Dave Redick

 

Contents:

A. Dave's Bio

B. x

C. Tribute to Paul Craig Roberts, Ph.D

D. Tribute to Congressman Ron Paul

E. Tribute to Sen. 'Chuck' Hagel

F. Tribute to Cindy Sheehan

G. Tribute to Adm. William 'Fox' Fallon

H. Tribute to Margaret Thatcher

 

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A.  Dave's Bio (Dave is Founder and President of ARTS and Forward-USA)

 

Personal: Dave grew up with his two brothers in a middle class family near Detroit, MI. When he was 14, the family moved to an 80-acre general farm, near Ann Arbor, Michigan, with all the usual animals and crops. He and his younger brother ran the farm while his Dad worked. He has an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Reserve. After 46 years in California, he moved to Madison, WI in 2004 to be near his family. Dave was born in 1935, is 6'-2" tall, and weighs 215 pounds.

 

Education and Business: Dave won a four-year tuition scholarship to the University of Michigan, based on grades, activities (Sr. Class President, sports), and need, and started in the fall of 1953. After a four-year illness, his Dad died of blood cancer in his sophomore year, so there were money and stress problems, but Dave was able to earn all of his expenses with summer and school jobs. He completed his engineering degree in 1958.

 

Upon graduation he worked as an aerospace engineer for 5 years (rocket engines and satellites) in California, after which he started his career in telecommunications sales and management. In 1965 he earned an MBA in Economics from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California, and after  management positions in several other firms, in 1995 became VP Sales, then President, of a wireless engineering consulting firm www.hntelecom.com. He left in 2000 to be VP and cofounder of a Silicon Valley telecom startup ‘Fiberstreet’ (closed, see Google), and helped raise $6 million of venture capital. He moved to WI in 2004, and started Sustainable Energy Earth (SEE), a renewable energy engineering services (consulting) firm with focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of energy use. SEE clients produce 'green' electricity from hydro turbines in rivers (or any moving water), from engines that run on waste-heat, and from external-combustion engines that burn waste gases and liquids, and bio-fuel.

 

Political: In 1978, Dave became concerned about economic and social damage caused by counterproductive government 'management'. He then read about and discussed this subject widely and became an activist for more cost-effective, and less abusive, government. His focus is on the Federal level because that is where the deaths and wasteful spending on needless wars, and abuse of our monetary system, start. He ran for Congress as a Libertarian in 1982 in District CA-1 (Sonoma County and northward 250 miles up the coast to Oregon). He then returned to his Republican roots and ran again in 1984 with Reagan as a 'Ron Paul Republican' in District CA-1. In 2004 he ran in the Republican primary for CA Assembly District 24 to ‘Help Arnold’ and lost to a former Congressman. During the Bush-2 administration, Dave became concerned about the Republican Party's departure from its core principles and conversion to emphasis on war, spending, religion, and deceit to implement Bush's Empire-USA agenda. He launched a campaign for U.S. Senate as a Republican in Jan-06, but when his efforts at reform were rejected by both local and national Republican leadership, in June-06 he changed his party registration to continue the campaign as a Libertarian, and was later elected the Chairman of the Wisconsin Party (www.LPWI.org). In 2007 he was the Wisconsin contact for The Republican Liberty Caucus (see www.WI.RLC.org and www.RLC.org), which promotes the principles of limited government, free enterprise, etc., as described on this site. Dave now operates as an Independent to continue his work for better (less) government. In May, 2008 he founded 'Americas' Roadmap to Success' (ARTS), as a project of www.forward-usa.org.

 

B.   xx

 

C. Tribute to Paul Craig Roberts, Ph.D., Author, Pundit

 

P.C. Roberts has the brains and guts to find and tell the truth about world affairs. His writings are based on facts and logic. He was a Washington 'insider' at one time, but left that cowardly, self-serving world so he could tell the truth, rather than be concerned about his standing with bureaucrats. He exposes the incompetence and lies of all players, of any political party, and any government. He is the only nationally recognized writer to do an in-depth challenge of the government's version of 9-11. His archives are at VDare.com, and LewRockwell.com, and his full story is well told at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Craig_Roberts. Thank you Dr. Roberts.

