Latest pages: http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm
The Whispering Activist Record - Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, that everyone can use to get involved, make a difference and lighten the load. Find hoax busters, media hype alerts, timely info, controversy, common sense, commiseration, empathy, household tips, easy recipes, critter stuff, variety links, and a little humor along the way.

I started this page two days ago with, "The damage is done, time for damage control," as a specific wake-up call for the moronic multitude. No doubt the peace freaks are at their hissy fittest right now. I'm leaving most of what I already had set to go as was. This page needs to be done and published before the inevitable new avalanche arrives. Oddly enough, no major (g)rumblings so far ... hmmm ... do ya think maybe the clueless finally "got" it?

Thanks to the media's usual unresearched hype - one more time - everyone is shook about anthrax. One more time, I remind: do not believe everything you see and hear. From what I understand, anthrax is not effective for mass use. I have not had time to check any of the 186,000 links Google spit out, nor do I intend to make time. I would appreciate knowing about any link that clearly states facts as applicable to current worries only. http://www.google.com/search?q=anthrax&btnG=Google+Search

There are people who truly are not happy unless they're miserable, always have been, always will be. Ain't gonna be me adding to their "joy." That would be called having a life.

This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others; it will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing." - President George W. Bush

Hopefully, that hour comes soon. Innocent lives have already been lost, they won't be the last. Nothing can be done to change the facts of war. Freedom comes and stays at great cost. Any one of us at home could become a causality. The sooner everyone gets behind the fight instead of in the way, the faster we'll all breathe easier.

This series began with a, "There, there dear, you are, after all, entitled to your ignorant, unappreciated opinion - don't expect me to print it," approach. I was planning to ask if it was going to take attacks on individual homes to get the message through to those who have their issues and ass-chews confused. Two days, two weeks, almost a month ago or now, it still does not matter why or who was at fault - endless rehash and irrelevant attempts at assignment of blame are futile. Quite obviously none of that whine waste made a big difference. I truly wish today's strikes will cram a sock in the mouths so desperately in need of a gag, however, I know, nothing will change a stagnate mind. Those truly unable or unwilling to face reality will remain unreachable lost causes. Below are two choice messages offered as examples to help sway the fence sitters. Answering board posts or writing letters to editors will serve to relieve frustration, go for it.

For that matter, there's no time like the present to step up on your own soap box by building Web pages. In any case, it'll be a whole new trip to dementia. One online friend reached the end of her frustration rope last night. I did manage to talk her out of killing what she'd already done. If you have Aol publishing knowledge (graphic loading) to share, check out http://hometown.aol.com/impjill/indexmyownpage.html - contact Jill at ImpJill@aol.com.

Please do not write me about Aol, I escaped that particular hell about two years ago. You can always ask a friend (including me*) to lend a hand (or page) if you get stuck. I can't really "afford" to give away graphic space. Text should not be a problem, time might be. Below is part of Jill's start. In many ways her thoughts reflect my own (also here in case she does decide to pull the plug).

If you can honestly recommend any of the freebie pages, I will list them here. I've tried a few - didn't feel like the results were worth the aggravation. I believe all paid servers (whatever you're using right now) offer a certain amount of free space. I can list those recommendations too, and your page if I like it.

*I will be happy to help with simple edits if that's all that's holding you back. You may not have ask directly. Check out http://www.therealmartha.com/editingetc/index.htm for few tips. I usually charge for the fine-tooth job. Consider the freebie page a friendly jump start.

Jill's Thoughts

I have never been one to stand up on a soap box, and unless asked, will seldom voice my feelings. I watched in awe, and with pride, as so many of my 'net buddies filled my e-mail with patriotic graphics, letters, whole web sites even. I did my part of sending and forwarding too. I do daily "clicks" to add my dime to a half dozen support programs, and I've "adopted" a soldier, sending letters, and care packages to a service man with little or no family of his own. It wasn't a big deal to go give a pint of blood. I never told anyone I was going, it is simply something I did, as I've done in the past, and will do again, all without wanting, or needing any fanfare.

This is a song I'd like you to listen to, EAGLE.

While I realize that I continue to grow and learn daily, I do know myself well enough to say this, I am an American. I know because I have thought about it. I could no more be otherwise, than I could change the color of my eyes, or shed my outer skin, and because I have thought about it, I know. As an American, I value the freedom we each have to form our own opinions, and to voice them.What I abhor is the ignorance that is the basis for so many of the opinions I've been hearing. I do not claim to have any answers, but it is my hope that with the creation of this page, I will make you do one thing, think.

