THE TRICKLE UP THEORY

The political catch phrase of the 1980's was something Ronald Reagan called "Trickle Down Economics." This brand of economics was said simply to make the richer even richer, and their wealth would trickle down through the economy to the less fortunate class of people.

Throughout the Reagan years, the poor and middle class waited patiently for the trickle down to get to them, but it seldom did. Trickle Down Economics worked very well for the wealthy Americans, but it had an adverse reaction for the rest of society.

Today there is a new version of the Trickle Down Theory. This version also involves the Republican party, the same party Ronald Reagan was so proud of. This theory is called Trickle Up Economics and like cream, it always rises to the top.

One example of the Triple Up theory involves Jack Abramoff. Abramoff never held an office in the White House but his bribery and scandals rose from the visitors area that Abramoff occupied, to the President's closet ally.

Next in the Trickle Up scenario is Scooter Libby. Libby was the close confidant to the Vice President, and helped his ally spread the name of a covert CIA agent for political gain. This scandal has slowly "trickled up" to the hallway of the President of the United States.

The Trickle Up theory raised eyebrows again as Alberto Gonzales became embroiled in firing U.S attorneys because they wouldn't indict Democratic candidates before an election. As the evidence unfolds the deeds once again have risen to the Presidents door.

As more and more revelations unfold, from the scandals of Republican Congressmen, or the disappearance of millions of dollars meant for the people of New Orleans and of Iraq, the cream always rises to the top of the U.S government.

The lying and trickery that brought a war in Iraq to the wounded soldiers lying in blood and urine at Walter Reed, the evidence once again "trickles up" to the Oval office.

The past six years have brought lies and wars, death and deception to a country that was once unified as one. Some call it treason, some call it shame, but the past six years have brought the Republican version of Trickle Up Economics, from the lowest of White House aides to the occupant of the nations highest office.

Our soldiers will not be safe and America will not be secure until those in Congress allow impeachment proceedings to "Trickle Up" to the top two people in the United States government.

Trickle Down Effect cartoon copyright: copyright socialwork.arts.unsw.edu.au/tsw/Cartoons.html


Deb & Lyd at Ray & Sharon Courts Hollywood Collectors Show last weekend

GOD BLESS GREENSBURG, KANSAS

(What's left of the Greesburg High School)

Nearly the entire population of Greensburg is homeless after the community is devastated. Greensburg is a beautiful, historic town in America's heartland. Ten people have now died in the worst tornado in our country's history. Miraculously, a baby was found alive above ground in a bathtub, nestled in her mother's arms. The mother was found alive too. Thank God!!

GREENSBURG, Kan. | This small southwestern Kansas town no longer has a grade school, a high school, a hospital, a fire station, a business district or a main street.

Eight residents lie dead, and it may be days before rescuers digging through unfathomable tons of rubble can figure out if there are more. A ninth victim was found in the Pratt County town of Hopewell. At least 16 others are in critical condition in hospitals as far away as Wichita, 110 miles to the east. (The Wichita Eagle)

Linda Young of ALL HEADLINE NEWS reporting from Greesburg reports:

Adding to the woes of residents of Greensburg, Kansas who survived Friday's tornado was the slow response by the National Guard. The guard had trouble responding because some of the equipment needed is in Iraq. One of the National Guard's primary duties is responding to natural disasters and assisting Americans.

Much of the money allocated to guard units is for the equipment, including trucks used to move equipment to wherever it's needed.

"Your National Guard is prepared to respond to fires, floods, hurricanes, and a host of other natural disasters," reads a statement on the Guard's Web site.

But the National Guard unit responding to the disaster in Greensburg wasn't prepared. It was slowed down in getting there because they didn't have all the equipment they needed to respond.

Some of their equipment is in Iraq, National Public Radio announcer Carl Castle reported Monday morning.

"We're missing about half our trucks" as well as Humvees and trained personnel that are in Iraq, said Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, on NPR Monday morning.

