This Blog is created to stress the importance of Peace as an environmental directive. “I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” – Harry Truman
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Birds sit on wires in front of the logo of Swiss bank UBS at the Paradeplatz square in Zurich (click here) REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:34am EST (Corrects paragraph 15 to say that shareholders will vote on new scheme at next year's AGM, not at Nov. 27 EGM) By Jason Rhodes and Lisa Jucca ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss bank UBS axed bonuses for top executives Monday and said it would introduce a more transparent pay system in the most far-reaching changes on pay at a top European lender during the credit crisis. UBS, which is struggling in the subprime crisis and whose shares slumped to a new all-time low Monday, said Chairman Peter Kurer, Chief Executive Marcel Rohner and other executive board members would not get any bonuses this year. Starting from 2009, top managers' bonuses will be blocked for at least three years instead of being paid immediately and executives will receive variable pay if UBS results warrant. Under the new system, the chairman will only be awarded a fixed salary. Kurer's fixed-pay salary for this year was 2 million Swiss francs ($1.68 million), he said Monday. "UBS is fully committed to taking its responsibilities seriously and correcting previous errors," the bank said....
If it happened at UBS, where are the rest of them?
UBS uncovers tax fraud cases (click title to entry, thank you) David Gow guardian.co.uk, Thursday November 27 2008 16.19 GMT Troubled Swiss bank UBS today admitted it had uncovered a "limited number" of cases of tax fraud under both US and Swiss tax law. The revelation came from the chairman, Peter Kurer, as US authorities continue to look into the tax advice UBS has given to thousands of Americans. Kurer also told an extraordinary meeting of shareholders in Lucerne that bank secrecy was "not absolutely valid". He said bank secrecy "is not there to protect cases of tax fraud", adding: "Such an absolute pretence would only damage bank secrecy." Switzerland and Liechtenstein are under global pressure to revise their banking secrecy laws as tax authorities clamp down on tax evasion by wealthy individuals holding accounts in both countries Kurer's comments, in a speech long on criticism of the bank's arrogant culture in the past, suggest UBS is preparing to hand over details of clients' accounts to US authorities investigating tax fraud. But Kurer insisted UBS had not violated bank-client confidentiality. Just two weeks ago Raoul Weil, the head of UBS's private banking operations in the US, was forced to stand down after being indicted by a federal grand jury in a tax fraud case. The department of justice alleges that 20,000 American clients have been systematically using Swiss bank accounts to conceal $20bn (£13bn) of assets from the Internal Revenue Service....
Commandoes Try to Clear Luxury Hotels Seized by Gunmen in Mumbai, India (Click title to entry, thank you) By Anjana Pasricha New Delhi27 November 2008 Pasricha report - Download (MP3) Pasricha report - Listen (MP3) The Indian prime minister says the terror attacks in the country's financial capital, Mumbai, were carried out by militants based outside the country. Meanwhile, commandoes have freed some people from the luxury hotels, the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi, which were invaded by heavily armed gunmen. An unknown number remain trapped or held hostage. There are several foreigners among the 101 people killed and more than 300 injured in the audacious and massive terror attack. Anjana Pasricha reports for VOA from New Delhi....
Imagine waking up to this reality in Mumbai and NOT finding it appauling. Imagine being the terrorists that killed 101 people and relishing every moment. Just imagine it, because, that is the cultural reality that still today on the USA Thanksgiving Day 2008 is pervading the regions of the world burdened with such elements.
There will no doubt be a rise in terrorist activity. The USA is moving back into Afghanistan to finish the work that was started in 2001. The terrorist networks are fully embedded in the 'care taking' of the Taliban and have resources to sustain them. I would expect to see an escalation in activity throughout the region, including Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.
Afghan car bomb kills four near U.S. Embassy (click here) By Laura King 1:28 AM PST, November 27, 2008 Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan --- A suicide car bomber set off a powerful blast Thursday near the gates of the U.S. Embassy, killing at least four Afghan civilians and injuring more than a dozen others. Weaving in and out of morning rush-hour traffic near one of Kabul's busiest traffic circles, the bomber's Toyota Corolla struck several other cars before exploding, witnesses said. It was not clear whether the bomber was attempting to strike at a NATO convoy in the area, or trying to get close to one of the embassy's heavily fortified entrances, the nearest of which was about 200 yards away, or intended to simply wreak havoc in a crowded commercial area. No one inside the embassy compound was hurt, and all personnel were accounted for, said spokesman Mark Stroh. Most embassy workers were off for the Thanksgiving holiday....
...Mr. Karzai’s remarks, (click here) at a news conference with the secretary general of NATO, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, reflected dwindling public support for the war here and Mr. Karzai’s own political vulnerabilities. In the United States, however, the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama is planning a significant increase in the Afghanistan war effort as it scales back the American military deployment in Iraq. “How long will this war go?” Mr. Karzai asked. “Afghanistan can’t continue to suffer a war without end.”...
Rocket hits NATO truck depot in Pakistan (click here) By RIAZ KHAN – 22 hours ago PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Suspected militants fired a rocket Wednesday that hit a terminal for trucks carrying supplies to NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan, underscoring the insurgents increasing hold over parts of northwest Pakistan. The rocket was one of two fired late in the day in the region's capital, Peshawar, said police officer Abdul Qadirwhich. The city, which sits along the supply route from Pakistan to Afghanistan, has seen an upsurge in violence in recent weeks, including the slaying of an American working on a U.S-funded aid project. Neither of the rockets caused serious damage or any injuries, he said. Qadir said officers were not sure whether the truck terminal was the target of the attack. The rockets are normally fired into the city from hills on its outskirts some 10 kilometers (7 miles) away. Up to 75 percent of the supplies for Western forces in landlocked Afghanistan pass through Pakistan. Peshawar is a key stop for convoys en route to the Khyber Pass and on to Western Afghanistan....
Mumbai attacks put pressure on Pakistan talks (click here) Carnage in India puts terrorist suspect extradition negotiations in the spotlight Owen Bowcott and agencies guardian.co.uk, Thursday November 27 2008 12.23 GMT The Mumbai attacks will impose fresh strains on the fraught diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. Officials from both countries are due to meet in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, next week to discuss the extradition of Islamist suspects linked to earlier bomb attacks in Mumbai. Among key figures being sought by the Indian authorities is Dawood Ibrahim, a notorious gangster and fugitive, and the leaders of the Indian Mujahideen (IM). They are said to live in the Pakistani city of Karachi. In the immediate aftermath of last night's attacks, the Pakistani president, Asif Ali Zardari, and his prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, issued statements deploring the carnage in Mumbai. The president's statement "stressed the need for taking strict measures to eradicate terrorism and extremism from the region"....
