The SPOTLIGHT May 3, 1999

WAR PROPAGANDA NOW PROMOTED AS 'NEWS'

The propaganda war rages on in the Kosovo crisis, with both NATO and the Belgrade government charging the other with distorting the facts. Whose "truth" will you believe?

By Christopher J. Petherick

The London Times, July 11, 1998, editorialized: "Want to start a war? Better yet want the United States, Britain, France, NATO and the United Nations on your side? Call in the Cameras...it lies in those magic initials CNN, NBC, BBC..."

"Ethnic Cleansing," "Genocide," "Atrocities," Mass Rape," "Aggression," -- shortly after bombs rained down on sites in Yugoslavia, U.S. officials and the Western media renewed the propaganda war over the airwaves, battling for the hearts and minds of the American public. But in one of the first wars in the age of communication technology, satellites and the Internet, Western officials are finding out that vilifying your enemy is not as easy as it had been in the past.
U.S. servicemen of the 193 Special Operations carry out "psycho ops" or psychological operations just as others before them did in Vietnam and Iraq. Soldiers regularly fly a massive C-130 cargo jet over Belgrade, the Yugoslav capital, dropping ro-NATO flyers and transmitting pirate-radio broadcasts of NATO's version of the news.

"We tell people the truth about ethnic cleansing and why they should not believe the Serbian government's Big Lie," Major Matt Venhaus of the 4th Psycho Ops Group from Fort Bragg N.C. told a London Times reporter.

But do Serbs believe that the West's version of the news is the truth?

"The Serbs are responsible for a lot of nasty things," Dusan Masic, an independent journalist from the Serbian news agency B92, told the Canadian National Post Online. "But you people in the international press really don't know what you are writing about."

Ted Carpenter of the Cato Institute, author of The Captive Press, criticized media coverage of the civil war that has been going on for the past seven years in Yugoslavia.

According to Carpenter. "Here you clearly see a case of the media and its images driving government policy. It was more evident in Bosnia. We're now seeing it again in Kosovo, where so much of the press coverage doesn't even make a pretense of objectivity."

On June 1, 1997, Cable News Network (CNN) correspondent Christiane Amanpour reported that a Serb military force led by so-called Serbian paramilitary leader "Arkan" executed a group of Croats. The report displayed a picture of their burnt and bullet-riddled bodies.

Compuserb.com, a pro-Serb web site, however, identified the picture as one obtained by CNN from ausy files belonging to Dr. Zoran Stankovic, a Serbian doctor. According to Stankovic's file, the deceased men in the picture were not Croats, but were Serbian men -- all clearly identified in the picture -- killed in a skirmish with Croats.

The creator of the web site a Serb living in California, charged that Amanpour and CNN willfully distorted facts surrounding the death in order to discredit the Belgrade government and its political agenda to the world. A group of WWII veterans echoed this charge in an advertisement placed in The Washington Times, July 29, 1998, regarding, among other things CNN's misrepresentation of this picture.

"They were all Serbs, axed to death by Croatians forces in Borovo Naselje, in 1991. Image manipulation and this macabre use of Serb victims relabeled as either Croatians or Muslims was common among 'advocacy journalists' in the civil war, "the ad read.

VERY PRIVATE

The Serbs point out that Amanpour married State Department spokesman James Rubin in a "very private" wedding in a castle, north of Rome, Italy, in August 1998. According to the official Serbian government view, she is more interested in promoting the U.S. Department of State's perspective than objectively reporting facts.

Serbian journalists say the images of "Concentration camps" and the stories of genocide" have been used by Western media to liken the Serbian military to Nazis of WWII Germany.

According to National Post Online these allegations first surfaced after an Independent Television Network (ITN) film crew took footage several years ago of an encampment, claiming it was set up by Serbian soldiers as a holding camp for Muslim civilians. The ITN crew filmed a horribly emaciated man, identified as a Bosnian Muslim, walking inside the camp, along a barbed wire fence.

The ITN footage later turned out to be bogus when it discovered the film crew had been shooting from inside the barbed-wire fence. The camp turned out to be a refugee holding center for Serbs. The photographed man was Slobodan Konvjevic, A Serb, who was emaciated from a 10-year bout with tuberculosis. The camera crew filmed him through the fence, walking on the outside of the enclosure.

Serbs say recent allegations of Mass rapes in the Serbian military base in Kosmet, promulgated by Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon and State Department spokesman James Rubin, have also been widely propagandized.

French journalist Jerome Bony said these allegations are old news. Bony said he found no "hard" evidence of mass rapes after visiting Bosnia in 1993, when the allegations first surfaced that Serbian soldiers were raping Muslim women.

Bony wrote for Le Point magazine, March 13, 1993: "I was told, 'go to Tuzla gymnasium; there you will find 4,000 raped women,' At 20 kilometers, this figure dropped to 400. At 10 kilometers, only 40 were left. Once at the site, I found only four women to testify."

Serbian journalist say that, ultimately, anti-Serbian propaganda has for the most part been fomented by Ruder Finn, a now-defunct Washington lobbying firm that had been contracted by Muslims in Albania and Kosovo when the crisis first began in the early 1990s. Ruder Finn's extensive media campaign, they say, whipped up public support in the West and snowballed these erroneous accounts into the current mess and the Western media is falling for it all over again.

The SPOTLIGHT May 3, 1999

CONSUMER PROTECTION AND THE INTERNET

SPOTLIGHT ON THE INTERNET

Many Internet users are concerned about unscrupulous web site operators gathering information on them when they are answering questions, submitting their credit card numbers or providing details about their personal lives online. "And that's not entirely unjustified," said Sen. Conrad burns (R-Mont.), in discussing the new online privacy bill he introduced earlier this month to the Senate.

The Online Protection Act, S. 809, sponsored by Sens. Burns and Ron Wyden (D- Ore.), provides adults with many of the safety regulations that were extended to children under the Children Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998.

The bill requires the operator of a web site to provide clear notice to individuals concerning what personal information of theirs will be disclosed if they fill out questionnaires. The measure also insures that web site operators "provide a simple online process for individuals to consent or limit the disclosure of personal information."

"Consumers have the right to know who is collecting information about them and how that information is being used," Burns said, when he introduced his bill.

Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) announced recently that he would also introduce a similar bill protecting online consumers to the House later this month.

Burns' position is strengthened by a report issued earlier this month from the Center for Democracy and Technology(CDT), a privacy watchdog group, on the federal government's web sites.

CDT surveyed 46 major federal agencies' web sites, and found that 22 "had no privacy policies at all, while eight had policies so poorly labeled, they were difficult to find, just 16 had clearly labeled, easy to find policies on user privacy."

Introduction of the two bills is set to coincide with the expected release next month of a survey concerning online privacy carried out by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Last July, the FTC surveyed 1,042 commercial sites and found that the majority collect personal information, including your name, address, e-mail, age, gender, income level etc.

The FTC has not released any data on their new survey. But, according to reports, many speculate that the findings will be no different from the previous study, indicating that web site operators have not been able to clean up their own acts.

If you'd like to see comments posted about online consumer protection issues, you can visit the FTC's web site at: http://www.ftc.gov/bep/icpw/index.html
PROPAGANDA WAR ONLINE

Last week, The SPOTLIGHT reported on a couple of web sites concerning the war in Kosovo.

One of those mentioned, the official Serb Ministry of Information's web site has, by their accounts, been one of NATO's targets in the propaganda war.

This is the site to go to if you're looking for specific facts about the makeup of the government, the ography of the country or its legal system. The site also provides daily updates of demolished factories and homes, posts pictures of Serbian women and children, numbers of fatalities, and provides commentary on the results of mass bombings.

The Ministry of Information says that NATO set up a web site identical to theirs in an attempt to deceive Internet users and sabotage sincere inquires.

"They [NATO] were hoping that those who were interested in learning the truth on the Internet would access their presentation site by mistake and thus see their misinformation, believing that what they have seen is the official stance of the Ministry of Information," recounted the site.

NATO officials denied the charges and The SPOTLIGHT has been unable to verify the alleged "doppelganger" NATO web site.

Visit the genuine Serb web site at: www.serbi-info.com .

The SPOTLIGHT May 3, 1999

U.S. DOESN'T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN

Bill Clinton's air wars have taken an unexpected toll.

By Mike Blair

As the air war heats up in the Balkans with NATO (84 percent American) dispatching nearly 400 more aircraft to blast Serb forces, the U.S. military is facing a critical ammunition shortage.

It has been reported in the news media that the U.S. Air Force's stock of air-launched long-range cruise missiles had fallen to about a hundred.

The SPOTLIGHT has learned from military sources that the Air Force expended some 90 of its existing 239 conventional warhead cruise missiles during President Bill Clinton's attack on Iraq during last January's Senate impeachment trial.

The critics, who refer to the bombardment of Iraq as "Operation Save Clinton," point out that U.S. forces never attacked any of Saddam Hussein's chemical and biological weapons during the air raids.

That revelation by Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni may have cost him an appointment as commandant of the Marine Corps. The current commandant, Gen. Chuck Krulak, is expected to retire from the post in July. The White House is now eyeing Lt. Gen. Pete Pace as the new Marine boss.

The expenditure of the Boeing AGM-ALCMs in Operation Desert Fox brought the total left at only 149 of the cruise missiles. And some of the remaining stock may have been the older AGM-ALCMCs.

The ALCMs, which can be launched from more than 1,000 miles from their targets from Boeing B-52 bombers, are one of the most awesome conventional, non- nuclear weapons in the Air Force's arsenal.

