The Rooster
"Okeydoke"
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Trail set in Pakistan for Mumbai suspects
...Interior Minister Rehman Malik said investigations were complete for these suspects and named another 12 men still wanted in connection with the case.
The charges show Pakistan is serious in pursuing suspects in the case despite Indian claims to the contrary, he said.
More than 170 people died in the attacks, including nine gunmen.
India has accused Pakistan-based fighters from the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks.
Pakistan has admitted they were partly planned on its soil and the two countries have suffered seriously strained relations....
The charges show Pakistan is serious in pursuing suspects in the case despite Indian claims to the contrary, he said.
More than 170 people died in the attacks, including nine gunmen.
India has accused Pakistan-based fighters from the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks.
Pakistan has admitted they were partly planned on its soil and the two countries have suffered seriously strained relations....
FACTBOX - U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan (click here)
Sat Jul 11, 2009 3:03am EDT
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A pilotless U.S. drone fired two missiles into a Taliban communication center in an ethnic Pashtun tribal region on the Afghan border, killing five militants, intelligence officials said Saturday.
The attack on the center run by Baitullah Mehsud, Pakistani Taliban chief and an al Qaeda ally, took place late Friday in the South Waziristan region.
Here are some facts about the U.S. missile attacks, the controversy they have caused, and a list of some of the more prominent militants killed, according to Pakistani officials....
...January 28, 2008 - A senior al Qaeda member, Abu Laith al-Libi, was killed in a strike in North Waziristan.
July 28 - An al Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert, Abu Khabab al-Masri, was killed in South Waziristan.
November 22 - Rashid Rauf, a Briton with al Qaeda links and the suspected ringleader of a 2006 plot to blow up airliners over the Atlantic, was killed in an attack in North Waziristan. An Egyptian named as Abu Zubair al-Masri was said to be among the dead in the same attack.
January 1, 2009 - A U.S. drone killed three foreign fighters in South Waziristan, Pakistani agents said. A week later, a U.S. counter-terrorism official said al Qaeda's operational chief Usama al-Kini and an aide had been killed in South Waziristan. The U.S. official declined to say how or when they died....
Tribal region poses harsh test for Pakistan army (click here)
By NAHAL TOOSI – 4 hours ago
ISLAMABAD (AP) — After relative success against Islamic extremists elsewhere, Pakistan's military faces its toughest test yet — a surgical operation against the country's most dangerous militant in a region of harsh terrain and fierce tribal rivalries.
The target of the air and ground offensive now in its early phases is Baitullah Mehsud, the top commander of Pakistan's Taliban who has ties to al-Qaida. Mehsud is believed responsible for scores of suicide attacks — possibly including the December 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan considers Mehsud its greatest domestic threat. The U.S. views him as a danger to its war effort in Afghanistan because his base in South Waziristan harbors militants fleeing across the border.
The Obama administration fears that a destabilized, nuclear-armed Pakistan could endanger the entire region. In recent months, U.S. missile strikes have increasingly focused on Mehsud-linked targets....
Pakistan declares victory in Swat Valley offensive (click here)
Thursday, 9 July 2009
The Pakistani Government is claiming victory in its war against Taliban militants based in the Swat Valley.
The army launched an offensive against the militants earlier this year after they began taking control of more areas outside the valley in breach of a peace agreement with the Government.
Two million civilians fled the fighting and have spent the last two months living in makeshift refugee camps.
The Government now says they can begin to return to their homes next week as the Swat region is now secure.
It claims 1,500 militants have been killed in the offensive and nearly all of the valley has now been cleared of rebels.
Pakistani refugees begin returning home (click here)
By RYAN LUCAS – 1 day ago
SULTANWAS, Pakistan (AP) — Crammed into rickety vans with electric fans and sacks of flour roped to the roof, the first of Pakistan's 2 million refugees have begun returning to their homes after the army said it expelled Taliban militants from some northern strongholds.
Their return is unlikely to end Pakistan's refugee crisis. The military is preparing for a major offensive in a neighboring region, ensuring that other Pakistanis will be displaced.
The refugees have spent the past two months in crowded camps and squeezed into houses with relatives and friends south of the war zone, and are eager to restart their lives. The government must now quickly restore electricity and water — and prevent the militants from coming back.
If the government fails, it could lose the goodwill it won among the public by confronting the Taliban during last spring's offensive. The military operation began after militants poured out of bases in the Swat Valley into the neighboring district of Buner and moved within 60 miles of the capital, Islamabad....
I have stated over and over and over again, Iraq will split into ethnic provinces and there isn't a darn thing anyone is going to do to stop it.
The sooner USA Forces are out of there the better. Allies need support in Afghanistan. That is if there is to be a defeat of al Qaeda. I guarantee you, Europe does not see it any other way.
Kurds lay claim to land and oil, defying Iraq's central government (click title to entry - thank you)
12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, July 11, 2009
By REESE ERLICH / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News Reese Erlich is a freelance journalist based in Oakland, Calif.
TAK TAK OIL FIELD, Iraq – With the passage of a controversial new constitution, the Kurdish regional parliament has added fuel to an already raging fire between Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq and Iraq's central government.
The constitution, which still must be ratified in a popular vote, asserts Kurdish sovereignty over Kirkuk and other disputed areas, including oil fields. The constitution would require Baghdad to get Kurdish government approval of any international treaty signed by Baghdad that affects several disputed provinces with sizable Kurdish populations.
Officials in the central government strongly oppose the constitution, saying it's an illegal grab for power.
Behind the legal and political dispute, however, lies a fierce struggle for control of the country's oil....
The constitution, which still must be ratified in a popular vote, asserts Kurdish sovereignty over Kirkuk and other disputed areas, including oil fields. The constitution would require Baghdad to get Kurdish government approval of any international treaty signed by Baghdad that affects several disputed provinces with sizable Kurdish populations.
Officials in the central government strongly oppose the constitution, saying it's an illegal grab for power.
Behind the legal and political dispute, however, lies a fierce struggle for control of the country's oil....
They can keep their oil. I strongly suggest Detroit 'get busy' with producing the Electric Car. And I believe the Obama Administration is opening up 13 NEW High Speed Rail Systems across the country. Well. I suggest we get on with it !
The Iraqi Central Government is trying to gain 'confidence' of the people and the international community by attempting to bring International Soccer to Baghdad.
Right.
Reuters
Saturday, July 11, 2009; 1:57 PM
ARBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq hopes to convince FIFA the country is safe enough to host official soccer matches again when the national team plays Palestine on Monday in their first international in Baghdad since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
The country hosted its first match since the war late on Friday, with Iraq beating Palestine 3-0 in front of jubilant supporters in the northern Kurdish city of Arbil....
The country hosted its first match since the war late on Friday, with Iraq beating Palestine 3-0 in front of jubilant supporters in the northern Kurdish city of Arbil....
Oh, this is beautiful. How often, Mike, have we heard, "They are paranoid conspiracy theorists?" How often was it all said !
They are such intricate liars, aren't they?
How many people have died at the hand of greed in this country?
I've had enough !
How many people have died at the hand of greed in this country?
I've had enough !
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Power of The Truth. 135 bills pass The New York State Legislature in One NIght. Impasse ends. Okay? Victory for Governor Patterson.
Friday, July 10, 2009, 8:31am EDT
Modified: Friday, July 10, 2009, 9:55am
Senate pulls all-nighter, passes 135 bills (click title to entry - thank you)
The Business Review
Early Friday morning, the state Senate revived a popular program that provides low-cost power to businesses.
The program, called Power for Jobs, died during the unprecedented battle for control of the Senate that lasted for more than a month. The stalemate broke on July 9, and senators passed 135 bills in an overnight session that ended just before 2 a.m. on Friday.
The bills are expected to be sent to Gov. David Paterson for his signature.
