The Fall of the Aztec Empire

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

blogment - National News wire - The Infinite Echo

The fall of Aztec civilization has long been the subject of much debate. However, this much is clear, the Aztec were an extraordinary people, steeped in myth and mayhem. Their impact is still felt throughout Mexico.

The Aztec Empire collapsed quickly, lasting no more than a century. Some have blamed the collapse on Cortes, and the invading Spaniards, but in fact, disease and regional discord also played major roles.

In the year 1427, the Aztecs, under the rule of Itzcoatl, and with the assistance of surrounding communities successfully conquered the Tepanecs, thus gaining control of the Valley of Mexico'. However, unlike other warring nations, the Aztec were primarily interested in occupation of new territory, seeking offerings, human and otherwise, for sacrifice to their unusual Gods.

Existing community temples were burned or destroyed, replaced with Aztec alters. Residents were instructed to worship their new God, Huitzilopochtli.
Aztec religion was represented through numerous deities, most which appear on the Aztec calendar. These deities were believed responsible for blessing or cursing Aztec life. Such practices were unacceptable to many regional communities, who often found themselves or their neighbors victims of Aztec atrocities.

Around 1521, the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan became infected with the small-pox virus. The subsequent epidemic wiped out nearly half the population of the city, leaving it vulnerable to attack from outside forces. Soon after, Cortes mobilized nine thousand of his own troops and nearly a hundred-fifty thousand regional troops, bringing down the Aztec Empire forever. By August of 1521, the Aztec were all but decimated, and in their wake, began the era of Spanish rule throughout Mexico.

Descendants of the Aztec continue to live throughout Mexico, and much about Aztec culture remains. Previously unknown ruins have recently been documented and excavated, leading to much new information about these amazing people. Still, like their relatives, the Mayan and the Toltec, the Aztec left behind a curious and troubling legacy, some mysteries of which we shall never fully understand.

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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Criminal Probe Announced in CIA Torture Cover-Up

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

blogment - National News wire - The Infinite Echo

Just over a year remains for the Bush administration, an administration long caught in the grip of pathos. These have been lean years for integrity in the Oval Office. George W. Bush isn’t just dishonest, he is indeed, downright pathological.

We all have our critics. I certainly have mine. Unfortunately, this goes way beyond critical commentary. George W. Bush has violated US and international law, including the Geneva Accord. He is a war criminal. He is a radical, lawless extremist.

George W. Bush stood before the nation and denied the use of ‘water-boarding‘. Of course, few believed him and judging by past performance, with good reason. The doubt was soon justified when of course, the truth again slipped through the cracks. Bush, the pathological liar, had struck again.

With no sign of remorse, Bush lied to the nation, and to the international community as a whole. In doing so, he obstructed justice, and compromised the integrity of the country and his position of authority, an act of treason.

I’ll not mince words. Only an absolute fool would continue to defend or support the transgressions of this administration. It is neither noble nor patriotic to guard the door whilst the fox raids the henhouse. Wake up and smell the coffee, America. We have been taken for the ride of our lives, and the mileage is beginning to wear this country thin.

Today the US Justice Department announced it was opening a criminal probe into the destruction of video recordings destroyed in violation of court order. These videos are purported to have been taken during interrogations of terror suspects being held in secret prisons abroad.

"The Department's National Security Division has recommended, and I have concluded, that there is a basis for initiating a criminal investigation of this matter, and I have taken steps to begin that investigation," Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey said in a statement released January 2nd, 2008.

The investigation is yet another horrible black eye for this formerly great country of ours. A scar perhaps, long to heal, if ever. This has been a sad, sad period for America. Let’s just all hope these next twelve months pass quickly. The best we can ask is that we are able to put this darkest of disasters behind us, and move forward with dignity. It won’t be easy, America. Rest assured, it will not go gently into that good night.

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

Sound Foundation Entertainment - National Newswire - The Infinite Echo - Impeachment Now! - Sound&Recording - Skate the Razor - Skate the Razor Blog - blogment