This is a page on my friend Leeas' site, An American Tragedy It has information and news links, and some wonderful tribute pages as well.  Charity sites, is where I do most of my "clicking," adding a few cents to many support groups each day.

When I was 12 years old, I learned the proper way to treat and care for our flag. It has bothered me ever since then to see it displayed, or used, incorrectly. Please don't slap a flag decal on your backpack, hang one on the rear view mirror, or wear it as a bandanna, learn how to show the support and respect you want to, properly.

While most people would never guess this about me, I've been an ordained minister* since 1998. Not one to preach, I will, however, share this wish with you.

We seek compassion during this time of crisis.
The devastation that we have suffered is uppermost in our thoughts at this moment.
I realize well the privilege I have of living  in a free, tolerant, and generous country.
I have seen the heroism, and dedication of its citizens and leaders.
I pray for guidance and support for those who are being called on to protect our country,
and its inhabitants,  for all who contribute to the welfare of our country.
I wish to comfort those who have been wounded, and the many who have lost loved ones.
Let those who have have perished remain in our hearts,
and may their memory inspire us to noble actions.
May we all find the courage, understanding, and strength,
to face the future with honor, and with good will.
I hope that the hearts of good people, everywhere, can unite and advance
to the time when nations no longer take up weapons, or teach their children to hate.
Together let us sustain our country, and the many blessings we share.

* If, as a minister, I may be of service to you, my e-mail address is reverendjill@aol.com.

"Then we're only people, people one and all."

I (we're back to Martha now) have no idea where this effort will lead. I still can't figure out where any of what I'm doing right now is coming from except that I felt the attack very personally. I have no way of knowing, nor is it significant how many I reach. This is therapy, a catharsis, my own truth. Certainly I was never not proud to be an American, it simply was never something to sit around and think about or question.

The first time I walked Buster after watching the attack, I couldn't help but compare the action and necessary US reaction as Buster tended to his territorial business. Dog people will get what I mean, no need to elaborate. Nevertheless, dog pondering does bring up another equation for thought - judging who and what is and isn't the enemy. I will never forget the absolutely scariest pit bull I'd ever seen. Wasn't a bite case, no real reason to be afraid, but nobody in their right mind would approach without extreme caution, more like run like hell at first sight. After he'd done his time according to county stray rules, I had no doubt he'd be first on the kill list. Sorry to be so frank, that's how it is when it comes to choosing adoptables, there's only so much room.

Next day I walked in to find a kennel attendant down on the ground, engaged in a wrestling match with that "vicious beast," who was nothing but a smiling, slobbering, cuddly goofball. Unbelievable, and one of the best overall life lessons ever for not taking anything or anyone at face value. For every Lassie, there's a nasty - made that way by man in a fear-filled environment. Certain breed characteristics are expected, and perpetuated for the betterment by knowledgeable, caring breeders. Any mental defective can ruin a prize line ... generation after generation.

It takes only one psychopath to pollute countless human minds, directing the naive as sheep. Those who have no freedom notion know only blind hatred. More than one madman is responsible for immeasurable insanity today. All must, and will be, discontinued.

That little PCish, polite euphemism would best be interpreted as the opposite end of the damage control scale I'd be happiest to see. I'm not going to be using any of the more creative ideas on main pages, trust though, as time permits, I will publish a "special" page and continue building a perfectly lovely collection. At the moment my favorite suggests the use of cryogenic technology. The annual thaw offering the opportunity to keep on giving.

October 11th, 2001
30 days since the vile attack.

If you are driving October 11th, turn your headlights on as a sign of solidarity and grief for those who perished.

Be free

If you are quick to take offense, then you'll be under the control of those whom you find offensive.
If you are easily angered, then your actions will be dictated by those who anger you.
If you are obsessed by what other people think, then you will be imprisoned by their thoughts.
If you yearn for easy answers and quick solutions, you'll fall prey to people who offer nothing but promises.
If you find the truth too difficult to bear, you'll be enslaved to those who tell you what you want to hear.

When you have the courage to think for yourself, the strength to accept what is, the commitment and discipline to make a difference, then you are free.
You are truly free to live with purpose, joy and fulfillment.