In early June, two Democrats broke ranks and voted with Republicans in a surprise attempt to oust Democrats from power. Democrats had a 32-30 majority in the chamber, the first time the party had controlled the Senate in nearly 45 years.
One Democrat—Sen. Hiram Monserrate (D-Queens)--later left the Republican-led voting bloc, creating a 31-31 split. There was no way to break a tie vote, because the state had no lieutenant governor.
The Senate went more than a month without conducting any official business.
Those most responsible for the delay need to return a month's worth of paychecks and an investigation should follow ! The investigation should speak to the monies that were added to the New York State taxpayer because of the Abuse of Power by those individuals.
The American People have their own car company. We own over 60% of General Motors. Ready to buy one?
The products have always been of sufficient quality. I own some old models. They are collector items. They get reasonable fuel milage, but not by today standards. They are definately not for a commute.
The problem with GM has been their unwillingness to build autos the American people demand. With a 60% ownership to this company, the American People should participate in a burgeoning new company that has yielded to the demands of our priorities to 'survive the day.'
That is a huge victory for the people of this nation. Mounting draconian capitalism meant destroying the entity before allowing its Pheonix. Not bad. The people of the USA are powerful when they adhere with dignity to their moral directives. How many other countries can make that statement? How many should?
I would encourage all Americans to scrutinize the achievements of the new GM, write the company and let them know how they are doing. It is our right to participate in our democracy.
Buy the cars. They are made with us in mind. Be proud of the product the USA produces.
I thank Mr. Lutz for his dedication to his maintain his role in a transitioning American company.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Lutz to remain at GM as it emerges from bankruptcy (click title to entry - thank you)
...They are widely expected to announce structural changes marking the start of a new era for GM, which will also have a new name, General Motors Co.
Henderson told senior executives that the bulk of management changes would come at the end of July.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan cleared the way for GM to exit bankruptcy when he rejected a request to delay the sale of its valuable assets into an entity that will be the future GM.
GM's bad assets, including liabilities and brands it is shedding, will remain in bankruptcy and be sold off or liquidated.
Kaplan denied a request to stay U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber's ruling that allowed a Treasury Department-sponsored entity to buy the bulk of GM's assets.
The Treasury will own a 60.8 percent stake in GM, which hopes to launch an initial public offering in 2010.
Members of the White House auto task force are expected to hold a conference call with reporters tomorrow following the GM announcement. A United Auto Workers health care trust fund will hold 17.5 percent of GM; the Canadian and Ontario governments will hold 11.7 percent. Unsecured creditors will hold 10 percent of GM....
The problem with GM has been their unwillingness to build autos the American people demand. With a 60% ownership to this company, the American People should participate in a burgeoning new company that has yielded to the demands of our priorities to 'survive the day.'
That is a huge victory for the people of this nation. Mounting draconian capitalism meant destroying the entity before allowing its Pheonix. Not bad. The people of the USA are powerful when they adhere with dignity to their moral directives. How many other countries can make that statement? How many should?
I would encourage all Americans to scrutinize the achievements of the new GM, write the company and let them know how they are doing. It is our right to participate in our democracy.
Buy the cars. They are made with us in mind. Be proud of the product the USA produces.
I thank Mr. Lutz for his dedication to his maintain his role in a transitioning American company.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Lutz to remain at GM as it emerges from bankruptcy (click title to entry - thank you)
...They are widely expected to announce structural changes marking the start of a new era for GM, which will also have a new name, General Motors Co.
Henderson told senior executives that the bulk of management changes would come at the end of July.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan cleared the way for GM to exit bankruptcy when he rejected a request to delay the sale of its valuable assets into an entity that will be the future GM.
GM's bad assets, including liabilities and brands it is shedding, will remain in bankruptcy and be sold off or liquidated.
Kaplan denied a request to stay U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber's ruling that allowed a Treasury Department-sponsored entity to buy the bulk of GM's assets.
The Treasury will own a 60.8 percent stake in GM, which hopes to launch an initial public offering in 2010.
Members of the White House auto task force are expected to hold a conference call with reporters tomorrow following the GM announcement. A United Auto Workers health care trust fund will hold 17.5 percent of GM; the Canadian and Ontario governments will hold 11.7 percent. Unsecured creditors will hold 10 percent of GM....
Health Care for Americans - How many would pay $334 per person in every American family per year for health care? Get it done already !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would. A trillion dollar US over ten years for health care is what the Republicans have been complaining about.
One Trillion Dollars over TEN (10) years. That's all it costs to insure Americans through a federally mandated health care system.
Let's get real here.
Kindly remember, these are the same Republicans that bailed out banks for $700 Billion US and we haven't got that money back yet. $700 Billion blown by people that don't give a damn about the people of the USA. If you remember those billions went to other countries as well. Okay? So, I don't want to hear squat about the cost of health care.
But, for the sake of argument.
The USA Health Care Industry is approximtately one sixth the entire economy of this country. One sixth. It will grow to far more once every American has affordable health care. It will not only grow, it will invest in R&D and grow even more jobs. It will expand and become the best health care the world has ever known. Better, far better than even today. Why? Because there will be monies and liquidity and a KNOWN populous to an industry devoted to supplying this life line to Americans. The cost of any industry always gets cheaper when there are more people to share its cost. The quality of any industry always gets better with R&D and the striving to improve on what is considered The Best.
When this legislation comes 'online' it will provide an entire country, 300 million people, to a health care industry already engaged in improving the wellness of its clients. A known knowledge bank to improve not only the quality of health care, but, its cost and delivary efficiency. A healthier population means less demand on 'chronic' illness and the issues that cause them. A healthier population is a better and ready work force.
With obesity in children and adults ruling the work force of the USA, the efficiency across the board to the health cost to employers has plummeted and its cost skyrocketed. We will be a healthier nation, when this administration is finished. They will provide guidance and education while returning 'gym classes' to our children in schools across the USA and reining in hideous foods in our American diet.
One Trillion Dollars over TEN (10) years. That's all it costs to insure Americans through a federally mandated health care system.
Let's get real here.
Kindly remember, these are the same Republicans that bailed out banks for $700 Billion US and we haven't got that money back yet. $700 Billion blown by people that don't give a damn about the people of the USA. If you remember those billions went to other countries as well. Okay? So, I don't want to hear squat about the cost of health care.
But, for the sake of argument.
The USA Health Care Industry is approximtately one sixth the entire economy of this country. One sixth. It will grow to far more once every American has affordable health care. It will not only grow, it will invest in R&D and grow even more jobs. It will expand and become the best health care the world has ever known. Better, far better than even today. Why? Because there will be monies and liquidity and a KNOWN populous to an industry devoted to supplying this life line to Americans. The cost of any industry always gets cheaper when there are more people to share its cost. The quality of any industry always gets better with R&D and the striving to improve on what is considered The Best.
When this legislation comes 'online' it will provide an entire country, 300 million people, to a health care industry already engaged in improving the wellness of its clients. A known knowledge bank to improve not only the quality of health care, but, its cost and delivary efficiency. A healthier population means less demand on 'chronic' illness and the issues that cause them. A healthier population is a better and ready work force.
With obesity in children and adults ruling the work force of the USA, the efficiency across the board to the health cost to employers has plummeted and its cost skyrocketed. We will be a healthier nation, when this administration is finished. They will provide guidance and education while returning 'gym classes' to our children in schools across the USA and reining in hideous foods in our American diet.
Perhaps every child in the USA, should be provided a Flintstone's vitamin at the beginning of lunch period everyday. Whatever. The idea of slimming this country and providing quality of life that comes with activity and wellness is a dream we should all strive towards. A safe food supply and a health care system that eliminates dangers to us at every turn will give Americans what they long for.
Now, the nuts and bolts of cost.
One trillion dollar US over ten years.
