It looks like medicine
In this Walruss interview, Jonathan Groner, an associate professor of surgery at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, describes parallels between lethal injection in America and the Nazi Germany "euthanasia" program. As in Nazi Germany, Groner says that in America doctors are today being asked to hold the lethal syringe.
Daniel Sturm: You say that you see similarities between Nazi doctors and U.S. execution teams?
Jonathan Groner: At Northwestern University I read many Holocaust books, being Jewish and having gone to Hebrew High School. It was interesting to see how intimately doctors were involved in the Nazi euthanasia program, and eventually in the genocide. When I was a surgery resident, I heard a lecture about Robert Jay Lifton, who studied the corruption of Nazi Germany physicians. Lifton described how the government recruited physicians to kill physically and mentally disabled patients, including the "criminally insane." What struck me was the idea of using healing imagery to justify killing. That stayed with me.
Daniel Sturm: When did you first become critical of the death penalty?
Daniel Sturm: You say that you see similarities between Nazi doctors and U.S. execution teams?
Jonathan Groner: At Northwestern University I read many Holocaust books, being Jewish and having gone to Hebrew High School. It was interesting to see how intimately doctors were involved in the Nazi euthanasia program, and eventually in the genocide. When I was a surgery resident, I heard a lecture about Robert Jay Lifton, who studied the corruption of Nazi Germany physicians. Lifton described how the government recruited physicians to kill physically and mentally disabled patients, including the "criminally insane." What struck me was the idea of using healing imagery to justify killing. That stayed with me.
Daniel Sturm: When did you first become critical of the death penalty?
Is lethal injection barbaric? Ohio revisits the ethics of execution
When Jonathan Groner put his dog to sleep, he knew the procedure would be quick and painless. He said he trusted the veterinarian because she euthanized dogs daily, and thought the procedure would be humane since dogs lacked a perception of time. On the other hand, he said there was no humane way to kill a human.
Since the botched execution of Joseph Clark last May, critics of Ohio’s lethal injection protocol have been pointing toward the immanent risk of torture in the execution chamber if a licensed anesthesiologist is not present.
"A humane execution is the ultimate paradox," said Groner at his Columbus Children’s Hospital office. The doctor of pediatric surgery and associate professor at Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health said he was troubled to see how the rise in Ohio executions was accompanied by the belief that lethal injections were non controversial. He drew a parallel between lethal injection procedures in the U.S. and concentration camp euthanasia programs in Nazi Germany (see sidebar interview).
Since the botched execution of Joseph Clark last May, critics of Ohio’s lethal injection protocol have been pointing toward the immanent risk of torture in the execution chamber if a licensed anesthesiologist is not present.
"A humane execution is the ultimate paradox," said Groner at his Columbus Children’s Hospital office. The doctor of pediatric surgery and associate professor at Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health said he was troubled to see how the rise in Ohio executions was accompanied by the belief that lethal injections were non controversial. He drew a parallel between lethal injection procedures in the U.S. and concentration camp euthanasia programs in Nazi Germany (see sidebar interview).
Governors debates in Cincinnati - Report from the front lines
I currently am a Democrat that is unhappy with the lack of leadership in my party, a party that can not admit it was robbed of the 2004 election, a federal crime of enormous proportions. I also currently am the campaign manager for my friend, Bob Fitrakis, the Green Party candidate for Governor of Ohio. Bob and I have worked on election investigation issues together since November 2004.
Now here is a peek into some of what I have seen this week.
Now here is a peek into some of what I have seen this week.
Clergy for Blackwell troubling
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- We Believe was troubled to learn that a group is
being formed known as "Clergy for Blackwell" - troubled but not
surprised. Spokesclergy for the group noted repeatedly that they are
speaking "as persons, as individuals," that being a minister "doesn't
take away my right as a private citizen." One might well ask - if one
is asserting one's individual rights, why wave the clergy flag?
We Believe that individuals do have a right to support political candidates of their choice. Yet We Believe that clergy have a higher obligation to work for the values transmitted for centuries through diverse religious traditions. One might well ask, "What Would Jesus Do? What Would Moses Do? What Would Muhammad Do?" Would they support Kenneth Blackwell? Would they endorse candidates at all? Or would they demand of all candidates that they address the issues that are critical to God's people? Issues like poverty, jobs, access to health care, living wage, adequate housing.