BIG WEEKEND! DE LA HOYA * DERBY * SPIDERMAN * CINCO DE MAYO



Mayweather beat Oscar de la Hoya in the big fight tonight at the MGM Grand. Our friend Steve Kaufman, the pop artist, did original art for the event.

This is a big weekend. First it was the red skin, then the black skin. The secretive commercials started coming early and I overheard my 12 year old say in a cryptic mesmerized tone, “Cool. The new one." The commercials had no voice over, no music, nothing except the red checkered, masked man.

I took four boys, ages 11-13, to see SPIDERMAN today. INCREDIBLE!!! There is a lot to be said for capitalism when its not abused. The most stressful part was standing in the will-call line, then having to race to get seats, then go back out and juggle 3 hotdogs, 2 nachos, 4 popcorns and assorted sour worms.

One of my sons had a crush on a certain girl last year in 4th grade. Now he says, "I can't be tied down all my life with one girl."

The kids stumble over each other trying NOT to sit next to me in the theater. God forbid I say 'cool, hip, hot, awesome, tight, sweet or bitchin'... or whisper a plot point in their ear. They hiss at me, SHH! SHHHHHHHHHH! Still, it is sheer magic being with them no matter how rude they are to me.

I have gone to the Kentucky Derby several times, as a guest of Anita and Preston Madden. There is nothing like going to the Derby and being driven by a police escort the wrong way on the freeway to get there on time! Those were the days when Mary Lou Whitney and Anita Madden would compete for celebrities to attend their Derby parties -- lavish affairs that would start at noon and last all night.

"There is a long tradition of wild and strange parties around Derby time...the most notorious is Anita Madden's Derby Eve blowout at her family's Hamburg Place farm in Lexington (her husband's grandfather, John E. Madden, bred five Derby winners there). The party, which benefits a Lexington charity called the Bluegrass Boys' Ranch, always has a fanciful theme. A sampling -- Rapture of the Deep, complete with mermaids and mermen and a figure of an octopus surrounded by a dry-ice fog; The Ultimate Odyssey, with young people togged out as Greek gods and goddesses while the Trojan War was reenacted under the gaze of a sixteen foot statue of Zeus clutching a neon thunderbolt." - Kelly Coughlin

Anita Madden would start the day by serving her guests mint juleps and a picnic lunch. We would all travel by a private bus to the Derby.

Robert Dreyfuss was in town Friday and we celebrated Cinco de Mayo yesterday at El Torito Grill. So great to see him. He knows everything about what's really going on in Washington.

THE CRUMBLING INDUSTRIAL BASE

FANTASTIC SHOW! TODAY we come up with solutions...on Basham and Cornell Progressive Talk, we interview Brian Katulis – who worked in the National Security Council at the State Department during the Clinton administration. After that, we talk with ex-CIA agent Larry Johnson about his letter to George Tenet and his views on the lies leading up to Bush's invasion of Iraq. Larry Johnson is an old school pal of Valerie Plame and has a terrific blog called NoQuarter.typepad.com

This is a show you won't want to miss. Lots of juicy details.

Brian Katulis is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress where he examines U.S. national security policy in the Middle East and democratization, with a focus on Iraq. Prior to joining the Center, he lived and worked in the Middle East for the National Democratic Institute and Freedom House, including projects in Egypt, Iraq, and the Palestinian territories.


SATURDAY MORNINGS TUNE IN LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS and LOS ANGELES to our show BASHAM AND CORNELL PROGRESSIVE TALK
from 9 - 10 a.m. We broadcast live -- or go to our website and click on the link to hear the entire show in the archives.

The U.S trade deficit with China has risen to a $46.4 billion deficit for the first quarter of this year, which is twice what the deficit was the first quarter of 2006. In 2006 the U.S trade deficit was an astounding $233 billion.

At least eight million U.S jobs reportedly have went overseas over the past several years, and the manufacturing industry has been hit the hardest. Off shoring of jobs has also hit the technology industry as well as business and professional services.