IMF bailout funds reach Pakistan, boost rupee (click here) 6 hours ago KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan received the first tranche of a $7.6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund on Thursday, a bailout package aimed at stabilizing the economy as it fights soaring Islamist violence. The currency strengthened slightly against the dollar after the Central State Bank of Pakistan said the IMF had transferred $3.1 billion, part a rally that begin several weeks ago when it was clear that the fund would help. The IMF agreed to lend money to banish the immediate risk of a currency crash and debt default in a country already creaking under the pressure of 25 percent inflation and slowing economic growth. Al-Qaida and Taliban militants based close to the Afghan border are behind a spreading insurgency against Pakistan's secular government and are also blamed for rising attacks against Western forces in Afghanistan. The IMF said in return for the money Pakistan had agreed to phase out energy subsidies, boost taxes and implement other money saving reforms. The rest of the money will be transferred to Pakistan in quarterly installments, subject to it implementing the reforms. The government has said it now expects to receive more money from Western allies, which have said they do not want to see further turmoil in the country.
If The West continues to be defeated here, Afghan's Karzai will be exiled, the new Pakistani government risks being overthrown again, all progress in Kashmir will be lost and the terrorists of al Qaeda will continue to be hosted by the Taliban.
Happy Thanksgiving ! The beginning of the Macy's Day Parade was really quite spectacular, wasn't it?
No one can deny two al Qaeda attacks that occurred in the USA were within the first year of a change in Presidential leadership.
Due to that fact, there is a 'change' in the way this administration is transitioning its military leadership, Robert Gates will stay on to provide a smooth and protective transition in the first year of the Obama Presidency. It is a decent and patriotic act by Secretary Gates and I welcome his insight.
...U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he wants additional troops in place ahead of Afghanistan's national elections set for next year. Gates also says the United States wants to move at least four combat brigades each having 3,500 to 5,000 soldiers into Afghanistan between now and early next year, to boost security amid a growing Taliban insurgency....
Maintaining consistent military leadership through the first year of transition will send a clear statement to al Qaeda. "We are a nation united in the determination to defeat terrorists networks and without pause we value the insight, known prowess and successful of Secretary Gates to date." Keeping Secretary Gates in the cabinet will stop any estimation by terrorist networks, such as al Qaeda, that a change in the Executive Branch of the USA in 2009 equates into vulnerability. Consistency is a 'strong tool' in providing a united front against terrorists and their plans for the USA. It is the right decision and perhaps it will be a precedent that will carry forward after having proven its value to domestic harmony.
Regardless of the differences I may share with him, I thank him for his willingness to work with the Obama White House and loyalty to the country and citizens of the USA. For that I will always be grateful. Volcker is an interesting choice. He investigated the UN Oil for Food Program (click here) when it fell under speculation of wrong doing.
March 18, 2008, 11:06 pm Volcker: Fed’s ‘Extreme’ Intervention ‘Raises Some Real Questions’ (click here - video) Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker said the Fed’s decision to lend money to Bear Stearns Cos. to keep it from collapsing is unprecedented and “raises some real questions” about whether that’s the appropriate role for the Fed. The wisdom of the decision depends on “how severe this crisis was and their judgment about the threat of demise of Bear Stearns,” Mr. Volcker said on the Charlie Rose Show on Tuesday evening. “That’s a judgment they had to make and an understandable judgment.” It is “absolutely” not “what you want for the longstanding regulatory support system.”...
Mr. Volcker has an interesting resume. He understands international relationships in regard to the USA economy AND the financial markets. He is methodical. He may very well be able to bring a view of the future based on the past that will provide stability in decision making. However, this is a unique set of circumstances to the global economy and while there are popularly qualified people involved in this economic 'restructuring' I strongly believe there is little to know in the way of defining success that conserves the well being of the USA dollar in relation to the country's recovery.
I beleive there are substantial facts in regard to this crisis that is yet to be known. One of the first acts by Mr. Volcker should be to establish a complete timeline to the demise of the USA economy dating back to the beginning of the current administration. If we recall, the USA had a treasury surplus at the end of the Clinton economy that the Bush White House inherited and squandered. No one can deny that. Bush's vision of the purpose of the USA economy is based in how it compliments foreign economies such as India and China, while providing a military that can conquer countries for their natural resources.
Mr. Volcker, along with the President-elect, has to 'define' the decline of the USA economy in regards to its loss in manufacturing and its embrace of low paying jobs serviced by huge chain stores that provide 'dirt cheap lifestyles' everywhere except the cost of energy and food. Plainly stated, "There is something very wrong here." I sincerely do not believe an answer to this crisis can be achieved through 'feeling the way' through it. It will not resolve by trial and error. There are answers to this crisis and it lies in the knowledge in understanding 'where it all went wrong.' In this equation lies the international transactions between the USA and all the countries that have financed this travesty of 'responsible fiscal policy' regardless the country. Where did any country outside the USA ever have the insight to actually provide monies to hideous lending that resulted in subprime home lending? Why does the USA government have to now 'bailout' foreign banks and governments for undermining the good quality of lending the USA financial markets once held in esteem? Where did this insanity start, why and who is most responsible?
It is understandable to have lending relationships with other governments and foreign banks when it comes to financing war efforts that can't be handled at home or within the ability of the USA Treasury, at time of SINCERE national defense, it is quite another relationship for lending to the USA that saw annual rises in the USA debt ceiling providing the impetus to this entire MESS !
It was as if, Georgie Bush found a 'counterfit printing press' under his Christmas Treee in 2001 after the attacks of September 11th and the Bush/Cheney Culture of Fear and simply went to town printing dollar bills. Then blindly, the international financial markets lept to the occassion thinking that greed was an okay commodity in scalping the USA of its fiscal stability when Bush/Cheney declared illegal war against Iraq leaving the Brits and Canada to attempt a victory in Afghanistan. When the USA launched into war mongering and the Neocons were now at the helm of an out of control USA military it was as though the retaliation to stop the USA from embarking on WWWIII was to invade its fiscal characteristics that would eventually impune any further ability to invade ANY country, not just Iraq. So, the lending became a 'free for all' strategy and a way of maintaning control of the USA's ability 'to war.'
Along with its impuned ability 'to war' went the USA's sanity in consumer lending and it served to 'buoy' the 2004 elections for Bush. How convenient was that? I honestly don't believe it took a 'fiscal genius' to understand that the USA economy was on virtual collapse with increasing debt, diminished domestic economy and job losses and contracted ability to pay its debt or provide a new venue for economic growth. So, the international lending that has swallowed up a $700 billion bailout is doing what exactly, 'resetting the chronometers' in case they have to do it all over again? And I should consent to this? No.
And now I am to 'back' still more fiscal IRRESPONSIBILTY by "Hank" and seek for more permission to 'bailout' (click here) the entire mess to preserve Goldman Sachs infinately into tomorrow? No. Hank is really moarning his 14,000 DOW, isn't he?
...They said that after two euphoric days (click here), profit taking was only to be expected, especially after Monday when many European markets posted record single-day gains and Wall Street built another sharp advance. Sentiment was then dented, however, after figures showed the US economy shrank 0.5 percent in the third quarter, revised up from 0.3 percent, alongside a record fall in US house prices. The US data came after the OECD warned that the US economy will shrink 0.9 percent next year and voiced concerns over the deteriorating state of US public finances as the government borrows massively to fund its rescue plans. The US long-term fiscal outlook appears "very unfavourable" and the United States is on course to be "among the most heavily indebted of OECD countries" in the next decade, the OECD said....