 

D. Tribute to Dr. Ron Paul

 

Ron Paul, M.D., has done heroic work as a Republican Congressman (but espousing Libertarian principles) in Texas (now District 14) since 1976.  He is an unabashed advocate of individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, small government, sound money, and a non-interventionist foreign policy, issue positions that once represented the core of Republican philosophy, but have been trashed since the '90s.

In March, 2007 he officially announced he was running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States (www.ronpaul2008.com). His campaign confronts a broad range of urgent current issues, including the fate of the dollar, our foreign policy and wars, our looming entitlement crisis, oil, and the future of the U.S. economy. Congressman Paul is known among both his Republican and Democratic colleagues in Congress for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives: Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution.

At the May 15, '07 'Republican Debates' on TV an historic event occurred. Rudy Giuliana attacked Dr. Paul's statement about how US foreign policy was a contributor to the Islamic hate for us that resulted in 9-11. Then again on the Sep. 5 debates, Ron made a brilliant challenge of our destructive foreign policy and other problems. These debates, and his many other appearances and writings, have opened a gaping hole in the corrupt 'Republicrat' lies and misconduct that have created our country's unconstitutional and damaging foreign and domestic policies. Now these topics are 'on the table', which helps bring truth to the campaign season.

On Oct. 17, 2007 he introduced House Bill 3835 'American Freedoms' which calls for repeal of all the power-grabbing and unconstitutional acts by Bush such as torture, lack of habeas corpus, domestic spying, signing statements, military commission, etc.

His success in fund raising confirms his wide support, especially with younger citizens.

Sen. John McCain became the presumptive nominee after his Texas and Ohio primary wins on March 4, '08. Thus, Dr. Paul will reduce campaigning, but remain available until the election is over in Nov-08.

Thank you Dr. Paul. Your years of heroic work have culminated in your stunning '08 campaign that could change US government, and save our nation from further decline.

Dave's basic philosophy is the same as Ron Paul's. On specific issues, they differ only on; 1) A woman's right to abortion (Dave says yes), but both oppose abortion personally, and agree it is a state issue, and 2) Dave is more strict on separation of Church and State, based on property rights.

See his on-going project at www.Campaign for Liberty.com.

E. Tribute to former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE, see photo in Part 4  in margin, 'Compatible Orgs')

 

Former Senator Charles T. 'Chuck' Hagel of Nebraska is one of the few 'straight-talkers' in Congress. He is often named as a possible VP candidate (for either party), or Sec. of Defense.

 

Chuck's book; 'America: The Next Chapter: Tough Questions and Straight Answers' was issued in March, '08.

 

While Hagel has a Conservative voting record that often supports Bush policy, when consistent with traditional Republican principles, he also has the honesty and guts to oppose Bush when needed. This means he has opposed the illegal and immoral wars in Iraq, and the Bush abuses for excess domestic powers, and world-wide aggression for Empire-USA. As a decorated Vietnam War veteran, he has the credibility to oppose improper use of our troops without fear of damage from 'soft on defense' attacks by the Bush cabal and their gang of neocon warmongers. His Oct. 17, 2007 letter to Pres. Bush (shown below) warns of the dangers of our phony offer (with pre-conditions) to negotiate with Iran. Sen. Hagel urges true and open negotiations. Notice the copies to Rice and Gates, who are believed to support Hagel's approach. This is 'big time' confrontation with the Bush War machine. Bravo Hagel !!

 

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"(Oct. 17, 2007) Dear Mr. President: I write to urge you to consider pursuing direct, unconditional and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran.