The U.S auto industry for instance is in serious trouble. Both General Motors and Ford have reported major losses and are teetering on the brink of oblivion, while Daimler-Chrysler hopes to sell The Chrysler Group due to falling profits.

The U.S manufacturing industry will take another major blow as more than two-hundred thousand U.S auto jobs are to be exported to China, India and Mexico within three years which will cause auto assembly and auto parts plants in the U.S to shut down.

Ford has been busy building new plants in China and Thailand while expanding production in India. General Motors has also been investing in manufacturing facilities in several countries while closing many within the U.S.

There are a reported 44 million workers in the U.S who no longer have regular full time permanent jobs. There are at least 60 million workers or 40 percent of the U.S workforce who are unemployed, underemployed, part time or temporary workers.

Rising health care costs and outrageous executive compensation packages as well as the rising level of foreign imports have led the American Industrial base to be in dangerous peril. As the Bush administration seeks further freedoms in negotiating trade agreements, U.S workers of every genre face a future tied to the interests of Corporate America.

Don't forget to listen to the Basham and Cornell Progressive Talk Radio Show Saturday at 9:00 AM PST. BashamandCornellProgressiveTalk

PELOSI TAKES TALLY FOR IMPEACHMENT

Who won the Republican debate tonight? Would love to hear your comments. Did John McCain actually say this sentence: "We have to dispose of 12 million people who are in the country illegally." If so, was it a Freudian slip?

How many times did Rudy mention how great he was during 911?
If I had to choose a Republican candidate, I'd choose Ron Paul. But I liked Mike Huckabee's brave response to one question. He said it is criminal for CEOs to take 100 million dollar bonuses, while employees who have worked there for 30 years are laid off and they lose their pension plans. He said this is criminal if its not taken care of or prosecuted, no Republican deserves to win in 2008. Here he clearly blamed the Republicans.

One thing for sure, the Reagan Library is a spectacular place. We visited it on Spring Break with the kids.


I WANT YOU!

Before we talk about the Iraq Accountability Act and bringing our troops home, here's how you can SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. This is a great organization that I just donated to. I tried sending my own homemade care packages to the troops, but this group does it better. Donate whatever you can; let's make our troops' last few months in Iraq full of as much comfort and love as we can send them!

Uncle Sam's question of service to country speaks to us all. Will you help those volunteer servicemen and women stationed far from home in harms way? Will you support our troops and Project: Hollywood Cares? They need donations and volunteer help. Project Hollywood Cares

When 1st Class Petty Officer Tyler Borgwardt of the 1/57 EOD company stationed in Iraq was sent a care package containing a selection of DVDs and CDs, he was invited to send us the names of his fellow service members who would also enjoy a package. This invitation is always extended in the personal letter we include in every individually addressed package we send. Here is his grateful reply...


"...Thank you very much for the package. I just received it today. Everyone here definitely agreed that this has been the best package to date. I can't thank you enough. I especially like the EMMY T-shirt. Its my new favorite shirt. Here's a list of people in our company who would be stoked to get a package from you guys..."

Petty officer 1st class Cedric Wilson
Petty officer 1st class Rob Lewis
Petty officer 2nd class Krishna Hadyen
Petty officer 2nd class Steve Andrews
Petty officer 2nd class John Mantle
Petty officer 2nd class Mike Healy
Petty officer 2nd class Eric Konkel
Petty officer 2nd class Curtis Hall
Petty officer 2nd class Kyle Dewey
Petty officer 2nd class Jeremiah Crum
Petty officer 3rd class Nate Breen
Chief petty officer Ron Olmsted

All these people are at the same address that you reached me at. Again thank you very much. We'll be getting some pics together soon and sending them to you.

Sincerely,
Tyler
**************************************************************************************************************************
This is pretty much standard operating procedure for Project: Hollywood Cares these days, - send one package and receive 19 requests. But what we are now able to do (AND DID) is send completely different programs and movies in each of the 20 boxes and create a video collection for all hands of this large EOD company to share and enjoy. It's the military way "to share".