The ONLY reality that matters for the future administration and its majority House and Seante is to set the USA back on a path of prosperity by 'restructuring' the energy and transportation industries in the USA while expanding and improving the tax base of the country. To that end the citizens of the USA need to 'set their sights' on financing their own futures, because with Paulson's printing press running on near empty I doubt if there will be much 'value' left to finance a new USA labor market. In regard to the NEXT $800 billion, I have one question.
"Are the mortgages financed herewith REQUIRING citizenship papers or birth certificates at the time of closing?"
Because if it isn't required, the people 'qualifying' for these loans aren't sovereign Americans and the nation won't know the success of improving the lives of Americans, so much as simply 'selling real estate.'
Paying ransom is a form of funding to terrorists. No more ransom !
An alleged pirate vessel burns after being hit during anti-piracy operations at sea
Greek ship released by pirates (click title to entry, thank you) Pirates in Somalia have released a Greek-owned ship that was hijacked two months ago. Greek officials say the tanker's cargo of refined oil is intact and its 19 crew members are safe. The owners of the MV Genius declined to say whether a ransom had been paid to the pirates. In the past two weeks Somali pirates have seized eight vessels, including a huge Saudi tanker carrying $100m (£67m) worth of crude oil. This high profile case has outraged the maritime industry and the international community have called for joint action against piracy....
Who are Somalia's pirates? (click here) A Monitor Q&A reveals who's behind the modern-day pirates, how they got so good at taking ships, and what's being done to stop them. By Scott Baldauf Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor from the November 21, 2008 edition JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - – Today's pirates are mainly fighters for Somalia's many warlord factions, who have fought each other for control of the country since the collapse of the Siad Barre government in 1991. Their motives? A mixture of entrepreneurialism and survival, says Iqbal Jhazbhay, a Somali expert at the University of South Africa in Tshwane, as Pretoria is now called. "From the evidence so far, these primarily appear to be fighters looking for predatory opportunities," says Mr. Jhazbhay. They operated "roadblocks in the past, which were fleecing people as a form of taxation. Now they've seen the opportunities on the high seas." Initially, one of the main motives for taking to the seas – working first with local fishermen, and later buying boats and weapons with the proceeds of every ship they captured – was "pure survival," says Jhazbhay, explaining that armed extortion is one of the few opportunities to make a living in lawless Somalia. "It's spiked more recently because of a spike in food prices," he says. Now it has become a highly profitable, sophisticated criminal enterprise hauling in millions of dollars in ransom payments....
A NEW WAR ON PIRACY? Germany to Deploy Up to 1,400 to Fight Pirates (click here) The uproar over pirates off the Gulf of Aden has led the German government to contribute a naval frigate to an EU mission along the Somali coast. More soldiers may be on the way. In the meantime German helicopters have defended a pair of merchant ships from pirate speedboats....
Somalia's coastguard ready to tackle pirates (click here) Colin Freeman in Boosaaso, Somalia November 26, 2008 SOMALIA'S ramshackle coastguard is preparing to tackle the pirates holding a Saudi supertanker to ransom, saying that the only force the hijackers fear are "other Somalis". Abdiweli Ali Taar commands a cash-strapped fleet of three elderly gunboats from the northern port of Boosaaso, which are manned by a 50-strong paramilitary crew. The outfit - the only law-and-order presence on Somalia's coastline - was trained by Hart Group, a British security company, but lacks enough cash to put to sea for any length of time. Mr Taar said his men would be ready for action as soon as the Saudi Government or other foreign donors were prepared to pay for the operation....
Somali Pirates Hijack Another Ship, Drop Ransom for Saudi Tanker (click here) By Derek Kilner Nairobi25 November 2008 Kilner report - Download (MP3) Kilner report - Listen (MP3) Pirates have hijacked another ship off the coast of Somalia, this time a Yemeni vessel carrying steel. As Derek Kilner reports from VOA's East Africa bureau in Nairobi, pirates have dropped their ransom on the largest ship in their possession - a Saudi Arabian oil tanker - to $15 million.Pirates seized the MV Adina in the Gulf of Aden as it headed to the Yemeni island of Socotra, according to Yemen's official news agency. The ship was carrying over 500 tons of steel and seven crew members from Somalia, Yemen and Panama.The ship had been scheduled to reach its destination last Thursday, and it was not clear when exactly the ship was seized. Yemeni officials said they have communicated with the pirates, who are demanding a ransom of $2 million....
No links between Somali pirates, al Qaeda: US (click here) Tue 25 Nov 2008, 13:42 GMT By David Clarke NAIROBI (Reuters) - The United States is worried Somali pirates may forge ties with terrorist groups but has no evidence of links between the hijackers and al Qaeda, the U.S. military's Africa commander said on Tuesday. Africom commander General William Ward told a news conference in Kenya that the international community was looking "very seriously" at piracy, but said it was a complex issue that required collective, comprehensive action....
1 US Dollar = 1,460.73 Somali Shilling
Thursday, 8 February, 2001, 14:34 GMT Anger over fake Somali currency (click here) The main market in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, has been closed after forged currency was found to be in circulation. A large quantity of forged Somali shillings arrived in the country on Wednesday evening and started appearing in Bakara market early Thursday....
Piracy 'hits the Somali economy' (click here) Published Date: 20 November 2008 SOMALI pirates preying on international shipping are also damaging their homeland's battered economy, worsening the instability that opened the door to piracy and inroads by Islamic extremists, the UN chief warned. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the surge in piracy has worsened the humanitarian crisis and weakened the transition government....
Economy booms in Somali piracy bases (click here) Published on 23/11/2008 BOSASSO, Somalia As dawn breaks over the Indian Ocean each morning, elders in Somali pirate bases sip strong coffee and clutch mobile phones to their ears, eager to hear the latest from the gunmen out at sea. Have any more ships been hijacked or ransom talks concluded? Any news of the Western warships hunting them? Last weekend’s spectacular capture of a Saudi Arabian supertanker loaded with oil worth $100 million has jacked up the stakes in what is probably the only growth industry in the failed Horn of Africa state. Massive ransoms have brought rapid development to former fishing villages that now thrive with business and boast new beachside hotels, patronised by cash-rich buccaneers who have become local celebrities virtually overnight. Investors have been attracted from around Somalia. THE BUSINESS "There are some ‘pirates’ who never shoulder a gun or go out into the ocean, but they own boats which earn them a hell of a lot of money," gang member Bashir Abdulle told Reuters by phone from Eyl, the most notorious of the pirates’ strongholds. Just three years ago, maritime security experts estimated there were just five Somali pirate groups and fewer than 100 gunmen in total. Now they think there are more than 1,200. Some analysts trace the gangs’ roots to ties forged with criminal networks across the Gulf of Aden in Yemen during years of people-smuggling operations...
