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38 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006For The RepublicBy Chris FogartyREADERS ARE INVITED, asalways, to send in corrections of fact.This column reports what the restof the news media cover up or twist- the facts we need to be effectivecitizens.GREAT NEWS! The era of U.S.torture is coming to an end. Thiscolumn in November reported that theUS Senate had just passed McCain’santi-torture bill by 90 to 9 but thatBush had threatened to veto it. Now(December 15th) the US House hasfinally summoned its integrity. It hasvoted YEA by a veto-proof 308 to 122to restore the US’s traditional prohibitionagainst torture. The Bush & Cotorture days are ending.WHO VOTED HOW? All but oneof the 122 NAY voters were Republican.The lone pro-torture Democratwas Cong. Jim Marshall of Georgia.But here’s a shocker: Among theethically-challenged three abstaineeswas West Suburban “pro-life” Cong.Henry Hyde!FREEDOM’S BEACON, upheldby the US since 1776 until dumpedby Bush & Co, is now upheld byforeigners. For example, in an explicitrejection of US torture, the Germangovernment refuses to prosecute incases where evidence was extractedby Americans. Now Britain, Europe’smost-convicted torture State duringthe 1970s and 80s (its victims wereall Irish republicans), has followedGermany’s lead and will not acceptevidence extracted by Americans.U.S. PATRIOTS suffer to see ournation so debased. Foreign pols nowopenly call our nation’s representative,Condoleezza Rice, a liar, after shepublicly stated that the US does nottorture. (Someone ought to introduceher to Bush and Cheney both of whomarm-twisted congressmen to get themto vote against McCain’s anti-tortureamendment). CIA PLANESferrying detainees to secret torturelocations have landed in Shannonand Baldonnell in Ireland and inairports throughout Europe. Germanyand other European nations are nowbeginning to investigate. Two suchtorture locations have been identifiedas old USSR facilities in Poland andRomania. Now we learn that the CIA,tipped off about the impending investigations,emptied their facilities inPoland and Romania and transferredthe torturees to similarly secret facilitiesin Morocco outside the purviewof European investigators.AND IRELAND? Ireland’s Dáil(Congress), with its keen sense ofwind direction, is beginning to opposetorture. (It and Ireland’s newsGrace O’Driscoll and Katie Doyle entertain the guests at The BakedTomato Restaurant on North Elston Ave. at a recent fundraiser.media were largely complicit inBritish torture of Irish patriots.) Thefollowing exchange occurred in theDail on Dec. 6th:Mr. O’Toole: I know that my colleagueSenator Norris, will say somethingabout aeroplane landings but Dr.Condoleezza Rice reportedly said inGermany that European governmentsusing intelligence obtained by the CIAor other American authorities shouldnot question how it was obtained. Thisis an appalling reflection on the West.Is it any wonder that we are in troublewith the rest of the world?We must get an answer from the Americanauthorities at some stage aboutwhat Dr. Rice’s statement means. Is itthat the ends justify the means; mattersthat many people have questionedover the past one or two years? Peoplediligently stood up on principle andwere for or against the war or Americaninvolvement. They spoke honestly,openly and articulately. They must feelthe they are being let down time andtime again. That Dr. Rice could statethis brings a new end to the issue. Itis a philosophy without ethics and isimpossible for us to be a part of. Ifwestern civilization does not distanceitself from it, we will all pay a seriousprice in the short term. Other willhave more to say on this matter.Mr. Tuffy: I support Senator O’Tooleon the need for us to question theUnited States on its foreign policy.By us not doing that sufficiently, weare endangering our sovereignty. Forexample, if Shannon Airport is beingused to land CIA planes which arebeing used for bringing detainees toother countries for torture or ill-treatment,as has been alleged by AmnestyInternational, or if there are secretflights landing at Shannon beingused for who knows what by the USGovernment, it could be unconstitutionaland would have a detrimentalaffect on our sovereignty. We need toact on