We Believe that individuals do have a right to support political candidates of their choice. Yet We Believe that clergy have a higher obligation to work for the values transmitted for centuries through diverse religious traditions. One might well ask, "What Would Jesus Do? What Would Moses Do? What Would Muhammad Do?" Would they support Kenneth Blackwell? Would they endorse candidates at all? Or would they demand of all candidates that they address the issues that are critical to God's people? Issues like poverty, jobs, access to health care, living wage, adequate housing.
Green Party candidate for Secretary of State files complaint
Tim Kettler, Green Party candidate for Secretary of State today submitted a complaint with both the Coshocton County Sheriff's department and the Coshocton County Prosecutor alleging misconduct during the 2004 Presidential Vote Recount. Those named in the complaint include the Directors and Members of the Coshocton County Board of Election, as well as Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell and at least three of his employees. The complaint also demands the appointment of a special prosecutor and a court order to preserve documents.
"With voter confidence and participation at an all-time low it is imperative that our election officials conduct our elections with transparency and integrity. The Republicans and Democrats presently in control of the process have failed to live up to that responsibility and voters demand accountability for this failure", Kettler said on Wednesday.
Kettler's platform calls for the inclusion of Independents and Third Parties at the local board level and the use of hand counted paper ballots to insure a verifiable record of votes cast.
"With voter confidence and participation at an all-time low it is imperative that our election officials conduct our elections with transparency and integrity. The Republicans and Democrats presently in control of the process have failed to live up to that responsibility and voters demand accountability for this failure", Kettler said on Wednesday.
Kettler's platform calls for the inclusion of Independents and Third Parties at the local board level and the use of hand counted paper ballots to insure a verifiable record of votes cast.
Stop Blackwell from supervising his own election!
Join the movement for free and fair elections in Ohio! Stop Secretary of State Ken Blackwell from supervising his own election. We know what happened when he worked as the co-chair for Bush and Cheney in 2004. Lines at the polls in the inner cities, purging voters, suppressing the vote with provisional ballots, suspicious vote counts in Republican counties... Here's your chance to sign a petition to put a halt to the corruption of Blackwell and stealing of elections in Ohio. Go to this website Stop Blackwell petition
Carol Fisher released from jail
After spending 5 weeks in jail, Carol Fisher was released from jail this afternoon. Carol is an activist with "The World Can't Wait- Drive Out the Bush Regime" in Cleveland OH. Her arrest, trial, and conviction began when she put up a couple "Bush Step Down" posters on telephone poles in Cleveland Heights on January 29, 2006.
Two separate court orders were issued releasing her from the Cuyahoga County Jail, cutting short her original 2-month sentence. On July 6, the court of appeals finally granted her an appeal bond, letting her out of jail while her trial and conviction are reviewed by a higher court. And today, the original trial judge, Timothy McGinty, released her on time served, indicating that she had spent enough time in jail. But she is still under court order to take an "anger management class" and do two years probation with community service.
Two separate court orders were issued releasing her from the Cuyahoga County Jail, cutting short her original 2-month sentence. On July 6, the court of appeals finally granted her an appeal bond, letting her out of jail while her trial and conviction are reviewed by a higher court. And today, the original trial judge, Timothy McGinty, released her on time served, indicating that she had spent enough time in jail. But she is still under court order to take an "anger management class" and do two years probation with community service.
Aaron Russo's new film, America: From Freedom to Fascism
ADVANCE SCREENING & FUNDRAISER PREVIEW
COZMIC PIZZA
8TH & CHARNELTON
EUGENE, OREGON
THURSDAY, JULY 6TH 6:00PM (Introduction, Screening, with Q&A)
FRIDAY, JULY 7TH 9:00PM (Screening)
SATURDAY, JULY 8TH 7:00PM (Screening)
SUNDAY, JULY 9TH 8:00PM (Screening)
Free advance tickets available at Books Without Borders located inside the Cozmic Pizza building.