ECONOMY-SOMALIA: Walking The Line Between Business and War (click here) By Najum Mushtaq NAIROBI, Nov 14 (IPS) - A doctor in Mogadishu gives medicine to a man complaining of an upset stomach. ‘‘This medicine won't work,’’ groans the patient, ‘‘I got sick after eating expired food; only an expired medicine will cure it.’’ Such real-life anecdotes livened up a two-day seminar on the otherwise grim and tragic history of commerce and economy in Somalia's capital since 1991 when the state collapsed, leading to anarchy and a seemingly unending civil war that rages until today. Before the war there were 23 major markets in Mogadishu; now there are only two—the main Bakara Market, divided into 46 sectors, and the smaller but equally vibrant Souk Ba'ad. The biggest partner of Mogadishu's business community is Dubai with a total annual trade volume of 600-700 million dollars. Organised in Nairobi by the Norwegian Institute of Urban and Regional Research, the recent seminar presented the findings of a research team led by Dr Stig Jarle-Hansen, based on a survey of Mogadishu's economy from 1991 to 2008. The meticulous study covers different aspects of doing business in a civil war context—from its ethics to logistics, and from the ‘‘novel’’ means of raising business capital to the more ‘‘orthodox’’ techniques of survival such as raising a militia to protect business interests....
Somaliland: Stability amid economic woe (click here) As UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's Commission for Africa published its report on stimulating development in March 2005, the BBC's Rob Walker visited Somaliland - part of Somalia until it declared independence in 1991- to see how it is faring....
Economic history of Somalia (Wiki - click here) ...As a result of the civil war in many areas, the economy deteriorated rapidly in 1989 and 1990. Previously, livestock exports from northern Somalia represented nearly 80 percent of foreign currency earned, but these exports came to a virtual halt in 1989. Shortages of most commodities, including food, fuel, medicines, and water, occurred virtually countrywide. Following the fall of the Siad Barre regime in late January 1991, the situation failed to improve because clan warfare intensified.
...President-elect Barack Obama is developing a plan to create or preserve 2.5 million jobs over the next two years by spending billions of dollars to rebuild roads and bridges, modernize public schools, and construct wind farms and other alternative sources of energy....
Investment in America = More Jobs = Stronger Tax Base = Investment in America = More Jobs = Stronger Tax Base = Investment in American = More Jobs = Stronger Tax Base = Investment in America = More Jobs =
DEBT FREE AMERICA = STRONGER NATIONAL DEFENSE = STRONGER ALLIES = BUDGET SURPLUS and guess where we are when he is finished?
The Republicans are 'taking aim' at Obama's 2 year stimulus package that creates jobs and finances the recovery the USA has demanded in the 2008 election (click title to entry, thank you). This TEXAS article stating that America is 'Debt Addicts' refuses to recognize the precise Republicans most aggregious to that debt.
What is needed is a strong return to a healthy American job market that establishes a 'tax base' of which to CONTINUE to finance the return to a strong American economy that can afford its national defense.
"...But there must be a trade-off if Washington goes back down the stimulus path. In return for layering on more debt, which a stimulus package would do, the new president and Congress simultaneously should create a commission to work on America's addiction to debt. I must confess this debt talk sounds awfully puritanical. Mr. Obama's inauguration represents one of the most important shifts in American culture. Bringing up the debt right now is like being the guy at the wedding who wants to know how much the reception costs. But somebody has to ask questions. We can't keep adding more debt without encountering problems...."
Of course, along with this demand for debt payment without a care about the American Middle Class or job creation, is a discussion about, guess what?
THIS WEEK'S Texas Faith discussion: Can Obama satisfy both faith-based voters and the traditional Democratic left? Visit dallasnews.com/texasfaith
The attempts to undermine a fiscal recovery by the USA in the way of jobs creation and tax base revitalization is a political directive by the extremist Republican wing of this country. How can we avoid this mess?
Who funded the campaign of the President-Elect? The government? No, the American people did. And who is going to fund the recovery of this country? The banks that accepted '$700 billion in bailout' to finance their overseas operations? No. The banks the American people invest in to 'revitalize' their own economy? What bank is that? The ones that are faithful to the American Dream and refuse to fund other investors than the ones that finance our recovery? We might just have to rebuild our financial infrastruture in order to rescue ourselvse. It's getting interesting.
American banks owned by Americans that finance their own recovery. Is it possible? With the will and power of the American people behind it, anything is possible.
“Based on the fact that we have no major new products to show at the 2009 Detroit and Chicago auto shows, as well as the current economic conditions which will impact the shows’ marketing effectiveness, we have decided to cancel our involvement and participation in the 2009 North American International Auto Show and the Chicago Auto Show.”(click title to entry, thank you) What does that tell everyone about the 'state of the USA economy?' Huh? Lots of jobs and lots of money floating around to spend on cars, right?
NOT !
Get out of the way of progess to reinvigorating the USA economy with jobs and plenty of ECO-FRIENDLY strategies. It might just be the case that the internal combustion engine is DEAD! Let's hope so. Let's see, Bush threw a few million at the hydrogen car back in 2002? What good did it do?
Bush basically 'shut down' high speed rail, yet alone high speed magnetic rail. Cost the American consumers tonnes of money in oil revenues and tax breaks for draconian industry.
OBAMA !
OBAMA !
OBAMA !
With a few minor drops in China markets, the rest of the global community is registering far higher percentages today. This is a good thing?
If Zimbabwe is to recover an economy to benefit its people there has to be a power sharing government instilled to faciliate same. Power sharing cannot permit infiltration of terrorists or elements that would lead to instability. Any instability or violation of human rights that facilitates instability threatens economice recovery and the quality of life of the people.
...Zimbabwe's rivals are to meet on Tuesday in South Africa to salvage a power-sharing deal, South Africa's president has announced. The head of the country's ruling African National Congress, Jacob Zuma, said the situation in Zimbabwe was beyond "wait and see". "We have got to act and act now," he said....
The "$700 Billion Bailout" is NOT about the USA. It is NOT about saving jobs or preserving the USA economy or tax base; it is about bailing out the foreign investors that made LOANS to the USA under the very risky 'tender' of "Credit Derivative." It is like 'making wager' on an investment. It started with the failure of Lehman Brothers and the Korea Development Bank.
SEOUL: The state-owned Korea Development Bank said Tuesday that it was in talks with Lehman Brothers for a possible investment in the troubled American bank, but other reports said the price of the deal remained an issue. "Our CEO said a deal is ongoing and cannot disclose the content of it," a spokesman for the Korean bank, Cho Hyun Eek, said. Lehman, which has more than $60 billion of mortgage and mortgage security exposure, is under pressure to raise capital before it announces its earnings this month.
The 'tender' involved in regard to Lehman Brothers is called "Credit-linked-notes." Credit Linked Notes are something in the order of what they provide at Lords of London, whereby there is significant exposure to RISK in 'insuring' such a thing as 'Betty Grable's Legs (click here).'
