FREE SPEECH...IT'S AMERICAN, IT'S PATRIOTIC, AND IT'S NECESSARY!
           
Welcome!
 
My forefathers, as well as others, fought and served for our rights and freedoms and that included the First Amendment right of Free Speech!
 
Unfortunately, too many of us feel that our individual voices do not matter and will never be heard. As a result, too many people do not Speak Up or Speak Out! 
 
Personally, I have experienced great frustration over how difficult it is, if not how impossible it is, to obtain the most basic of information related to our rights as American Citizens and Laborers. 
 
Therefore, the goal of this website is to inform people and reassure them, through personal accounts, they are not alone in their experiences and need to be heard! 
 
 
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 "The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it" 
Albert Einstein 
 
 
 
Who I Am~
 
I am a 45-year-old woman who has been married for over 25 years to the same man, we have 3 beautiful children (two in their twenties/one teen) and we currently live in Reno, Nevada. 
 
I am a disappointed, frustrated and disillusioned citizen of this country in every way shape and form!
 
I am disappointed and disillusioned by what is referred to as health care! I have endured numerous medical problems my entire life, some so disabling I can barely function, which means I have spent a lot of time dealing with the health care system and doctors. After what I have been through as a patient and what I have experienced as a medical transcriptionist, I have lost all respect/trust for the majority of doctors and the health care system in the United States (as a transcriptionist I would frequently have to listen to doctors go on and on about how much they hated the people they had to treat). This country must address the overwhelming amount of incompetence that exists in our medical system. The United States DOES NOT have the best medicine in the world, and people must stop listening to the propagand and rhetoric being put out to the contrary by our government and the medical community (the U.S. ranks last in the ability to treat breathing problems and diabetes)!
 
I am disappointed, frustrated, and greatly disillsioned by the promises of a "higher education." I spent years trying to get any job they would let me do and got nowhere so I obtained the education they said would get me a good job. Unfortunately, I was trumped by the need for experience (being a housewife for 20+ years has no merit) and, apparently, college work-study does not account for anything. Unless you are from a particular socioeconomic background, a higher education is a complete waste of money and time as a means to gaining employment. In the end, all that is acquired is a huge debt that is difficult, if not impossible, to pay back!
 
I am disappointed and greatly disgusted by the work environment in the United States! In 26 years I have only been able to get two jobs with employers that violate labor laws and exploit their workforce which appears to be the status quo for employers in this country! Going after bad and criminal employers has become one of my hobbies and I take great pride in taking them down. We must stand and fight against the employers or we will become indentured servants!
 
I am frustrated beyond words about how difficult it is to get information in this country, some of which should be common knowledge! A lack of knowledge can, and does, get held against a person (in a court of law, "ignorance is no excuse"). Unfortunately, access is limited to those with money (an ID, an address and a phone number are required to get a library card). This MUST be changed for the good of our nation and our world as a lack of knowledge is a weakness!
 
I am absolutely appalled with our government and the political system...they no longer represent the people, but rather their own interests and the interests of the corporations. Our government and the political parties have our nation in a death grip, and is part of the reason I have decided to become active in politics.
I am an independent and I take great pride in the fact that I think for myself. I am not a follower and I am willing to pay the price for being a true 'independent' (I will take on anyone). I do not support any party affiliation or ideology, I support the people of this country. I believe most people are good people and will overcome the dark place our country is in!
 
I am absolutely disgusted with the treatment of children (teens included) in our country. Crimes against children continue to increase in the United States which should be of concern to every single person in this country. Children are NOT adults and should NEVER be treated as adults. This is a symptom of a greater illness...the flagrant disregard for human dignity and life!
 
And, the list goes on!
 
 The 'American Dream' does not exist. 
Some of The History Behind Why I Have Chosen To CreateThis Website~ 
 
Below is a brief, incomplete chronological overview of what I have endured and what my efforts have been. My experiences have made me who I am and why I choose to help others.
 
  • At the age of 9 I was kicked out of the fourth grade (I was later placed in the fifth grade class).
  • At the age of 16 I dropped out of the public school system. I was told by the school personnel that I would never amount to anything and I would be dead by the age of 20 (I had the support of the school board and a psychologist who tested me)!
  • At the age of 25 I fell into the belief that education would net me a job so I decided to get my high school diploma. This, unfortunately, did not help in any way shape or form.
  • At the age of 28 I decided to get a college degree because I, again, fell into the belief that this was the missing link to getting a job. Wrong again!
  • At 38 I figured I would try getting specific and enrolled in one of the top medical transcription training programs. I graduated from the program with high honors. We, the students, were told that we could earn as much as a 6 figure income our first year if we graduated with high honors. Strike Three!
  • Now, instead of having a job and making some money to help support my family, I owe nearly $70,000 in student loans that I, as it appears, will never be able to repay.

