the candidates sit down and talk to each other. Now that would be interesting.

I wonder if this is what he means by murder? I found this on talkingpointsmemo.com for May 3, 2007, written by a prosecutor from Washington State:

I’ve read TPM for years, and appreciate your work. I email you because I read something today about the firing of John McKay that finally put me over the edge.

Apparently during [former Deputy Attorney General James] Comey’s testimony today he said that one of the reasons McKay got himself in hot water with the DOJ heavyweights was because he was pushing for additional resources to investigate the murder of Tom Wales, who was an Assistant US Attorney in Seattle. Tom Wales was shot and killed in 2001. What nobody has talked about, and what you may not be aware of, is the fact that Tom Wales was extremely active in attempting to get tighter gun control laws passed here in Washington.

Jane Hamsher @ 220

(Not kicking you out, just letting you know how much we appreciate you being here.)

Thanks, Jane. Is there a usual time limit on these?

An Assistant US Attorney, Tom Wales, was shot in his home in Seattle on Oct. 11, 2001. It may be that John McKay, the USA for Western WA was fired in part because he pushed DOJ in DC to put extra resources into the case.
AP story.

In addition, there were 2 AUSA’s in Texas who died mysteriously. TomFlocco has more information on those.

Jane Hamsher @ 219

(Not kicking you out, just letting you know how much we appreciate you being here.)

I will second the appreciation and thank you too Jane.

It’s about the murder of assistant United States attorneys.

Murder?

I’m still waiting for clarification. Were you speaking metaphorically, or did something happen that I don’t know about?

Tom Wales, USA, Seattle, Wa. shot at his home while sitting at his desk through the window. Half the workforce was pulled off this case and Mckay, a recently terminated USA complained vigorously to the Justice Dept. at the time.

Nicolette @ 224

When will we really have a discussion on the tactics of fear. I recall during the Reagan years how the communists were going to be on our doorsteps. It was a program on Salvadorian orphans I saw, when I was 23, that made me give time to those less fortunate, to whatever degree I could. I went to Nicaragua when they had their tanks in the streets, waiting for us to invade. I wonder why we don’t see all the youth of today out, like the youth of the Vietnam era? Are they marching on their computers, I don’t know?

It’s taken a while, but the young people are beginning to move. For some time, because there was no draft and there was no obvious sacrifice required of those who were not fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, people, including the young, turned a deaf ear. But I think it’s beginning to change.

The problem with the AUSA murders, just as with the USA firings initially, is that these are local stories. The blogosphere is knitting these together into a national narrative, and the attention Gonzo’s getting may make it a bigger story. But what journalistic entity nowadays has the resources to track down stories in Texas, Maryland, and Washington state? What one has the cojones, given the scary outcomes for these AUSAs?

Jane’s upstairs!

Mike Farrell

Power is terribly corrupting, as has been noted. We have to keep the bad ones’ feet to the fire and support the good ones.

The only healthy change I can suggest is supporting the movement for public financing of elections. And I would add to that the requirement that all legitimate candidates be given the same amount of free air time on radio and television to promote their candidacies, but there should be a requirement that only the candidate can appear and speak for her/himself.

firedoglake keeps the feet to the fire and supports the good ones…….I would love that only candidates can speak to issues…….blood and guts face to face…….public financing, my personal dream. back to the soapbox politics, direct……..

TheOtherWA @ 228

An Assistant US Attorney, Tom Wales, was shot in his home in Seattle on Oct. 11, 2001. It may be that John McKay, the USA for Western WA was fired in part because he pushed DOJ in DC to put extra resources into the case.
AP story.

In addition, there were 2 AUSA’s in Texas who died mysteriously. TomFlocco has more information on those.

Given the date, it doesn’t appear to be connected with what’s happening now.

Nicolette @ 223

When will we really have a discussion on the tactics of fear. I recall during the Reagan years how the communists were going to be on our doorsteps. It was a program on Salvadorian orphans I saw, when I was 23, that made me give time to those less fortunate, to whatever degree I could. I went to Nicaragua when they had their tanks in the streets, waiting for us to invade. I wonder why we don’t see all the youth of today out, like the youth of the Vietnam era? Are they marching on their computers, I don’t know?

Thank you Nicolette for that work. I was in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica in the late ’80’s and it was well known about the CIA running guns through CR for the Contras.

Mike Farrell @ 227

Jane Hamsher @ 220

(Not kicking you out, just letting you know how much we appreciate you being here.)

Thanks, Jane. Is there a usual time limit on these?

NO! Stay as long as you like! :)

“I was in Vancouver”

Good!

Please come back up and visit.

I’d be glad to help get the word out and get a few more people to attend the next time around.

A hearty welcome and please-come-back to all who visited FDL anew to chat with Mike. And, Mike, please don’t be a stranger to these parts of the ’sphere!

Most of us may have migrated “upstairs” to the new thread.

Thanks for talking with us today, Mike. Please come back anytime!