The shortage of the missiles explains why many news sources have reported from the Balkans the surprising low level of the NATO attacks against the Serbian forces, as compared to Operation desert Storm, the 1991 war with Iraq.

To make up for the missile shortage, nuclear-tipped AGM-ALCMs are being converted at $160,000 per missile to conventional warheads.

With 1,142 of these in its arsenal there is a large stock but their conversion is going to seriously deplete America's nuclear shield. The B-52- launched nuclear cruise missiles are key components of the nation's nuclear defense. An undertaking of this kind takes time.

The missiles were produced in the 1980s, but with the end of the Cold War, the Pentagon never imagined that the weapons would be in such demand, not to mention hundreds and thousands of other air-launched or -dropped munitions.

The Navy, as an example, is said to have ample supplies of conventional warhead Tomahawk cruise missiles. However, during Operation Desert Fox, the Navy expended 325 of its 2,800 Tomahawks, about 1,100 of those remaining have older, less sophisticated guidance systems. Critics say this could mean more civilian casualties in Yugoslavia as the weapons miss their intended targets.

As far as the Air Force and Navy cruise missiles are concerned, the assembly line which produced them have been closed since the 1980a. It will take four years for the next generation of the weapons to be developed and produced, military experts indicate.

SHORTHANDED

If a more pressing military confrontation appears elsewhere in the world, such as in Korea or the Middle East, the United States could be short-handed.

To complete the 1,000-plus plane attack force that will soon be striking the Serbs, Commander-in-Chief Clinton is drawing down U.S. defensive forces around the globe.

As examples, the Navy is currently without a carrier task force off Korea and Japan. There are dangerously few aircraft to enforce the "No Fly Zones" over both northern and southern Iraq.

"Clinton is consistently ignoring his military experts at the Pentagon, as well as NATO officers from other member nations," one military analyst told The SPOTLIGHT.

"He has no concept of how to run a war, such as advance planning. When this NATO operation was started he had no idea whatsoever where it would lead us -- right into a quagmire," he added. "This is another war he should have dodged."

The SPOTLIGHT May 10, 1999

NATO FORMALIZES ROLE AS UN ARMY

Western leaders opened the door wider for world government at their recent meeting in Washington, D.C.

By James P. Tucker Jr.

NATO formally proclaimed its role as the standing army of the united Nations with a mission to patrol the world during its 50th anniversary summit in Washington.

The 19 NATO nations agreed that it will now have a "key role in crisis situations beyond our borders under the appropriate legal basis," said NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana.

"Appropriate legal basis" was defined by French Jacques Chirac:

"NATO cannot and will not be able to act without the authorization of the UN Security Council. The primary responsibility of the Security Council is for the maintenance of international peace and security."

The Security Council has powers to impose solutions even against the will of a sovereign state," said French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine.

American and European leaders were enthusiastic about formally making NATO the UN's global army.

The definition of NATO's future is not a "geographic issue," said President Clinton. He pointed out that the attack on the sovereign state of Yugoslavia had set the precedent. The first time NATO went to war, it violated its own previously-defined role as a defensive alliance.

GLOBALIZATION

British Prime Minister Tony Blair visited the Chicago Economic Club to proclaim NATO's right to intervene in sovereign countries, because sping genocide "can never be a purely internal matter."

"Relations between nations can no longer be founded on respect for sovereignty -- they must be founded on respect for human rights," said Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek.

"Kosovo is yet another reminder that the greatest challenges...emanate from beyond NATO's territory," said U.S. National Security Adviser Samuel Berger at a White House briefing.

Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott hailed this "vision of the future." He had earlier predicted the end of "nationhood as we know it" and the emergence of "a single, global authority."

They must now deal with "areas of intense Western concern: The Arab-Israeli conflict, Iraq and Iran, Afghanistan, the Caspian Sea and Transcaucasus," said Robert Hunter, U.S. ambassador to NATO from 1993 to 1998.

Inside their meetings, behind closed doors, NATO leaders were equally empathic in denouncing in denouncing national sovereignty and calling for the alliance to become the UN's world army.

"NATO 2000...will also provide us with new political and military options for conflict prevention and crisis management...the possibilities of preventive military deployments," said Solana.

"The potentially aggressive states in both North Africa and the Middle East -- Libya, Iraq and Syria -- have obligated NATO to missions of extended duration and commitment," said Gen. Wesley Clark, who is the supreme allied commander.

NATO will move from a "fixed, positional defense to a more flexible, mobile" organization "operating outside alliance territory," said U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

MORE DISSENTERS

Greece is bitterly opposed to the invasion of Yugoslavia but its defense minister, Aposolos-Athanasios Tsohatzopoulos, nevertheless called for NATO to become involved in "the Middle East and Transcaucasus-Central Asia."

Jacques Poos, Luxembourg's deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, cited "extreme nationalism" as a reason for NATO to patrol the globe.

NATO must "provide itself with appropriate capabilities enabling it to conduct peacekeeping operations outside the territory of the alliance," Poos said.

NATO's becoming the UN's global army is a brother group, the Trilateral Commission. Both view it as a giant step toward their goal of making the UN a de jure, instead of de facto, world government.

NATO's action in Washington will be celebrated near Lisbon, Portugal in June 3-6, when Bilderberg holds its annual super-secret meeting.

The SPOTLIGHT May 10, 1999

FREE TRADERS HAVE PLAN TO SPLIT AMERICA

"Divide and conquer" is not a new political/military concept. These day, however, the internationalists apply it more subtly.

By F.C. Blahut

Back in 1814, the British had a plan to end the War of 1812. It involved landing troops in Louisiana and driving north to Canada, effectively splitting the nation in two.

In 1998, the one-worlders came up with a plan to spit the United States in two from Mexico to Canada. This modern plan doesn't involve British troops, however.

What it does involve is spending your tax dollars to facilitate the importing of foreign goods over a special north-south road under the auspices of NAFTA.

Obviously, the Brits' 1814 plan failed. But very few people know about the North American Trade Corridor Memorandum of Understanding, which has yet to be implemented.

Here's some background on what the internationalists are planning, including a highway from Mexico to Canada.

MEETING OF MINDS

North America's Superhighway Coalition, Inc. (NASCO) hosted a meeting in December 1998 attended by transportation representatives from eight states (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, several metropolitan planning organizations and the Canadian province of Manitoba.

The purpose was to discuss "possible cooperative efforts to enhance economic development through transportation and technology improvements."

As a result of that meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was created establishing a formal relationship between the aforementioned jurisdictions and the Detroit International Bridge Company/Canadian Transit Company with the purpose of improving the I-35/I-94/I-29 International Trade Corridor, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan have also been invited to join in this effort.

The first step to achieve these results for this partnership was to develop a comprehensive, multinational Intelligent Transportation System for Commercial Vehicle Operations (ITS/CVO) coordination plan for the corridor.

According to signatories to the MOU, planned deployments will be accomplished in concert with the deployment of federal and international systems at the corridor's international ports and will be consistent with the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) National ITS Architecture and Standards.

MISSOURI TAKES LEAD IN INTERNATIONAL HIGHWAY

The plan will be developed by a multiagency steering committee consisting of jurisdiction representatives, including a representative from NASCO and federal agencies. Working groups of private and public stakeholders will also focus on sections of the plan dealing with ITS services at inter modal and trade processing centers, federal, state and provincial interoperability of ITS services and corridor commercial traveler information services.
SHOW ME

The Missouri Department of Transportation is the lead agency coordinating efforts to attract federal funding through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century's (TEA-21) National Corridor Planning and Development Program (NCPD) for this corridor improvement plan.

The motto of the United States is, "from many, one."

Underneath the technical language of the MOU lies the same sentiment -- to create a multinational super agency involving Mexico various U.S. states and Canada. The members of the NASCO explain the "integration" this way:

"The application addresses economic development and transportation/technology improvement issues by studying the feasibility for multiple corridor states and federal trade processing systems to integrate businesses processes, standardize information and develop shared and interoperable information systems and technologies.

"The study proposed in this application will analyze the feasibility and issues associated with integration of state and federal business processes specifically focusing on aspects that directly affect the movement of international and interregional commerce across the I-35/I-94/I-29 trade corridor. The integration and standardization of state processes, integration with federal trade movement data systems and availability of better traveler information and facilities for conducting electronic commerce will spur several benefits:

* Facilitation of inter modal movements through more current and reliable information;
* Improved safety through the improved ability to enforce compliance with safety regulations;
* Reduced transaction cost and improved operating efficiency, by simplifying and automation governmental processes;
* Expansion of business through trade and through reduced costs and reduced uncertainty of conducting business across international borders; and *Economic growth throughout the corridor through expansion of international trade.

Read the lines, and then read between the lines. This is not just an international highway with special international regulations. This is carving out a special international trade corridor from the heartland of the United States.

And it isn't just in the thinking stage. When there are plans and money, things happen.

The SPOTLIGHT May 10, 1999

WHY WOULD THE MOSSAD WANT TO STEAL HUBBARD'S CHURCH?

Those who doubt The SPOTLIGHT's allegation that Israel's Mossad would have an interest in seizing control of L. Ron Hubbard's Church of Scientology are ignorant of published evidence which demonstrates conclusively that the Mossad has long been interested in mind control and so-called "psychic espionage" with which Scientology is associated.

For example, in his authoritative 1977 book, The Israeli Secret Service, Richard Deacon devotes and entire chapter to the subject of "The strange World of Psychic Espionage." He points out that the Mossad, along with the Soviet KGB, has long been involved in this peculiar realm.