Academic Achievements 1990--2007:

  • 1992--High School Diploma (original graduation date-1985).
  • 1998--AA Degree in Fine Art.
  • 2002--BA Degree in Fine Art with Honors-Emphasis in painting & photography-Minor in Journalism.
  • 2007--Cirtificate of Graduation with High Honors--Medical Transcription--Career Step.
    • Academic Awards, Honors and More:
  • 1990-1992--Award Winning Martial Artist.
    •         
  • 1992--Most Perservering (martial arts).
  • 1992--Most Perservering (academic).
  • 1997--Rogers State College Dean's List (GPA).
  • 1998--Who's Who Among Students In American Junior Colleges.
  • 1999--Who's Who Among Students In American Junior Colleges.
  • 2000--Inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda (A National Honor Society for Adult Learners in Continuing Education).
  • 2001--Research & Academic Affairs Grant--University of Nevada, Reno (one of the first artists to receive this particular grant).
  • 2001--Betsy Caughlin Donnelly Scholarship--College of Arts & Science--University of Nevada, Reno.
  • 2003--Who's Who In Executives & Professionals (Professional artist).
  • 2004--The National Dean's List (GPA/Student Involvement).
  • 2010--Stanford Who's Who of Selected Executives, Professionals and Entreprenuers from around the world (Government/Political Organization).
    •  
    Work Study Experience:
    • Cashier/short-order cook--Rogers University Student Union Snack Bar. 
    • KNPB Channel 5, Reno--Production and Research Assistant/Camera Operator/More.
    • The Shadowlands (movie starring Gary Busey)--Production Assistant/Lighting. 
      •              

                

       

    In addition to my academic achievements, I have also become a National and International Award Winning Fine Artist. 
    Brief, incomplete list of awards, publications, shows & more:
    • 1996  Pryor Area Arts & Humanities Council Art Show--Peoples Choice Award--Pryor, OK.
    • 1997  Art Association Mural Project--Original fire station in Claremore, OK.
    • 1999  'Things of Beauty' Art Show & Auction--Fundraiser for homeless children--Reno, NV.
    • 2000  University of Nevada, Reno Student Art Show--First Place/Painting--Reno, NV.
    • 2001  Revolutionary Visions: Artists Against Oppression--UNR/JTSU Lounge--Reno, NV.
    • 2002  "A Visual Autobiography of Abuse & Neglect"--Senior Solo Show--McNamara Gallery/UNR--Reno, NV.
    • 2003  Barn Again! Traveling Exhibition--Advanced Photography Class-UNR/Nevada Humanities Council/Smithsonian--Nevada (Book: Sagebrush Vernacular~Rural Architecture in Nevada).   
    • 2003  "Women, Trauma & Visual Expression"--Chicago, IL.
    • 2004  Women In Photography International/International Online Juried Exhibition--Virtual*Visual--Professional USA--'Best Things'. 
    • 2004  Coordinated/Curated--Disenting Opinions 2--Blue Lion Art Gallery--Reno, NV.    
     
    Things I have done as a community activist:
     

    For more than 30 years, I have been very active in the communities I have lived in.  For me, helping people is one of the most rewarding things in life.

    Below is a partial list of things I have done, I am doing or I will be doing.

    I have...