That breaks down to $334.00 per year. That is three hundred, thirty-four dollars US per year per American.
Can you afford that? I can.
Is it worth it? Yep.
Should there be complaints? Nope.
Will the cost of health care be paid in that methodology? Nope.
Why not?
Because the current Democratic House and Senate want to remove the pains of financial 'entrapment' from the Middle, Lower Middle and Poor Classes of populous of this nation.
So, what is the problem? The Republicans are complaining because the burden to the WEALTHY bunch will go up.
SO WHAT !!!!!!!!!!
We need to pass comprehensive health care for a nation desperately in need of it and we need to do it now.
Return FUNCTION to the American government. Vote Democrat in the 2010 elections.
End of discussion !
Just Say No !
Mr. Feinberg needs to define 'Excessive Risk Taking.' I also want to know with billions US owed to the USA Treasury, why is there Risk Taking allowed at all? How are those payments coming along, by the way? Where do Americans go to read the achievements of those indebted to them and their ability to pay back their exorbitant debt?
It would seem to me ANY Risk Taking should only insue ensue when their public debt has been satisfied. Until that point, I don't believe any form of 'experimentation' of financial instruments should be conducted. The landscape hasn't changed that much and basically, AIG should never have existed anyway. There is no private entity capable of insuring banks or investment corporations. The only entity capable of such 'high roller' stakes is a sovereign government. When will the financial industry stop gambling with the lives of Americans and their future?
AIG heads back to pig trough for bosses' pay (Click title to entry - thank you)
Kenneth Bazinet and Bill Hutchinson Daily News Staff Writers
Friday, July 10th 2009, 4:00 AM
Just months after sparking national outrage by paying executives big bonuses, the American International Group is hoping to dole out $2.4 million more to top bosses.
AIG is hoping President Obama's new compensation czar, Kenneth Feinberg, goes along with dishing out more gravy to about 40 corporate officers next week, The Washington Post reported on Thursday.
Bosses are hoping approval by the government will shield the company from public furor.
A Treasury Department spokesman wouldn't reveal Feinberg's view on the bonuses but said, "Companies will need to convince Mr. Feinberg that they have struck the right balance to discourage excessive risk taking and reward performance for their top executives."
It would seem to me ANY Risk Taking should only insue ensue when their public debt has been satisfied. Until that point, I don't believe any form of 'experimentation' of financial instruments should be conducted. The landscape hasn't changed that much and basically, AIG should never have existed anyway. There is no private entity capable of insuring banks or investment corporations. The only entity capable of such 'high roller' stakes is a sovereign government. When will the financial industry stop gambling with the lives of Americans and their future?
AIG heads back to pig trough for bosses' pay (Click title to entry - thank you)
Kenneth Bazinet and Bill Hutchinson Daily News Staff Writers
Friday, July 10th 2009, 4:00 AM
Just months after sparking national outrage by paying executives big bonuses, the American International Group is hoping to dole out $2.4 million more to top bosses.
AIG is hoping President Obama's new compensation czar, Kenneth Feinberg, goes along with dishing out more gravy to about 40 corporate officers next week, The Washington Post reported on Thursday.
Bosses are hoping approval by the government will shield the company from public furor.
A Treasury Department spokesman wouldn't reveal Feinberg's view on the bonuses but said, "Companies will need to convince Mr. Feinberg that they have struck the right balance to discourage excessive risk taking and reward performance for their top executives."
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Before there were industries that exploited natural resources while emitting CO2...
... there was Mozart, the Royalty and the Mobs.
Afterward.
There was Michael Jackson, the Mob and "We are the World."
No Excuses !!!!
The G8 wants a Global Recovery Package. Then make it based in Anti-Warming Technologies
Every form of Economic Recovery Method, be it, domestic or international, needs to have a component of Anti-Warming Methodologies.
The G8 is simply being irresponsible as are the USA's Governors in many cases. The Earth is on track to the destruction of its biotic content. That is fact. There is dearly little time to surmount the 'tasks' of changing the path human population and consumerism has inflicted on Earth. Earth is the only planet we have. That won't change in any reasonable time frame. This is a must do, not a please do.
In the USA, the Stimulus Package and its 'theme' has been somewhat abused. The Stimulus definately had a theme. It was intended to change the infrastructure of the USA to accommodate changes in energy and transportation. There are some Governors that are sadly ignoring that theme, the most profound is the State of Alaska, which defines its 'Stimulus Energy Package' in the same 'ole methodologies that caused these emergencies in the first place. There is virtually nothing in the Alaska stimulus package that 'changes' the path of energy sources for that State, while some of the best wind patterns for Wind Turbines exist in abundance in Alaska.
The G8 is simply being irresponsible as are the USA's Governors in many cases. The Earth is on track to the destruction of its biotic content. That is fact. There is dearly little time to surmount the 'tasks' of changing the path human population and consumerism has inflicted on Earth. Earth is the only planet we have. That won't change in any reasonable time frame. This is a must do, not a please do.
In the USA, the Stimulus Package and its 'theme' has been somewhat abused. The Stimulus definately had a theme. It was intended to change the infrastructure of the USA to accommodate changes in energy and transportation. There are some Governors that are sadly ignoring that theme, the most profound is the State of Alaska, which defines its 'Stimulus Energy Package' in the same 'ole methodologies that caused these emergencies in the first place. There is virtually nothing in the Alaska stimulus package that 'changes' the path of energy sources for that State, while some of the best wind patterns for Wind Turbines exist in abundance in Alaska.
In the case of South Carolina and Louisiana, the Governors there have decided to decline the safety of the futures of their children, to play rhetorical games and dangerous political agendas.
The International Community CANNOT criticize the Obama Administration for complete responsibility for their lethargy to focusing on the Emergency called, Human Induced Global Warming. Upon taking office, President Obama harnessed the power of the American Legislature and instituted trillions of 'Stimulus' dollars US to changing the course of the USA to a benevolent status on energy and transportation. He has facilitated the salvage of the American Auto Industries with a firm directive to change the face of the American Automobile to one of benevolence to a 'challenged' planet. I don't want to hear from ANYONE how President Obama is a novice to the leadership of the G8. He is exemplary in his 'example' to his new adminisration and the burgeoning changes of the USA.
Below, Andrea Merkel walks through the wreckage of the earthquake in Italy. There were monies pledged to restore the tragic ruins. Those monies from every country of the G8 need to be accompanied by two conditions. The monies need to classicly return the aesthetics of the structures, along with the construction integrity that should include 'quake resistent or quake proof' construction along with energy efficient construction that liberates this small hovel from any energy dependency other than that of solar or wind.
Please see below.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel tours the ruined city of Onna near L'Aquila (click title to entry - thank you) in central Italy with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi , July 8, 2009. Onna was almost totally destroyed in the April 6, 2009 earthquake in which some 300 people died. Merkel will attend the G8 summit near L'Aquilla from July 8-10. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
The FEARS of 'giving up' old economic methodologies based in exploitation of natural resources has to be abandoned. Never while AIG attempted to justify its "Financial Instruments Division" did I hear anything except attempts to manipulate economies based in 'Old World' values.
Never once did the so called geniuses explore the expansion of economies based in CHANGING to benevolent measures that would save Earth from Human's Bad Habits. A $700 tillion US Bush/Paulson Bailout simply turned loose the biggest bailout to American History without any pre-determined agendas for securing the future of the planet. Never once when Bernanke stated, "...to be sure they have all the instruments they need..." did it come with conditions that investments beyond the recovery of the housing market needs to be focused on 'the future' and the well being of an endangered planet along with its generations of young and yet to be born.
The Financial and Banking Industry has 'yet' to catch up with the reality of the rest of us that actually live the reality of their idiot decisions. The boys of Goldman Sachs and their golden parachuetts and platinum guilded board rooms are completely out of touch with the 'best' decisions that safe guard Earth and the lives of the people that occupy it.
