Thursday, January 26, 2006

Southern/Central California












Tomorrow I'll do the Bay Area.

25 comments:

Amber said...

this is in southern california? I never noticed all these little signs...

april said...

I admire all the effort you've put into this. Just wondered how much time it takes you to do this? Do youdo it in your spare time or does it take more than that?

Unknown said...

I have the same question as April... Seems like this could take a lot of time...

Freewayblogger said...

The signpainting and posting's pretty quick. I can paint fifty signs, large or small, in an evening, and posting goes quickly once you've figured out the good spots and established a route.

What's time and effort intensive is getting others to follow suit: keeping the blog and website current and in the public eye, etc. Can't say it's not a labor of love though... This country and the things it's supposed to stand for are getting deep-sixed in the interests of a very few people, partially because the political dialogue is also in the hands of a very few people, most of them on TV and just about all of them in the pay of corporate entities who don't have the best interests of the nation at heart.

Simple though it may be, public signposting is the most effective way I can think of for the common individual to be heard without corporate filtration, so I kind of have to keep at it until people either get it, or I become convinced that they simply never will.

OurStruggle said...

Wow amazing. I swear my family in the area know of your signs. It is so amazing I actually ound this page surfing around.

Keep struggling against destruction and please keep you message of peace visible for the world. People do know about your signs, even as far away as Edmonton Alberta Canada..

Anonymous said...

Yes, so there is a war, and our president is kind of dumb, and started it for a nonexistant reason (WMDs), but in the end, it has started to be a good theng, we are bringing freedom to people who have been oppressed for years, dont you think thats a good cause.
Also, the soldiers in the war made a decision to join the military, they weren't drafted like in korea, and the u.s. hasn't had as many deaths as it did in the civil war. at the end or the civil war, there were approximately 560,300 deaths, and that is a lot more than any of the other wars the us has been in. So i really think that you are being kind of dumb.
NO I'M NOT A REPUBLICAN I HAVE NO POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS WITH ANY PARTY AT ALL, I'M IN HIGHSCHOOL.

D said...

Yes, so there is a war, and our president is kind of dumb, and started it for a nonexistant reason (WMDs), but in the end, it has started to be a good theng, we are bringing freedom to people who have been oppressed for years, dont you think thats a good cause.

Bullshit. We're invading a country that wasn't a threat. That's talking-point bullshit.

Also, the soldiers in the war made a decision to join the military, they weren't drafted like in korea, and the u.s. hasn't had as many deaths as it did in the civil war.

The National Guard members being shipped off didn't agree to that. They're National Guard, they're supposed to GUARD THE NATION. More talking-point bullshit.

at the end or the civil war, there were approximately 560,300 deaths, and that is a lot more than any of the other wars the us has been in. So i really think that you are being kind of dumb.


Are you ignorant, or have you not yet learned about advances in military combat since then? We don't have huge platoons of soldiers march onto battlefields and fire at each other in rows like then. We have methods that make that obsolete. Warfare has changed.

Kindly buzz off until you learn a few things for yourself.

Unknown said...

It's not necessary to be so obnoxious Damian. State your argument and move on. No one wants to listen to ranting.

Good job with the signs freewayblogger!

Anonymous said...

DAMIEN

"Bullshit. We're invading a country that wasn't a threat." --Well, unless you consider everything they've done within their region to destabilize a fragile peace, as well as torture their own people, and their neighbors, and export terrorism. And, oh yeah, I think I recall reading somewhere that they ignored UN Resolutions for 12 years WITH THE HELP OF YOUR PRECIOUS UN's SENIOR STAFF.

"The National Guard members being shipped off didn't agree to that. They're National Guard, they're supposed to GUARD THE NATION."

I know you have no idea what you’re talking about because you, Damien, lack any experience in this arena. So, let me enlighten you: There's nothing whatsoever in the Oath of Enlistment, the paperwork one signs, or the training one receives as a Natl Guard or Reserves soldier that states you will never be deployed overseas.

In fact, historically, the overwhelming majority of soldiers in WW2 & Korea, as well as a large contingent of forces in Vietnam were, in fact, NG and Reserve troops.

