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Faulking Opinions - Jul 24, 2004 - Printable Version
- The Faulking Truth Dating Service
by Mark Faulk
Editorial Policy: At The Faulking Truth, we welcome all editorials, and will print as many as space allows (did anyone get the irony of that, since the internet is, like, totally infinite?). However, please be aware that all editorials become the property of The Faulking Truth, and as such, are subject to dirisement and ridicule. So go ahead, send us your worthless opinion at faulkingtruth.com. We dare you. Another month gone by, and I'm sitting here wondering why we haven't heard any more from "Rico from Rockingham". Our little project is growing to the point of almost out of control, and so are the letters we're receiving. People either love us or hate us, whatever happened to good old fashioned in-between, middle of the road, noncommittal, I-can't-make-up-my-mind apathy? Oh well, extremism is a lot more interesting.
I've just been informed that one of our writers, Russell Tharp, claims that he has fallen madly in love with someone who signed our guestbook, a girl (hopefully, anyway) who goes by the name of "Lily". In his overly fertile mind, she's a cross between Cameron Diaz and Paris Hilton, only hotter. Sure she is, and I'm a Brad Pitt/Tom Cruise clone. Whatever.
First of all, I have to issue a word of extreme caution here: this is the same guy who has written articles about "sex with chickens" (and is an admitted recovering "chicken sexoholic"), and who followed that up with a twisted little love story about a stalker in "Missed Connections". So, my advice to Lily is simple: Run away! And whatever you do, don't give this loser your real name or phone number.
Okay, that said, here's the letter that triggered Russell's latest perverse obsession:
Mark -
In your article "Work Hard" you said "Sometimes reality is even better than the fantasy."
I would have to agree with you. Although, if that is in fact true...You'd get the best of both world's by indulging in that "reality" and then fantasizing about it later.
Have your cake, and eat it too I always say.
Lily-Down by the Canadian
Lily,
Thank you for your kind (and somewhat stimulating) words. Dispensing life-altering advice is my specialty, and "Work Hard (And Other Observations of the Obvious)" www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/FaulkingAround/1003.html is full of it (life-altering advice, that is). You seem like a very nice girl, so I'll do my best to keep Russell from stalking you. One suggestion: you might want to consider changing your phone number, and having it unlisted.
Our guestbook took on a life of it's own last month, with posts ranging from intelligent exchanges between educated activists, to the usual sickos and psychos. Lets' start slowly, and work our way to the deep end:
Here are a couple of comments on Robin Buckallew's article "Toxic Texas" www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/GlobalWarning/1004.html :
Just read the article "Toxic Texas" by Robin Buckallew. She not only writes well but has something important to say.
The only hope for our children's ecological future is with voices like hers' crying from the "toxic wilderness". {Have you noticed the dramatic increase in childhood asthma and allergies?}
Well done, Robin. Maybe, some day, they will listen.
Arnaz-Oklahoma
I'm guessing that Robin Buckellew isn't from Texas. I understand what her point is, but I live here, and I like it just fine. If she lived here for awhile, she'd change her tune.
Texas Oil Man
I'll let Robin respond to that one:
No, I'm not "from" Texas. But you're wrong about living there changing my tune - after 3 years living in Texas, I think I can state that living there is not the way to change one's tune. I mean no disrespect for Texas (or for Texans, who are on the whole extremely kind to me); I think it is an extraordinarily beautiful state. I hate to see it choking to death. I love Texas. I encourage you to take up my tune; sing it as loudly and clearly as you can; let everyone hear you. Between us, maybe we can save Texas. Join me.
Robin Buckallew
A couple of comments on Kelsey Faulk's "One Nation...Indivisible" www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/CommentaryToo/1002.html , dealing with the separation of of church and state:
"One Nation...Indivisible" is a great piece of work. The U.S. Constitution is a secular document. Our founding fathers were Deists. They did not believe in orthodox Christianity or the supernatural. The framers of our Constitution wisely founded a government separating church and state. Now we have the religious right, as well as our president, asserting that we are, and have always been a “Christian Nation”, and attempting to write their religious morals into the Constitution. These people are not the patriots they claim to be. They are dividing this country on many fronts and playing right into the Islamic Fundamentalists assertion that we are engaged in a Holy War. Unfortunately, the U.S. is divisible, and these misguided people are driving the wedge deeper and deeper every day.