Basically, Paulson looked at the 'creeping crude' of bank and investment bank failures and then looked at Goldman-Saks sitting on the horizon, the very near horizon and simply went to work 'bailing out' every 'entity' between Goldman Saks and its fiscal failure including every government that ever lent money to USA financial interests.
The Bailout has not got a thing to do about a recoverying economy for the USA. The 'world interests' being served isn't interested in our futures so much as recooperating their investment profiles. It is why Bush is 'hyping' HAVE PATIENCE speech to APEC. The Obama Transition Team is focusing on the USA economy because that is where the focus belongs. It doesn't belong on Wall Street as international venues only sap the life blood out of the USA Treasury and cause huge and insoluble debt for generations to come. The problem is that there is a lot of damage being done in the days leading upto the Inauguration because nothing is being done with the USA economy, job losses are surmounting and even the 'small' three USA car manufacturers are attempting to find a 'fiscal bailout' while having jobs in their industry disappear so they can 'get out of Dodge while the getting is good.'
Basically, the Bush administration is doing all they can to cover their losses before 'real people' with 'real vision' move into the White House and cut off the free flow of printable money to the global markets without FIRST returning a viable economy to the USA. Without an economy in the USA, its money will become worthless as debt mounts from bailing out the world from Georgie's Blunder that the Republicans 'bought into' to maintain the 'grand illusion' during 2004 elections. I find the Obama transition team interesting, but, lack luster in its 'history' of Democratic values in believing in 'people first.' While a transition team has to consist of people that understand where we have been it also needs people like Bill Richardson to be very vocal and aggressive in promoting a return of jobs and economy to the USA.
If the 'world and its lending habits' want their money they need to realize the USA can only 'make good' on all those 'fiscal notes' as it resolves its 'crisis at home.' We have to be able to 'regenerate' a tax base to pay those debts off. If we are unable to do that, the rest is history and the USA will be struggling with insolvency without recourse to its debt. I doubt if the global community wants any of that to happen. While keeping all global economies viable is vital, as noted in recent days, Pakistan is doing better, we have to keep our eyes on 'all the balls' including international terrorists networks and their proliferation during the Bush/Cheney years and where we are going from here.
I want to tell you all a story. It is about 'values systems' and 'struggling to have them survive.' Its a personal story about my father and in a way it relates to every aspect of the international struggle we face today and the balance we need to achieve as fellow human beings longing to confront the evils of terrorist rule. It's a story about believing in 'sound leadership' and having 'the end result - truly justify the means.'
My father returned home a war veteran from Korea. He was a young man of 22 years old with an honorable discharge and a high school diploma to serve him in the labor market. He was able to land a job the 'Golo Shoe Factory' and married his sweetheart to start a life promised to him by the American Dream.
While working at the shoe factory he became a union member. The working conditions were terrible and the pay was not up to standard to make a good living and buy a home. In a short time of his employ he was nominated to Secretary of the union and won the election. He served with six other officers that promised to improve the conditions of their membership. Golo was a very profitable company, do to the strong work ethics of its employees.
The newly elected officers already had a contract that was negotiated by the previous officers and would not have the opportunity to renegotiate for several years. That was a long time to wait so they called a mandatory membership meeting and a vote was taken to hold a 'Wild Cat Strike' against the company if they were unwilling to open contract talks again.
Sure enough, the company refused and the workers left the building, shutting down production. Every member, which was basically the entire plant left the work line and went to picket. The strike lastest for 90 days. No income for the company except what they had in inventory and no income for the workers except what they got in the way of 'picket line pay.' The officers faithfully went to meetings with the company to offer solutions BUT never, and I do mean NEVER gave up their values or determination to have them.
A ninty day strike was a tough thing to sustain. There was no welfare. There was no unemployment. There was no disability. There was nothing but the hope that things would get better and everyone would find a way.
And find a way they did. The local grocers opened up 'credit accounts' for the Local's membership and the community offered to help whichever way they could. The community saw the problem clearly and pulled together. People that had nothing to do with the union, a job or any aspect of the best outcome of the strike became involved in which ever way they could, providing services and 'welcome' to ideas that would sustain the strike until it could be settled in the best outcome for all of the employees. The 'value system' of the employees was admirable, it was correct and it was fair. The community came to admire 'the esteem' of being willing to help and see them through.
One day the company finally commited to a new contract. It offered all the demands that the union demanded. With one provision. That provision was to have the six officers of the union resign from their jobs and leave the company; hence, leaving the union. The six officers took the contract and provision to the membership. The membership was most grateful for the outcome to the new contract but was up in arms at the provision by the company demanding the resignation of the six officers. The members offered to remain on strike until the provision of resignation could be negotiated.
In order to end the strike and stop the suffering of its membership, the six officers tendered their resignation to the position of their election at the meeting beginning with the signing of the new contract. Hence, they would resign from the company shortly thereafter. The membership didn't really have the opportunity to continue the strike. All the demands were met, better working conditions, better pay and fairness in employee-employer relations.
It was what the officers worked hard for and it was their determination to see their members return to work without further hardship on them or the company. The officiers left heroes to their members and the community. They ultimately had to move to other areas of the country to find work, but, they all did and my Dad eventually went to work in another factory in another state whereby he became a 'Union Shop Steward' three months after beginning his employ. Hard to keep a good man down.
I sort of see the 'juncture' of the global community at that impass. The impass where 'belief systems' are on the bargaining table along with money. I dearly believe that is not where it needs to be or actually should continue to be.
Never in the history of 'civilization' has there been so many issues shared by a 'global community.' Growing populations, shrinking natural resources, imposition of terrorist networks that threaten the very fiscal well being of their economies.
And most of all, a planet without the hopes of a viable future without the cooperation of the governments of the world and their ability to stem the deadly build up of a 'silly gas' called carbon dioxide.
While every country has to defend its sovereignty and find a way to build an economy for its people, there are huge pressures in areas of national defense and 'international intelligence' that cause barriers to potentially solving the problems that beset all the peoples of the globe and not just ONE people of this Earth. I want to impose the word 'cooperation' but it is more than that, it is a 'manner of inventory' of the global communities ability to 'survive' the incidious proliferation of terrorist networks.
The 'idea' that we are democracies or communist nations is irrelivant to the best outcome of these hideous circumstances imposed on us by a powerful man in the White House for eight years that has grossly misdirected the activities of the USA government. I have watched while the global community positioned itself in preventing the complete indulgence of a USA War-mongering President and was proud of every country that committed itself to peace rather than indulging the 'Military War Complex' of their economies and that of the USA.
We have a new awakening and a new beginning with a new USA President-Elect that has the 'guts' to speak the truth and seek alliance in ways that breaks down barriers to allow rebuilding of international standing of all countries to the end of terrorist networks globally. I believe the world has the resources, the ability and the insight to see their way clear to overcoming all the 'global problems' that exist. There has to be a venue of peace between all countries and for those lead by people that would rather build nuclear weapons before stabilizing their own economies and providing for their people need to be brought to 'answer for such' humanitarian abuses.