And before you go shooting your smug cunt lil’ mouth off, let me preempt your next argument, having your enlistment extended by STOP LOSS is explained to every inductee at the briefing received at the MEP Station. And if any unscrupulous recruiter lied to a NG or Reserve recruit about “never having to serve overseas” than his/her ass should have to serve out that soldiers overseas tour.

And what of this on Damien’s blog: “The next time I see someone equate Michael Moore with Ann Coulter (I'm not going to call her what I usually call her, since it involves a word that some people really don't like), I'm beating the tar out of them.” Interesting, you can equate Bush to Hitler, but Coulter/Moore is off limits, eh? And what kind of anti-war person threatens to “beat the tar” oout of someone?

I think I know all I need to know about you Damien from your smug little picture, and your ill informed and angry rant. And what a pleasant person you are describing yourself this way on your blog profile: "I'm liberal, outspoken, and usually in a fairly bad mood. Just keep from annoying me and it'll all be good."

My goodness, someone needs to grow up.


WAMLAND: You’re so proud of the Downing Street Bus – did you read the second panel carefully? “Ignoring pre-9/11 warnings” Hmmm, let’s think about who was in office pre-9/11 that ignored warnings and –speaking from military experience here—didn’t take out OBL when he had the chance? Who was that? Was it Bush…no, no, wasn’t Bush.

I don’t care about a man getting a blow job, really, I liked Clinton, but allowing terrorists to walk free when you have the chance to kill them is …well, it’s like ignoring pre-9/11 warnings.

And as for your personal –yet unvoiced- problem with propaganda in Iraqi news, what of your blog’s propaganda (picture of bush kidnapping Sheehan)? Or this sites? Is it any less devious than what the people you so admonish are doing?


Disabled Military Vet. & Diehard Supporter of Free (Intelligent & Well-Informed) Speech.

Anonymous said...

Seems you have a shitload of time on your hands. Way to go. I guess someone has to do something with their time if they have too much of it. Nice way to use up all that foriegn oil huh? Driving all over, using gas, making more smog. BTW, I live in Cali and trashed one of your signs. Was really trashing up the neighborhood. Maybe you can get one of your liberal friends to whip up some non-biodegradable ones that don't burn easily.

Anonymous said...

I'm in agreement with the last guy.

While I think your signs are a great tool of free speech and perhaps enlighten people - I look at the pictures of the overpass, see all of those cars, and think of all of CA's ills.

It seems too many liberals are driven by a deeply rooted and fatally misquided sense of angst and self-loathing.

It makes me wonder if these posts decrying you will remain visible, or if you will walk all over our right to disagree.

Finally, and this I think it is sick, immature, and detremental to your cause for people like you and others here to compare the US with Nazi Germany, or the Pres. of the US to a CHimp., etc. It's demeaning to the argument itself and will prevent anyone capable of bringing change to ever take you seriously.

Anonymous said...

Soooooooo many war supporters.

So few volunteers.

At least someone has decided to stay home and keep the country safe from the opinions of progressive bloggers. And to the high school kid, Call 800-872-2769. Sign up now. All you people who support the war please list your lame ass excuses for not going to fight it. I'm not fighting it because I don't believe in it. What's your excuse ?

Wtheproblem.com

Anonymous said...

Soooooooo many uneducated, weed smoking, pansies in need of a hug who think being a smart ass and chanting slogans will get them anywhere in this world.

"W" Love those stickers - they are so mature. I'm sure your idea of enlightened conversation to bring about change begins with a bumper sticker that says "F the President" or "W Like a Rock Only Dumber." Really nice. And you wonder why no one listens to your idiotic rantings.

And, for the record, I'm not pro-war. As a vet I can tell you, I hate war. But sometime sit really is the only answer. And you know this, which is precisely why you didn;t take issue with the comments people made but rather that they were different from your own.

Also, we're glad that people lie you aren't in the military - that's why it is an all volunteer military.

And as for my "lame ass reason" why I'm not fighting -- unlike you, I did my time, got injured, tried to go back, cannot re-enlist due to being 30% disabled. And the only I'd go back is to help out my friends -- it's not a war for ooil, or land, or ideologies, etc.