AZ Matt @ 236

Nicolette @ 223

When will we really have a discussion on the tactics of fear. I recall during the Reagan years how the communists were going to be on our doorsteps. It was a program on Salvadorian orphans I saw, when I was 23, that made me give time to those less fortunate, to whatever degree I could. I went to Nicaragua when they had their tanks in the streets, waiting for us to invade. I wonder why we don’t see all the youth of today out, like the youth of the Vietnam era? Are they marching on their computers, I don’t know?

Thank you Nicolette for that work. I was in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica in the late ’80’s and it was well known about the CIA running guns through CR for the Contras.

Ollie North and company. Pariots, they said…

Well, Samuel Johnson said “Patriotism is the refuge of scoundrels”.

Mike Farrell @ 241

AZ Matt @ 236

Nicolette @ 223

When will we really have a discussion on the tactics of fear. I recall during the Reagan years how the communists were going to be on our doorsteps. It was a program on Salvadorian orphans I saw, when I was 23, that made me give time to those less fortunate, to whatever degree I could. I went to Nicaragua when they had their tanks in the streets, waiting for us to invade. I wonder why we don’t see all the youth of today out, like the youth of the Vietnam era? Are they marching on their computers, I don’t know?

Thank you Nicolette for that work. I was in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica in the late ’80’s and it was well known about the CIA running guns through CR for the Contras.

Ollie North and company. Pariots, they said…

Well, you’ve all been quite wonderful! Thanks for letting me chime in.

Thank you, Jane, for what has been a great time!

Best,

Mike

Mike Farrell @ 234

TheOtherWA @ 228

An Assistant US Attorney, Tom Wales, was shot in his home in Seattle on Oct. 11, 2001. It may be that John McKay, the USA for Western WA was fired in part because he pushed DOJ in DC to put extra resources into the case.
AP story.

In addition, there were 2 AUSA’s in Texas who died mysteriously. TomFlocco has more information on those.

Given the date, it doesn’t appear to be connected with what’s happening now.

The date is early but the lack of interest in the death of a Federal Law Officer on the part of DoJ is kinda shocking.

Mike Farrell @ 227

Jane Hamsher @ 220

(Not kicking you out, just letting you know how much we appreciate you being here.)

Thanks, Jane. Is there a usual time limit on these?

I don’t think so Mike. I think that was Jane saying she had to go do something and wanted to get that in just in case.

Mike Farrell @ 235

TheOtherWA @ 228

An Assistant US Attorney, Tom Wales, was shot in his home in Seattle on Oct. 11, 2001. It may be that John McKay, the USA for Western WA was fired in part because he pushed DOJ in DC to put extra resources into the case.
AP story.

In addition, there were 2 AUSA’s in Texas who died mysteriously. TomFlocco has more information on those.

Given the date, it doesn’t appear to be connected with what’s happening now.

The connection is that McKay was trying to get the murder (still unsolved) solved, and Kyle Sampson told the investigators in a private interview that he may have told McKay that his investigation of the murder was a reason for McKay being fired. This just happened in the last couple of days. The murder in Maryland has possible connections to the DC Madam (see yardbird dot com).

AZ Matt @ 244

Mike Farrell @ 234

TheOtherWA @ 228

An Assistant US Attorney, Tom Wales, was shot in his home in Seattle on Oct. 11, 2001. It may be that John McKay, the USA for Western WA was fired in part because he pushed DOJ in DC to put extra resources into the case.
AP story.

In addition, there were 2 AUSA’s in Texas who died mysteriously. TomFlocco has more information on those.

Given the date, it doesn’t appear to be connected with what’s happening now.

The date is early but the lack of interest in the death of a Federal Law Officer on the part of DoJ is kinda shocking.

I agree, if in fact there has been no significant interest.

Mike Farrell @ 216

Nate @ 213

Mike Farrell @ 199

Nate @ 192

Aloha Mr. Farrell.
I remember seeing you on a fantastic panel discussion, filmed inside a prison discussing the Death Penalty. The panelists were you, a prisoner, a guard and a fourth I can’t remember. It was some years back but I’m sure you remember. I’d love to know the name of it and try and track down a copy.

We have to keep raising the issue. We have to get people to understand that it is crucial to the proper functioning of our society to begin to behave like civilized people.

As far as hearing my voice on the issue, you will if the media pays attention.

“Hearing your voice” in the blogosphere has certainly made me more aware of the scope of your great work. I’ll do all I can to help spread the word about your book.

Do you recall the panel discussion you were in at the prison that I mentioned above? I’d love to track that one down but I can’t remember the channel or the show.

You know, I confess that I don’t. It must have been a while back. I’ve been in too many prisons, but doing a panel discussion in one doesn’t ring a bell.

It was a great show. You were at a metal picnic-style bench, under a stairwell in a prison with four people sitting on the discussion. One was a young guy, there was a female prison guard who was pro capitol punishment. A prisoner who was not. It was over ten years ago. Oh well… Hopefully I’ll see you on something like that again soon. It was a great discussion. Passionate and reasoned.

I noticed that your Website link is in the main article and I wanted to take an opportunity to recommend it to everyone.

Mike Farrell Online – Definitely worth a visit sometime.