Let your life be defined not by your reactions to what others do, say or think, but rather by your own unique vision. Raise your eyes above the pettiness and follow the path of the greatness that is within you.
Copyright Ralph S. Marston

The Young and the Gutless (excerpt)
By Rod Dreher, NY Post October 2, 2001

Source (full article): http://r.pm0.net/s/c?1b.hnx.23.42n.18l9

NYU student Jonathan Chen, 20, thinks that war is wrong, wrong, wrong. But as for terrorists, Chen insists that "we have to take care of them."

"We," but not "he"? Does Chen mean that other men have to be willing to die to protect his freedom? Yes. Some people are born for that purpose, he says. "There are people who are more willing to fight, who have the mindset of killing people," Chen says. "Not everybody is meant to fight." Chen has "hopes and dreams" of becoming a filmmaker, and he doesn't want to "endanger" them, he says.

Presumably, those brave firefighters who went to their deaths in those burning towers to save the lives of strangers had no hopes and dreams worthy of concern. Perhaps, men and women who are willing to die to defend Chen's right to pursue his hopes and dreams have none themselves.

From an Aol board,
Subject: Re: America's trap
Date: 10/06/2001 12:15 PM Central Daylight Time
From: DJAJT
Message-id: <20011006131544.01454.00004458@mb-fo.aol.com>

Look for original message if you like, it was typically worthless, typed in all caps, which in itself shows brain petrification.

DJAJT is Amy from previous page: It's going to happen, but something like this takes time. If we go in there and destroy thousands of lives, innocent people, then we are no better than the terrorists themselves. The whole country is not against us. We are just out to stop terrorism, destroy the taliban's terror camps and capture bin laden and those involved. This isn't like the kid across the street who used to throw cat poop at us while we were outside playing, which was easily controlled by talking to her mother. This is a large erratic thinking group without morals or way of rational thought. It has to be a very controlled and thought out plan for all uniting together to put an end to it.

From Rexanne, www.Rexanne.com There is no way I can spiritualize my intellect at this point in time, nor do I think we as a human race are meant to ... at this time. Maybe this is the beginning of a new way, a new peace and a new world where we are all able to "love" each other. I would like to believe that, but the cancer that is KILLING humanity needs to be destroyed. We don't yet have the collective power to "will it away." Even though I believe we could, if we ALL believed it. Unfortunately, we are not that evolved, if you will. We are (the same as) in the first years of cancer research, only knowing how to cut the cancer out, not how to heal the body/spirit/mind to allow the patient to heal himself. I hope all the grief in the world will now be the beginning of a new age, a new way of life and a new consciousness. Like President Bush saying we are fighting a "new type of war." We are in the initial stages of a remarkable evolutionary leap, I think. Actually, very exciting if you think about it. I still want to slay the bastards but they might just be fulfilling their destiny, if I wanted to get deep.

The Pulitzer Prize
By Denis Mueller
edited for brevity for this page

The Pulitzer Prize is the most prestigious award in journalism. It is given to a journalist who has shown an unwavering quest for the truth. Ironically, it is named after Joseph Pulitzer, who showed anything but a pursuit for truth. One of Pulitzer's greatest campaigns, along with the Hearst papers and the Chicago Tribune, was to get the United States into a war with Spain. They successfully instigated the Spanish-American War and it should serve as no shock to readers that one of the motivations for the newspapers was to sell papers.

In January 1898, the battleship Maine was sent to Cuba. There had been a revolution going on in Cuba for some time and many Americans felt empathy for the struggling Cubans and Spain was seen as a corrupt colonial government. At the same time, the United States was eyeing Cuba. It would be a good place for our markets and from time to time there was talk about Cuba eventually becoming part of the United States.

When the Maine exploded under mysterious circumstances, the Hearst and Pulitzer papers called for war. "Remember the Maine" became the battle cry of the day. Years and years later it was determined that the Spanish did not sink the Maine, but an internal explosion caused the accident. It must be stated in fairness that some papers did report that divers had said that the explosion did not come from a mine or torpedo.

But the New York World reported that a Spanish general on the day that the Maine was destroyed remarked, "We are going to blow her up mighty soon." Later the World said they had final proof but failed to tell their readers what that was. The United States was drawn into the war and the tabloids had their war. The charge that the Rothchilds had bought warships for Spain was completely false. It was a very successful campaign by the press as most Americans came to believe that Spain had sunk the battleship.