    • Volunteered to help the elderly and injured~Mountain View, California
    • Gotten a business owner busted for having illegal workers from El Salvador~Los Altos, California
    • Gotten a teacher fired~Sunnyvale, California.
    • Gotten a principal fired~Sunnyvale, California.
    • Contributed to a school superintendent being fired~Sunnyvale, California (Santa Clara County School District).
    • Informed parents of California laws regarding public schools and parental access rights~Sunnyvale, California.
    • Served on a school site council~Sunnyvale, California.
    • Coached T-ball teams~Sunnyvale, California. 
    • Served as a parent volunteer for every class my children were in until I pulled them out of public school to home school them~California, Nevada, Oregon, and Oklahoma.
    • Coached two YMCA Summer Baseball teams so they would not have to cancel the program~Roseberg, Oregon.
    • Coached T-ball~Pryor, Oklahoma. 
    • Co-founded the Student Art Association for Rogers University in Claremore, Oklahoma.
    • Served as vice president of the Student Art Association for Rogers University (Claremore, Oklahoma).
    • Served as secretary for Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (Rogers University~Claremore, Oklahoma).
    • Founded and served as off-site representative for the Pryor Campus of Rogers University in Pryor, Oklahoma.
    • Gotten a professor disciplined (resigned after the class was completed) for making fun of a student and getting the other students to make fun of the student (ME!) too~Rogers University in Claremore, Oklahoma.
    • Helped the public school system in Pryor, Oklahoma understand parental rights and the laws regarding what can and cannot be done to a student (Example: corpal punishment still exists there, unless you exercise your rights)! 
    • Stood up for South African's brought to the U.S. for vocational training against racism~Pryor, Oklahoma (this was not a safe nor popular thing for me to do).
    • Served as vice president of the PTA at Lincoln Elementary School in Sparks, Nevada for 1 school year.
    • Gotten multiple professors disciplined for bad behavior and/or moonlighting at the University of Nevada, Reno.
    • Helped students know their 'educational rights' and exercise them~University of Nevada, Reno.
    • Stood up for students that were being lied to by some of the financial aid people (blatant discrimination)~University of Nevada, Reno.
    • Stood up for students being harassed by the University Police~University of Nevada, Reno.
    • Served as vice president of the student art association~University of Nevada, Reno.
    • Served as president of the student art association~University of Nevada, Reno.
    • Served as secretary for Alpha Sigma Lambda--a national honor society for non-traditional undergraduate students (typically over the age of 24) who achieve and maintain outstanding scholastic standards and leadership characteristics while adroitly handling additional responsibilities of work and family~University of Nevada, Reno.
    • Worked with the Reno/Sparks Indian Colony to help keep Oil-Dri out of Northern Nevada. 
    • Served as the student representative for the 'Barn' project--Peter Goin's Advanced Photography Class~University of Nevada, Reno (this was actually thrust upon me during grievances over the project).
    • Gotten a laptop replaced by the CEO of Toshiba after criminal actions by their repair center (drove around with my grievance written all over my entire minivan for over three months and wrote a letter)~Reno, Nevada.
    • Served as vice president for the parent-teacher group during Rainshadow Community Charter High School's first year~Reno, Nevada.
    • Gotten medical bills written off~Reno, Nevada.
    • Gotten a doctor/clinic disciplined and fined~Reno, Nevada (they belong to a different company now and they no longer handle workers' comp claims).
    • Gotten my employer fined for mishandling my workers' comp claim~Reno, Nevada (the employer is located in Tennessee).
    • Gotten my employer fined for improperly paying me (they did not have a qualifying health plan and they did not even come close to the minimum wage required)~Reno, Nevada.
    • Obtained the title to our home despite the illegal actions of the person who sold it to us~Reno, Nevada.
    • Obtained a new refrigerator for free~Reno, Nevada.
    • Obtained a new heater & windows for our home~Reno, Nevada. 
      • & More. 
       
      Things I have done as a political activist:
       
      • Written letters to congressmen/women, governors, the President, and senators~national
      • Written letters to political organizations~national
      • Member of awid-Advancing Women in Development~international
      • Activist with Progressive Change Campaign Committee~national
      • Member of the World Food Programe~international
      • Founder and President of IVON-Independent Voters of Nevada~Reno, Nevada
      • Joined No Labels as a Citizen Leader/member of the Congressional Watch Group~national
      • Became a member of NOW of Northern Nevada~Reno, Nevada
      • Became a member of U.S. Policy & the World Group on Linkedin~international
      • Founding member of ProgressivesUnited Political Action Committee~national
      • Became a member of Nevada Women's Lobby~Northern Nevada
        • & More.
         
       
       
       
      I always question what I believe is wrong and
      I am most motivated when I am told that I cannot do something! 
       
       
      Behind the inspiration~My husband, our beautiful children, our family members, our friends and fellow Americans that have been kind enough to share their stories!
       
       
      "The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."  Martin Luther King, Jr.
       
       
       
       
         
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      "Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable and sacred right--a right we hope and believe is to liberate the world."
      Abraham Lincoln
       
        
       
       
       
      Below are more of my favorite quotes...what are yours?
       