Mike-Carson City, Nev.
Nice article on the pledge of allegiance (One nation...Indivisible). Unfortunately, it's much harder to have "God" taken out (of anything) once He's there than it is to prevent it from happening in the first place. And yes, there is no question "which" God we are talking about here.
Joseph, Wisconsin
Mike and Joseph:
I'm paticularly partial to the author of that piece, since I helped bring her into the world (I did the easy part). Thanks for encouraging her, now she'll be impossible to live with.
Our guestbook was buzzing with posts about "Let Freedom Ring" www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/DownTheMiddle/1003.html by Down The Middle. I'll post a couple here, but look for the heated exchange between Shelto, Hawk's Cafe, Todd Buddy, and Wino Bob in the guestbook to catch all the fun:
The possibility that Iraq is primarily a strategic target so that we could gain our own giant military base in the Mideast is one I haven't heard before, and actually makes sense to me ("Shock and awe or shuck and jibe?"). That still doesn't justify it, but at least there is some logic there.
Dean Howard, Wyoming
I fear that Iraq's WMD were moved out through Syria, by freighter to Canada and then across the U.S. border against Controlled Goods Certificate, (issued in March 11, 2003) by corrupt officials in the Canadian ministry of public works. The WMD would now be stockpiled in America for a strategic occasion. Why did no-one (FBI or CIA) check out the UNMOVIC people in New York for Ba'ath Party agents? Big mistake.
http://parisien.org/arabic2.htm
http://parisien.org/arabic4.htm
Hawk's Cafe, Vancouver, BC Canada
And here's a stoner who loved the fact that we talked about weed in "Reefer Madness?" www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/DownTheMiddle/1003.html , by To The Left:
Whooo, dudes, I just smoked a fatty and read "Reefer Madness?'. Gnarly info, I can't believe that Hearst dude was so bogus he screwed it up for all of us stoners. Typical suit, trying to take away our buzz.
Jeff Spicoli, Ridgemont
Jeff,
First of all, loved the movie. But one question: what was up with the whole Sean Penn/Madonna thing, and Shanghai Surprise? I never did get that. Oh, yeah, one more question: Where's my bong?
This is a continuation of my running commentary with Pat King from last month:
Dear Mark,
I took your advice and I read your article views of "The Radical Middle"? Gracious! Just read what you are saying in your article where you claim to be the Radical Middle! I found lots of negative words about folks on the right, but I could not find any negative words about the folks on the freaking left. Just an oversight on your part? I think not. Radical Middle? Not even close. I am reading you as a guy who understands the conservative argument and actually supports it in your own way, but you grew up a liberal and are having a terrible time with dealing with the conflicts of reality. I am disappointed and surprised that you do not see this in yourself. But I will say this...you do sound like a good guy. Just not an objective good guy. But, maybe another Ronald Reagan in the making!
Pat King-Houston, TX
Sadly, I didn't get the chance to respond to his email personally, so I'll take the liberty of doing it here:
Pat (I can call you Pat, can't I? It seems like we've become old friends),
First of all, I do bash Howard Stern, MTV, BET, Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU in my article "The Radical Middle" www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/Commentary/1003.html , but that's not the point I'd like to make here. This is my point: I'm not objective. On the contrary, I'm opinionated, outspoken, and (on occasion) just plain obnoxious. And those are my good qualities. And as far as the "good guy" reference, thanks, but don't spread it around. I have a reputation to maintain.
And our usual never-ending debate on the stock market scandal continues:
Hi Mark,
Your expose columns on "Stockgate" are great and much needed.
As I wrote to you I would love to see a law suit directed directly against the Depository Trust and Clearing Corp. for constantly covering more short sales than real stock certificates in their "Stock Borrow Program." It would be wonderful if a District Court Judge could issue a cease and desist order for this unethical and damaging practice.
Arthur Krauser, Ph.D.-Miami, Florida
I'm really embarrassed for you, Mark. Initially, I thought you might be a well-meaning but misguided writer when it came to this short-selling issue. Now it seems to me that you're just plain misguided and maybe somewhat obtuse.