Below, Andrea Merkel walks through the wreckage of the earthquake in Italy. There were monies pledged to restore the tragic ruins. Those monies from every country of the G8 need to be accompanied by two conditions. The monies need to classicly return the aesthetics of the structures, along with the construction integrity that should include 'quake resistent or quake proof' construction along with energy efficient construction that liberates this small hovel from any energy dependency other than that of solar or wind.
Please see below.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel tours the ruined city of Onna near L'Aquila (click title to entry - thank you) in central Italy with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi , July 8, 2009. Onna was almost totally destroyed in the April 6, 2009 earthquake in which some 300 people died. Merkel will attend the G8 summit near L'Aquilla from July 8-10. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
The FEARS of 'giving up' old economic methodologies based in exploitation of natural resources has to be abandoned. Never while AIG attempted to justify its "Financial Instruments Division" did I hear anything except attempts to manipulate economies based in 'Old World' values.
Never once did the so called geniuses explore the expansion of economies based in CHANGING to benevolent measures that would save Earth from Human's Bad Habits. A $700 tillion US Bush/Paulson Bailout simply turned loose the biggest bailout to American History without any pre-determined agendas for securing the future of the planet. Never once when Bernanke stated, "...to be sure they have all the instruments they need..." did it come with conditions that investments beyond the recovery of the housing market needs to be focused on 'the future' and the well being of an endangered planet along with its generations of young and yet to be born.
The Financial and Banking Industry has 'yet' to catch up with the reality of the rest of us that actually live the reality of their idiot decisions. The boys of Goldman Sachs and their golden parachuetts and platinum guilded board rooms are completely out of touch with the 'best' decisions that safe guard Earth and the lives of the people that occupy it.
The G8 Leaders have a clear and undisputed role in envisioning the future that will provide a 'safety margin' for Earth. They need to act, without recidivism, on EVERY venue of economy to change the emissions of DEADLY Greenhouse Gases. Economic growth in a world destined for peace is based in exploitation of 'knowledge' and 'learning' including innovative formulas from composers that provide new platforms for the arts. The 'intangibles' are more important than any aspect of economy.
Invention; exploring previously discarded technologies as too expensive, yet, morally superior are all the aspects of 'tomorrow.' All industries can survive this change in global economies, including, medicine and the dispensing of remedies that include Genetic Medicine. Every industry 'can' have a future if they can find innovations that are inclusive to the 'Vision for Earth.'
One of the most offensive industries in the USA is the coal industry. For decades they have touted 'Clean Coal Technology' without being able to achieve it. If this industry is to be included in the future the importance of 'delivering' on rhetoric is mandatory and not optional or they are no longer the future's focus. Those industries that pretend to be 'the future' or a part of it without APPLIED tangible results have to be abandoned to better invest in those technologies and innovations that actually CONTRIBUTE to our future as it is unfolding. The Financial and Banking Industries have to reflect preference for investment and lending that is 'prudent' of such priorities, otherwise, we don't need any of them. To have financial institutions that are on a separate track from the nations that preserve the sovereignty of their populous and force same nations to accept THEIR PRIORITIES is not just Anti-Trust, it is attack on a nation's sovereignty.
The challenge of surmounting the realities presented by "Human Induced Global Warming" demands the 'Best of the Best' be in service to nations. Nations that have to bring to bear the pressure on all venues of economy of CHANGE.
One of the most offensive industries in the USA is the coal industry. For decades they have touted 'Clean Coal Technology' without being able to achieve it. If this industry is to be included in the future the importance of 'delivering' on rhetoric is mandatory and not optional or they are no longer the future's focus. Those industries that pretend to be 'the future' or a part of it without APPLIED tangible results have to be abandoned to better invest in those technologies and innovations that actually CONTRIBUTE to our future as it is unfolding. The Financial and Banking Industries have to reflect preference for investment and lending that is 'prudent' of such priorities, otherwise, we don't need any of them. To have financial institutions that are on a separate track from the nations that preserve the sovereignty of their populous and force same nations to accept THEIR PRIORITIES is not just Anti-Trust, it is attack on a nation's sovereignty.
The challenge of surmounting the realities presented by "Human Induced Global Warming" demands the 'Best of the Best' be in service to nations. Nations that have to bring to bear the pressure on all venues of economy of CHANGE.
Good luck, I'll be watching as well as participating.
It is time for the incompetent New York State Republicans to stop their antics.
First the New York State Republicans danced around issues of 'loyalty' by recruiting two Democrats (both of which have legal issues) to vote in their favor to take control of the State Legislature through 'Abracadabra measure, rather, than doing the business of the people.
Governor Patterson is not required by New York State Constitution to assign a Lieutenant Governor, but, tried to do so to act as a breaking vote to put the New York Senate back to work. Now that the N Y Republicans can't stall the processes of 'governance,' they have chosen to impeach the new Lieutenant by petitioning the New York State Courts in an attempt to prove Governor Patterson is outside his jurisdictional authority in assigning a Lieutenant.
The New York State Republicans in the Senate have abandoned their responsibilites to the people whom elected them and have chosen to 'game the power' of the State Governorship. Each 'gamer' should be impeached, not a highly qualified Lieutenant Governor.
The Republicans have turned it into a circus.
Let's hope those that are impressed with their own importance can see the forest for the trees and heed the call.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (L) speaks with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a press conference announcing Climate Week NYC June 23, 2009 in New York City. Climate Week NYC will be a five day program of events addressing the need for climate change action and coinciding with the opening of U.N. General Assembly from September 21-25.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images North America)
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images North America)
Ban blasts G8 emissions targets (click title to entry - thank you)
Page last updated at 13:07 GMT, Thursday, 9 July 2009 14:07 UK
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has criticised leaders of the G8 industrial nations for failing to make deeper commitments to combat climate change.
On Wednesday, the leaders, meeting in Italy, agreed to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, but Mr Ban said big cuts were needed sooner rather than later.
The leaders are set to meet their counterparts from emerging economies to discuss a new deal on global warming.
US President Barack Obama will chair the session, in the city of L'Aquila....
On Wednesday, the leaders, meeting in Italy, agreed to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, but Mr Ban said big cuts were needed sooner rather than later.
The leaders are set to meet their counterparts from emerging economies to discuss a new deal on global warming.
US President Barack Obama will chair the session, in the city of L'Aquila....
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
2005 contender Mostafa Moin talks about how the international science community can help Iran.
Iranian reformist 2005 Presidential candidate Mostafa Moin (L) and former Iranian reformist Interior Minister Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Congress of Islamic Iran Participation in Tehran October 26, 2007.
In a 2006 interview with Nature (click title to entry - thank you), Moin, a former minister for higher education and for science, argued that building a stronger civil and democratic society in Iran was key to the country's scientific development and it becoming a knowledge-based society. In an exclusive new interview, he discusses where the current situation leaves those ambitions.
...In our last interview, you said that support by Iranian young people and women for the principles of a civil and democratic society were what would "shape Iran's future". Has that shaping moment come?
Yes. The recent growth in Iranian women's and young people's political and social awareness has set the stage for their current demands for greater civil liberties, and structural and democratic reforms. The outcome of the 2005 presidential election, combined with the subsequent mismanagement of the government, has catalysed this process — and explains the 85% voter turnout in last month's presidential election, and the demand for change. The youth, and in particular the supporters of the reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, played a major role in creating the extraordinary enthusiasm and motivation surrounding the elections. I remain optimistic as to the role, and the movement, of Iran's youth....
In duplication of pending USA legislation, the G8 agreed to prevent the globe from rising above 2 degrees Celcius.
The Earthquakes causing such of the damage in Italy had an epicenter at Crete, Greece (click here). The most severe was 4.8. A lot of damage.