Service to a higher cause and brotherhood are things you can only dream of comprehending.

And for all you people out there who think we can just sit down and rationalize with the terrorists and help them understand...here's an al jazerra headline for you "Iraq Abductors Threaten 4 Peace Activists...BAGHDAD, Iraq - The kidnappers of four Christian peace activists threatened to kill them unless all Iraqi prisoners are released from Iraqi and U.S. prisons, according to a new tape broadcast Saturday."

That's right, they don't want peace - they want incarcerated terorists and criminals released. If we did that, it'd be just like California. Then we'd be in some serious trouble.

Anyway, keep enjoying those liberties and freedoms that were won with the blood of revolution, a revolution that was backed by many of the nations now abstaining from the war in Iraq (and not for good, pure, peaceful reasons).

By the way, "wtheproblem" I love how you're getting rich off of the war, selling those stickers and using your company name as yor blog name. Click his name and go to his site where you can buy stuff. padding your pockets by preaching discontent. How is that for hypocrisy?!?!

WILL said...

Another lame ass war protester...Yawnnn!!!

Anonymous said...

The war is lost because we have too many cheerleaders (including one in the White House) and not enough volunteers. Read some news Chooch! Once again the masters of war have tricked America's dimmer citizens into thinking that every world problem can be solved at the end of a gun only to find themselves a dollar short.
Funny you should mention Clinton. I always thought the Clinton approach (sannitary bombings)was ineffective myself. But it was the Repubs who called it "wag the dog", remember that?
Just in case you missed it news reports state that Al Qaeda is as strong as ever in Pakastan and the new Saddam, dictator Musharraf, has put America on notice that the bombings have to stop over Pakistan. So much for "they can run, but they can't hide."
And how about reports that now the U.S. won't complete projects in Iraq because of security costs, bad planning, and priority changes. Only 49 of 136 water improvment projects will be completed because most of the money has disappeared down the Halliburton rat hole never to be seen again. I'm just a rank amatuer at profiteering compared to the Halliburton gang and Lord Dick.

And how about your old buddy the "King" of Saudi Arabia is out meeting with the Chinese this week trying to find new customers for the oil that we pay protection money on. So much for friends.

"And for all you people out there who think we can just sit down and rationalize with the terrorists and help them understand..."

How about that Hamas victory in Palestinian elections. I've got a feeling we're all going to see real soon that the Bush people have no problem negotiating with terrorists.

The truth is America has played it's hand and the rest of the world knows it. We can't be the policeman of the world anymore.

And while I would not want to see any peace minded person injured of killed I will say that any person Christian or otherwise who is in Iraq right now trying to spread the word is naive at best and is really part of the problem. What part of "we don't want you here" don't you people understand?

Anonymous said...

Damian...or whatever your name is..I would like to know something...
Are you or your family hurting emotionally or financially right now because of this war?

Anyone...Anyone???. I though so.

Listen Hun...pick something else to be pissed about ok. And go and volunteer to read to some children or something else that is WORTH doing, something that will REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

If anyone has a reason to be angry at the Government is ME not YOU sweaty. I think some maniac in here just needs some good old counseling for whatever it is that your so angry about, that you feel the need to express this so called passion that you have.

My husband is in Iraq right now. He's a K-9 Dog Handler, working with a Seal team right now, and you know what his Job is?. What he has to wake up to do every morning...To find BOMBS. Is he upset about his new duties or about this stupid thing Bush did...NO..and let me tell you why.

3 weeks ago, they saved 3 little kids, and there mother who was carrying her 4th newborn child from being blown to peaces..and this mother told them in broken English that she had all her family killed by her own people. What she wants is for her Children to have a normal life.

Do you know what my husband said to me over the screwed up telephone line...

"THIS IS WHAT THIS FIGHT IS ABOUT...Everything happens for a reason..weather it was a right or wrong decision to start this war here.....it is happening, and this war has it's PURPOSE NOW"!!!!

My husband is being shot at ok. And he is still proud to serve this country I may never see the father of my two little girls again. I don't think you are loosing sleep over this, nor do you have to hear over and over again..."When is daddy coming home"?.

