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James A.
Dahlgren
Jim's Picks
jdahlgren@justiceandhumanity.com
Commentaries Page
Jim's 2006 Commentaries
Jim's Old Commentaries
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There are a lot of great web sites on the Internet. You undoubtably have your own favorites and probably know of some very good ones that I am ignorant of. If there is a web site that you think I should know about or that you'd like to see listed here, please email me and let me know about it. These are a few web sites that I visit regularly and would like to share with you. These are my personal picks and don't necessarily reflect the opinions of The People's Coalition For Justice & Humanity. I don't have any relationship with these sites other than that of a frequent visitor.
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Working For Change - This web site is sponsored by a long distance phone company that donates a portion of their profits to progressive causes. (I'm not a customer of theirs, I don't currently have a long distance provider) I like their columnists and the cartoons on the site. They also feature "Actions". A convent means of sending a prepared email on a topical issue to the relevant politicians, businessmen, regulators, etc... You can modify the prepared text or replace it entirely if you so desire. They frequently alert me to pending legislation, and shooting off a quick email makes me feel like I am doing something. I know that the two Republican Senators from Pennsylvania aren't likely to be influenced by my positions, but I want them to at least know where one of their constituents stands. I think my Democratic Congressman may be influenced on some issues if he gets enough letters and emails supporting one side or another. The web site also has a provision to look up your Senators and Congressman if you don't know who they are, and send them email on whatever subject concerns you.
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Union of Concerned Scientists Action Center - The Union of Concerned Scientists Action Center makes it easy for you to communicate directly with the people currently making critical decisions that affect our planet. The U.C.S. web site makes it easy to ensure that these policy makers get timely, accurate information to help them make decisions that will protect and improve the health and safety of our environment globally, nationally and in communities throughout the United States. It doesn't mean that the politicians, regulators, etc.. will use the information to make the right decisions, but at least you can let them know that you care about the issue and you care about their positions and actions.
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PRAWN - Philadelphia Regional Anti-War Network - This site is definately of limited value to anyone not in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley area. For those of us that live in and around Philadelphia it's one of the best places to find out about demonstrations, meetings, etc.. concerning the anti-war movement.
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Truthdig - Their motto is "drilling beneath the headlines", and they do a pretty good job at it. Truthdig also allows readers to post comments at the end of articles. Some of the comments can be enlightening, but they frequently show how hopelessly inflexible much of our divided nation is.
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Project Vote Smart - They provide biographical and voting record information on canidates running for office. This is the best single source for this information that I've found, but it still leaves much to be desired. The voting record information isn't complete. Nothing is as important as knowing how a representitive has voted on issues of concern when deciding how you should vote, but this information is often treated as if it's a secret with national security at stake.
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Marijuana Policy Project - The Marijuana Policy Project concentrates on the issue of access to marijuana for medical purposes. They are a good source for information on the status of the drug law reform movement in general. They used to have a convenient means of emailing the state Senator and Representative from your district with a prepared letter promoting medical marijuana legalization. While it was there, I tried to send off at least one a month and I miss the feature.
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National Organization For The Reform Of Marijuana Laws - Their name pretty much says it all. NORML has been fighting to reform marijuana laws for decades. They sposnor an anual smoke in in Washington DC. They have a daily podcast/internet radio show NORML Daily Audio Stash that provides up to date information on legal issues as well as information on medical research. This is interleaved with marijuana oriented music and humor.
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Reclaim Democracy.org - One of the many web sites trying to fight George Bush and the NeoCon view of the world. The have assembled a collection of quotes on the subject of democracy that I think is the best feature on the site. Quotes on Democracy, Freedom and Corporate Power Reading the quotes from James Madison, a president that I admit I never paid much attention to, gives me a new found respect for the man.
"If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."
"The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become instruments of tyranny at home."
"Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad."
-- James Madison
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It's like he had a crystal ball and could see in to the future and could fortell the coming of President Bush. More likely, he understood human nature and the way that some people exploit fear to enhance their own power. I owe it to myself to learn more about James Madison.
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