Short-selling does not have any role in the shaping of a company's fundamentals. Short-sellers are an effect, not a cause. They are drawn to companies whose management has, either intentionally or neglectfully, driven the business into the ground. Short-selling does not bankrupt companies; managements bankrupt companies
Frank in Montana
Frank,
You are one of the most intelligent people who posts here, but you always make the same argument: you first say that you are defending naked short selling, and then instead you make a valid argument for legitimate short selling. THESE ARE TWO DIFFERENT ISSUES! I am not a big fan of short selling in general, but that's just my personal opinion. However, naked short selling, or the act of creating counterfeit or fictitious shares (even to the point of selling more shares than there are in the entire float) is criminal. Period. If some companies are using this as a smokescreen to cover their own criminal or unethical activities, they are just as guilty as those who are perpetuating the naked short selling scam, if not more so.
Why do you defend criminals of any type? I believe that all criminals should be exposed on both sides of the issue, what do you believe?
I agree to almost all of what you are saying about this scandal, but I think you are unwittingly part of the problem too. When there are companies out there that are nothing but scams and people try to expose them all that happens is you have a swarm of paid pumpers shouting that no one could post things like that without being a naked short. There is never any dialog about what is posted or why it is incorrect, just post after post saying liar or naked shorts trying to steal your shares. Some companies are just corrupt and just because they manage to get coverage of their stories does not make them legitimate. In my mind there is no difference between the pumpers trying to hold the price up on a dog and the naked shorter trying to drive a company out of business. They are both crooks.
Anthony Fiore
Anthony,
You are absolutely right about the companies that are scams, and I believe that a great many scams exist. However, the point that I try to make (and maybe I haven't made it clearly enough) is that these companies use the short selling scam to hide their own fraudulent activities. If the naked short sellers are exposed and stopped, then the companies that are still dumping millions of shares into the float will be exposed as well. In other words, once short selling is stopped, they will then have to explain why shares are still being dumped, and will be exposed for what they really are. I believe that they are the worst type of criminal, because they defraud the very investors who support them.
Thanks again for your comments, I agree with you that they are both crooks. Hopefully, in the end, the truth will expose them all.
Here are my three favorite Bob Plant messages, along with the replies I posted in the guestbook. I deleted a bunch of his crap, just to flaunt my authority, but left a few so everyone could bask in his reflective glow. Take your meds, Bob, and call me in the morning:
BOB P.
GIVE A LIMPDICK A LITTLE POWER AND HE THINKS HE'S HITLER.
YOU NEVER DID IDENTIFY ONE HONEST AND VIABLE COMPANY TAT WAS HELD DOWN BY SHORT SLLERS. I DOUBT YOU CAN.
30 June 2004 - NOT A PLACE THAT TOLERATES PUMP AND DUMP SCHEMES
Dearest Bob,
Finally, you're showing your true colors. I'm saving that one for the next "Letters To The Editor". It's too revealing to delete. Love you too.
BOB P.
CENSORSHIP IS THE FIRST ACT OF A COWARD.
30 June 2004
Actually, I use my real name, sign my articles, and have an email address that is available to everyone. You are the one who hides behind an alias "Bob". This is my "house", I can choose who I put up with, and you have crossed the line. Later, have a nice hate-filled life.
BOB PLANT (HAPPY NOW, QUEER BOY?) |
BLAH BLAH BLAH.
THE ONLY PEOPLE I HATE ARE SCAM PERPETUATING STOCK PUMPERS WHO RIP OFF INVESTORS. SAD YOU DON'T GET IT.
30 June 2004 - CLEVELAND OH
Bob,
Now you're gay bashing as well? Keep it up, you're painting a pretty clear picture of yourself. I'm going to spend some time with my family, don't you have a dog to beat or something?
Here's one of the barrage of emails that was sent to Dateline (who chose to cower behind their desks instead of responding to their viewers concerns) after our article entitled "Is Dateline Losing Credibility Over Stockgate Story Delays?" www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/Investing101/1005.html . What a bunch of wimps!:
I have just learned that NBC’s Dateline is holding up the airing of the Stockgate Scandal for now over six (6) months. It seems incredible to me that when you have already gathered so much of this “Trillion Dollar Scandal”, that, you would for whatever reason hold up its airing. If you are wondering why people are becoming cynical about not only the Government, but, also the Media---well, your delaying this program is a good example of why. Delaying this program contributes to hurting the good people (Victims) and aiding the bad people (Perpetrators). All people really expect is the Truth on a timely basis!
If this is being held up for political reasons----it would only reinforce my above comment as to why people are becoming so cynical. Could you blame them?