So please will you SHUT THE HELL UP, because you don't have a damn clue what this war is really about.

This war has a purpose now.....it's happening....Eccept it, and let it go.

Freewayblogger said...

Dear Mother of Two,
I won't pretend I could ever understand or comprehend fully the situation you've found yourself in, but that doesn't mean you have a monopoly on emotions over the war. Some of us are hurt emotionally by having our country's ideals squandered as shamelessly as they've been of late. Your husband is a brave and honorable man, I'm sure, but the fact that there's a war going on does not in any way justify the war itself. Just as the fact that over two thousand U.S. soldiers have been killed doesn't justify having more of them killed, even if that's the latest justification from AWOL Bush and Five-Deferments Cheney.

As for reading to schoolchildren, I believe that's what our President's for... when we're under attack.

And as for all you pissed-off anonymous people, it seems to me you're all for freedom, except when people actually dare to use it.

Anonymous said...

what Damian said (several comments up) about the national guard not volunteering for this, they are only meant to guard the nation, is true, it is only partially true...while their main purpose is to guard our nation if called upon, they are also to be available for wherever they are needed...otherwise, they wouldn't be able to be called upon to go to war...and yes, joining the guard is voluntary, not forced, so they have not been forced into anything they did not sign up for.

Anonymous said...

Actually, we anonymous people are obviously for free speech. And, if you'll read your own blog a little more carefully, you'll see several people in opposition who state so.

In fact, I'm not in opposition to what you are saying or how you are saying it - I'm in opposition to ignorance as evidenced by the far too easy to repeat canned rhetoric that you and your friends dish out over and over again without any regard for factuality or accountability.

I'm opposed to ignorant speech so as equating Bush to Hitler, Iraq to Vietnam, and childishly moronic name calling like Rumsfailed, and referring to the Pres. as a Chimp.

It's all so very third grade and contrary to what you claim to believe. Raise your voice, stand for your principles, and demand to be heard - just do it in an intelligent, mature, responsible fashion that holds YOU to the same standard by which you judge others.

And what do I mean by that – well, you all get behind Clinton, but you never question his military background. You never question Kerry’s military background. Both of which are highly suspect and the subject of much validated criticism. So you don’t subject your own to the same scrutiny and childish, lame brained commentary as you do –using your words—“AWOL Bush and Five-Deferments Cheney.”

And on the topic of Pot Calling the Kettle Black, here’s a good question; How is that it was noble and righteous for people to go AWOL and desert top Canada during Vietnam, but once they become leaders it is all of sudden wrong and evil? Sure, it’d be wonderful if we had a Pres. Who was a vet and had a spotless record on all accounts: political, religious, military, academic, social, etc. But the reality is, Dem, Rep, Ind, Green, that person doesn’t exist. So don’t be a hypocrite and applaud the hippies for burning draft cards and going awol, but attack Bush for his record. Again, it’s an issue of your argument standing up to serious criticism and the same litmus test by which you judge others. The rules don’t change simply because you don’t like him. And if the rules change that easily for you, how solid can your so-called principles possibly be?

And what of this off the wall comment: “As for reading to schoolchildren, I believe that's what our President's for... when we're under attack.” Excuse me, but as a soldier I was taking a shit when the planes hit. Does that me complicit in the attack? Am I now going to be the subject of one of your outlandish passive aggressive accusations? I mean, where were you FREEWAYBLOGGER? Where were you when the planes hit?

**Side bar: That picture that floats around of Bush reading the book where the book is upside down, yeah, that's fake. It's been photoshopped. However, certain people with an agenda continue to utilize it, which only serves to nullify their argument. However, I mention this because it's that attitude and behavior about which I am speaking. It's simply ignorant, childish, and contrary to what you people claim to be for.