that now. I ask the Leader toensure a debate on the issue as soonas possible.Mr. Minihan: I, also, wish to commentbriefly on the use of ShannonAirport. I have spoken a number oftimes in the House on the situation inIraq and my views would be known. Icommented on the EU’s initiative lastweek in this regard. It is disturbingthat when we cut out all the semanticswe are apparently down to a definitionof torture. The admission thatthe planes are being used to moveprisoners is one issue, but where weseem to differ is on what is and whatis not torture. Given the admission,the statements made in this House byprevious speakers put a considerableonus on the Government to ask seriousquestion and I would welcome ifthose questions were asked.Mr. Norris: Good.Mr. Finucane: In recent times therehas been extreme concern on the basisof the statement by US Secretaryof State Condoleezza Rice, that theseplanes going through Shannon werenot being used for torture. Ms. Riceprobably coined a new expression inthe English language on the use of theword “rendition”. I always thoughtthe word “rendition” was a referenceto when one asked someone to sing atclosing time in a public house.Ms O’Rourke: Yes, a rendition ofa song.Mr. Norris: They will sing whenCondoleezza Rice gets her handson them.Mr. Finucane: However, the concernis that these same Americans whopreviously made statements aboutweapons of mass destruction in Iraqproved to be wrong. They have alsomade recent statements in respect ofphosphorus bombs and were provenwrong. Why should we believe CondoleezzaRice?It is not satisfactory for the Governmentto state that it has asked aspecific question and has receiveda response. There are concerns. Itis not sufficient to suggest, as wouldthe Minister for Foreign Affairs, thatif people have proof they should giveit to the government. It is now imperativethat the Government carry outinvestigations to try to find out whatis going on. All Members are awarethat there is much concern at presentas to what is happening.Dr. Mansergh: As far as Shannon isconcerned, the Minister for ForeignAffairs asked questions of the Secretaryof State and I understand thathe was given an unequivocal answer.While I would hesitate to describe heras a liar ------Mr. Norris: I would not hesitate.An Cathaoirleach (Chairman): Weare entering dangerous waters.Dr. Mansergh: ---there is no disguisingthe fact that throughout Europe,everyone is deeply unhappy aboutsome of the practices being used onthe war on terror and would like tosee the norms of international lawfully respected.Mr. Norris: This House led the way inalerting the public to what is happeningregarding extraordinary rendition.(A falsehood. For the past two yearsbrave spotters/recorders of those CIAplanes have faced arrest and violenceat the hands of the Irish gov’t. Therest of Sen. Norris’ speech was aclaim of political credit for opposingUS torture, while inadvertentlyrevealing that he and his colleaguesbegan to oppose it only after Germanyand other nations made it safe to doso. CF).JUDICIAL CORRUPTION inIreland is exemplified by its CriminalAppeals Court. Its 44-page verdictrejecting Irish POW Michael McKevitt’sappeal fails to rise to the ethicallevel of mere stupidity. One canonly speculate as to how the verdictbecame infested by MI5 propaganda.It is a long mash note to life-long UScriminal and four-time fraudulentbankrupt David Rupert whom FBIagent “Ed” Buckley criminally employedagainst Irish-Chicago in themid-‘90s. Rupert and Buckley thenwent to Ireland where they workedfor their MI5 handlers. Accordingto Irish news reports, Rupert actedas scout in a car bombing rehearsaljust prior to that of Omagh in whichtwenty-nine innocents died, uponwhich MI5 urgently recalled him toEngland. MI5/FBI crimes in Irelandexactly duplicated their earlier onesagainst us in Winnetka and Chicago.The only difference is that they succeeded,so far, in framing republicansfor Omagh but failed in their identicalattempt to frame the IRA (and me)for the Winnetka massacre and other,imaginary, crimes. The key differenceis that Chicago federal courts are lesscorrupt than Irish ones.THE FUNDAMENTAL LIE is thefalse attribution of British terroristmurders to Irish forces. The falseattribution of violence to the Irishunderpins the Irish gov’t’s