What's more, one longtime Scientologist, Dr. Harold "Hal" Puthoff. Of the Stanford Research Institute, has reported that the Mossad used famed Israeli psychic Uri Geller "in field operations." Geller has denied that he was involved in espionage, but a U.S. defense scientist, Eldon Byrd, told Geller's biographer, Jonathan Margolies, that Geller had admitted to Byrd that Geller had indeed been involved in psychic espionage for the Mossad.

Puthoff knows quite a bit about psychic espionage. According to a variety of published sources, Puthoff and several other Scientologists were directly involved (in-depth) in the CIA's own psychic espionage studies; in particular, the CIA's research into so-called "remote viewing." Remote viewing purports to enable an individual to view what is happening in another location -- a science that, if perfected, would be a triumph for the world of espionage.

While there are those who doubt such things and others who say such things are "of the devil," the bottom line is that the Mossad, the CIA and the KGB, among many others, have delved into such research. And there is no question there are numerous Scientology links to such research.

There are many published materials on the subject, but three books in particular are worth noting: Mind Wars by Ronald McRae (St. Martin's Press, 1984); Remote Viewers: The Secret History of America's Psychic Spies by Jim Schnabel (Dell Press, 1997); and Psychic Exploration by Edgar Mitchell (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1974).

Thus, when the time was ripe, Israel's Mossad would have reason to grab control of a lucrative and ongoing "mind Control" operation to use it for its own purposes. There is more to be said about this subject, but this is a primer for those who fail to understand the big picture.

The SPOTLIGHT Summer 1999

American Family Preparedness Special Edition

America Reacts to Y2K Phenomenon

1. NOT JUST A "BUMP." Ed Yourdon, noted Y2K guru, has released a statement refuting the "3-day snowstorm" or "bump in the road" scenarios when planning for Y2K. Yourdon continues to warn that Y2K could result in "a year of disruption and ten years of recession," feels the metaphor incorrectly describes the severity of the problem and could lead to complacency.

Unlike a snowstorm, Y2K effects could be felt well into 2000 with glitches popping up throughout the year. Small business, countries and communities have not yet begun to tackle the problem and have little chance of getting them fixed before 2000. Many smaller problems could add up, causing a domino effect that could dramatically slow down some business activity for months, if not years.

Yourdon strongly recommends individuals examine the facts and decide for themselves how Y2K will affect them.

2. A LEGISLATED RECESSION. The House of Representatives has approved a bill that will allow consumers extra time to pay debts in the event of Y2K problems. The bill would give them until April 2000 to make many regularly-occurring payments, and would require credit agencies to include explanations of debts caused by the computer glitch. Many states are in various stages of exploring similar legislation, designed to protect consumers from such events as their power turned off due to their failure to pay what could be an incorrect bill generated by computers no already Y2K compliant.

3. DON'T LOSE MY CHECK. Two who contend that the Alabama state government has failed to prepare for possible Y2K computer want a judge to make sure people who rely on programs such as welfare are not harmed or inconvenienced. Two Alabama females, Bertha Miller and Evelyn Jackson, sued in January, both receive benefits from the Alabama Department of Human Resources. The plaintiffs contend in their lawsuit that state officials have failed to ge rid of Y2K bugs, even though they have known about them for years.

4. FEDS MUST SPEND MORE. The U.S. government's estimated price tag for fixing its "most important" computers to avoid the year-2000 problem recently rose $400 million to $6.8 billion -- and that amount is expected to go up again in the future. In the government's latest status report on its Y2K efforts, the White House Office of Management and Budget -- which just missed its own self-imposed deadline of March 31 -- said the only four out of five of its "mission critical" systems have been repaired, replaced or never were vulnerable. The report added that three of the government's 24 largest agencies are making inadequate progress: Transportation Department, Health and Human Services and the Agency for International Development.

Work at AID, one of the worst agencies for repairs. Slowed after a computer that officials believed had been fixed failed tests. Five of the largest 24 federal agencies have reportedly completed work already: Environmental Protection Agency, National Science Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Small Business Administration and Social Security Administration.

5. HOME SWEET HOME. While Americans will have sufficient cause to worry about Y2K disrupting some basic services and otherwise making life inconvenient, the recently-released report from President Clinton's Y2K czar John Koskinen echoed other views that the international arena faces far more potential trouble

Preparations elsewhere around the globe are less than impressive. According to Koskinen's report: "International Y2K activity, although increasing, is lagging and will be the source of our greatest concern."

For example, approximately half of current U.S. oil consumption is from imports. Venezuela, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia together account for more than a third of those imports, and are said to be at least a year behind in making their various systems -- which depend more on embedded chips that easily repaired software -- compliant.

6. GERMANY STILL BEHIND. Early fears of Europe's conversion to the Euro acting as a drag on vital Y2K preparations have been realized. Germany may be the engine that drives the sputtering European economy, but more than half the nation's three million companies have yet to prepare their computer systems for the Year 2000 date change. As in America to a thankfully lesser extent, the German government claims its nation's laggards are primarily small and medium- sized businesses.

7. NEW YORK STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Some of the wilder predictions surrounding the Y2K issue claimed that not only the state of New York, but also the governments of Canada and Japan, would shut down on April 1, 1999. This date was the official change over to the Fiscal year 2000 for those entities.

The fact that nothing onerous transpired was quickly pounced on by some as "proof" that the Y2K is much ado about nothing -- no reason to prepare or be concerned. But according to Wisconsin computer programmer Dan Lapinski, it's far from time to claim victory.

According to Lapinski, the majority of the systems used by the state of New York are business software systems, rather than the more difficult embedded systems (or old hardware or COBOL systems). The programmer -- who also serves on a state-level Y2K board in the Cheese State -- pointed out that business software can always have glitches, and that they can be easily overcome or replaced.

8. N.E.R.C. DRILL DERIDED. An April 9 drill in the utility industry, held under the instructions of the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), has been widely criticized as meaningless, and even a sham,. Critics claim that America's public utilities still have substantial Y2K problems, and that NERC is purposely keeping the facts from both the public and the government.

In what was characterized simply as a "public relations stunt" even by one critic working in the industry, the April 9 drill was deemed a success -- and "proof" that power companies won't have any troubles on Jan. 1, 2000 -- simply because utility personnel were able to communicate.

9. By the way -- NERC claims it will get around to actually testing the infrastructure of public utilities in September, even though the industry was supposed to adhere to a June 30 deadline to be fully compliant.

The SPOTLIGHT Summer 1999

American Family Preparedness Special Edition

DON'T MISS Y2K OPPORTUNITIES (Commentary)

For virtually all of my adult life, I have -- commiserated with -- those who warn of a coming dark day for America. A mixture of genuine concern for fellow man, some good information and, unfortunately, a dose of hype have resulted. In my view, many of the actions engaged in by concerned Americans as a result, though sincere, have proven counter productive. Whether based on dubious financial information, warning if imminent catastrophe in urban areas, looming germ warfare or whatever, good people have too often over reacted to what are often very legitimate concerns. The result, as I have often quipped, is that good patriots have been reduced to sitting at home -- or in their bunkers -- on of their stores of dried food, ammunition and gold. Meanwhile, cobwebs grow on them and the world literally passes them by while they wait for Armageddon, the next great stock crash, anarchy in the cities or (fill in your own prediction here).

The Year 2000 Problem is the latest, and arguably the most potent, reason given why we must all now prepare harder than ever for the trials to come -- and at the same time, sadly, take ourselves out of what Samuel Adams called "The Animating Struggle for Liberty." Yes -- it's true that we must look out for ourselves, our families and our communities, and be prepared to deal with what could in fact be significant disruptions in our economy. Frankly, with the inherent troubles in a world economy and monetary system that could at any point cause a problem of similar magnitude, personal preparedness and self-sufficiency are worthwhile even if we were not dealing with the looming Y2K problem.

But who has given serious thought to the opportunities presented by Y2K? Better yet, have you asked yourself what will happen if the Year 2000 comes and goes -- and you're still here?

I for one welcome Y2K with open arms. For starters, investors who throw away both the Pollyannaish attitude of Wall Street and Washington and the Hype of the many self-ordained Y2K gurus have an opportunity to make a fortune from the volatility Y2K will create. Far from retreating, it appears that those wh coldly uncover and take advantage of the opportunities Y2K creates could fare every bit as well as did those wise investors who made their fortunes during the Great Depression.

Are you worried about globalism? The New World Order? Free trade? Y2K has these other inventions of man squarely in its sights. Experts are nearly unanimous in their beliefs that although the United States is better prepared than most countries for Y2K, it is international trade and international finance that are in the most serious trouble!

And you want to worry about Y2K?

Are you worried about the Federal Reserve's stranglehold on the economy? While Y2K won't put the Fed out of business, it is causing those who see its silver lining to set up community-based "economic lifeboat" as is described in this issue where Ithaca HOURS is concerned. Rather than sitting in your foxhole, patriot, don't you think it would be a good idea to lead a similar effort in your community?

Are you worried about our rigged two-party political system? Well, you already know that politics as usual is dying. Jesse Ventura is governor of Minnesota. More people know now that they have to get their information from the "alternative press" (of which The SPOTLIGHT is of course a key member) or from the Internet. The move away from internationalism, and back toward nationalism and even local political and economic control, is already accelerating. The plutocrats are antsy -- and populism is back in vogue. Best of all, Y2K fallout promises to accelerate these trends -- and you want to hunker down and isolate yourself?

Are you worried about the breakdown in values in America? You should especially welcome Y2K. If half the predictions of doom come true, families will rediscover one another. Children now allowed to go out unsupervised, what movies like Natural Born Killers and then murder their classmates might stay home and read a book. Churches would be a bit more full, and once again become centers of good communities. Who knows -- the beleaguered family farmer might once again get his due, and earn a wage a bit closer to that now earned by some basketball or football players.