By the way, what's an EOD company do in Iraq? It's an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit who's daily job is handling,diffusing and disposing of IED's, booby traps and munitions.

Take a moment to again look at the appreciative reaction of these tough bomb experts in the photos above! Would you not agree that we are making a difference in helping our brave servicemen and women serving America far from home in extremely difficult duty!

God Bless the Navy's 1/57 EOD Company and the sacrifices & casualties these tough sailors have endured & suffered
in serving their country.........

PELOSI IS TAKING TALLY FOR IMPEACHMENT
WE HAVE LOST MORE AMERICAN LIVES IN IRAQ (WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH 911 AS THE PRESIDENT ADMITS) THAN WE LOST ON 9/11. WHAT ON EARTH CAN BE WORTH THE LOSS OF ONE MORE AMERICAN LIFE?




Here's a letter I received from John Conley, the disabled Marine combat vet who sent me his Purple Heart:

"The agenda of this Administration seems obvious to me. Until there is tangible proof to the contrary, I strongly suspect that the reason Bush won't accept a pull-out date from Iraq is because he's simply not allowed to by his boss, Dick Cheney, aka 'big oil's best buddy'. I'm not being sarcastic here. Smart alek in tone, maybe, but not sarcastic.

The grand plan (I'm sure this was addressed at the Cheney super-secret 'energy pow wow' with oil execs in 2000) was for Exxon Mobile and others to basically stake their greedy claims to oil drilling and production rights once we took control of the country while 'granting' the Iraqi government a pittance in royalties. The problem is that big oil is refusing to enter Iraq with workers until the violence drops drastically.

Although he'd never admit it, this scenario is the true indicator of success as described by Cheney and Co: that is, when big oil can begin stealing the country's oil without fear of being blown up. Peace is a great idea, but there will never be peace, short of big oil having control of the Iraqi fields.

This is in reality the only 'bench mark' these guys are interested in no matter what it costs in blood and treasure.

Just thought I'd drop you a note to brighten your day."
________________________________________________________________

Clif, our veteran from the Gulf War asked me to post this today. Congressman Jack Murtha is right, Impeachment is a moral imperative. According to the Constitution, and the laws of our nation President Bush has committed many high crimes and misdemeanors, and should be removed from office before he causes more harm. His war powers should be immediately frozen. No person with morals or good conscience — and no true Christian — can stand by and allow this president to lie, break laws and usurp the U.S. Constitution the way Bush has.

If we can't impeach, can't we start the process and freeze Bush's war powers in the meantime? Read the historic resolution of the California Democratic Party below.

Speaker is taking tally for IMPEACHMENT:

PLEASE CALL Nancy Pelosi's office right now. House Speaker Pelosi's office is taking calls voting for Impeachment of Bush/Cheney at 202-225-0100.
------------------------------------------------
Sparked by an insurgency among delegates, the California Democratic Party has taken an historic step forward on the issue of impeachment. In a resolution affirmed by the full state party convention Sunday, the Democrats called on the U.S. Congress to use its subpoena power to investigate misdeeds of President Bush and Vice President Cheney – and to hold the Administration accountable “with appropriate remedies and
punishment, including impeachment.” The delegate insurgency was coordinated by PDA and our allies.

While Speaker Pelosi had declared impeachment “off the table,” the DemocraticParty rank-and-file has demonstrated its commitment to putting the issue “on” the table. And it’s no longer just the rank-and-file: Even among the members of the
convention’s Resolutions Committee (appointed by the California Party chair), the impeachment resolution was the top vote- getter (tied with one other resolution). Coming on the heels of mass actions and resolutions across the country in support of
impeachment, and Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s introduction of Articles of
Impeachment against Cheney, this action by the powerful California Democratic Party
builds on the pro-impeachment momentum.

The resolution refers to Bush and Cheney
having acted in a manner “subversive of the
Constitution” by. . .