acquiescenceto Britain’s policy of murderin Ireland. There is no excuse for it:the record is readily available. Forexample, see terrorismireland.org.THE EUROPEAN COURT for HumanRights will probably be the nextstep in getting justice for MichaelMcKevitt (after a pro forma appealto Ireland’s equally corrupt SupremeCourt). May it be done soon for Michaeland his wife Bernadette (neeSands, sister of Bobby), their family,and decent people everywhere.FRANCIE BROLLY FREE! Britforces arrested the Occupied Irishauthor/composer/singer recently onfalse charges but released him later.His haunting Blanketmen song makeshim a Brit target. Its chorus goes:So I’ll wear no convict’s uniform,Nor meekly serve my time,That Britain might brand Ireland’sfight800 years of crime.A political prisoner famously said atthe time, “The only way they’ll keepa criminal’s uniform on me is to nailit to my back.” All of that was beforethe sell-out by Adams & Co.WHO ARE THE TERRORISTSre Occupied Ireland? See www.terrorismireland.org.WHICH BRIT REG’T starved yourrelatives? See www.irishholocaust.org. Reach me at 312 664 7651 orfogarty@ix.netcom.com
January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 39I nvestmentIdeasBy Art NoonanBe Prepared forLong-term CareFinancially speaking, planning foryour future entails a certain degree offoresight. It’s hard to sit down right nowand accurately predict exactly whereyou’ll be in ten years, twenty years, oreven further down the road. And whilelooking ahead to the joys of travel andrelaxation and other benefits that wetypically associate with retirement, it’seasy to overlook unexpected eventsthat may occur during that time – oreven sooner.When you think about building yournest egg, you probably have goals inmind for what you want to accumulate,and you may even have ideas onhow you will spend that money. Butlong-term care is probably one of thelast things that comes to mind. Unfortunately,more than a few of us willlikely be affected in one way or anotherby a serious illness or injury that willrequire some form of long-term care.The prospect of depleting your hardearnedretirement funds to pay forsuch care is frightening. However, ifyou take the time now to plan ahead,you can be financially prepared shouldyou ever find yourself facing this typeof situation.Long-term care refers to the assistanceyou may need as a result ofa disability or a prolonged illness. Itusually encompasses a broad range ofsupportive medical, personal and socialservices designed to help people whosimply can’t meet their basic needsto live independently for an extendedperiod of time. This type of assistancecan be given either in the home, or at along-term care facility.Funding for long-term care can beexpensive, depending on the length oftime and the specifics of the type ofcare required. For these reasons, youshould be careful to assess a variety ofpossibilities, and develop a plan thatcould cover different situations. Hereare three basic ways you can fundlong-term care.Self Insurance – If you have assetsthat can easily be converted to cash,you can plan for long-term care bysetting aside a special fund just forthat purpose. Investments such as anIRA or an annuity provide a means formoney to accumulate until an illnessoccurs. The main advantage of insuringyourself this way is that the money willbe available for other purposes if younever need it for long-term care. On theother hand, the main setback of settingaside your own funds is the possibilityof falling short in your savings, causingyou to dip into other funds to payfor long-term care. Also keep in mind,taking large distributions from an IRAcould affect your income taxes. If youtake it upon yourself to establish thefunds, make sure you plan carefully soyou will have enough if you need it.Medicare, Medicaid and HealthInsurance – Many people believe theycan count on their current health insuranceor Medicare or Medicaid to payfor long-term care expenses. Unfortunately,most health insurance policiesdo not cover the costs associated withlong-term care. While Medicare offersmedical benefits to eligible seniors, itslong-term care benefits are very limited.Medicaid, designed for individualswho do not have the income or assetsto pay for long-term care, requires thatyou first deplete most of your