 

In the last two years, the United States has worked closely with the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, Japan, and other key states as well as the UN Secretary General and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency to pursue a diplomatic strategy regarding Iran's nuclear program. I have supported your efforts. Maintaining a cohesive and united international front remains one of our most effective levers on Iran.

 

In the last year, you have also authorized our Ambassador in Iraq, Ryan Crocker, to hold bilateral talks with Iranian officials regarding the situation in Iraq. I have also supported this effort. Although Iran has continued dangerous actions in Iraq, this channel for dialogue is important.

 

I am increasingly concerned, however, that this diplomatic strategy is stalling. There are growing differences with our international partners. Concerns remain that the United States' actual objectives is regime change in Iran, not a change in Iran's behavior. Prospects for further action in the UN Security Council have grown dim, and we appear increasingly reliant on a single-track effort to expand financial pressure on Iran outside of the UN Security Council. Iran's actions, both on its nuclear program and in Iraq, are unchanged. Iran's leaders appear increasingly confident in their positions vis-a-vis the United States.

 

Unless there is a strategic shift, I believe we will find ourselves in a dangerous and increasingly isolated position in the coming months. I do not see how the collective actions that we are now taking will produce the results that we seek. If this continues, our ability to sustain a united international front will weaken as countries grow uncertain over our motives and unwilling to risk open confrontation with Iran, and we are left with fewer and fewer policy options.

 

Now is the time for the United States to active consider when and how to offer direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with Iran. The offer should be made even as we continue to work with our allies on financial pressure, in the UN Security Council on a third sanctions resolution, and in the region to support those Middle East countries who share our concerns with Iran. The November report by IAEA Director General ElBaradei to the IAEA Board of Governors could provide an opportunity to advance the offer of bilateral talks.

 

An approach such as this would strengthen our ability across the board to deal with Iran. Our friends and allies would be more confident to stand with us if we seek to increase pressure, including tougher sanctions on Iran. It could create a historic new dynamic in US-Iran relations, in part forcing the Iranians to react to the possibility of better relations with the West. We should be prepared that any dialogue process with Iran will take time, and we should continue all efforts, as you have, to engage Iran from a position of strength.

 

We should not wait to consider the option of bilateral talks until all other diplomatic options are exhausted. At that point, it could well be too late.

 

I urge you to consider pursuing direct, unconditional and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran.

 

Thank you for considering my views. Best wishes.

 

Sincerely,

 

Chuck Hagel, United States Senator

 

cc: Condoleeza Rice, Robert M. Gates, Stephen J. Hadley".

 

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This was followed on Nov. 8 by his speech about Iran relations at the 'Center for Strategic and International Studies' in DC. He stressed the damage and potential armed conflict caused by Bush's bellicose policy and the like manner of most presidential candidates.

 

Sen. Hagel again offered 'straight talk' in his address to the 'Council on Foreign Relations' in DC on Nov. 15-07, where he said, "I would give the Bush-Cheney administration the lowest grade of any I've known", and "I have to say this is one of the most arrogant, incompetent administrations I've ever seen or ever read about." Speaking of Bush, Cheney and those around them, Hagel then said, "They have failed the country."

 

On September 3, 2009, his op-ed 'The Limits Of Force: Iraq and Afghanistan Aren't Ours to Win or Lose' was published in The Washington Post. His messge was that we must adjust our policies to account for the post-911 realities. The title speaks volumes about ending wars for empire.

 

F. Tribute to Cindy Sheehan

 

Cindy Lee Miller Sheehan (born July 10, 1957) is an American anti-war activist, whose son, Casey, was killed during his service in the Iraq War on April 4, 2004. ARTS says BRAVO Cindy for your dedication and work to confront our government leaders and their lackies, and hold them accountable for the illegal and immoral wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (see #8A in the left margin of this site).  She attracted international attention in August 2005 for her extended demonstration at a camp outside President George W. Bush's Texas ranch garnering her both support and criticism. In May 2007, Sheehan officially ended her involvement as an anti-war activist, saying "I am going to go home and be a mother to my surviving children and try to regain some of what I have lost." On July 23, 2007, after President Bush's reduction of the sentence of Scooter Libby, Sheehan announced that she plans to challenge Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a congressional election as an independent because Pelosi didn't introduce articles of impeachment against President Bush.