I believe it is possible to uphold the cultural dignity of all people, while seeking strong economies and securing a troposphere to Earth that is benevolent and sustaining. It is achievable, but, not by one country or one 'scheme' so much as the realization of all countries that we are a community that acts 'together' in ways that thwarts terrorists, hatred and inhumane outcomes.
If we are to have an Earth sustainable, we need to have economies that are sustainable in every country with the removal of poverty and the promise of tomorrow. It can be done if we all refuse to accept anything less. If we confront tomorrow with a vision of equity among peoples and the reassurance that all countries will 'survive the day' when it comes to the imposition of terrorist networks determined to undermine the very value systems that have made all countries great and survivors of an assault they never expected from a country long trusted in the USA.
It is the goal of this entry to create 'pause' that would seek different outcomes while looking away from profit before humanity. The world is far too small and the outcomes to governments far too tenuous, as we have noted recently with Pakistan and South Africa, to allow any one government to 'hang in the balance' of demise either economically or environmentally. We are at a juncture. It can be a valuable junction to the future of all people or it can become a place where 'everyone is for themselves' seeking further protections from the USA and its seemingly errandic mechanisms of democracy.
It would be beneficial to all countries including that of the USA, if there were a closure to the opportunity of leaders that would 'devolve' the best outcome of peoples and hence disaffect economies and open venues of potential terrorist proliferation. It will require determination by all governments to achieve such lofty goals. I believe in witnessing the harnessing of 'will' by the global community to the best outcome of the USA in recent months, that it can happen and the future of our children can be secured.
I propose a 'toast' to all those that can see a vision of peace, laced with national security, economic stability and environmental well being.
Come on, Michelle, lead the way. Don't expect another 'fashionably correct' Jackie O or 'Dress on Loan' Nancy Reagan, but, inspiration to a modern day woman in touch with fashion as well as her 'daily schedule' would be refreshing and a huge distraction from the drugery of economic worries.
For Hillary it was the 'pant suit,' for Jackie the Pillbox Hat, what will it be for the Obama women? I can't wait. It is stated that during Depressions and Recessions the hemlines go up to save fabric. What will 'the status quo' look like and how will DC ladies 'dress for the occasion?'
Greer lets loose on Michelle Obama's 'butcher's apron' (click title to entry, thank you) November 19, 2008 - 7:05PM Feminist Germaine Greer says the dress Michelle Obama wore to her husband's US election declaration was a "butcher's apron" and looked like a "geometrical haemorrhage". In her regular column for the Guardian, Greer calls the outfit "All black with an eye-burning red panel that splattered itself down the front like a geometrical haemorrhage". It was "a poster in the most disturbing colours known to man, the colours of chaos. Coral snakes and venomous spiders signal their destructive potential by the display of similarly violent contrasts"....
Fit first couple: Obamas find time for daily workouts, leaving no excuses for the rest of us (click here) By DEANNA BELLANDI Associated Press Writer 3:11 AM EST, November 19, 2008 CHICAGO (AP) _ Many women recoil at the thought of baring their arms in sleeveless dresses or blouses, but not Michelle Obama — half of the fabulously fit new first couple. Both President-elect Barack Obama and the future first lady have exercise routines that would put most people to shame. Michelle Obama used to join a friend for 4:30 a.m. workouts, and Barack Obama usually starts his day in the gym. Michelle Obama has hosted "The View," been interviewed on "60 Minutes," graced the cover of Newsweek and hit the campaign trail, all with her buff arms bared. "One of the things I always talk about is got to exercise," the 44-year-old mother of two told an overwhelmingly female crowd at a campaign event last year in Chicago....
Obama gains 'GQ' honors, '60 Minutes' viewers (click here) November 18, 2008 GQ has named Barack Obama one of its "Men of the Year" - along with Baltimore's Michael Phelps and actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Jon Hamm - with a cover and article that went to press before Election Day, says the Huffington Post. The article about Obama - also named "Game Changer of the Year" - was written by Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Meanwhile, Obama's appearance on CBS' 60 Minutes on Sunday night gave the venerable news show its highest overnight ratings in nearly a decade, according to Nielsen Media Research. Steve Kroft spent almost the entire hour interviewing the president-elect and Michelle Obama, drawing 24.5 million viewers, according to the preliminary Nielsen estimate. That is more viewers than for any other episode of a prime-time show seen this season and is the biggest audience for 60 Minutes since January 1999.
One of the aspects of China that Americans have always valued is its diverse and benevolent cultures. The aspects of Eastern medicines and 'states of emotional' well being have always been a focus to the people of the USA. The variety of cultures throughout the East is more valuable than any aspect of Western culture when one realizes how deeply these 'methodologies' of living have contributed to modern era self-reliance.
The Eastern cultures are ancient compared to the juvenile nature of the USA. By valuing their way of life and their self reliance, we have learned a great deal to enhance our own cultures. The cultures of China have added to The West's quality of life, as has the cultures of the Japanese and all Eastern countries. Through their long existence, these cultures have matured in their ability to achieve higher forms of human condition than we could ever achieve.
In the USA we use mechanization and technology in our personal lives as an expression of 'status.' That isn't status and the larger the High Definition Digital Set the more status one can claim. Somehow, being able to lock elbows over a beer belly during the half time of Monday Night Football is actully supposed to mean something, when all it means is that one more day has gone by that Americans are contributing to their 'economy of entertainment.'
The 'mindful' cultures of the East have taught us more about our own state of mind, or lack thereof, then any other aspect of Earth's resources. They reach beyond the 'idea' of war and realize 'peace' is a choice that is valuable and attainable. The Eastern cultures have a powerful message, but, one that has brought them a modern day reality they seek to avoid, that they are the most vulnerable to terrorist networks that operate on 'hate' of those 'weaker' than the automatic weapons they covet.
China needs to value all its people as well as those that can enhance its economy. The economy of 'mindfulness' has been a great asset to the USA and you can ask many cancer survivors about their reality due to 'Alternative medicines.' I call on China to protect its Tibetan people and allow them 'freedom of expression' while they find a way to remain a valuable aspect of China's rich and thriving nation.
We are all grateful to the Dalai Lama for him and his work that have contributed to the spiritual awakenings of so many. We value the work of the people that are his followers and hope they continue to find contentment in their piety of life's richest resources and that is the human soul and human spirit. The Tibetan culture is one of the most valuable among us and we cannot thank them and China enough for its continued existence and freedom of developement and worship.
By Rahul Bedi in New Delhi Last Updated: 4:11PM GMT 23 Nov 2008
Although the 73-year-old Nobel Peace Laureate was unusually critical of the Chinese leadership, he attacked calls for fresh approach, centred around demands for independence. "Total independence is not practicable" he told a conference following week-long deliberations by nearly 600 Tibetan exiles in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala. "In the next 20 years we must be careful in our actions and planning. Otherwise there is great danger to the Tibetan community." "A majority of views have come up supporting the 'Middle Way' path to the Tibetan issue which is right," the Tibetan spiritual leader told the conclave at Dharamshala where he established a government-in-exile in 1959 after fleeing Lhasa following a failed uprising against Chinese occupation. Tibetan exiles after the meeting said they could initiate more radical protests and demand independence if China did not respond to the leadership's overtures. But they did not indicate a deadline, saying that would be guided by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan parliament-in-exile....