Larger one occurred on July 1, 2009 registering 6.4 according to USGS (click here). Makes a little more sense.
President Barack Obama and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi tour earthquake damage on the sidelines of the G8 Summit in L'Aquila, Italy, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
G8 summit: leaders warn global economy faces more danger (click here)
The global economy faces "significant" dangers in the coming months and a recovery from recession is still some way off, world leaders have warned.
By James Kirkup in L'Aquila
Published: 7:38PM BST 08 Jul 2009
...Despite seeing some signs of stabilisation in economies, the G8 listed rising oil prices, fragile banking sectors, falling trade and investment and rising unemployment as the main threats to a recovery.
Speaking after their talks on the economic outlook, leaders signalled they feared the world may not have seen the worst of the slowdown yet.
Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, said: "The crisis is a long way from being over. If we are lucky, then we have nearly reached the bottom."
Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, said: "There are warning signs about the world economy we cannot afford to ignore."...
Being First Lady doesn't get prettier than this. Michelle is always a breath of fresh air. I love the colors. Simple and elegant.
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and his first lady Michelle Obama, right, arrive in Pratica di Mare military airport on the outskirts of Rome, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Obama is in Italy to attend the G8 (Group of Eight) summit in L'Aquila from July 8 to July 10. (AP Photo/Mauro Scrobogna, LaPresse)
On to the G8...and...the Obama Effect
This summit is more or less a planning session for the December Conference in Copenhagen where plans surrounding initiatives on Climate Change should take shape.
I have said from the beginning of this entire mess, the USA has to lead and it has to stop being the biggest CO2 emitter on the planet. That is a sincere reduction. If that reduction puts other countries ahead of the USA through the changes the USA impliments alone, then so be it.
The USA has to 'lead by example' and provide mentoring while opening technologies to countries such as China and India. Kyoto Protocol was never designed to burden third world countries with the sins of the USA. Never in the wildest imaginations of the authors of Kyoto did anyone believe the USA would sit on the sidelines hoping everyone else would carry its burden.
The next Kyoto meeting in 2012 will have to address the new economic achievements of China and India and bring them on board. Hopefully, by the time 2012 has rolled around there will be notable reductions in all countries CO2 levels or at the very least strategies that are legislated to engage with the new protocol. President Obama isn't responsible for the lethargy and 'blaming' of other countries by Bush. China is NOT the 'first' problem, the USA is.
---------------------------------------------------
Very inventive. Clever. Well done. The 'art' of opposition that is, not the planet.
Activists wearing masks of G8 leaders from left; French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, US President Barack Obama, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and dressed as chefs "cook the planet" in a fake cauldron as they stage a demonstration against the G8 (Group of Eight) summit scheduled from July 8 to July 10 in L'Aquila, in front of the ancient Temple of Vesta, in Rome, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. The G8 is schedule(AP Photo/Sandro Pace)
A dollar a day could keep climate change away-EPA (click here)
Tue Jul 7, 2009 3:21pm EDT
* Fighting climate change to cost families under $1 a day
* Energy efficiency, R&D key to cutting emissions in U.S.
* Top Obama officials confident a climate bill can pass(Adds details on carbon offsets and comments from Salazar)
By Jasmin Melvin
WASHINGTON, July 7 (Reuters) - The average American family would pay at most $1 a day more to fight climate change, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told a Senate committee on Tuesday.
EPA head Lisa Jackson said carbon-cutting legislation would, on average, amount to a 50-cent per day cost per household in 2020 and edge up for wealthier families, people who drive long distances and those living in states dependent on coal for electricity.
But even a doubling of the national average would only cost families $1 per day, Jackson said....
I have said from the beginning of this entire mess, the USA has to lead and it has to stop being the biggest CO2 emitter on the planet. That is a sincere reduction. If that reduction puts other countries ahead of the USA through the changes the USA impliments alone, then so be it.
The USA has to 'lead by example' and provide mentoring while opening technologies to countries such as China and India. Kyoto Protocol was never designed to burden third world countries with the sins of the USA. Never in the wildest imaginations of the authors of Kyoto did anyone believe the USA would sit on the sidelines hoping everyone else would carry its burden.
The next Kyoto meeting in 2012 will have to address the new economic achievements of China and India and bring them on board. Hopefully, by the time 2012 has rolled around there will be notable reductions in all countries CO2 levels or at the very least strategies that are legislated to engage with the new protocol. President Obama isn't responsible for the lethargy and 'blaming' of other countries by Bush. China is NOT the 'first' problem, the USA is.
---------------------------------------------------
Very inventive. Clever. Well done. The 'art' of opposition that is, not the planet.
Activists wearing masks of G8 leaders from left; French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, US President Barack Obama, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and dressed as chefs "cook the planet" in a fake cauldron as they stage a demonstration against the G8 (Group of Eight) summit scheduled from July 8 to July 10 in L'Aquila, in front of the ancient Temple of Vesta, in Rome, Wednesday, July 8, 2009. The G8 is schedule(AP Photo/Sandro Pace)
A dollar a day could keep climate change away-EPA (click here)
Tue Jul 7, 2009 3:21pm EDT
* Fighting climate change to cost families under $1 a day
* Energy efficiency, R&D key to cutting emissions in U.S.
* Top Obama officials confident a climate bill can pass(Adds details on carbon offsets and comments from Salazar)
By Jasmin Melvin
WASHINGTON, July 7 (Reuters) - The average American family would pay at most $1 a day more to fight climate change, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told a Senate committee on Tuesday.
EPA head Lisa Jackson said carbon-cutting legislation would, on average, amount to a 50-cent per day cost per household in 2020 and edge up for wealthier families, people who drive long distances and those living in states dependent on coal for electricity.
But even a doubling of the national average would only cost families $1 per day, Jackson said....
G8 leaders say want ambitious climate change deal (click here)
Wed Jul 8, 2009 3:36pm BST
"We intend to secure our present and future prosperity by taking the lead in the fight against climate change," the statement said.
I think we have every right to BELIEVE and not hope the new adminisration in DC will definitively stand and lead with an ambitious agenda on Climate Change. It has to be. There are no more options.
G8 leaders urged to address global water crisis (click here)
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
ROME — Advocacy groups such as Greenpeace, Water Aid and End Water Poverty issued a call to leaders of the G8 nations prior to the start of their 2009 summit in Italy to tackle global water and sanitation issues, especially those in developing countries....
There is much about the G8 that will be pivotal from here on. The 'idea' that rain will return with adjustments to carbon dioxide levels is not realistic. It took five decades to achieve this insult to Earth and it is complicated by the negative feedback loop of Human Induced Global Warming.
This year the Atlantic Hurricane season is proving to be very puny. The reason for that is the lack of water vapor in the lower troposphere.
Technologies have to supply water to populous until Earth returns to a reasonable balance and that includes desalination plants. California is already planning desalination plants for help with a very dry southern region. Desalinations plants should have been in the works for California a long time ago, it is a far better alternative than syphoning off Mona Lake and running aqueducts that evaporate the very water they carry. With a melting ice cap and diluted ocean salinity, there should be thoughts about depositing the unused salt back into the global ocean circulation depending on measured and monitored ocean salinity levels.
New Bin Laden Recording Accuses Obama of Planting Seeds of Hatred Across America (click title to entry for video - thank you)
by Steven Emerson
...BREWER: It's interesting though, because we've seen this recent poll that shows that 8 out of 11 Arab countries show double-digit jumps in the amount of positive feelings toward the United States....
The nay-sayers can down the new statistics all they want. An up tick of approval to USA policy CHANGE is a clear indication there is 'interest' in the words President Obama spoke to the Arab Community. Where there is interest, there is opportunity. The current USA administration is not going 'soft' on Israel. There is a great deal of hope in that statistic and one that should not be ignored. We all have to 'start' somewhere and beginning with 'the old agenda' for the Arab populous as a place of common understanding is a good place to be.