1) using false information to justify the
invasion of Iraq

2) authorizing “the torture of prisoners of
war”

3) “authorizing wiretaps on U.S. citizens
without obtaining a warrant”

4) “disclosing the name of an undercover CIA
operative”

5) suspending “the historic Writ of Habeas
Corpus by ordering the indefinite detention
of so-called enemy combatants”

6) “signing statements used to ignore or
circumvent portions of over 750
Congressional statutes”

The resolution ends by calling for “vigorous investigation” and “appropriate remedies
and punishment, including impeachment.”

READ THE RESOLUTION

Thanks to all your help and support - we
really are making a difference!

THE DAWN OF HOPE

"I think we can come up with a statement on which all Americans, Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, straight or gay, can agree, despite our country being so tragically and ferociously divided. The first universal American sentiment I came up with was: 'Sugar is sweet.'" - Kurt Vonnegut

"I am neither left wing nor right wing; I need both wings to fly." - Deborah Van Valkenburgh.



L. to R: Lydia, Wally Wingert's mom, Deborah Van Valkenburgh

In Burbank over the weekend, Deborah and I signed autographs and had fun with Henry Winkler (Fonzie from Happy Days and children's book author of the "Hank Zipper" series), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters and Beverly Hills Cop. Ernie guest-starred on our show in its first season); Michael Beck from The Warriors; Lorenzo Lamas; Juliet Mills; Larry Thomas, the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld (LOVE THIS GUY!); Bruce Kulick, incredibly gifted guitarist from KISS; Wally Wingert - actor, amazing human, and voice over artist extraordinaire; William Forsythe, Branscombe Richmonds who is now host of GOOD MORNING HAWAII. Deborah and I did an interview for the show, and I'll try to upload clips after it airs. I love Branscombe; he played Jackie Rush's love interest on our show. I met lots of others, but have to post them later. Met the legendary sketch artist ROMEO who works in blue pencil; he gave me a portrait of my favorite actress of all time, Audrey Hepburn.

My son got INVADER ZIM'S autograph, Richar Horvitz, who played ZIM!!!



THE DAWN OF HOPE 2
Progressive is the term I choose to call my social and political leanings. Going forward, making progress, advancing new ideas, bringing people together in the spirit of love, making friends out of enemies, having compassion even for the offensive and downtrodden (because I know what it's like to have a bad day.) Progressive means enlightened, spiritual, diplomatic solutions... getting along with ones enemies, finding common ground, realizing that by joining forces and engaging in community we become stronger and better human beings.

Regressive is the opposite of progressive. In my view, regressive thought encompasses the belief that fighting one's enemies is the way to peace! Never have I heard a more ridiculous statement, but it seems to be the philosophy of the regressive movement. Religious fundamentalism is dangerous in any culture. Being focused on materialism, and on judging others completely negates the love required in order to live in a society. Fundamentalism is the primitive, archaic, eye-for-an-eye mentality -- the way of people who are too afraid of losing what they have and too protective of their own possessions. People who are afraid.

Strong people do not need to fight -- or hide behind guns. Truly brave and courageous men do not breed enemies. They are clever enough to outwit and outsmart their enemies by keeping them close. What sane person on earth, if he's not in law enforcement, needs a semi-automatic weapon?

The Constitution of the United States of America mentions "military defense" only once. But it mentions the importance of sharing, helping each other, helping the states, and building community -- several times, repeatedly.

Our Founding Fathers would not recognize the executive branch today. Their values are quite different from the values of America.

God helps those who help others. "God helps those who help themselves" is not mentioned in the bible anywhere. We must replace the idea of "rugged individualism" with "helping others within your community" because no one ever really made it on his own without a helping hand.

I really feel as if the tide is turning and we are all going to be okay. We will avert nuclear war with Iran, despite the president's war lust, and we will create a safer, cleaner better world. Because we all have intentions toward life and peace.

I signed autographs on Friday and Saturday at Ray Courts show in Burbank and spoke to several people about the state of the world. Eight out of ten people, including a police officer, despise this war and think badly of Bush. Only two people I spoke to the entire day said that they could never vote for a Democrat becaues they are pro-life. They never once acknowledge that the war in Iraq has killed 650,000 Iraqi civilians and innocent children, including babies -- even though they are "pro-life." They are so brainwashed they actually do not understand that Democrats are NOT PRO-ABORTION. Democrats hate abortion too.