If you are waiting for more information, I suggest that you air what you have now and let people know that you will be updating them in the near future. Let’s face it, this is a major scandal (Trillion Dollars) and should be aired (over the peoples airways) at least two to three times over the next twelve months. NBC would be doing America a real service!!!
I would appreciate your reply to the above.
Thank You, Fred
Random stuff:
Great site, nice faulking articles, it's conforting to know that there are people that share the same views and opinions as I. Faulk Bush, and Faulk harsh marijuana laws! Keep up the good work.
The SIC One, held down in Oklahoma
MICHAEL MOORE IS FAT!!!
Todd Buddy, Everywhere you want to be
Todd,
Yes, he is.
Hey Mark -
I think you may be the right person at the right time with the right attitude, talent and drive to do a lot of good for a lot of people. Right the f*ck on.
Dennis Smith
Dennis,
Thanks for the encouragement. However, the proper phrase would be "Right the faulk on".
The only "faulking" truth is that Conservatives dont need petty websites to try and make liberals look stupid...you guys tend to do that all by yourselves. Don't you guys get tired of complaining? Oh wait...I know, its easier to complain than to find better solutions. Case in point, what happened after 9/11? and whats up with your buddy Slick Willie...why is that joker trying to sell a book? Who gives a rip about his affair with monica? Does anybody remember that he lied UNDER OATH to the entire world!!!...I did not have sexual relations with that woman...what an ass head!
Todd Buddy, very close to you
I'll let another guestbook poster field that one:
I am so tired of the right wing's lack of debate. Mr. Buddy has, unfortunately, attacked with the same old line. Bill Clinton! Bill Clinton! Bill Clinton! Maybe, if he {and others} would study up on the real issues, we could talk.
By the way, I wonder what Mr. Buddy would say about his sex life, if HE was "under oath".
Terri Toon, Middle America
Dear Mark:
I would like to commend you on your story of Stockgate and also your piece "Talking to God". Good stuff and I love your writing style!
BTW Mark you're a true gem...
Best regards,
Leigh
Okay, I'll admit that I edited together the "good parts" of her emails, and that Leigh actually emailed me in reference to another story idea possibility (which we're following up on, it should be a great one), but I love her name, and besides, she liked my "Talking To God" article www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/CommentaryToo/1003.html ! With all the noise that we make with our political and social gibberish, it's about time someone recognized me for the true artistic genius that I am. Do I smell a Pulitzer Prize in the future? Not likely, but for now, I'll take any compliments I can get. In fact, even negative attention is better than no attention at all. Where's my therapist?
And here's my guestbook message when Ken Shade was displaced from his house for a few weeks. By the way, he's back at home, and in the thick of things at The Faulking Truth with "Some of My Friends are Confused" http://www.faulkingtruth.com/Articles/GuyWalksIntoBar/1005.html :
Ken Shade is still not back in his house after their recent fire, but he emailed us this joke from Kinkos. Hmmm, an anti-Bush joke emailed from a Kinkos? Could that be a violation of the Patriot Act? Run, Ken, run! Wait, you're a cripple, you can't run. Oh, well, call us if you ever get your one phone call:
How many members of the Bush administration does it take to change a lightbulb?
Seven.
One to deny that the bulb needs replaced, one to attack the patriotism of anyone who has questions about the lightbulb, one to blame the previous administration for the need of a new lightbulb, one to arrange the invasion of a country rumoured to have a secret stockpile of lightbulbs, one to figure out how to pay Halliburton Industries a million dollars for a lightbulb, one to arrange a photo session with Bush changing the lightbulb while dressed in a flight suit, and finally one to explain to Bush the difference between screwing a lightbulb and screwing the country.
23 June 2004 - A Motel 6 Somewhere in America
POST OF THE MONTH (because you can't go wrong with Bobby Kennedy and Mark Twain):
"In the beginning of a change,
the patriot is a scarce and brave man, hated and scorned.
When his cause succeeds however,
the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."
Mark Twain
"Fear not the path of truth,
for the lack of people walking on it."
Robert Francis Kennedy
There is a sea change moving with velocity that the piece work grunts must assemble in force to stick their collective fingers in the dam. This Treasonous Financial terrorism is coming to an end, and that my friends is a fact!
Jimymac
And that, as they say, is the faulking truth. Until next month, keep those cybercards and virtual letters coming!
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