assets(with limited exemptions) before youcan qualify. Relying on any of thesethree options could put you in a badposition if you eventually require longtermcare.Long-Term Care Insurance – Whileproviding tax-free benefits, long-termcare insurance offers specific protectionagainst the high costs of extendedhealth care. For a simple monthly premium,you get a policy that pays a fixeddollar amount for care you can receivein a variety of settings, including yourown home. This specialized insurancecan help you avoid spending your assets,and may even allow youMontroseChiropracticCenterChiropractic is based upon the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, selfhealingorganism. All of your body’s important functions are controlled by the nervoussystem: the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. Just as the skull protects the delicatetissues of the brain, the vertebrae protect the vulnerable communication pathwaysbetween the spinal cord and nerves. If the nervous system is impaired, it can causemalfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body.Doctors call this Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Doctors of chiropractic locate subluxationsof the spine and correct them, thus reducing their negative impact on thenervous system and allowing the body’s natural healing processes to be restored.5545 W. Montrose, Chicago 773-282-6648Cedarburg Wisconsin Irish Set DancingClasses Continue in 2006Sets in the ‘Burg instructors Joanna Dupuis and Tim McAndrew will featurethe Sliabh Luachra set during an eight week Winter 2006 class on Tuesdaysfrom 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Jan. 10th through Feb. 28th. This course will betailored to beginners and intermediates. No partner is required and the coursefee is $45 for 8 classes. Classes will be held at The Irish Pub in Cedarburg(just north of the Cedarburg Cultural Center on Washington Avenue.)Registration information and photos of recent events available on thewebsite at http://sets.sulliassociates.comThe Sliabh Luachra is a region in Ireland, located around the River Blackwater,on the Cork/Kerry Borderland. This region has a unique musical style,which makes heavy use of the polka and the slide. Most of the polkas andslides in Irish traditional music derive from this region.Contact Teri Sullivan, terilsullivan@yahoo.com 262.302.7854http://sets.sulliassociates.comStocking Stuffers! Buy yourself a chance; buy a child some hopeEighth Annual Brigid Awards Luncheon 2006 RaffleDate: Friday, February 24, 2006 Place: Hyatt Regency Chicago Price: $50 each or 3 for $1001st Prize: Two round trip tickets to Ireland, including a week'scar rental and accommodation in a luxury Dingle holiday home.2nd Prize: Weekend for 2 in Chicago, with 2 night stay atHyatt Regency, 2 tickets to an Irish Repertory play, and dinnerat Kiki's Bistro in River North.3rd Prize: Relaxing, three night stay for six in lovelytownhome in Galena Territory, Galena IL.4th Prize: A family-style feast for ten at a Mia Francescagourmet Italian restaurant.5th Prize: Chicago lakefront sailing for 4 people and $250 giftcertificate for dinner at Columbia Yacht Club.6th Prize: A guided, architectural boat tour of Chicago for fourand dinner to follow.7th Prize: A weekend stay for 2 at the Fitzpatrick HotelChicago in the Magnificent Mile, Irish breakfast included.8th Prize: Four tickets to a World Champion White Sox gamewith lunch at the Stadium Club9th Prize: Year subscription to Leslie Hindman fine artauction catalog with behind the scenes tour and lunch for fivewith Leslie.10th Prize: Dinner for 8 at the Kerryman Pub in River North.Call (312) 642-8400 for ticketsChecks payable to Concern Worldwide US Inc. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express accepted.Raffle tickets are non tax-deductible. Winner need not be present.Concern Worldwide US Inc., 166 East Superior, Suite 502, Chicago, Illinois 60611Phone: (312) 642-8400, Fax: (312) 642-8470www.concernusa.orgchicagoadministration@concern.net,Concern Worldwide is a non-denominational, voluntary organization dedicated to the relief, assistance and advancement of people in the least developed countries of the world. Some prizes may have restrictions.
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