In short, Y2K could well turn out to be the catalyst for the types of change that patriots have long fought for. At such a pivotal, exciting time, patriots should not once again be retreating and battening down the hatches, but should be out in front to fill the vacuums soon to be created by Y2K.

The SPOTLIGHT Summer 1999

American Family Preparedness Special Edition

SEED COMPANIES REPORTING BRISK BUSINESS

Worried about both Y2K and the encroachment of agribusiness on Americans food supply, Americans in larger numbers are looking to food self-sufficiency.

By The SPOTLIGHT Staff

Fearing power outages, empty grocery store shelves and food distribution chaos, many Americans are stocking up on canning rear and planting "apocalyptic" vegetable gardens: potatoes cabbage, beans, carrots -- anything that will keep through the winter of 2000.

"We're getting a lot of calls in our customer service department from people who have never planted a seed in their life," says Renee Beaulieu of Shepherd's Garden Seeds in Torrington, Comm. "Questions from people who have zero experience, but a lot of ambition -- plowing up your entire back yard is not normally how you'd start gardening."

On its Web site, Heirloom Seeds in West Elizabeth trumpets its "Y2K Special," $115 worth of seeds for 92 vegetables and herbs. A bigger set includes 254 seed packs for $299.99.

Territorial Seed Company in Cottage Grove, Ore, says its Millennium Victory Garden kit is its best-selling item ever.

And Millennium Seeds, a company started two years ago by Michael Morris, a Livermore, Colo. Computer salesman worried about the Y2K bug, eight-fold since Jan. 1; from about $3,000 to more than $25,000 in early March. "I've been in marketing all my life, so I know a good market when I see one," says Morris, who quit his computer job to start Millennium Seeds. "We were out there buying seeds and I said, "Wow, this is an awesome market,'"

Much of the sales boom is in co-called heirloom seeds. These come from open- pollinated plants, meaning gardeners can gather new seeds from this year's produce and plant them next year. They can't do that with the more common hybrid seeds, which are designed to resist certain pests or diseases, but do not endlessly reproduce themselves as a result.

"A couple of dozen people called and said they want one of everything that is an heirloom in our catalog," marvels Ellen Ogden, founder of The Cook's Garden in Londonderry, Vt.

Also reporting brisk business nationally are companies which sell greenhouses, rain barrels, canning supplies and more.

The SPOTLIGHT Summer 1999

The American Family Preparedness Special Edition

COMMUNITY COOPERATION KEY TO SURVIVAL

By J. Allen South

In a survival setting, weapons are normally thought of as tools for procuring food and for protection. Proper weapons can be effective for both. First it is understood that the use of modern weapons can be effective for both. First, it is understood that the use of modern weapons gives a great advantage for killing animals to provide food and other necessities. Also, in a catastrophe, a natural concern of the survivors is how they can defend themselves from molestation while the normal law enforcement and defense systems of their society are in disarray. This is especially true of some areas of the country where chaos is easily promoted.

Using weapons as survival tools is a subject that is breached here with great caution. The unwise or impulsive use of weapons has prematurely taken many people to places they never intended to go. When the going is tough and weapons are readied, there is no room for lost tempers or impulsive actions, the consequences of which could be regret and perhaps tragedy. But weapons can help provide for those in need when used for hunting; as a last resort, they can help protect themselves and loved ones from the ravages of those who would destroy life and limb.

When picturing life after a large-scale disaster such as a nuclear attack, some imagine every household being prepared to repel invaders with high-powered weapons. Indeed, in most states, with proper licensing, one can legally buy a .30 caliber machine gun, a 50 caliber machine gun, and more. And some groups do have hideaways or retreats equipped for self-sufficient living which are provided with the firepower to see that outsiders are not allowed in. But, could you imagine an average person living on your street holed up in a foxhole outside his front door, keeping all others at bay day and night with his rifle as hoards his last sack of wheat and can of tuna fish? In some areas, this may represent an all-too-real possibility, but for most, it should be labeled "nonsense"! Our neighbors are an asset to us.

Realistically speaking, the best means of survival is for reasonably self- sufficient people to help each other. The division of labor is always an integral part of independent survival. In a catastrophic collapse or degradation of present convenience and commodity, the best avenue of approach in renewing provisions is to organize and cooperate. Selfishness breeds contempt, but a few charitable deeds can usually turn others' hearts toward reason and cooperation. Even self-defense is best accomplished through sensible organized effort. And this includes the firm attitudes and actions sometimes demanded by tough times.

If things collapse, some people will be unruly, some uncooperative, some unprepared, some violent. But look at your neighbors -- realistically. It usually will be hard to do all we can for ourselves. If enough people are prepared when disaster strikes, provision can be made to meet the needs of those that could not or did not prepare adequately -- and weapons have no part of this.

A church leader once told a story of a man who sat by him during a plane ride, haranguing the "establishment" (of which he considered the church leader a representative member) for its unfair provision for its citizens. The man said, "If I asked you for your watch, would you give it to me?" The church leader answered, "No, the watch is a luxury; you don't need it. But," he continued, "I'll tell you what: If you come to my house in need of a meal I would surely feed you. And what is more, if I had to feed you again I would make you work for your meal."

There in a nutshell is a welfare plan for all seasons: those who have not can work for those who have, with service that is mutually beneficial. Consequently, no one's feelings are hurt, no one is freeloading and the situation of both should quickly improve. There is no reason to start giving out your provisions, however, until you establish a real need in those to whom you are giving. And, above what is necessary to meet immediate basic needs, nothing should be given without an agreement for mutual benefit.

Even in the most severe circumstances, some law enforcement agencies would still be intact. They could be inadequate, but still be able to solve some problems. In instances there a group of uncontrollable, marauding individuals (or an individual) without reserve begins vandalizing (or otherwise seriously threatening) a neighborhood or occupied area, the residents should stand together to try to avoid conflict, to try to acquire legal police protection, and -- as a last resort -- to take minimal necessary steps to repel the menace. Almost any imaginable situation from mob action to protracted war would be resisted best by an organized, will-educated effort. For this and other reasons it is my opinion that participation in our National Guard and military reserves could well be expanded.

Even so, there may be instances in times of breakdown when, in either isolated or general incidents, there is clearly no alternative but to resist or die. At times such as these people can be filled with some strange and terrible feelings. In these circumstances most people would choose to resist and would desire appropriate tools of resistance. Each person should consider what he would be willing to do in such circumstances and plan accordingly, but remember that the use of weapons takes much care, and practice -- and carries the highest responsibility.

The SPOTLIGHT May 17, 1999

WAR PROTESTERS FACE OFF CLINTON'S GOONS

Bob barr came to the aid of besieged anti-Clinton protesters at the White House Correspondents' dinner.

By Ralph G. Kershaw

Demonstrators picketing an appearance by President Clinton has become a common occurrence. The night of May 1 was no exception.

Arrayed in front of the Hilton Hotel at the corner of Connecticut and Florida Avenues in downtown Washington was a group of some 40 conservative demonstrators representing the Free Republic organization.

Across Florida Avenue was a smaller group of left-wing demonstrators representing the Institute for Public Accuracy (IPA).

The demonstrators were there to show their opposition to the bombing of Yugoslavia as tuxedo- and evening gown-clad Washington journalists and their guests dutifully streamed into the Hilton ballroom to attend another sanctimonious White House Correspondents' Dinner.

The Free Republic picket signs read: "Monica's War" and "It Takes a War to Raze a Village." The IPA was content to hand out leaflets to the banqueteers calling for an end to the illegal bombing of Yugoslavia.

One of the IPA members wore a Mardi Gras-size mask of Clinton with giant-size hands waving to the incoming dinner guests. The Clinton figure at times engaged in typical Clintonian double-speak to the amusement of passing pedestrians but much to the chagrin of the White House advance team of political operatives and Secret Service agents nervously pacing back and forth in front of the hotel.

Clinton arrived late to the banquet because he did not want to be put in the position of having to shake hands with one of the honorees -- Newsweek's chief Lewinsky investigator Michael Isikof.

A carnival-type atmosphere pervaded the area until some less-than-amused members of the Washington Metropolitan Police decided to harass the demonstrators. The first target was the IPA's Clinton figure. He and his associates were told to move across the street with the Free Republic group.

The conservative group, which possessed a legal permit to demonstrate on their corner and had earlier given author Christopher Hitchens a round of cheers and applause, welcomed the paper mache Clinton refugee with open arms. However, when the Clinton figure moved back across the street, he was quickly pounced on by three D.C. policemen and arrested.

Free Republic members shouted "You're arresting the wrong Clinton!" as police forcibly removed the Clinton mask and handcuffed the demonstrator, pushing him into the back of a waiting patrol car.

Having eliminated the IPA's Clinton mascot from the scene, the Jack-booted D.C. police political enforcers trained their sights on the Free Republic protesters on the other side of Florida Avenue.

HERO

Just as it seemed that the wrist of the Free Republic demonstrators and the remaining IPA demonstrators were going to feel the cold handcuffs of the D.C. Metro Police, to the rescue appeared Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.).

Before heading into the Hilton, Barr and his wife came down the street to greet the demonstrators. While Barr was speaking to the gathering protesters a few police tried to break up the conclave.

Once the police realized that one of the people they were ordering to disperse was a member of Congress, the resumed their defensive position across Florida Avenue. Barr then proceeded to the hotel amid the cheers and applause of the gathered demonstrators.