The reality is you claim the Pres. Has polarized the nation, that he has destroyed our credibility, that he is running the nation into the ground – but what of you and your friends? Does the hate-filled, childish rubbish you peddle on this site, on wtheproblem’s website, on those signs – do those things do anything to divide the nation? No, of course not. Because when you speak out with an unpopular opinion, it’s different. But the reality is, it’s not. And deep down in your heart you know that. You know that the things you say and do have an adverse effect on a large number of other people. But you don’t care. And that’s because you are driven by a sense that you are right and the other guy is wrong. So, how different are you from the people you claim to be against? For the people you claim are stealing our freedoms, liberties, and rights?

In regards to your assertion that people who don’t agree with you must not want you to exercise your Constitutional rights, I retort: Please enjoy your freedoms by utilizing them to the fullest extent possible. However, (Quoting one of your signs) “When the Founding Fathers Gave Us Freedom of Speech They Wanted Us To Use It.” … add the words RESPONSIBLY & INTELLIGENTLY.

Freewayblogger said...

Yeah buddy, and Stalin was all for Free Speech so long as it was speech he agreed with. For what it's worth, when I first came up with "Chimpeach" I honestly felt like just keeping it to myself - that the level of political discourse had sunk low enough already... but then I listened to about ten minutes of Sean Hannity and thought, "Screw it - these clowns deserve pretty much anything that gets dished their way." Sorry if "Rumsfailed" and "Chimpeach" hurt your feelings laddiebuck... maybe if I hadn't had to listen to right wing blowhards vilifying me, my family and friends for the last fifteen years I'd be willing to cut you some slack. Free Speech means I say what I want, so stop sniveling and suck it up. It may take awhile, but I'm sure eventually you'll get over it.

Anonymous said...

First of all, we're flattered at wtheproblem.com that you included us with the Freewayblogger in your list of "the hate-filled, childish rubbish" suppliers.

Second, I Love Chimpeach !!

Third, and correct me if I'm wrong, I think you're saying is that people didn't publish unflattering, hate filled childish rubbish back in the days of the founding fathers.

You're wrong. Probably because you know your way around an M-16 better than you do a history book.

The truth is that our country has a long history of satirical cartoons and comentary being published both in print, like this blog, and on posters in public, like freeway blogging. What we do is not new. Some of the first acts of revolution in America involve the posting of unflattering and sometimes untrue material. And it's gone on ever since.

You say:
“When the Founding Fathers Gave Us Freedom of Speech They Wanted Us To Use It.” … add the words RESPONSIBLY & INTELLIGENTLY.

Actually, the founding fathers went out of their way to make sure that uptight, paranoid, types like yourself would never be able to stop free thinkers like us from expressing ourselves.

Read your history. It was against the law to criticize the king before the revolution. Not after.

Or maybe we can set up a government agency to decide what is "responsible and intelligent speech".

And freewayblogger is right. Toughen up !! How are you going to be Policeman of the World if you can't handle a few stupid stickers or signs.

wtheproblem.com

Defragging said...

keep up the good work! i support you and your cause 100% lol

Anonymous said...

I simply LOATHE how you guys (wtheproblem and freewayblogger) always manipulate, selectively twist, and complete obfuscate the words of those who "dare" disagree with you. All of you who claim to be so open-minded and educated really must learn (read carefully) that soldiers don't disagree, dispute, or dislike your right to speak out. We do not hate protestors, we hate the silly, narrow-minded, uneducated, ill-informed, party line, agenda driven methodologies by which you operate – none of which have any basis whatsoever in reality. Protest! Rise up! Speak your mind, but like the other posters stated, do it intelligently. Nevertheless, because you remain so thoroughly entrenched in your position and unwilling to listen, time and time again you completely miss that point.

Why you choose to remain ignorant is beyond me, but it has grown tiresome. Likewise, I have exhausted my patience, as painfully obvious that you simply refuse to truly listen to reason, or anyone with a dissenting opinion --how's that for irony and hypocrisy! I love how anyone who doesn’t agree is a “war supporter” or neocon, or Bush supporter, etc. You really, really need to learn more about the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen who make up your military – it’s truly a cross section of American society. Nevertheless, I’m sure you’ll have some negative (albeit detached and theoretical – and don’t go the “minorities serve disproportionately…road, it’s been disproved by three separate third-party studies) comment to dispute that fact.