Donations $3-10 or more at the door.
website: www.freedomtofascism.com
OH MY GOD I HAD NO IDEA!! That's what the audience is saying as they walk out of Aaron Russo's new film, America: From Freedom to Fascism. Their voices are hushed. Some faces are pale and wet with tears, sick at what they've discovered. Many are red, angry to learn for the first time that they have been robbed -- their country, their rights, and their very future have been stolen from them and their children.
But it may all end right there - all Aaron's work, all his sacrifice, his vision, the possibilities to make a real change in America, unless we pitch in and help him. Let me explain.
COZMIC PIZZA
8TH & CHARNELTON
EUGENE, OREGON
THURSDAY, JULY 6TH 6:00PM (Introduction, Screening, with Q&A)
FRIDAY, JULY 7TH 9:00PM (Screening)
SATURDAY, JULY 8TH 7:00PM (Screening)
SUNDAY, JULY 9TH 8:00PM (Screening)
Free advance tickets available at Books Without Borders located inside the Cozmic Pizza building.
Donations $3-10 or more at the door.
website: www.freedomtofascism.com
OH MY GOD I HAD NO IDEA!! That's what the audience is saying as they walk out of Aaron Russo's new film, America: From Freedom to Fascism. Their voices are hushed. Some faces are pale and wet with tears, sick at what they've discovered. Many are red, angry to learn for the first time that they have been robbed -- their country, their rights, and their very future have been stolen from them and their children.
But it may all end right there - all Aaron's work, all his sacrifice, his vision, the possibilities to make a real change in America, unless we pitch in and help him. Let me explain.
Buckeye media stonewalls Green Party ballot victory
The Ohio media has imposed a near-complete wall of censorship against the Buckeye Green Party, even though it has now qualified for the statewide fall ballot. Though small in number, the Greens could prove decisive in the epic struggle for the governor's mansion, which in turn could determine the next president of the United States.
The governor's race here is particularly crucial because the Republican nominee is none other than J. Kenneth Blackwell. In 2004, Blackwell became the second Republican Secretary of State to administer a decisive statewide election while simultaneously serving as co-chair of that state's Bush-Cheney campaign. Katherine Harris did it first in Florida 2000, and was rewarded with a safe Congressional seat. She is now running for the U.S. Senate.
Blackwell hopes to cash in by grabbing the Ohio governor's mansion. It's a position from which he could play a decisive role in determining who will win in 2008. No Republican candidate has ever won the White House without carrying Ohio. Only John Kennedy has done it for the Democrats.
The governor's race here is particularly crucial because the Republican nominee is none other than J. Kenneth Blackwell. In 2004, Blackwell became the second Republican Secretary of State to administer a decisive statewide election while simultaneously serving as co-chair of that state's Bush-Cheney campaign. Katherine Harris did it first in Florida 2000, and was rewarded with a safe Congressional seat. She is now running for the U.S. Senate.
Blackwell hopes to cash in by grabbing the Ohio governor's mansion. It's a position from which he could play a decisive role in determining who will win in 2008. No Republican candidate has ever won the White House without carrying Ohio. Only John Kennedy has done it for the Democrats.
God's politics at the Statehouse: Ohio abortion hearing goes to Sunday school
Ohio anti-aborts hauled out their big guns Tuesday (June 13) for the HB 228 show hearing at the Statehouse. It ended not with a bang but with a whimper, when House Health Committee Chair John White (R-Kettering) shut off debate after 6 hours of testimony from four panels--2 supporting and 2 opposing. The abrupt ending left about 60 witnesses on both sides, claiming they’d been promised the podium, fuming.
HB 228, bans all abortion in the state and criminalizes anyone who performs abortions, and individuals (including husbands and parents) who transport Ohio women to other states to procure abortions. A clause in the bill theoretically protects doctors from prosecution who “unintentionally” terminate a pregnancy while trying to save the life of the woman--an exclusion that nobody seems to buy.
HB 228, bans all abortion in the state and criminalizes anyone who performs abortions, and individuals (including husbands and parents) who transport Ohio women to other states to procure abortions. A clause in the bill theoretically protects doctors from prosecution who “unintentionally” terminate a pregnancy while trying to save the life of the woman--an exclusion that nobody seems to buy.