This is President Obama's first term. It is his first year in his first term. With the ground laying ability he has exhibited across the spectrum of international and domestic policy we will see significant changes during his administration. Anyone that is not impressed hasn't opened their eyes to the disaster of the past eight years.
One of these days, President Obama, First Lady Michelle and the girls and Bo will vacation. It might be a breather the country needs as well. This adminisration is very fast paced and ambitious. It is a new dynamic for Americans. They are 'used to' slow progress in areas of federal government. I believe some of the skepticism shown by Americans is due to the uneasy feeling of such a fast pace, but, this administration doesn't dare slow its progress. The economy was inherited on an already 'very, slippery slope.' I sincerely believe that slope is flattening out and it wouldn't have been achieved without the ambitions of this young administration.
The Racey Side of the G8 - Berlusconi celebrates the female mystique at every turn.
To say Berlusconi is on shakey ground with the Italians is an understatement.
Silvio Berlusconi picks former topless model Mara Carfagna as G8 escort (click here)
Faced with the thorny problem of having no "First Lady" to look after the G8 leaders' spouses on their three day trip to Italy, Silvio Berlusconi has come up with a solution in keeping with his reputation.
By Nick Squires in Rome
Published: 6:37PM BST 06 Jul 2009
The Italian prime minister has asked a former topless model turned government minister to stand in for his estranged wife.
The 72-year-old premier has chosen Mara Carfagna – now Italy's equal opportunities minister – to take care of the likes of Michelle Obama and Sarah Brown.
Miss Carfagna, 33, is an ex-glamour girl whose sultry looks and portfolio of lingerie calendars earned her the title of the world's sexiest government minister from men's magazine Maxim.
The one-time Miss Italy contestant will be supported in the role by another attractive young member of the cabinet, education minister Maria Stella Gelmini.
Mr Berlusconi is said to have chosen Miss Carfagna and Miss Gelmini to reward them for being "staunch champions" as he has battled allegations that he slept with a high-class call-girl at his mansion in Rome last November. Together they will guide the G8 wives around Rome and the mountain town of L'Aquila 65 miles away, where the summit is being held from Wednesday to Friday....
Berlusconi Shows Quake Damage at G-8 Summit, Leaders Pledge Aid (click here)
By Steve Scherer and Brian Parkin
July 8 (Bloomberg) -- As world leaders arrived in L’Aquila, Italy to begin their annual summit, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.began showing his counterparts damage from the earthquake that prompted him to move their meeting there.
Berlusconi led German Chancellor Angela Merkel through Onna, where the April 6 temblor damaged or destroyed virtually every building and killed 41 people, more than 10 percent of its population. The German government pledged to rebuild the town, partly as compensation for the Nazi execution of 16 residents of Onna during World War II....
G8 summit: Silvio Berlusconi faces new party allegations (click here)
Silvio Berlusconi, the host of the G8 summit in Italy, has faced new allegations about his parties attended by young women.
By Nick Squires in Rome
Published: 12:00PM BST 08 Jul 2009
A fourth woman has come forward to claim that she was paid 1,000 euros (£870) to attend a party at one of the Italian prime minister's private homes.
Maria Teresa De Nicolo, 37, said the 72-year-old premier was the "perfect host" when he danced with her after the candle-lit dinner and that contrary to reports he did not have his hands all over her "like an octopus".
"I danced with the prime minister and also with some of the other men who were present," said Miss De Nicolo.
"When he danced, he was very formal: his hands didn't wander, he wasn't like an octopus as some of the other girls have told the papers in the last few days."
Miss De Nicolo corroborated much of the detail offered by the three other women who have said they attended Mr Berlusconi's parties....
Silvio Berlusconi picks former topless model Mara Carfagna as G8 escort (click here)
Faced with the thorny problem of having no "First Lady" to look after the G8 leaders' spouses on their three day trip to Italy, Silvio Berlusconi has come up with a solution in keeping with his reputation.
By Nick Squires in Rome
Published: 6:37PM BST 06 Jul 2009
The Italian prime minister has asked a former topless model turned government minister to stand in for his estranged wife.
The 72-year-old premier has chosen Mara Carfagna – now Italy's equal opportunities minister – to take care of the likes of Michelle Obama and Sarah Brown.
Miss Carfagna, 33, is an ex-glamour girl whose sultry looks and portfolio of lingerie calendars earned her the title of the world's sexiest government minister from men's magazine Maxim.
The one-time Miss Italy contestant will be supported in the role by another attractive young member of the cabinet, education minister Maria Stella Gelmini.
Mr Berlusconi is said to have chosen Miss Carfagna and Miss Gelmini to reward them for being "staunch champions" as he has battled allegations that he slept with a high-class call-girl at his mansion in Rome last November. Together they will guide the G8 wives around Rome and the mountain town of L'Aquila 65 miles away, where the summit is being held from Wednesday to Friday....
Berlusconi Shows Quake Damage at G-8 Summit, Leaders Pledge Aid (click here)
By Steve Scherer and Brian Parkin
July 8 (Bloomberg) -- As world leaders arrived in L’Aquila, Italy to begin their annual summit, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.began showing his counterparts damage from the earthquake that prompted him to move their meeting there.
Berlusconi led German Chancellor Angela Merkel through Onna, where the April 6 temblor damaged or destroyed virtually every building and killed 41 people, more than 10 percent of its population. The German government pledged to rebuild the town, partly as compensation for the Nazi execution of 16 residents of Onna during World War II....
G8 summit: Silvio Berlusconi faces new party allegations (click here)
Silvio Berlusconi, the host of the G8 summit in Italy, has faced new allegations about his parties attended by young women.
By Nick Squires in Rome
Published: 12:00PM BST 08 Jul 2009
A fourth woman has come forward to claim that she was paid 1,000 euros (£870) to attend a party at one of the Italian prime minister's private homes.
Maria Teresa De Nicolo, 37, said the 72-year-old premier was the "perfect host" when he danced with her after the candle-lit dinner and that contrary to reports he did not have his hands all over her "like an octopus".
"I danced with the prime minister and also with some of the other men who were present," said Miss De Nicolo.
"When he danced, he was very formal: his hands didn't wander, he wasn't like an octopus as some of the other girls have told the papers in the last few days."
Miss De Nicolo corroborated much of the detail offered by the three other women who have said they attended Mr Berlusconi's parties....
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Michael Jackson and the Jackson Family Revolutionary Network
They Don't Care About US - Prison Version - Click here for this week’s top video clips
Michael had a unique place in life's framework. He was spurred to perfection by an obsessive Father that was sick and tired of poverty. He was quilty as hell of abuse, but, in 'the day' oppression and racial prejudice 'cast' the Black Community at the bottom of the American achievement ladder.
At a tender age, Michael, learned and then inspired his younger siblings that 'talent' was a valuable place in life. Michael 'earned' a magnificent living, as did his family. They provided a 'platform' across the spectrum of 'topics' as well as 'entertainment' and 'enjoyment.'
Michael commanded the use of dance in a novel methodology that imparted to everyone to become part of the 'fun.' Within that talent he also commanded an image that 'peaked' interest to the end of achieving social enlightenment, liberation and justice.
The same became true of Janet. These magnificent entertainers had the backing of a family that understood 'the business' and the community. If one looks at the rise of Michael and Janet, it was on the coattails of other Black entertainers, such as Diana Ross. The Jackson Family are a beautiful example of 'community' that is not replicated anywhere on Earth.
They were as much revolutionaries as the crowds they commanded.
Michael will be missed and his genius gone forever.
What do all these people have in common besides being Republicans?
They are angry.
They are hateful.
They are self-righteous.
They are judgemental.
They are ALL angry with the media as an easy target for their frustration.
They can't control their wealth anymore.