Therefore, in response to your ongoing attacks against those who voice a dissenting opinion -and especially to your ignorant comment regarding soldiers knowing their way around an M-16 better than a history book-(for the record, by in large, we no longer use the M-16) I offer you this in response, which I hope you will read in the spirit in which they were written, rather than by focusing solely on the author:

"For it has been said so truthfully that it is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the agitator, who has given us the freedom to protest. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives that protester the freedom to abuse and burn that flag." ~Zel Miller~

"As citizens of the world community we owe our prosperity, our freedoms, and even perhaps our lives, to the American patriots of yesterday and today. More specifically, we have need to honor the pioneers and visionaries who founded our country, the soldiers and saints who have preserved it, and the heroes and martyrs who have given their lives to protect and defend its institutions." ~Kim Evans Jones~

'The United States remains the last best hope for a mankind plagued by tyranny and deprivation. America is no stronger than its people - and that means you and me. Well, I believe in you, and I believe that if we work together then one day we will say, `We fought the good fight. We finished the race. We kept the faith.' And to our children and our children's children we can say, `We did all that could be done in the brief time that was given to us here on earth' ~Ronald Reagan~

'Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.' ~Ronald Reagan~

I DO NOT AGREE WITH A WORD THAT YOU SAY, BUT I DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT." ~ Voltaire ~

And finally:

INFANTRYMEN'S CREED
I am the Infantry.
I am my country's strength in war.
her deterrent in peace.
I am the heart of the fight...
wherever, whenever.
I carry America's faith and honor
against her enemies.
I am the Queen of Battle.
I am what my country expects me to be...
the best trained solider in the world.
In the race for victory
I am swift, determined, and courageous,
armed with a fierce will to win.
Never will I betray my country's trust.
always I fight on...
through the foe,
to the objective,
to triumph over all,
If necessary, I will fight to my death.
By my steadfast courage,
I have won 200 years of freedom.
I yield not to weakness,
to hunger,
to cowardice,
to fatigue,
to superior odds,
for I am mentally tough, physically strong,
and morally straight.
I forsake not...
my country,
my mission
my comrades,
my sacred duty.
I am relentless.
I am always there,
now and forever.
I Am The Infantry!
Follow Me.

Before you attack me, I pose this question to you, freewayblogger, what are you doing today? Painting signs? And you, wtheproblem, coming up with new slogans? Here’s what I’m doing: opening polling places, water treatment facilities, schools, clinics, journalistic outlets, secure women’s rights, train the police and military, bring terrorists to justice, teaching leaders about democracy, liberty, freedom, constitutional rights, etc. You know, those silly little things that make the world safe for democracy.

Painting signs and launching bumper sticker attacks would be laughable if they weren't so absolutely pathetic in their insignificance. If you really want to make a difference in the world, come on over to Iraq and help these people. Or is that too much like reality for you? Would you rather stay in sunny California and live a comfortable life and just TALK about freedom, democracy, liberty, constitutions, et al. The MAJOR difference between you and me, I’m a man of action.

Don't bother flaming me in absentia - I'm not returning to your lefty cyber-stronghold. If you want to shut me up or talk smack, come to Iraq.

Or go here: http://www.blackfive.net/main/

Freewayblogger said...

Wow... Busy Day. Thanks for doing all that. Sounds like the rest of our boys can come home now...

Anonymous said...

You're a dupe at the very least. An imperialist at the worst. The Iraqi people don't want you there. Your just another page in a long history of American meddling in the area. You remind me of Steve Martin in the movie "The Jerk" where the sniper is shooting at him and hits the oil cans next to him. . "He hates the cans!! That guys trying to kill these oil cans!!"

Explain this to me:

The reasons to invade Iraq were as follows:

First, Bush claimed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. He didn't.

Then he changed the mission to: "we are fighting the terrorists in Iraq so we don't have to do it at home."

Then the mission was changed to: "When Iraqi forces stand up, we will stand down."

I thought we would stand down when all the terrorists were dead or in a secret prison somewhere.

So when did we decide to cut and run and let the Iraqis kill the terrorists?

Is there one war supporter out there who can explain this obvious flip flop in the war on terror?

wtheproblem.com