So what did the White House's show of force result in? The IPA, outraged that their protester had been arrested, discovered that Free Republic had shot a video of the incident. Phone numbers were exchanged between the groups. Once again, the Clintonista apparatchiks managed to forge yet another alliance between the right and the left.

It's a kind of unity that only an administration with totalitarian intentions can consummate.

The SPOTLIGHT May 17, 1999

FLOOD OF ILLEGAL ALIENS HEADED TO SOUTHWEST

An expected influx of illegal aliens could wreak havoc on America's unskilled laborers.

By The SPOTLIGHT Staff

The estimated 5 million illegal aliens -- primarily Hispanics living in the border area of Texas -- may soon be joined by 600,000 jobless and homeless illegals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador now heading north to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Another 280,000 immigrants from the four Central American countries have already made their way to the U.S. southwest, according to researchers at CID- Gallup of Costa Rica, a subsidiary of U.S. Gallup Organization.

The research, requested by the U.S. Information Agency, finds that the largest number of Central American illegal immigrants -- 180,000 -- will come from El Salvador, which has an adult population of 3 million. Next are 170,000 from Guatemala with 6.1 million adults; and 88,000 from Nicaragua with 3.3 million adults.

The influx of Central American immigrants will have a major effect on the U.S. job market. Immigrants in general with less than a high school education drive down wages and push up unemployment for unskilled U.S. laborers, especially Hispanics and blacks, George J. Borjas, a professor at Harvard University, testified at a recent hearing of the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.

The Costa Rica researchers interviewed 1,000 randomly selected would-be immigrants from the four Central American countries. They discovered that many of the Hondurans and Nicaraguans mistakenly thought they could come to the United States regardless of their legal status in the wake of Hurricane Mitch in early November.

The Clinton administration decided not to deport any Nicaraguans and Hondurans if they were in the U.S. illegally before Dec. 30, 1998. The deportation stay remains in effect through June 2000.

Rep Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), a supporter of tighter immigration restrictions, immediately lashed out at the administration for its deportation decision. Smith claimed the administration ignored the warning from congressional leaders, including the Texas Republican, that the message to the Central Americans was unclear and would give them the impression that the United States tolerates illegal entry.

Smith took the administration to task on illegal immigration during a march oversight hearing on Illegal immigration conducted by the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims, which Smith chairs.

"Congress has given the Immigration and Naturalization Service (UNS) the necessary laws and funds, but the federal government still has not protected its residents and defended its borders," Smith said. "The president is missing the action."

A bipartisan group of congressmen and senators want to increase the size the U.S. Border Patrol, the uniformed enforcement arm of the INS, Smith said.

"Border Patrol chiefs and border communities from California to Florida to New York cry out for additional agents for effective enforcement, but the president fails to respond," he noted.

The INS requested an additional 1,000 agents for the Border Patrol in the FY 2000 budget. President Clinton rejected the request. Instead he wants to maintain the Border Patrol staffing at nearly 9,000 agents.

Frustrated by Clinton's unwillingness to spend $100 million for an additional 1,000 Border Patrol agents, Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Tex.) Pete Domenici R-N.M.), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), John McCain (R-Ariz.) And Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) have introduced the Border Patrol Recruitment and Retention Enhancement Act (S.912). The legislation would increase agent salaries and allow the agency to conduct its own recruiting rather than relying on Department of Justice or INS personnel offices.

"Even though border protection is a clear federal responsibility and the 1996 immigration reform law requires the hiring of an additional 1,000 agents each year until 2001, the Clinton administration is effectively ignoring the problem," Kyl said. Besides not requesting funding to hire any new agents next year, the administration appears unable to recruit sufficient numbers of new agents or retain the ones they have successfully hired. Our bill should help in that area."

Hutchinson said she thinks "the government in Washington still does not view our problems along the border with the same urgency as the people of Texas."

The senators' legislation comes a day after Border Patrol Chief Gus de la Vina admitted on April 28 before a Senate Immigration Subcommittee hearing arranged by Kyl that due to recruiting and retention problems the agency will likely only hire between 200 and 400 new agents this year.

Arizona had been slated to receive approximately 400 of the full complement but will now likely receive between 100 and 150, de la Vina said. Texas, which would have received approximately 500 new agents this year, could see that number cut by more than half.

The last staffing increase at the Border Patrol occurred in FY 1993. A total of 5,000 agents were added to the 3,965 agents already on board, or a 126 percent increase, according to de la Vina.

Whatever Congress is doing to curb the flood of Mexican aliens into America illegally is not enough, according to the residents of Douglas, Ariz. The town, with a population of 15,000 and located 120 miles southeast of Tucson, is having its share of problems with illegal immigrants.

Douglas residents complain that they are tired of being vandalized by illegal immigrants and picking up trash the aliens leave behind. Many in desperation have threatened to take the matter into their own hands.

The situation in douglas may be the tip of the iceberg. Other U.S. border towns are probably nearing the boiling point -- if not already -- when it comes to problems caused by the increasing numbers of illegal immigrants crossing the border from Mexico and entering their communities illegally. If the Clinton administration continues to refuse to include $100 million for 1,000 new Border Patrol agents in the FY 2000 budget, there is another solution to the border patrol dilemma: replacing the patrol agents with the U.S. Army.

The Clinton administration estimates that the cost of maintaining the current level of U.S. military operations in Yugoslavia through September is more than $5 billion. This same amount of money could just as well be used to pay U.S. soldiers to stand guard along the U.S. southern border. The role of U.S. soldiers is to serve and protect their country. So why should they be patrolling the Albanian border or other borders in countries thousands of miles away form their native homeland?

The suggestion of using U.S. soldiers to patrol the southern border most likely will fall on deaf ears in Congress. Many lawmakers eager to send troops to protect the borders of Albania and other assorted foreign nations, are aghast that U.S. troops should be used to protect American borders.

Congress appropriated $93 million this year to INS to hire the !,000 new agents. Since the agency admits it will likely hire fewer than 4000, some senators question where the remaining funds were and whether they could be used to increase Border Patrol pay this year.

In a letter to Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), Sens. Kyl, Hutchinson and Domenici, who chaired the Senate Budget Committee, urged the subcommittee to consider reprogramming the appropriated but used funds for an immediate pay increase and to investigate the Clinton administration's ineffective recruiting practices.

At a hearing on April 27 Kyl arranged to garner Senate support for more Border Patrol agents and increased federal aid to affected border areas, he pointed out that"effective border control is not a local issue. It is a national issue -- and a federal responsibility. It must be improved.

Resolving the illegal immigration problem has been slow in coming. To his credit, Smith has made some inroads in the House.

Smith was the chief proponent of the 1996 immigration reform law. This piece of legislation was designed to help secure U.S. borders, reduce crime, protect jobs and save billions of dollars for American citizens and legal residents who pay a high price for illegal immigrants.

Last month, Smith proposed the Child Status Protection Act of 1999 (H.R. 1520). The legislation would allow children of U.S. citizens to go the of the line at the INS to receive the legal resident status for which they are eligible.

While the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), an advocacy group for Latinos, commends Smith for his concern about Hispanic Americans, the congressman doesn't have "our best interests in mind," said Joel Najar of the NCLR.

Najar points specifically to the 1996 immigration reform law. Smith is responsible for changes in that law "which, among other things, allow reckless discrimination in hiring ans h\which promote infringement on our civil rights," Najar said.

The SPOTLIGHT May 17, 1999

COMPASSION MUST REACH BEYOND LITTLETON, COLORADO

By Charley Reese

I'm not going to blame Bill Clinton for the tragic shootings at the Littleton, Colo., high school. He has enough on his plate. But I hope Americans, in seeing the agony and anguish out there, can develop a little compassion for others.

When you see the pain and terror that two boys with guns and pipe bombs caused, imagine the pain and terror that 1,000-pound bombs can cause. As you sympathize with the parents in Colorado, remember that the parents in Iraq and Yugoslavia feel the same way about their children.

As you imagine the horror and pain of having to take your bleeding child to a hospital, imagine how it feels to take a dying child to a hospital in Baghdad, where there are no antibiotics, not even morphine to ease your child's pain. Imagine what it's like to be a Serbian mother spending the night in a basement with your small children while the world's superpower rains down bombs and missiles on your city.

Violence, whether by individuals or governments, is an ugly, evil thing. Human life is short and tragic enough in the best of circumstances. To artificially add the cruelty of violence is a terrible sin against life. I'm not a pacifist, but violence should be reserved as the last resort to defend life and country.

We have been so blessed not to have war on our own soil that most of us have never experienced it, except as something we read about or see on television. But war is not a game or a sport, and too often Americans are too eager to say, "Oh, bomb the so-and-so out of existence." They really don't know what they are saying. I prefer to think that, rather than to believe that they do understand, they are advocating death and destruction and just don't care.

The 20th century has been the worst in human history, with no close second, Over 160 million people have been killed in political violence in wars and political purges. Trillions of dollars of assets have been destroyed and trillions of dollars of debt accumulated to finance the destruction. How different a world we would have if all those millions had not been killed and all those assets not destroyed.

And worst of all, we seem to have learned nothing. We are repeating the same behavior patterns on the eve of a new millennium that produced such carnage and destruction in the old one. If we keep it up, sooner or later we will run out of luck, and all those nuclear warheads will rise up out of their lairs. Then it will be too late to be sorry. We still wake up every morning in a world that can vanish 30 minutes after the push of a button.

So what is the answer? At the risk of sounding like a preacher, the answer is the same one Jesus gave us: love, not just for our kinfolk and own tribe, but for all people. Translated into political terms, it would mean that we follow the fine example of Switzerland and adopt a strict policy of armed neutrality.