There is an issue with layoffs across the country. They take many forms, extending from small business owners laying off their management staff in order to run the business themselves AGAIN (Gee, what a shame), all the way up to car manufacturers' ripple effect in having dealerships close. There won't be anything government can do about it. This is the Bush White House and their answer is to 'do nothing,' so there in lies the problem.
Let's face it, the directive of CORPORATE America is to abandon the country and its labor and to move to other countries and their cheap labor markets while sucking the life out of the USA economy.
Well, they have done exactly that. Along with their corporate operations they have also taken away the tax base of the USA and have nearly trashed the fiscal stability of the USA along with it.
It is unpredictable at this point to realize the extent of the damage done by the Republican initiative to undermine the labor force of the USA to facilitate greater profits for stockholders, but, considering there are a lot of foreign companies engaged in the USA and seeking to stabilize themselves, they'll be abandoning their operations here as it costs more to operate here (click on title to entry, thank you).
The House and Senate need to return jobs to the USA economy, they need to stand their ground and demand for a return to the job market, ultimately the tax base of the USA. Everyone wants the 'bailout' for their own purpose, but, the companies receiving them are so short sighted they can't even see the 'best way forward.' The 'bailout' monies are being used for 'short term' deficit within these corporations, they aren't looking at 'long view' stability of ANY country, much less the ones that are offering 'give aways' as an attempt to end the Wall Street Crisis.
Well, there is another crisis that has to be addressed. A bigger crisis than Wall Street has and that is the MAIN STREET CRISIS. Without stabilizing that crisis first, there is no need to stabilize Wall Street.
Offering 'free money' to corporations without understanding where that money is going and how it will 'pay off' any bailout is hideous and abusive use of government. Corporations are forced to file 'plans' of payment when they declare bankruptcy. They are forced to become more efficient. They are demanded by courts of law to become accountable. Without having a government representative on every Board of Directors of every company in trouble there is only one way to know how any bailout will be successful and that is through judicial monitoring of a bankruptcy.
I think every American would like to see some loyality to the people of this country by corporations that have a long standing history with this country, however, I also believe every American knows that we cannot blindly look the other way to government 'hand outs' while American jobs (THAT WAS AMERICAN JOBS) are outsourced. The American workforces have made these companies among the strongest and greatest in the world. We can do it again with or without them. Yes, we can !
The moral responsiblity we have to our children and their well being is far greater than any loyality to corporations that are unwilling to provide products we demand to that goal.
That is a bunch of horse manure if I ever heard it ! Anyone care to observe the 'length' of the Iraqi coastline? Like what coastline! Anyone care to NOTE the larger and better protected coastline of Kuwait? Who do these people think they are? Better yet, what kind of fools do they think Americans ACTUALLY are?
GIVE ME A BREAK !
I do believe Iraq has a SURPLUS in their treasury? I suggest they expand their navy ! The USA is NOT the world's police !
Next thing ya know, Bush will be 'imagineering' another attack of Basra or worse. More innocent civilians dead and more impoverishment. No ! We are not fighting the never ending 'militia games' of the Iraqi territories. There is more 'fire power' within the borders of that country already than they ever should have had in the first place.
This is going to come as a shock to all the 'bosses' in Iraq, but, they ain't our 'favorite son' no more ! I do believe there are terrorist networks in Pakistan and Afghanistan that are REAL threats to the USA (click here). UNLESS of course, Iraq plans to welcome a terrorist initiative to their governments against the USA? Will Iraq become an 'oasis' to Osama bin Laden? Not likely. He's not Shia. And if bin Laden tries? I don't believe he'll be welcome for long. His longevity would be shortened immediately in the country that has nothing in common with his value system. They aren't going to replace Saddam anytime soon.
Iraq: Early US pullout will open way to piracy (click here) The Associated Press Published: November 22, 2008 BAGHDAD: Iraq's defense minister is warning that a premature U.S. pullout would expose Iraq to the danger of piracy in the Persian Gulf. Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi says U.S. forces currently protect Iraqi ports and their hasty withdrawal would have "grave consequences" and endanger Iraq's security and sovereignty. He told reporters Saturday that an early pullout would allow the kind of rampant piracy taking place in the Gulf of Aden to happen in the Persian Gulf....
The terrorist networks are attempting to destoy each other. I think its a heck of an idea! Why interfer? The real challenge to The West and the Middle East is to stop allowing the pirating. The ships need not enter the Gulf of Aden for now.
The ransoms have to end as well. There is NO WAY that paying for extra fuel and a little more time in shipping is going to cost what ransoms cost. There will be a DROP in the price of the goods, NOT an increase. Besides, the crews will still be alive at the end of the day.
Jeeze !
Ransoms are a positive feedback loop that has propagated an income for the global terrorist networks when everyone is trying to stop them. Its completely counter productive to ending the piracy. With every ransom paid the terrorists can improve their equipment, training and ability to carry out the terrorist act. Not only that but money is attracting more recruits.
The past two weeks saw the piracy of 9 ships. That wasn't done by a small band of men, it is a small army now. I understand there are currently 20 ships and their cargo and crew being held. That is not a small band of thugs either. If the ports of Somalia are being used for that purpose than the Somali government has given sanction to same by consent or by force. Either way there are dearly few friends to the global shipping community in Somalia.
The militaries involved in this mess need to make a quick inventory of the ships and cargo that have been hijacked and realize what kind of arms and potential weapons were taken from any and all ships. It will provide an estimate to the amount of munitions now in Somalia and their potential use. It will help with further strategy to disarm Somalia and eliminate potential for militia growth among that nation's people.
The United Nations Security Council with Saudi Arabia and Egypt (click here), need to place sanctions on all the participating countries in 'hosting' terrorist networks, even if under 'threat' by these networks. The networks will only grow and recuit civilians, so the governments need to provide safety to their citizens and take a stand against the existance of the networks including the pirates.
I mean the 'CIVILIZED' world cannot continue to consent to this. It just can't. The countries involved, regardless 'the runaway train' that exists within them, have to be brought into accounting for the activities within their borders and at their seaports. This is outrageous. They don't even have sovereignty anymore, they have relinguished sovereignty to terrorists and their elements within their society. Ask Saudi Arabia how long that sort of social 'element' is tolerated there? It isn't !
If Egypt and Saudi Arabia control the activities, or minimally monitor the activity in their sovereign reach of the Red Sea there can BEGIN to advance a measure of protection that will eventually reach the Gulf of Aden.
The concern is the abililty of networks all through this corridor. If one looks at the issues with Algiers (click here) as well as Sudan and the coast of the Red Sea extending into the Indian Ocean there appears to be a very fluid movement of these terrorist 'unites' in the region.