They don't want to pay more in taxes and they want their power back WITHOUT question.
In the case of Hannity, he simply lies where it is convenient so he can maintain his point of view.
In the case of Palin, she cries where she has to pay legal bills that her PAC won't cover.
In the case of King, "What is this guy doing in office?" He analogizes a Pop Singer to the military. It has no validity. King actually goes further and states (with his forked tongue) that 'he believes in American values (where they suit his political purpose), but, invalidates 'The Rule of Law' when it doesn't serve his purpose.
They are hypocrits, plain and simple.
Sarah Palin
Sean Hannity
Monday, July 06, 2009
To Russian with Love - The USA and Russia are off to a good start to reduce nuclear stores. An example the world should emulate.
If NATO ever found the backbone to live with the truth, Russia would be more an ally, but, Europe is afraid of Russia. When will they 'get over it?' They saved Europe from Hitler and that still isn't enough.
South Ossetian man holds his dead son.
...The President of South Ossetia, Eduard Kokoity, click here) was quoted as saying about 1,400 people had been killed as a result of "Georgian aggression".
"About 1,400 died, we will check these figures, but the order of the numbers is around this. We have this on the basis of reports from relatives," he told Russia's Interfax news agency.
The crisis, the first to confront the Russian President since he took office in May, has flared in a region emerging as a key energy transit route, and where Russia and the West are vying for influence.
I disagree with President Obama on his position regarding Georgian sovereignty to reclaim the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. His position reflects that of NATO and it does not uphold the integrity of Human Rights.
President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin should bring their evidence before the United Nations to secure the independence of these two former Georgian provinces.
Basically, due to the dependency on Russian gas and the fear that Russia would go futher into Georgia, NATO has decided to make Russia 'the bad guy.' It is NOT and neither are the Russian soldiers that acted as peacekeepers or the Russian people.
Over 1000 people dead in South Ossetia at the hand of a maniac and ego inflated Georgian President. Those people had no way of attacking the Georgian authority or protect themselves. They were helpless and they were slaughtered !
...Georgia can win only if it is backed by the United States and its other allies. And even with such support, its victory will mean heavy losses, and entail lengthy guerilla warfare. (click here)
President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed documents on nuclear-arms reduction before their joint news conference at the Kremlin in Moscow Monday.
Jim Young/Reuters
Yet despite the upbeat tone at the first of two days of summit talks in Moscow, the two leaders offered few specifics on how the looming stumbling blocks to a new era of cooperation will be overcome. Those issues include American plans for a missile-defense system in Eastern Europe and US-supported expansion of NATO to Ukraine and Georgia....
Russian countryside.
...Pledging to reverse a "sense of drift" (click title to entry - thank you) in Washington's relations with Moscow, the US president said he hoped a new nuclear arms reduction treaty to replace the Start-1 pact, which expires this December, would be ready by the end of the year. "We must lead by example and that is what we are doing here today," he said in Moscow....
A "sense of drift" is a nice way of saying the past administration and the Republican Party in DC didn't give a damn about starting a nuclear holocaust.
President Medvedev and President Obama should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. They are making history. Two young Presidents in the two Superpowers are signing an agreement to make the world safer AND to 'lead by example.' That is remarkable. Simply remarkable. Considering where the relationship between Russia and the USA existed before this NEW administration came into office in DC with a Democratic majority in the House and Senate, it is a remarkable accomplishment.
I thank them both, but, especially President Medvedev. He is showing trust toward the USA again. I can't thank him enough.
With this initiative there hangs in the balance a safe Middle East. Iran is still a wild card. There is no other way of putting it.
The USA stance today, according to Vice President Biden, is one that backs the Israeli policy regarding Iran. That has been the policy of the USA. I defy anyone to say differently. Israel has always maintained vigilance and always gave itself permission to defend their borders.
It is Iran that has openly declared Israel as an enemy by denying the Holocaust and chronically acting in Anti-Semetic tones. I have stated before there are limited choices with Iran as so many nations of the region hang in the balance. North Korea is slightly different in that both China and Russia disapprove of the North Korean nuclear program and maintain their own vigilance over an unpredictable nuclear nation.
Biden says Israel has the right to attack Iran (click here)
The U.S. wouldn't interfere with a sovereign nation's actions, he says, even as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says such an attack would be destabilizing.
Associated Press
July 6, 2009
Washington -- Vice President Joe Biden signaled that the Obama administration would not stand in the way if Israel chose to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, even as the top U.S. military officer said any attack on Iran would be destabilizing.Biden's remarks suggested a tougher U.S. stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions, but administration officials denied that. Instead, White House officials said, his televised remarks Sunday simply reflected the U.S. view that Israel had a right to defend itself and make its own decisions on national security.
In an interview on ABC's "This Week," Biden also said the U.S. offer to negotiate with Tehran on its nuclear program still stood. Some thought the administration's approach might change in light of the Iranian government's harsh crackdown on protesters after the June 12 presidential election. Opponents of the ruling authorities contend the vote was rigged in favor of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad....
Associated Press
...The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it prefers to see Iran’s nuclear program stopped through diplomacy but has not ruled out a military strike. “If the Netanyahu government decides to take a course of action different than the one being pursued now, that is their sovereign right to do that. That is not our choice,” Biden said....
The Jordan Times
The way out (click here)
Political tension is escalating in Iran by the day, with conservative followers of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad trading accusations and blame for the current state of affairs in the country with reformers, headed by the defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Some of these charges reached a new pitch when a pro-Khamenei newspaper accused Mousavi of being a US agent responsible for the crimes committed during demonstrations against the results of the presidential elections, viewed by many as fraudulent, rigged in favour of the incumbent Iranian president.
Such charges will do the country no good. If the crackdown on the reformists might temporarily silence them, the political wounds will still fester and deepen unless the two sides find a formula to reconcile.
Many Iranians feel that the recent elections robbed them of a victory; they cannot be silenced by the force of guns, arbitrary arrests or intimidation....
Jordan free of swine flu for now, but remains vigilant (click here)
By Khetam Malkawi
AMMAN - The last patient previously diagnosed with H1N1 (swine) influenza was discharged from hospital on Monday after fully recovering, with no new cases reported, Health Ministry officials announced yesterday....
The Gulf News (United Arab Emerits)
Last update - 09:07 05/07/2009
U.S., Saudis push Syria over IDF withdrawal from Shaba Farms (click here)
By Zvi Bar'el
Saudi Arabia and the United States are pressing Syria to demarcate its border with Lebanon, in order to allow for the beginning of an Israeli withdrawal from the disputed Shaba Farms area, straddling the border between Lebanon and the Golan Heights.
These moves come amid warming relations between Damascus and Washington. This past weekend Syrian President Bashar Assad issued an unofficial invitation to his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama to visit the Syrian capital.
Marking the Syrian-Lebanese border would neutralize the Israeli claim that Shaba Farms was previously Syrian territory, and that a withdrawal must be carried out only in the course of negotiations with Damascus. The United Nations also defines the area as Syrian territory, and did not call on Israel to pull back from it during its 2000 withdrawal from southern Lebanon....
Jerusalem Post
Syria has said it is willing to resume indirect peace talks mediated by Turkey as long as they focus on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
But Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said he is not willing to cede the territory.
"What Syria is proposing for peace is not conditions but rather they are rights that cannot be negotiated or abandoned," Syria's official news agency SANA quoted Assad as saying. "The problem is that there is no real Israeli partner to make peace." ...
continued (see below)...
South Ossetian man holds his dead son.
...The President of South Ossetia, Eduard Kokoity, click here) was quoted as saying about 1,400 people had been killed as a result of "Georgian aggression".
"About 1,400 died, we will check these figures, but the order of the numbers is around this. We have this on the basis of reports from relatives," he told Russia's Interfax news agency.