To people engaged in conflict, we would say: "If you renounce the use of violence, we will use all of our diplomatic and economic power to act as a neutral mediator to help you resolve the conflict. If you insist on violence, then good-bye. We will not fight anyone else's battles, not will we arm or finance the arming of any belligerent anywhere, any time, for any reason." That would be a truly new world order. It would not be the new world order we are now pursuing, which is empire and hegemony based on brute force and the threat of force. It would be based on simply setting a moral example. We could then honestly say to all people: "You have nothing to fear from the United States so long as you refrain from attacking us. We will not interfere in your internal affairs. We seek only trade on mutually beneficial terms.

The SPOTLIGHT May 17, 1999

YOUR TAX DOLLARS FUND NAFTA HIGHWAY

It takes a lot of money to implement internationalist schemes. And the money the internationalists like the best is U.S. tax dollars.

By F.C. Blahut

How will the internationists get various United States states and agencies to go along with the one-world plan to divide up the country? Easy -- good old fashioned bribery.

Of course we don't call it bribery. We call it "funding." Go along with the grogram and become eligible for lots and lots of federal funding. What politician/bureaucrat could resist?

You've just read about NASCO (North America's Superhighway Coalition). What you may not know is that the framework for transferring your tax dollars to a Mexico-to-Canada highway and related support areas is already in place.

The various states and agencies involved in the plan proudly proclaim that NASCO played a leading role in the creation of two new transportation funding categories within the landmark Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) legislation.

They are the National Corridor Planning and Development (NCPD) program and the Coordinated border Infrastructure (CBI) program.

The following is the Federal Highway Administration's description of these programs.

PROGRAM PURPOSE

"The purpose of the NCPD program is to provide allocations to states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) for coordinated planning, design and construction of corridors of national significance, economic growth and international and interregional trade.

"The purpose of the Coordinated Border Infrastructure program is to improve the safe movement of people and goods at or across the border between the United States and Canada and the border between the United States and Mexico.
FUNDING

"These two programs are funded from a single source [1101(a)(9)].

"The TEA-21 Restoration Act requires the secretary of transportation to establish and publish criteria for selection for all discretionary programs funded from the Highway Trust Fund and submit lists of projects explaining how the projects were selected [TRA 1311].

"The federal share for projects funded through these programs is 80 percent (sliding scale applies) [1118(e)].

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

"Eligibility for Corridor Program funds is further limited to :
* The 21 corridors identified in ISTEA, the eight added in the 1995 National Highway Designation Act and the 14 added by the 1998 TEA-21, as well as any modifications to these corridors made in succeeding legislation.[1211]; * Other significant corridors selected by the secretary considering:[1118(b); * Any increase since NAFTA in commercial vehicle traffic volume at border stations or ports of entry in each state and in the state as a whole; * Projected further increases of such traffic;
* Flow of international truck-borne commodities through each state; * Reduction in travel time through a major international facility; * Leveraging for federal funds via use of innovative financing, using funds from other title 23 programs, other federal funds and/or state, local and private funds;
* Value of cargo and the economic costs of congestion; and * economic growth and development in areas under served by existing highway infrastructure.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

"Eligible work for corridor funds includes [1118(c)];
* Planning, coordination, design and location studies;
* Environmental review and construction (subsequent to the secretary''s review of a corridor development and management plan);

A corridor management plan shall include [1118(d)]:
* A complete and comprehensive analysis of corridor costs and benefits; * A coordinated schedule showing completion of plans. Development activities, environment reviews and permits and construction of all segments; * A finance plan, including any innovative financing methods and, if a multi- state corridor, including a state-by-state allocation;
* Results of any environmental reviews and mitigation plans; and * Identification of any impediments to the development and construction of the corridor, including any environmental, social, political and economic objections.

Corridor planning shall be coordinated with transportation planning of state, metropolitan, federal land, tribal government and Mexican and Canadian agencies [1118(f)].

BORDER PROGRAM

"Eligibility for funds from the Border Program is limited to border states and MPO.

"Criteria for selection of projects supported by border program funds include [1119(c)]"
* Expected reduction in motor vehicle travel time through an international border crossing;
* Improvements in Canadian/Mexican border crossing vehicle safety and cargo security;
* Applicability of innovative and problem solving techniques of the proposed project to other border stations or ports of entry;
* Increased use of existing, underutilized border crossing facilities and approaches;
* Leveraging of federal funds via use of innovative financing, using funds from other title 23 programs, and/or federal, state, local and private funding; * Degree of multinational involvement in the project;
* Degree of coordination with Federal inspection agencies; * Local commitment to implement and sustain planning processes and programs; and
* Factors the secretary determines appropriate to promote border efficiency and safety.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

"Eligible work for border funds includes [1119(9)]:
* improvements to existing transportation and supporting infrastructure that facilitate cross-border vehicle and cargo movements;
* Construction of highways and related safety and safety enforcement vehicle and cargo movements;
* construction of highways and related safety and safety enforcement facilities that will facilitate vehicle and cargo movements related to international trade;
* Operational improvements, including improvements relating to electronic data interchange and use of telecommunications to expedite cross border vehicle and cargo movements;
* Modifications to regulatory procedures to expedite cross border vehicle and cargo movements;
*International coordination of planning, programming and border operation with Canada and Mexico relating to expedite cross border vehicle and cargo movements; and
* Activities of federal inspection agencies.

"During the period FY 1998-2001, the secretary may transfer up to a total of $10 million to the administrator of general services at his or her request for construction of transportation infrastructure necessary for law enforcement in border states [1119(d)."

Surely you want your tax dollars going to fund a NAFTA project to facilitate the transfer of U.S. jobs out of the country, don't you?

If you don't, tell your federal representative and your federal representative and your two senators. There's still time to nip this internationalist scheme in the bud. Tell your representatives in Washington: "Not with our tax dollars."

The SPOTLIGHT May 24, 1999

PRESS HIDES ATTACK

Corpses continue to mount in the Middle East as the Western world is glued to televised reports from Belgrade.

By The SPOTLIGHT Staff

While the media is focusing world attention on the NATO attack on Serbia, major aggression is also taking place in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Iraq.

Ever since NATO started its operation in Serbia, the British and U.S. forces have been raining bombs, superior in volume to the Serbia campaign, on Iraq. Not a single Iraqi city has been spared and civilian casualties number in the thousands.

Iraqi farms and food producing regions are a special target as well as any civilian infrastructure. Bombing is continuing on a 24-hour basis.

Daily bombings are also effected by the Israeli air force on Lebanese cities. Civilian casualties are in the thousands as well.

Syria is also being attacked by Israel on two fronts: Through the occupied Syrian land of Golan and through the actions of the present Turkish government -- controlled by the Israeli Mossad -- which is diverting rivers in order to deprive Syria of water.

In flagrant violations of the peace agreement signed at Wye Plantation under the sponsorship of President Clinton, the Israeli government is frantically building and settling all the Palestinian territories, which had been assigned to the Palestinians.

The SPOTLIGHT May 24, 1999

MARINES, FBI PLAN TO INVADE VIRGINIA

Residents near Richmond will have an up-close and personal chance to see what their tax dollars are paying for next month.

By Mike Blair

After first denying knowledge of a planned urban battle exercise in Richmond, Va., and surrounding communities, city officials now admit at least 400 members of an elite Marine Expeditionary Unit will conduct extensive urban maneuvers in and around Virginia's capital from June 2 to 15.

The effort will be a joint FBI and Marine Corps urban assault exercise, according to Mayor Wilfred D. Wilson of Crewe, Va. The Joint forces plan to use the town library grounds and an industrial park as helicopter landing sites for the exercise.

The marines have apparently contacted University of Virginia officials to utilize campus land as helicopter Zones.

In addition to Richmond, Crewe and Burkeville, there are reports that contacts have been made to establish other helicopter landing zones in Virginia's Louisa County, north of Richmond.

Details of the urban assault exercise, including the FBI involvement, appeared in the April 22 issue of the Crewe-Burkeville Journal, published in Crewe.

Wilson said the training will be used as "a public relations event and the public is encouraged to observe the troops in action."

In similar urban assault exercises local residents have become part of the scenario. The urban warfare teams use the civilians to familiarize the troops with working with "friendly civilian forces."

The Marines have learned by experience that keeping the activities secret leads to many angry, and often shocked, local residents.

The Crewe-Burkeville newspaper also revealed that the joint team would utilize a ball park in Burkeville. Crewe and Burkeville are located in Virginia's Nottoway County, southwest of Richmond.

While The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on the same day about the urban training exercise, the daily newspaper did not report on the FBI participation in the exercise.

City officials believe that the war games will not bother the public.

"We as a city know the positive impact of preparing our Marines to protect our country," said Betty Ann Hughes, a spokeswoman for the city. "The Marines have a great track record of doing things well."

NORTH CAROLINA EXPERIENCE

However, Richmond officials are either unaware of or ignoring a similar exercise conducted by the Army in Charlotte, N.C., in 1997. The exercise left Charlotte residents fuming and demanding an explanation from their mayor. Some demanded that the mayor promptly resign for allowing the operation in their city.

"I can characterize it as one of their less than finer moments," said Julie Hill, a spokeswoman for Charlotte. "It was not low-key; not noiseless and disruption free."

The events, much of which take place late at night, usually arouse citizens from their beds as military helicopters zoom overhead at near roof level over residential areas. Troops rappel on ropes to the roofs of pre-designated abandoned factories, hotels, schools or other run-down buildings. They then discharge stun grenades and frequently live ammunition.