War was good business for Hearst and Pulitzer. Circulation of their papers took gigantic leaps and everyone was caught
up in the drama. The Journal and the World printed extra editions, driving the public into a patriotic frenzy. The mystery around the sinking and lack of conclusive evidence made speculation the order of the day. Half-truths and faked dispatches left the American public bombarded and reeling from the misinformation. Sensing the tide of public opinion, a reluctant Congress and a president who really didn't want war were forced into a war. As critic Oswald Garrison Villard pointed out:

"It was by this appeal to the basest passions of the crowd that Mr. Pulitzer succeeded; like many others he had deliberately stooped for success, and then, having achieved it, slowly put on garments of righteousness." 

Sources: Marcus Wilkerson, Public Opinion and the Spanish-American War. Lifted this from Shagmail's Forgotten History, figured it was fair to leave in one of their promos. Look Inside Middle East Politics with Viewpoint: http://www.shagmail.com/sub/viewpoint.html SUBSCRIBE to Viewpoint

Anyone can pick up the html code to display this "web sticker" - variety of styles available. Use links below to go directly to alternate pages. The demos are there to sell the service to special interest groups. I sent an inquiry back in July when I started the Firecracker Dog project http://www.therealmartha.com/FirecrackerDog/index.htm   - wondered if they had a freebie deal. The real live person who called to answer was very helpful, even though I couldn't afford to subscribe.

http://capitoladvantage.com/h/ Cyber Advocacy, Data and Congressional Directories - click around to use working demos, includes e-mail form to the President. 

http://congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/ Where to write

http://congress.org/congressorg/letters/ Read letters

http://congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/ Media Guide

That's it for the heavies - below, find a mix of support suggestions, humor, easy recipes and links. As much as it pains me to direct anyone to that other Martha's site, gotta admit, she did it up nice for flag displays here ...

http://www.marthastewart.com/features/features.asp?CID=885&page=1&idContentType=7
http://www.marthastewart.com/features/features.asp?CID=885&idContentType=7

FLAG DISPLAY CALENDAR

FLAG ETIQUETTE

FOLDING THE FLAG

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FLAG

Are we relating here?? Ever the patriot, Buster is always at the ready :)

Coming soon on my Web Celeb page, http://www.therealmartha.com/Web%20Celeb%20Interviews/index.htm, you'll find an interview with Mark Parisi, a.k.a. the slowest man to answer mail on this planet :) The wait was worth it, the last question happens to be "Martha Stewart is ..." Parisi's answer: "An alien from the planet Ano Retento." There you have it, you heard it here first. More Parisi: http://www.offthemark.com/food/food.htm.

This and the stars and stripes font with trailer below are available by request.

http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/flags/fedflag.shtml - all kinds, historic

U.S. Districts, Territories, & Possessions Flag Page
Current State Flags

http://www.dogsinthenews.com/issues/0109/main0109.htm Sept. headline links

"If these dogs only knew what a difference they make.  Certainly, there's nothing that can replace precision of a dog's nose -- and absolutely nothing that can replace a dog's heart."
 -- Bob Sessions, rescue worker, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Picture Gallery: WTC Heroic Rescue Dogs
[Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3]
(September 15-26, 2001)

http://www.dogsinthenews.com/issues/0109/articles/010924a.htm Letter from Paul B. Morgan, Major, US Army (ret)
K9Soldiers@aol.com (Major Morgan is helping circulate info for those interesting adopting K9 teams, military, police and civilian. Send a note to LibbyK9@aol.com to be added to mail list.)

Sensational Snouts! This Week's Wrap-Up of Noteworthy Noses •••
Dogs in the News
http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/0109/articles/010910a.htm  
Dope Dealer Rule #1:
Don't Leave Dog Alone with Stash
(August 20, 2001)
Impersonating a Police Dog
(June 16, 2001)
Death Row Dog Saves a Life
(May 30, 2001)
Book'm Doggo! Canine Solves Crime
(May 21, 2001)
Rosie Rescues 3-Yr-Old Dinosaur Hunter
(May 18, 2001)
Off-Duty Cop Stumbles on $13M Cocaine Stash ...Oh, By the Way, He's a Dog
(April 11, 2001)

http://www.komando.com/other/helptheus/ Relief efforts

[ HOW TO HELP | ABOUT THE VICTIMS | WHAT'S GOING ON? ]

KID'S SITE OF THE WEEK: FIREFIGHTERS
     http://www.pbs.org/testofcourage
Firefighters are brave and courageous people, and here's
where kids can learn about the profession. If your child
would like to write a letter to firefighters, visit the
International Association of Fire Fighters, www.iaff.org,
or send their letter via e-mail to: condolences@iaff.org.