The crisis, the first to confront the Russian President since he took office in May, has flared in a region emerging as a key energy transit route, and where Russia and the West are vying for influence.
I disagree with President Obama on his position regarding Georgian sovereignty to reclaim the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. His position reflects that of NATO and it does not uphold the integrity of Human Rights.
President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin should bring their evidence before the United Nations to secure the independence of these two former Georgian provinces.
Basically, due to the dependency on Russian gas and the fear that Russia would go futher into Georgia, NATO has decided to make Russia 'the bad guy.' It is NOT and neither are the Russian soldiers that acted as peacekeepers or the Russian people.
Over 1000 people dead in South Ossetia at the hand of a maniac and ego inflated Georgian President. Those people had no way of attacking the Georgian authority or protect themselves. They were helpless and they were slaughtered !
...Georgia can win only if it is backed by the United States and its other allies. And even with such support, its victory will mean heavy losses, and entail lengthy guerilla warfare. (click here)
President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed documents on nuclear-arms reduction before their joint news conference at the Kremlin in Moscow Monday.
Jim Young/Reuters
US, Russia deal would cut nukes to post-cold-war lows (click here)
Obama and Russian President Medvedev on Monday outlined reductions in strategic warheads and launch vehicles.
By Howard LaFranchi
Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
from the July 6, 2009 edition
Yet despite the upbeat tone at the first of two days of summit talks in Moscow, the two leaders offered few specifics on how the looming stumbling blocks to a new era of cooperation will be overcome. Those issues include American plans for a missile-defense system in Eastern Europe and US-supported expansion of NATO to Ukraine and Georgia....
Russian countryside.
...Pledging to reverse a "sense of drift" (click title to entry - thank you) in Washington's relations with Moscow, the US president said he hoped a new nuclear arms reduction treaty to replace the Start-1 pact, which expires this December, would be ready by the end of the year. "We must lead by example and that is what we are doing here today," he said in Moscow....
A "sense of drift" is a nice way of saying the past administration and the Republican Party in DC didn't give a damn about starting a nuclear holocaust.
President Medvedev and President Obama should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. They are making history. Two young Presidents in the two Superpowers are signing an agreement to make the world safer AND to 'lead by example.' That is remarkable. Simply remarkable. Considering where the relationship between Russia and the USA existed before this NEW administration came into office in DC with a Democratic majority in the House and Senate, it is a remarkable accomplishment.
I thank them both, but, especially President Medvedev. He is showing trust toward the USA again. I can't thank him enough.
With this initiative there hangs in the balance a safe Middle East. Iran is still a wild card. There is no other way of putting it.
The USA stance today, according to Vice President Biden, is one that backs the Israeli policy regarding Iran. That has been the policy of the USA. I defy anyone to say differently. Israel has always maintained vigilance and always gave itself permission to defend their borders.
It is Iran that has openly declared Israel as an enemy by denying the Holocaust and chronically acting in Anti-Semetic tones. I have stated before there are limited choices with Iran as so many nations of the region hang in the balance. North Korea is slightly different in that both China and Russia disapprove of the North Korean nuclear program and maintain their own vigilance over an unpredictable nuclear nation.
Biden says Israel has the right to attack Iran (click here)
The U.S. wouldn't interfere with a sovereign nation's actions, he says, even as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says such an attack would be destabilizing.
Associated Press
July 6, 2009
Washington -- Vice President Joe Biden signaled that the Obama administration would not stand in the way if Israel chose to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, even as the top U.S. military officer said any attack on Iran would be destabilizing.Biden's remarks suggested a tougher U.S. stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions, but administration officials denied that. Instead, White House officials said, his televised remarks Sunday simply reflected the U.S. view that Israel had a right to defend itself and make its own decisions on national security.
In an interview on ABC's "This Week," Biden also said the U.S. offer to negotiate with Tehran on its nuclear program still stood. Some thought the administration's approach might change in light of the Iranian government's harsh crackdown on protesters after the June 12 presidential election. Opponents of the ruling authorities contend the vote was rigged in favor of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad....
The Arab News (Saudia Arabia)
Biden gives Israel OK for Iran attack (click here)Associated Press
...The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it prefers to see Iran’s nuclear program stopped through diplomacy but has not ruled out a military strike. “If the Netanyahu government decides to take a course of action different than the one being pursued now, that is their sovereign right to do that. That is not our choice,” Biden said....
The Jordan Times
The way out (click here)
Political tension is escalating in Iran by the day, with conservative followers of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad trading accusations and blame for the current state of affairs in the country with reformers, headed by the defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Some of these charges reached a new pitch when a pro-Khamenei newspaper accused Mousavi of being a US agent responsible for the crimes committed during demonstrations against the results of the presidential elections, viewed by many as fraudulent, rigged in favour of the incumbent Iranian president.
Such charges will do the country no good. If the crackdown on the reformists might temporarily silence them, the political wounds will still fester and deepen unless the two sides find a formula to reconcile.
Many Iranians feel that the recent elections robbed them of a victory; they cannot be silenced by the force of guns, arbitrary arrests or intimidation....
Jordan free of swine flu for now, but remains vigilant (click here)
By Khetam Malkawi
AMMAN - The last patient previously diagnosed with H1N1 (swine) influenza was discharged from hospital on Monday after fully recovering, with no new cases reported, Health Ministry officials announced yesterday....
The Gulf News (United Arab Emerits)
...The Saudi official was commenting on press reports (click here) claiming the Israeli intelligence service had assured Premier Benjamin Netanyahu that Riyadh would turn a blind eye to Israeli jets flying over the kingdom during ay future raid on Iran.
Israel has also denied these reports.
Moreover, Kuwait parliament speaker Jaseem Al Khorafi said his country would never allow Israeli planes to use its airspace.
"I am surprised at such a question that comes as if it were an accomplished fact," Khorafi was quoted as saying by Kuwait official news agency (KUNA). "Has the Israeli press become a source from which we may get information?" he added.
Biden, in what was described as a giving Israel a green light to eliminate the Iranian's "nuclear threat" by military force, said in an interview with ABC television on Sunday that the US "cannot dictate to another sovereign nation what they can and cannot do."
However, US military commanders gave different positions.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, warned that any strike against Iran would be "unintended consequences" and would be "very destabilising".
Meanwhile, press reports noted that Israel, in a major shift of policy, sent one of its three Dolphin-class submarines through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea.
Israeli defence officials described the naval drill as a show of strategic reach in the face of Iran....
Last update - 09:07 05/07/2009
U.S., Saudis push Syria over IDF withdrawal from Shaba Farms (click here)
By Zvi Bar'el
Saudi Arabia and the United States are pressing Syria to demarcate its border with Lebanon, in order to allow for the beginning of an Israeli withdrawal from the disputed Shaba Farms area, straddling the border between Lebanon and the Golan Heights.
These moves come amid warming relations between Damascus and Washington. This past weekend Syrian President Bashar Assad issued an unofficial invitation to his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama to visit the Syrian capital.
Marking the Syrian-Lebanese border would neutralize the Israeli claim that Shaba Farms was previously Syrian territory, and that a withdrawal must be carried out only in the course of negotiations with Damascus. The United Nations also defines the area as Syrian territory, and did not call on Israel to pull back from it during its 2000 withdrawal from southern Lebanon....
Jerusalem Post
Jul 7, 2009 16:52
Updated Jul 7, 2009 19:30
'The problem is that there's no real Israeli partner for peace'
Syria has said it is willing to resume indirect peace talks mediated by Turkey as long as they focus on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
But Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said he is not willing to cede the territory.
"What Syria is proposing for peace is not conditions but rather they are rights that cannot be negotiated or abandoned," Syria's official news agency SANA quoted Assad as saying. "The problem is that there is no real Israeli partner to make peace." ...
continued (see below)...
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