Mike Farrell @ 235

TheOtherWA @ 228

An Assistant US Attorney, Tom Wales, was shot in his home in Seattle on Oct. 11, 2001. It may be that John McKay, the USA for Western WA was fired in part because he pushed DOJ in DC to put extra resources into the case.
AP story.

In addition, there were 2 AUSA’s in Texas who died mysteriously. TomFlocco has more information on those.

Given the date, it doesn’t appear to be connected with what’s happening now.

I hope you’re right, and it’s not connected. As a resident of WA, McKay’s firing has me concerned, and the lackluster response to the murder of a member of law enforcement is weird.

Nate @ 248
Mike Farrell @ 216
Nate @ 213
Mike Farrell @ 199
Nate @ 192
Aloha Mr. Farrell.
I remember seeing you on a fantastic panel discussion, filmed inside a prison discussing the Death Penalty. The panelists were you, a prisoner, a guard and a fourth I can’t remember. It was some years back but I’m sure you remember. I’d love to know the name of it and try and track down a copy.

We have to keep raising the issue. We have to get people to understand that it is crucial to the proper functioning of our society to begin to behave like civilized people.

As far as hearing my voice on the issue, you will if the media pays attention.

“Hearing your voice” in the blogosphere has certainly made me more aware of the scope of your great work. I’ll do all I can to help spread the word about your book.

Do you recall the panel discussion you were in at the prison that I mentioned above? I’d love to track that one down but I can’t remember the channel or the show.

You know, I confess that I don’t. It must have been a while back. I’ve been in too many prisons, but doing a panel discussion in one doesn’t ring a bell.

It was a great show. You were at a metal picnic-style bench, under a stairwell in a prison with four people sitting on the discussion. One was a young guy, there was a female prison guard who was pro capitol punishment. A prisoner who was not. It was over ten years ago. Oh well… Hopefully I’ll see you on something like that again soon. It was a great discussion. Passionate and reasoned.

I noticed that your Website link is in the main article and I wanted to take an opportunity to recommend it to everyone.

Mike Farrell Online – Definitely worth a visit sometime.

Thanks very much. Bye.

Nate @ 248

Saved that link the moment i saw it.

What AZ Matt said. I’ve got to learn to type faster!

Per Jane above, we really appreciate you being so generous with your time.

Currently, Mike only has one “review” on the Amazon site (it’s a five star, highest rating). Just Call Me Mike Activist If anyone who has already read his book, would like to post another review, I think that would marginally help sales. Also if, when you do, let us know on a thread, so we can read it. Amazon allows us to rate the reviews.

podcat @ 241

Well, Samuel Johnson said “Patriotism is the refuge of scoundrels”.

xoites defends Constitution @ 250

Nate @ 248

Saved that link the moment i saw it.

Thanks so much for your time! Hope you come back and visit us soon, Mike.

BTW: Mike’s name in the thread goes to his petition site if anyone would like to sign it. :)

Mike Farrell @ 249

I noticed that your Website link is in the main article and I wanted to take an opportunity to recommend it to everyone.

Mike Farrell Online – Definitely worth a visit sometime.

Thanks very much. Bye.

Peace Mike. Thanks for stopping by for a great discussion.

Thank you Mike Farrell for the time you spent here today. Keep connected,

As I had mentioned in my previous post, John McKay wanted additional resources to investigate Wales’ murder. Wales was a strong advocate for gun control laws in Washington state. McKay’s insistence may have led to his firing.

I got a gift card to Barnes and Nobles, will not buy Tenets book, but now I know the book to use the card on.

thank you for everything mike.

Thank you so much, Mike.

Mike if you’re still here …

The talk about Negroponte knocked some cobwebs out of my head and I was wracking my brain trying to remember what the secret Honduran Army torture group was called, so I googled and Bingo …

Battalion 316

is there an address where we can write you after we have read your book?

Mike, I’m sorry to have brought up such a difficult topic. I went to your website and thought that you’d seen enough tough things that I wasn’t being entirely inappropriate.

However, I completely understand that this topic is beyond the pale.

Mike Farrell @ 226

Jane Hamsher @ 220

(Not kicking you out, just letting you know how much we appreciate you being here.)

Thanks, Jane. Is there a usual time limit on these?

The only time limit is however long someone wants to stay. People will probably stay here yacking your ear off as long as you’re willing to do so.

But we really appreciate the time you took today to answer everyone’s questions. You and John Dean. It was wonderful.

Thank you Mike for all of your revelations. we needed them.

What can we do as individuals to stiffen their spines. Let me know.

marybagan @ 266

What can we do as individuals to stiffen their spines. Let me know.

marybagan @ 266

What can we do as individuals to stiffen their spines. Let me know.

Good Lord! Is Mike Farrell still here???

If so (or if you read this later), just a note to thank you for all your good work over the years. Keep fighting the good fight!

Hello Mike…

Great 2 C U Here @ FDL

U may enjoy cking out low cost

Earth Ball Abodes 4 Earth Citizens Around OUR Earth at…

http://www.EarthBall.org

If U Want 2 Talk… E-me

Later, Roger EC
.