These unthinking people who parrot the Bush party line, are killing more innocent souls with their ideology and they refuse to wake up and see it.

Got this from a LAKE TAHOE Journal: "Deep inside of us, we hunger for a simpler life. The fresh mountain air, the smell of pine needles and the bluest lake in the world. Nothing alleviates stress better than the surreal beauty of nature."

If you missed it, YOU WILL NEVER WATCH TV NEWS AGAIN after watching the electrifying PBS Special by Bill Moyers "BUYING THE WAR."

"Buying the War," a 90-minute documentary that explores the role of the press in the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq. This riveting, thorough investigation includes interviews with Dan Rather, formerly of CBS; Tim Russert of MEET THE PRESS; Bob Simon of 60 MINUTES; Walter Isaacson, former president of CNN; and John Walcott, Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel of Knight Ridder newspapers, which was acquired by The McClatchy Company in 2006.

In "Buying the War" Bill Moyers and producer Kathleen Hughes document the reporting of Walcott, Landay and Strobel, the Knight Ridder team that burrowed deep into the intelligence agencies to try and determine whether there was any evidence for the Bush Administration's case for war. THIS WILL SHOCK PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN BUYING THE PROPAGANDA OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. BUSH AND CHENEY MUST BE IMPEACHED.

NETWORK OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESSIVES AIM TO:

* Bring about a new bottom line of love and caring in America
* Challenge the misuse of God, religion, and spirit by the religious right
* Challenge the anti-religious and anti-spiritual biases in some sectors of liberal culture

www.spiritualprogressives.org

Talk Radio

SATURDAY MORNINGS TUNE IN LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS and LOS ANGELES to our show BASHAM AND CORNELL PROGRESSIVE TALK
from 9 - 10 a.m. We broadcast live -- or go to our website and click on the link to hear the entire show in the archives.

LISTEN TO YESTERDAY'S SHOW IN THE ARCHIVES: Yesterday, we had Paul Waldman from Media Matters on to discuss Bill O'Reilly's delusional rant accusing Media Matters of being a propaganda website funded by George Soros. This is hilarious, you have to hear it. Media Matters.org is a Washington think-tank whose sole purose is to correct deception, misinformation and hate-speak in the right-wing media. Media Matters for America is a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.

TALK RADIO by Larry Johnson

Talk radio has become a billion dollar business in America and the audience is growing with the influence of Internet Talk Radio to capture a growing block of the audience. More and more people are logging on to listen to talk radio over their computers and hand held devices.

Conservatives took the lead in talk radio with influences like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity dominating the airwaves with their abrasive tones slanted sharply to a conservative point of view. As these shows caught on other conservative shows hit the airwaves and helped push the Republican party into power.

Progressive talk shows came at a disadvantage as the conservative influence had long dominated the airwaves. As Air America came into existence and progressive talk shows began to gain an audience, politics in the U.S slowly started to turn.

Eight of the top ten talk radio shows are conservative programs that reach millions of listeners, who daily use their broadcasts to further the conservative agenda. Each week these and other talk radio pundits make outrageous claims that often prove untrue.

A new breed of progressive talk has recently hit the airwaves. Broadcasting from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Doug Basham and Lydia Cornell host the Basham and Cornell Progressive Talk show every Saturday at 9:00 AM PST.

This Saturday on Basham and Cornell Progressive Talk they will interview Paul Waldman of Media Matters. The subject will be the recent outrageous remarks of Bill O'Reilly and other conservative claims that have been untrue.

Tune in Saturday at 9:00 AM PST for the fastest growing show in talk radio. bashamandcornell

DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES

Tonight is the first of the Democratic Presidential Debates.

8 Democratic Presidential candidates will square off in their first combined appearance on national television. Comment live.