As a people, Americans rank extremely high on the list of outstandingly generous Givers.  However, unlike what we read in our history books, our federal government has been one of the world’s largest Takers.  So perhaps as we enter a new decade, we should commit to rejecting the insulting spiel of spin delivered into our living rooms from corporate owned media.  Consider instead, getting to know the real story about what “money changers,” in league with our government did in places like Mexico, the Philippines, Panama and Hawaii.  Although, the period of governmental brainwashing for self-serving profiteering was extreme the first ten years of this century, it was not the beginning of collaborative greed between Corporate America and the Government of America.  Still, this period was our Nation's "Darkest Hour," and it is in this shadow of darkness, that motivated extremism against America was ignited.

Timing is Divine, and this Census and election year, is the perfect time for National self-examination.  It's important to know the truth about our mistakes as well as our glories, even if it pinches a little. A lot of America's history is missing from our history books: Truth about Indians, Blacks and a few less savory secrets.  However, we must know our past, in order to make the best present choices, for our future.  In large part, America's untold stories are what fuel much of the hate foreign extremists feel toward us, and the conflict, discord and tension that has transformed the United States into Red vs. Blue states.  If we don't embrace this truth, we will default to "Divided We Fall."  Truth will save us from being duped by corporate financed politicians and in time, recapture the tremendous empathy an entire world felt for us September 12, 2001.

The oil greedy played on our macho self-image, convincing us that we don't need anyone, but where did that get us?  With our international reputation and relationships damaged, we stand weakened in the world community, potentially "left behind" by a China to whom we owe Billions.  Let us “be all we can be,” by entering this new decade as International Citizens leading by example, instead of “drones.”

However, the bad taste left in the mouths of other nations by the Bush/Cheney Administration did not begin with Halliburton and Z-Blackwater, for mercenaries have always been a part of our history.  Indeed, 1900--2008 saw a number of less honorable men elected to both Houses of Congress and the Presidency.  We can still see it today in Conservative slogans, "America, Love it or Leave it," and "My Country, Right or wrong!"  Knowing the Truth about how we got here is our best path forward to renewal and prosperity.

It was the Sedition Act of John Adams; Andrew Jackson's insistence that "the red savage" was dispensable, because he was an inferior race and a conquered people & McCarthy's 50s "Red Scare;"  it was Tyler & Polk in Mexico & Lincoln's assassination;  McKinley & Teddy in the Philippines & Panama, and Taft's "Little Brown Brothers."  It was Wilson's uncompromising isolationism; Hoover's inability to deal & Eisenhower's waiting for the last round of golf before inviting us to the wedding between Military justification & Corporate manipulation. It was Nixon's clearing a path for GW's abuse of Presidential power; Reaganomics castrating Government involvement in our lives and a CIA Chief, "movin' on up" to Commander-in-Chief.

It started in whispers over brandy, where the Middle Class is neither welcome nor invited: on hidden estates, Bank Board Rooms and other sanctuaries of Congressional Lobbyists.  Feeling it was safe to come out of the shadows, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave was supremely invaded in 2000.  Exiting the darkness of the "wings," the shadows of secrets and lies, took center stage, took our economy, took our ability to reason & sense of balance, took us and evidently took our short term memory -- Now, the Takers are threatening a comeback!

It is our RIGHT history that makes us victims of violent hate, and victims too, of projected fantasies of "Mission Accomplished."  It is our being re-directed so we forget, "What is Past is Prologue," that keeps us blind to the Truth: Governmental Tyranny launched within our shores, invited International terrorism to our shores.  Those who inherited the need for greed from the 19th century "Follow the Sun" mentality, have in this century, turned our Constitution into a doormat made by YOO, and "We the People" have been "Left Behind" to pay the dearest price of Flag Waving Conservatives using the red blood of our youth to irrigate foreign soil.

Now, "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us..."  "that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the earth."  This is the America of which I sing, "Let Freedom Ring!"  Though not perfect, we can at least be honest with ourselves and unlike YOO, we can, embrace Truth, Justice and Accountability for All, without fear!

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