Sheehan states she initially questioned the urgency of the invasion of Iraq, but did not become active in the anti-war effort until after her son's death. Sheehan and other military families met with Bush in June 2004 at Fort Lewis, near Tacoma, Washington, nearly three months after her son's death. In a June 24, 2004 interview with the Vacaville, CA Reporter published soon after the meeting, she stated, "We haven't been happy with the way the war has been handled. The President has changed his reasons for being over there every time a reason is proven false or an objective reached." She also stated that Bush was "... sincere about wanting freedom for the Iraqis... I know he's sorry and feels some pain for our loss. And I know he's a man of faith."

Sheehan gave another interview on October 4, 2004, stating that she did not understand the reasons for the Iraq invasion and never thought that Iraq posed an imminent threat to the United States. She further stated that her son's death had compelled her to speak out against the war.

Sheehan is one of the nine founding members of Gold Star Families for Peace, an organization created in January 2005 that seeks to end the U.S. presence in Iraq and provide support for families of fallen soldiers. As of August 2005, at least 63 other relatives of fallen soldiers are listed as members. She has spoken publicly against the Iraq war and occupation since 2004, and pledged not to pay her 2004 taxes.

Sheehan attracted international attention in early August 2005, when she traveled to Bush's Prairie Chapel Ranch just outside Crawford, Texas, demanding a second meeting with the President and an explanation of the cause for which her son died. She created a peace camp called "Camp Casey" by pitching a tent by the side of the road and announced her intention to stay for the full five weeks or until such a meeting was granted. She also promised that, were she not granted a second meeting, she would return to Crawford each time Bush visits there in the future. Several cabinet members went out to talk to Sheehan, but she stated that she would only talk to Bush himself. Toward the end of her vigil, she said she was "very, very, very grateful" Bush did not grant her that meeting because it would have ended the momentum the peace movement gained from the popularity of her demonstrations.

On August 9, 2007, Sheehan announced that she was going to run as an independent for Congress against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. ARTS describes Pelosi as a shameful Party-First, and Israel-First hack. Cindy officially opened her campaign headquarters in San Francisco on December 8, 2007. On April 24, 2008, Sheehan began her drive to collect 10,000 valid signatures, to get on the ballot as an independent candidate for U.S. House (she got 10,198!). Her campaign web site is www.cindyforcongress.org . (credits for portions of the above text to Wikipedia).

Her on-going work will include an hour-long weekly Sunday radio show, 'Cindy Sheehan's Soapbox', starting January 4, 2009 on Gren 960 in San Francisco.

Contact dede@cindysheehanssoapbox.com for details.

She may run against Pelosi again in 2010!

Fight On Cindy, and THANKS !

G. Tribute to Adm. William 'Fox' Fallon

Adm. William "Fox" Fallon was the outspoken top U.S. commander in the Middle East, and last of the Vietnam vets in the high command, when he submitted his resignation as head of Central Command on March 11, '08, after 41 years of service. What makes this particularly ominous is that he said upon taking over at Centcom, that war with Iran 'isn't going to happen on my watch.' When questioned how he thought he could stop it he said: 'I have options, you know,' which was interpreted as implying Fallon would step down rather than follow orders he considers 'mistaken' (or stupid, illegal, and abusive to the military). Fallon also argued, and won, to not put a third carrier in the Persian Gulf to threaten Iran. This sets Fallon above the Rices, Powells, Gates, Rumsfelds, etc. who do whatever Bush and Cheney tell them. Bravo to Fallon for having guts and 'USA-First' principles, rather than 'Me-first'. For more, see the article on Fallon in the Mar-08 issue of 'Esquire' magazine.  It described Fallon as a lone voice against taking military action to stop the Iranian nuclear program.