In Miami, a live round penetrated the window of a downtown restaurant, nearly striking patrons who were dining inside.

There was considerable property damage in New Orleans as low-flying helicopters blew shingles, awnings and roofs off various buildings.

San Antonio, Tex., officials refused to allow the Army's elite Delta Force to use their city for the exercise, claiming it was "too dangerous." The news media reported that Pentagon "bag men" tried to get San Antonio officials to cooperate by donating $20,000 "to a charity of their choice." The Pentagon denied the incident bu city officials insisted that it did happen.

The Pentagon decided to use the Corpus Christi area of Texas instead and caused a local furor when a local factory was set ablaze. The local fire department was called in to put out the fire after failed attempts by the Delta Force soldiers.

In Detroit, an elite military team planned to "attack" the old Book-Cadillac Hotel but were turned down by the owners.

KIDS ENDANGERED

Elsewhere in Detroit, what was thought to be a joint military and local police exercise left an abandoned residential section of the city littered with live rounds and stun grenades. Bullets penetrated the exterior walls of the former residences which were located near occupied dwellings where small children played.

An operation similar to what is planned in the Richmond area took place in 1995 in Yuma, Ariz. It also was a joint exercise of the Marines and the FBI.

From helicopters launched from an aircraft carrier off the California coast, Marines landed on the outskirts of Yuma. They changed into civilian garb and proceeded on foot into the city, then changed back into their uniforms.

They teamed up with FBI Hostage-Rescue Team agents and "attacked" the downtown Hotel Del Sol, which they left with bullet-riddled walls and life-size targets. Observers noted that targets looked far more like American civilians than local peasants of some Third World country.

Richmond officials are not aware that they will be in for some big, probably unpleasant, surprises during the urban warfare training. City residents aware of the dangers are urging those familiar with such operations across the United States to contact the mayor's office at 804-780-7977 and advise him of the problems and concerns that arose in their communities during similar maneuvers. These resident want to "prevent Richmond from becoming a battle zone."

Tied into the Richmond area maneuvers, 50 Marine officer-students from nearby Quantico, Va., conducted an exercise on April 23 in the small town of Urbanna, just off the Chesapeake Bay, about 50 miles east of Richmond.

A similar exercise in a rural, small town settling was held last year in Hebron, Md.

The SPOTLIGHT May 24, 1999

U.S., GERMANY GIVE ISRAEL NUCLEAR NAVY

As if there were any doubts, not it's official: Israel has a nuclear arsenal. The ministate's new subs could allow Israel's nukes to go anywhere.

By Warren Hough

In a secret deal that will "set the Middle East afire, destabilize the oil rich Gulf and outrage the rest of the world," the United States is handling over three submarines equipped with nuclear-capable missile launchers to Israel.

Israel is already known among arms-control scholars as a worrisome, unstable "warfare state" that is hiding the largest stockpile of outlaw nuclear weapons in the world.

Delivery of the three stealthy, seagoing missile-launching craft will turn the diminutive Zionist homeland into a major military power with global "force projection" clout, warned a diplomatic source.

Launched earlier this year in Germany, the ships will be a "combined gift" from American and German taxpayer, a SPOTLIGHT check has found.

According to the plan, the German government will cover the costs of one sub, the Clinton administration will pay for the second one and the third will be made available to the ministate on "easy-payment" credit.

Under a series of secret "defense cooperation" pacts with Israel, signed by the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations, known as Memorandum of Understanding, the missile launchers will be specially installed in and paid for by the United States.

Responding to questions from this populist newspaper, the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., emphasized that the German Navy "is not a party to this transfer in any way and has no wish to be involved."

But privately, a senior German defense official stationed in this country, along with other knowledgeable sources, confirmed the following details of what one of them called: "This time-bomb of a transaction."

The three warships Israel will receive this year are Class K206 subs designed and built by two major German naval shipyards, Thyssen AG and the HSW-Werk in Hamburg.

Powered by state-of-the art diesel engines these "silent service" vessels have a range of 4,500 miles, and a cruising speed of 5 to 10 knots, the German official said.

They carry a normal duty complement of 22 men and five officers manning eight electronic torpedo launchers, these sources added.

But the three U-boats consigned to Israel will be brought from Germany to the United States before delivery, in order to be upgraded and equipped with high- tech, underwater missile launchers, The SPOTLIGHT has learned.

The missile batteries will convert the subs into nuclear capable warships, a category of long-range sea-going weapons systems hitherto reserved for the world's leading powers.

In the parlance of arms-controls researchers, Israel is already rated as a dangerous "bombs-in-the-basement bandit," i.e. a country that builds up a secret arsenal of atomic armaments without ever admitting or formally denying it.

Israel has never come clean about its clandestine nuclear weapons program. Nor has it ever agreed to join the world's civilized nations in any of the arms- control, inspection and non-proliferation pacts designed to protect mankind from nuclear holocaust.

Nevertheless, over the years a long line of U.S. presidents, beginning with Lyndon B. Johnson, covertly condoned -- at times even aided and abetted -- Israel's decision to build up a huge, hoard of nuclear military devises, with out ever accounting for it.

The U.S. leaders did it because "they were intimidated, finally cowed by the growing political power of the Israel lobby and its coreligionists in the media," said Dr. William Thayer, an arms-control analyst.

But this American duplicity "lost us the moral high ground from which we tried -- in fact, merely pretended -- to lead a campaign to bring the worldwide nuclear arm's race under control," Thayer warned.

Giving Israel such far-reaching, apocalyptic strike power will unleash a potentially disastrous international atomic arms race and bring the United States into further disrepute around the world, sources said.

The SPOTLIGHT May 31, 1999

IS THE DRAFT IN THE FUTURE?

The world's policemen are looking for a few good cops.

By Mike Blair

Under the administration of President Bill Clinton, recruitment officers of the various services are finding it increasingly difficult to get young Americans to enlist.

Military morale has dramatically declined. Only the Marines and Coast Guard have been able to consistently fill their quotas.

This will mean, according to one Army recruiting officer, who asked not to be identified, that as America enters more "peacekeeping" efforts, like those currently underway in the Balkans, the military services will have no choice but to ask Congress and the president to reinstate conscription, "the draft," officially called Selective Service.

Already, men are required by Selective Service Law to register at their local post offices upon reaching 18 years of age.

"It's coming because most of the services are falling short month after month after month, and it cannot go on as long as there will be a Kosovo in our future," the Army recruiter said.

Clinton recently announced that he was calling up 33,000 members of the National Guard from across America to fulfill the nation's military requirements in the NATO war over the Yugoslav province of Kosovo. Americans constitute 84 percent of the "NATO" force.

The call-up was to fill gaps in troop requirements that are occurring throughout the military services.

As an example, it was announced that an Arkansas Army National Guard unit, stationed in Camden, Ark., which has been training in the operation of Patriot Missile batteries, will soon replace regular Army units manning such batteries in the Middle East. This will free-up the more experienced regular Army units needed for the Balkans.

Currently, the Navy is suffering from a personnel shortage of 22,000 and American warships are being sent to sea without their full crews. The SPOTLIGHT has learned that the aircraft carrier USS Truman is at sea, short 400 sailors. The cruiser Leyte Gulf was about to set sail short 72 of its normal crew of 410.

Meanwhile, the Air Force has reported that its mission readiness is consistently falling, having dropped to 74.3 percent in 1998.

In addition to a shortage of personnel, the Air Force, as well as the Army and Navy, are short of equipment and spare parts.

The Air Force is currently cannibalizing its aircraft to keep others flying missions over Kosovo and Serbia.

Military magazine reports that:
"The questionable use of our military by Clinton for the past five years to clean up garbage in Third World countries and in situations that have more to do with deflecting media attention away from his sex life than our national security has resulted in low morale in our military, which in turn has resulted in low re-enlistment rates. It has now hit the elite Navy SEALS who are experiencing a drop in their retention rate from 90 percent, down to 68 percent, and that's in mid-grade career slots. Mission ability is suffering."

Facing with a horrendous recruiting problem, the Navy is awarding a new medal, a Navy or Marine Achievement Medal, which is given for a sailor or Marine who is able to come up with four new recruits.

According to the Government Accounting Office, in 1998 some 44.5 percent of females and 34.4 percent of male enlistees quit the service before completing their first tours of duty.

One military source told The SPOTLIGHT THAT THE Pentagon already has a study in the works to employ foreign nationals as mercenary troops to fill key slots in the U.S. services, such as aircraft pilots.

Since the Civil War, the draft was used by the military to fill its ranks beyond enlistments. The alienation of the American people as a result of the bloody Vietnam War ultimately led to the draft's termination.

If the draft is reinstated, it will probably cover Americans from 18 to #% years of age, as the custom used to be. It is going to cause considerable controversy and dissension throughout the country, not the least of which is going to be over the question of whether to draft females for service, since the services have been forced to accept on an equal basis female enlistees.

Current law requires that only males register with Selective Service upon reaching age 18.

It is most likely that the subject will not surface until after the 2000 presidential election.

In view of the current climate in Washington, reinstating the draft would be chaotic, at best.

"But it is coming down the road unless the overall recruitment situation gets remarkably better." the Army recruiting officer told The SPOTLIGHT. "If we are going to deploy troops all over the world we have got to have the troops.

The SPOTLIGHT May 31, 1999

BELGRADE JOURNALIST BLAMES BALKAN WAR ON BILDERBERG GROUP

The breakup of Yugoslavia was organized by the secret Bilderberg Group.

By Jim Tucker

Mihailo Markovic wrote in the April 12 edition of the Belgrade daily newspaper, The Blic, that the separation of Yugoslavia was planned by Bilderberg, which it described as a secret group of powerful bankers and politicians.