If they are finding Somalia a convenient place to find 'goods' to finance their activities then bringing the waters of the Indian Ocean under measured and purposeful control is a good idea. The corridor of control of these groups probably stretch through Libya into Sudan and out to the Red Sea coastline.
It is vital to 'civilization' that the countries enforce sovereign rights, otherwise, they will lose them if they haven't already. The country might be called Somalia, but, it does not have the ability to defend its borders or protect its commerce.
Islamic fighters enter Somalia pirate town and plan to attack (click title to entry, thank you) The piracy crisis in the Indian Ocean took a dramatic new twist as gunmen from Somalia's hardline Islamist movement entered the fray in hope of spoils from the hijacked Saudi oil tanker, the Sirius Star.
The fighters from the Shabaab militia, a fundamentalist movement likened to an African Taliban, were reported to have turned up in the port of Haradheere in southern Somalia, close to where the tanker is currently anchored. Some reports said the Islamists, who have tried to impose brutal law and order on Somalia's warring clans, had the pirates themselves in their sights. Others in Haradheere, however, said it was thought that they had arrived in the hope of collecting a share of any ransom money. The pirate group that hijacked the tanker, which is carrying $100 million worth of oil, have demanded a $25 million ransom for return of the vessel and its 25-strong crew, which includes two Britons. "The Islamists arrived searching for the pirates and the whereabouts of the Saudi ship," said a clan elder in Haradheere....
If the nations of the world are to be 'civilized,' they must harness their ability to stop insideous attacks from within their borders that threaten the lives, including quality of life, of their people. Every nation on this Earth has the ability to bring about an end to this hideous existance for people. It is a moral imperative of all nations to bring about the end of such activity.
A good stategy against the pirates is to close their ability to carry out their directive. If there is enough control in the northern Red Sea as well as newly exerted control in the India Ocean toward the Gulf of Aden, it will be no time before the pirates won't have a safe haven. Closing off the waters of Aden will provide a 'lack of opportunity' and will provide NO REASON for the piracy to be an attractive way to 'fund terrorist networks' throughout the region.
Securing the captured ships is still another issue. The people on board are valuable. It will provide a difficult situation unless the people taking them hostage need food and water to survive as well. Either way, I think there will be casualities. I am not sure there is any getting around it.
To simply 'secure' shipping channels could also provide the same 'lack of opportunity' for the terrorists of these waters, however, it increases the potential for military and civilian casualities that seems unacceptable to me. By allowing the potential for piracy to continue is nearly as bad as having it being successfully conducted.
Bush is using his Lame Duck Administration to instill regulations that will lead to wide ranging lawsuits. They are all about money and only money. The Neocons have no conscience and the 'monkeying' with the Family - Medical Leave Act is proof. Let this day, 60 days from inauguation, represent the two faced nature of the Republican Party. They 'play' with people's emotions to become elected and then slash their rights and the well being of the unborn to suit their cronies.
American should remember this day. November 21, 2008. The Day President George Walker Bush turned his back on the Unborn !
He is proposing hideous and irresponsible changes in 'regulations' beginning with the Family and Medical Leave Act whereby those taking leave will not be able to substitute paid vacation time off. Is that ridiculous or what? Now, parents (the beloved Baby Pro-Life Producers) will have to bring their infants into the world without the benefit of financial security for the length of time the mother and/or father determines to be best for that transition into parenthood by either birth or adoption.
Amazing. Bush is a hypocrit and carpetbagger.
He states he is Pro-Life, but, in the next breath denies the unborn of financially secure parents to welcome it into the world. That is incredible, how do people like him look themselves in the mirror? He favors the whims of business over that of a stable circumstance to a child birth. But, mind you, according to Bush, the newly conceived is an American citizen. Unbelievable.
Other regulatory changes are predictable from the 'hated filled' President of the USA, exploitation of National Parks and assaulting the Endangered Species Act. Bush has done nothing in his irrational 'rationalizing' except created litigation issues.
Most of these assaults won't stand for the four year tenure of the President-Elect. They are all old enough to require a revisit and bolstering especially considering the ravages of the Republicans for eight years.
After Obama takes office it will be an eye-opener to realize the extent corruption has played into the Bush/Cheney years. They can 'paper shred' from now until January 20th, but, they won't be able to hide from the very shadows of their actions that have dismantled the USA economy left by Former President Clinton and placed the USA at the disposal for war that increased the opportunity for global terrorist networks.
Somali pirates seize ninth vessel in 12 days (click title to entery - thank you) November 20, 2008 Catherine Philp, Diplomatic Correspondent The battle with pirates operating off the coast of Somalia grew yesterday when raiders seized two more ships but lost one of their own in an uneven firefight with the Indian Navy. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) described the situation yesterday as “out of control”. The surge in hijackings came as Saudi Arabia confirmed that a ransom demand had been made for the freeing of the Sirius Star supertanker, seized at the weekend with her crew of 25 and a cargo of oil worth $100 million (£65 million). Two more vessels – a Thai fishing boat with a crew of 16, and a bulk carrier, believed to be Greek, with an unknown number of people aboard – were seized by pirates in the Gulf of Aden yesterday, bringing the total to nine vessels in 12 days....
UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the decision of India and other countries to cooperate with Somalia to fight piracy in its waters, an issue that has gained immediacy with Somali sea bandits attempting 95 hijackings this year alone....
The terrorist networks have their own supply routes. They are well established and can strike whenever they want. The Gulf of Aden belongs to the Pirate - Terrorists. This is a sovereignty issue for all the countries in the region.
The problem is that three countries along the Gulf of Aden are dominated by the ravages of terrorist networks, the Sudan, Somalia and Yemen. What needs to occur is that all other countries accessing this shipping channel need to provide their own 'armed escort fleet' for safer shipping.
Maritime Courts have to be bolstered and the United Nations Security Council has to aggressively address the issue of piracy as a method of advancing terrorist networks which threaten national security of most nations in the region and potentially a global security issue as these networks take over more and more countries. They already have three, not including Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The world's media continues to follow the long-running piracy problems in the Gulf of Aden, with interest stimulated by last week's fatal shootings by Royal Marines off the Yemeni coast and the reported sinking of a buccaneer "mothership" by the Indian Navy yesterday evening. Meanwhile, other seaborne raiders in the region successfully hijacked five merchantmen including a 300,000-ton supertanker loaded with crude oil....
The USA's response is pathetic. Bush is everyone's cheerleader !
US Navy to Global Community, "Go Get 'Em, Team. Sorry, but, we are busy testing sonar and blowing whales out of the water."
WASHINGTON — The commander of American and allied naval forces off the coast of Somalia has begun efforts to halt a spike in piracy, urging merchant vessels to sail with armed guards on board and to travel only within lanes now patrolled by warships. The commander, Vice Adm. William E. Gortney of the United States Navy, said crews of merchant ships were being taught measures that did not involve the use of force to prevent pirates from boarding their vessels. The techniques include complicated rudder movements and speed adjustments that make it hard for pirate speedboats to pull alongside, as well as simple steps like pulling up ladders that some ships leave dangling for an entire voyage....