H. Tribute to Margaret Thatcher

Quoted from Sally Pipes 6Jan09 article, which reviews Claire Berlinski’s book “There is no Alternative” Why Margaret Thatcher Matters” ; http://liberty.pacificresearch.org/publications/why-margaret-thatcher-matters

 

“She reversed the advance of socialism in Britain, proving both that a country can be ripped from a seemingly overdetermined trajectory and that it takes only a single figure with an exceptionally strong will to do so. She did not single-handedly cause the Soviet empire to crumble, but she landed some of the most devastating punches of the Cold War and, extraordinarily, emerged unbloodied from the fight.”

It was indeed a fight, with many casualties, particularly on the home front. The welfare state in Britain had grown apace since World War II. In 1979, Britain lost 29.5 million work days to strikes.

“We don’t want to increase our trade with you,” a Soviet trade official told his British counterpart. “Your goods are unreliable, you’re always on strike, and you never deliver.” As the author also notes, Britain had become the first country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to “supplicate” for a loan from the International Monetary Fund. This was the legacy of socialism in Britain. Enter Margaret Thatcher, whose profile was different.

“She believed in free markets, popular capitalism, property ownership, privatization, monetarism, firm control over public expenditures, low taxation, and individualism. She was an ardent patriot and nationalist. She deplored socialism and considered welfare spending and collective bargaining to be forms of it. She particularly despised powerful trade unions and was leery of international organizations. She saw nothing to admire in the Soviet Union and much to admire in America.”
    
“There is no Alternative” charts the battles of the Prime Minister with “King Arthur,” Arthur Scargill, head of the minor’s union and an outright Stalinist, as Ms. Berlinski shows. There is much here that one will not learn watching CNN or reading the New York Times. The account of the Falkland Islands war is particularly good.
    
Britain is now the richest country in Europe, with the most efficient labor market, and London is, once again, the world’s financial capital. “Thatcher is widely perceived to be the reason for this,” Ms. Berlinski explains, noting Tony Blair’s celebrated claim that “We are all Thatcherites now,” and current Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s description of himself as a politician in her mold. Ms. Berlinski, however, is astute enough to know that even though key battles have been won, the war is not over.

“Margaret Thatcher was one of the most vigorous, determined, and successful enemies of socialism the world has known,” she explains. Socialism, however, is “a political movement that like fascism embodies the religious impulse in secular form, and is thus an ideology destined to rise again and again from the grave, skeletal claws outstretched and grasping for the instruments and subjects of labor.”

Ms. Berlinski, who lives in Istanbul, argues that “Socialism is the real message of the anti-globalization movement,” and that “the forces that Thatcher confronted are one and the same as the forces that in 1999 led to the imposition of martial law in Seattle.”

Margaret Thatcher “perceived these forces, and for a time she mastered them. That is why she matters to history. These forces are still at work; they must again be mastered. That is why she matters to you.”
    
The author knows that Margaret Thatcher had little use for feminists but doesn’t explain why they had little use for her. As we have noted in the Contrarian, feminism, particularly the Betty Friedan-Gloria Steinem brand, is the women’s auxiliary of socialism, and Margaret Thatcher was a successful opponent of socialism, in theory and practice. That earned her the wrath of the very people who should have praised her for her career choices alone.
     
As the author notes, “when she subsequently decided to become a lawyer, she qualified after only two years of part-time study, all the while working full-time as a research chemist and assiduously seeking election to Parliament and getting pregnant – with twins, no less. She passed the bar exam only weeks after giving birth.”
    
As Margaret Thatcher herself put it, “Some of us were making it before Women’s Lib was even thought of.”    
    
I agree with Claire Berlinski that Margaret Thatcher was “enormously significant” and that “she changed the world, and mostly for the better.” I see no “alternative” to Lady Thatcher on the current scene, but perhaps Ms. Berlinski’s spirited book will inspire somebody to become one.”

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