      "The most heroic word in all languages is--REVOLUTION!"  
      Eugene Debs
       
      "It is an observation of one of the profoundest inquiries into human affairs that a revolution of government is the strongest proof that can be given by a people, of their virtue and good sense." 
      John Adams
       
      "In the abstract theory of our government the obedience of the citizen is not due to an unconstitutional law: he may lawfully resist its execution." 
      John Quincy Adams
       
      "An oppressed people are authorized whenever they can to rise and break their fetters." 
      Henry Clay, politician
       
      "If the State cannot survive the...agitation, then let the State perish. If the Church must be cast down by the sturgglings of Humanity to be free, then let the American Union be consumed by a living thungerbolt, and no tear shed over its ashes. If the Republic must be blotted out from the roll of nations, by proclaiming liberty to the captives, then let the Republic sink beneath the waves of oblivion, and a shout of joy, louder than the voice of many waters, fill the universe at its extinction." 
      William Lloyd Garrison       
       
      "Revolution is the only thing, the only power, that ever worked out freedom for any poeple. The powers that have ruled long, and learned to love ruling, will never give up that prerogative till they find they must, till they see the certainty of overthrow and destruction if they do not! ... To plant--to revolutionize--those are the twin stars that have ruled our pathway. What have we then to dread in the word Revolution--we, the children of rebels! We were born to be rebles--it runs in our blood." 
      Wendell Phillips
       
       
       
      "Full opportunity for full development is the unalienable right of all. He who denies it is a tyrant, he who does not demand it is a coward; he who is indifferent to it is a slave; he who does not desire it is dead. The earth for all the people! That is the demand." 
      Eugene Debs
      "If we do not soon bestir ourselves for a bloody revolution, we cannot leave anything to our children but poverty and slavery." 
      Die Arbeiter Zeitung, Chicago labor paper       
      "We can't have education without revolution. We have tried peace education for 1,900 years and it has failed. Let us try revolution and see what it will do now."
      Hellen Keller
      "Those who won our independence by revolution were not cowards. They did not fear political change. They did not exalt order at the cost of liberty."
      Louis Brandeis, Supreme Court Justice
      "That circumstances sometimes justify it...(revolution) is not Communist doctrine but an old American belief." Justice Jackson
      "Wherever one goes in this civilized world, one always finds the same set-up. The little man, the man who does the dirty work, the producer is of no importance, recieves no consideration and is always being asked to make the greatest sacrifice. Yet everything depends on this forgotten man. Not a wheel could turn without his support and co-operation. It is this man, whose number is legion, who has no voice in world affairs...he knows that he has been robbed and cheated from time immemorial. He is suffocated with all this bitter knowledge. He waits and waits hoping that time will alter things. And slowly he realizes that time alters nothing, that with time things only grow worse. One day, he will decide to act. "Wait!" he will be told. "Wait just a little longer" But he will refuse to wait another second." 
      Henry Miller
       
      I am currently reading this book and highly recommend it to everyone! 
        
      Please feel free to contact me at catanalbarnes@yahoo.com
       If you support free speech and connecting people with invaluable information, please make a donation to help keep this website up and running.
      Thank you,
      Catana L Barnes
       
       
       
      "There is a political feudalism where a dynasty has the trappings of a parliamentary system but manipulates it for the benefit of the ruling class...Revolution in theTwentieth Century means rebellion against another kind of feudalism...economic feudalism...and the United States should promote democratic revolution against these conditions of economic feudalism."
      William Douglas, Supreme Court Jusitice
      "They set up the courts; they set up the police; they set up the army; they set up an educational system; they set up the newspaper; they set up all the apparatus to brainwash and to keep in subjugation. If we're going to be free, and we will not be fully free until we smash this state completely and totally...no people in this world have ever achieved independence and freedom through the ballot or having it legislated to them. (They) got their freedom through struggle and through revolution." 
      William Epton
      "God forbid we should ever be twenty years without...a rebellion."
      Thomas Jefferson
      How well do you know the U.S. Constitution?
       
       
      I took the Myers-Briggs Personality Test and the result is listed below:
      ESTJ - "Administrator". Much in touch with the external environment. Very responsible. Pillar of strength. 8.7% of total population.
       
      Coming Soon!
       
      Pictures from Nevada
       
       
      There are always changes and updates being made to this site...please come back soon.
       
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