The Blic (pronounced blitz) identified President Clinton, the European Union's former Balkans negotiator David Owen and U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke as members of Bilderberg.

The rising tide of SPOTLIGHT-generated publicity is of grave concern to Bilderberg, according to a State Department official who has been a reliable observer of the world shadow government for more than a decade.

"They're really feeling it now," he said, pointing to a newspaper clipping about war protesters in Athens, Greece bombing and seriously damaging a branch of the Chase Manhattan Bank on May 6.

"They knew what they were doing he said, referring to the fact that Chase Manhattan is David Rockefeller's bank. Rockefeller shares power with the Rothschilds of Britain and Europe in Bilderberg and founded the brother group, the Trilateral Commission.

"Already, Bilderberg is getting unwelcome advance publicity in Portugal," he said, handing over a printout from the web site of the Progressive Review -- hardly known for "right-wing" views.

OTHER REPORTS

The printout contained a commentary called Undernews by Sam Smith, who said Portugal's English-language newspaper, The News, had reported on the upcoming Bilderberg meeting June 3-6 in Sintra, about 40 miles from Lisbon.

But first, Smith's comments:

"It is unlikely you will hear elsewhere about what possibly could be the most important gathering of important people this year. It is the meeting of the Bilderberg Group, gathering in early June in Sintra, Portugal.

In fact, the location of the annual gathering of barons and baronesses of the New World Order was secret until broken by Portugal's English-language paper, the News. Even in that country, and after the national press agency decided to distribute the News' report the rest of the media kept it a secret from readers."

Wrote The News:

"A quick search of the Internet on the single keyword Bilderberg will bring up some of the most extraordinary claims regarding the objectives and activities of this powerful group of industrialists, financiers and ex-politicians.

"It will also reveal many reports of the lengths to which this organization will go to maintain full secrecy over its meetings. Much of the information could be seen as scurrilous, even far-fetched, with claims that these people are part of the New World Order...

"It is not for this newspaper to become part of this speculation, yet it is extraordinary that even in a democracy such as Portugal, the very presence of what can only be described as one of the most prestigious meetings of powerful men and women from around the world could remain unreported anywhere."

The SPOTLIGHT May 31, 1999

BRITISH PRESS EXPOSES SECRET AMERICAN PLANS FOR ARMED TROOPS IN Y2K CRISIS

Even while the government is saying soothing things about the millennium bug, secret plans are in the works to counter a breakdown of order.

By F.C. Blahut

Readers of The SPOTLIGHT are aware that the American media has long since been co-opted by the would-be masters of the Global Plantation. A case in point is the Bilderberg Group, long reported on by this populist newspaper while the U.S. media denied the secret elite group even existed.

But while America's "Fourth Estate" is in denial, the European press has, on occasion, come forward to report the news. For instance, when Bilderberg met in the UK, The SPOTLIGHT informed the British media and the result was extensive coverage.

Now it's the British media again that's telling the stories the U.S. media is ignoring.

For instance, on May, 17, The Telegraph of London reported that "America's major cities are preparing secret command centers and making plans to mobilize armed troops in the event of a possible breakdown of social order if there is widespread computer failure on the eve of 2000."

An investigation by the London based daily indicated that city fathers "are known to be concerned" that the so-called Y2K bug could cause wide spread power failures, the breakdown of traffic management and difficulties in running everything from airports to ambulances.

The result, says The Telegraph, is a revival of the bunker mentality not seen since the end of the Cold War.

A case in point is New York City.

During the second week of May, New York revealed that its new $12 million emergency command center was "90 percent complete but fully operational."

BULLET PROOF

According to information released by the city, the 23rd-floor, 46,000-square- foot complex near the World Trade Center in Manhattan can house up to 100 of the city's most senior employees and is protected behind a wall of bullet-proof glass. It was built above ground because of the risk of flooding from broken water mains.

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani ordered the construction of the new control room only last year.

Reports The Telegraph: "While it is designed to deal with any emergency from a terrorist attack to a hurricane, the speed of its construction suggests that New York's planning for possible Y2K chaos is at an advanced stage."

It was used for the first time during a snow storm in February.

And New York isn't unique.

Other areas are taking similar precautions. State officials in Ohio announced in April that they were ready to move government operations into a $13-million bunker eight miles outside downtown Columbus on Dec. 29. The command center will be manned 24-hours-a-say from New Year's Eve until it is no longer needed.

The Telegraph reported that the fortified complex "is surrounded by barbed wire, with underground dormitories, a filtered air supply, food and water. Ohio officials say that it will be used to coordinate relief efforts if there is a major failure of public utilities."

The center's director of operations is James Williams, a retired Army National Guard general who "insists that the decision to man the center for the end of the millennium is 'not a panic situation? If nothing happens, we can go home and watch football.'"

Published reports indicate that Los Angeles, which experienced serious rioting following the Rodney King trial in 1992, is preparing an operations center five floors beneath a federal building in the center of the city.

Says The Telegraph: 'The Automated Traffic Signal and Control Center (ATSAC) is normally used to manage traffic in the notoriously congested Los Angeles area but has the advantage of dozens of remote-control cameras at strategic road junctions which could become the eyes and ears of emergency planners."

The ATSAC command center is also designed to be safe against earthquakes and nuclear explosions, and is protected by four vault doors similar to those used in banks. It has its own power system and can be reached only by a secret elevator.

According to The Telegraph, "American government officials have admitted that they have no idea of the possible disruption that the Y2K bug could potentially cause on the most technologically dependent nation in the world."

UK readers have been informed that, as in Britain, U.S. government bodies as well as private companies have been racing against time to ensure that the computers which run everything from nuclear missiles to air traffic control are reprogrammed to work normally from Jan. 1.

TOO COMPUTERIZED?

The Y2K computer problem is caused by some computer chips reading the year 2000 as 1900 because they only recognize the last two digits, and therefore either malfunctioning or shutting off the system they are controlling.

Washington has been playing down fears of disruption caused by Y2K computer crashes. Tens of thousands of Americans are less confident, however, and are actively preparing for the worst.

It isn't front page news in the mainstream media, but the investigation by the London-based daily turned up the fact that stocks of oil lamps and wood stoves are almost exhausted in many areas, along with supplies of dried foods in quantities which would allow a family to survive for a year.

As previously reported here, the Treasury is also preparing to print hundreds of millions of extra dollars because it believes huge numbers of people will take out extra cash before the New Year as a precaution against cash machines failing to work.

What the government -- and their friends in the mainstream media -- isn't telling you is what the powers-that-be really think will happen. Reports The Telegraph:

"The question of civil disorder is more sensitive. Responsibility for keeping law and order will rest with the National Guard, a part-time force which has access to guns, tanks and even fighter aircraft. Secret discussions are understood to have taken place at the Army Readiness Center in Washington last summer to prepare for Y2K-related problems."

National Guard units are organized by state but are said to be coordinating with federal agencies on a new command and control system with high-frequency radios, emergency power backup and command centers to be ready by the end of the year. A full recall of all 370,000 and 110,000 Army and Air National Guard members can only be authorized by Congress and has not taken place since 1940. An initial step would be the cancellation of all armed forces leave on Dec. 31.

Canada, which has created a task force of 14,5 000 military personnel to be mobilized from Jan.1, as part of Operation Abacus, is a step ahead. It has already put all its 60,000 troops and reservists, with the exception of those on overseas duty, an alert for the millennium.

The SPOTLIGHT May 31, 1999

CLINTON ADMINISTRATION SETS TARGETS ON YOUNGSTER'S MINDS

Is a "hate crime" initiative from the White House really an effort to "re- educate" school children?

By F.C. Blahut

President Bill Clinton wants to simultaneously expand the definition of "hate crimes" and federal infractions.

In a speech on April 6, he said his efforts are designed to stamp out intolerance in America. But critics of the proposed legislation see a darker side.

According to published reports, Robert Knight, senior director of cultural studies at the conservative Family Research Council, said he opposed the law because it would establish unequal protection for certain citizens and allow the president to advance a "homosexual agenda."

He said the president's real purpose was "to go into middle schools and teach children diversity -- as if all children are being misled at home by their parents and have to be re-educated by the federal government."

This, Knight said, "is a hate crime against parents."

Congress is being asked to expand the definition of federal hate crimes to include incidents based on a person's sexual orientation, gender or disability. The Current law covers crimes based on race, color, religion or national origin.

HELP FROM FRIENDS

The president also is directing that colleges be required to report hate crimes annually and endorse a public private partnership designed to educate middle school students against intolerance.

The partnership will involve AT&T, Court TV, Cable in the Classroom, the National Middle Schools Association and the Anti-Defamation League working with the Justice and Education departments to "develop curricula to combat intolerance."

The Clinton administration backed a similar bill last year. But it languished in the Senate Judiciary Committee without a vote.

Clinton linked "hate crimes" in America with the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and said the United States should at least set an example by not tolerating such bias.

The current law not only limits the categories of crime that can be considered hate crimes, but also requires that the victims be participating in one of the six federally protected activities when the crime occurs.

These include attending public school, voting and traveling on an interstate highway. The proposed legislation would eliminate these circumstances as a precondition for a hate crime to occur.

Prospects for the legislation in Congress are uncertain. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R- Utah), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has scheduled a hearing on the subject for this month. Last year Hatch said he had mixed feelings about it.

Published reports also state that the senator has noted state and federal laws already allow for punishing hate crimes. But he also said a law might be needed to highlight the fact that "there's a punishment that comes from being vicious and vindictive against people who you might not agree with.