The two Naomis; 1.

By a strange coincidence, two powerful speakers named Naomi are visiting Lethbridge within the space of four days. I attended the lecture tonight and will see Naomi #2 on Monday. Tonight was Naomi Wolf, author of a recent best seller, The End of America. She was very impressive in laying out what she believes are the steps that may be leading to a "fascist [United State of] America".

Here they are:
1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy
2. Create a gulag
3. Develop a thug caste
4. Set up an internal surveillance system
5. Harass citizens' groups
6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release
7. Target key individuals
8. Control the press
9. Dissent equals treason
10. Suspend the rule of law

During questions, one person asked, "Why?" The answer was "Profit." After the end of the cold war, the industries that profited from missiles and nuclear weapons were losing money--they needed a new enemy. Voila! The war on terror. They've switched over from weapons to surveillance systems.

I'm sure we'll hear more about how companies such as Blackwater have profited when Naomi Klein speaks on Sept. 22.

I spoke briefly with Naomi Wolf after her talk at the book signing. She wished me well in my campaign and was happy to put one of my campaign button on.

For more on Naomi Wolf see Naomi Wolf article