LIFE ON THE FRONTIER
     http://internet-pioneers.org
Several centuries from now, people will be learning the
history of the Internet. Get a preview of future history
books, which reveal the unique origins of the Internet.

http://www.truste.org/partners/ TRUSTe privacy on the Web

BACK ISSUE TREASURE:  MAY 1ST, 2000 ISSUE
The main reason I'm featuring this back issue is that it has
an article on Home School Legal Defense Association's
program providing homeschool scholarships to widows & their
children.  They will also be offered free membership in
HSLDA.  If you know a homeschooler who lost someone on 9/11
or any other time for that matter, you might want to make
them aware of this program.  For more info OR to make
donations to this worthwhile program call (540)338-5600.
The issue also has articles on the need for car seats for
older children (& rebates), acne help, an EASY stomach
trimmer (those holiday parties are coming up), and how to
know when to leave kids alone or allow them to baby-sit.
Just follow the directions below to retrieve this back issue
filled with good info.

BACK ISSUE RETRIEVAL
~~Via Web Site (All Issues):
http://home.att.net/~make-a-note/index.htm, then click on
"Back Issues", then scroll down to desired issue.
~~Via Automated Email (Issues from 8/98 to Present):
Send a blank email to make-a-note-issues@xc.org   and follow
directions you will receive by return email.
~~Via Request to Editor (ONLY Issues Prior to 8/98 for
Readers UNABLE to Access Web Sites):
Send date of requested issue to Editor at
make-a-note@worldnet.att.net

"Nothing is so contagious as an example.  We never do great
good or great evil without bringing about more of the same
on the part of others."  --LaRochefoucauld

http://chtah.com/a/hA7vifAADspiuAHaKFhAD0SYDIb/hist6 B-day postcard from History Channel, includes events that happened that day.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC. 20502

Attn: Deborah K. Hair
Director of Correspondence and Presidential Messages

Bonnie's owner was killed in the WTC disaster, and she was adopted by a shelter volunteer, that link is on the page too.
Bonnie The Studio Cat
http://www.notkin.net/bonnie.htm 

Click here: It's our turn
http://www.debsfunpages.com/wtc40.htm
Let music play, lousy quality which is too bad - gets the point across anyway. Good graphic. I truly hate pop-ups, had to make an exception for this one.

http://www.governmentguide.com/research_and_education/usflag.adp

Tribute to America  http://speculativevision.com/tribute/tribute911.html Very touching and beautifully sung. Just give it a few minutes to load :)  Some other sites below if you haven't seen them. Thanks Joanne

thank you
http://people.delphi.com/andybeals/thankyou.htm

Welcome to Military.com -- Benefiting the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard   http://www.military.com/Page/0,12170,1-OO-0,00.htm

Click here: Silent Skies, A Poem on the Terrorist Attack of the World Trade Center ... these pics should only be viewed if you are prepared ... one pic of the people standing in windows before the building collapsed ... heart wrenching ... what right did the people who did this damage have to be God and judge? Elaine

I haven't looked at the pics. The only answer to the question is they didn't have the right. And now they have to die to answer for it, which is the only acceptable answer to that question.

Come back soon for link to new page, here are the previous:

Comments and questions always welcome, please use clearly defined subject line.

Have to show this off - thanks again Patti! And thanks AliceSue for the Stewaren't idea.

TheRealMartha.com, real easy recipes for real busy, real people

Feeder's Digest Index of Recipes, Bright Spots, Dog's Eye View, hosted by Miss Liberty, ME (Mutt Extraordinaire), Toot - Toot from Buster the Boston, Granny Greetings, Skewed Views, Classy-fieds, Links I like and more, and/or SelectiveSingles

These little guys are simple even though a bit time consuming if you use blocks. They work up faster in single pieces. Templates are easy to make drawing pattern using a ruler, one or more inches to each block.

http://www.therealmartha.com/FirecrackerDog/index.htm
The Firecracker Dog educational and legislative change effort is on hold but not forgotten. Animal abuse is tied to a multitude of social problems - everyone must learn to respect life.