It appears that unrest is spread across the globe. The Uighurs, an ethnic minority in the Xingjiang Province of western China and the majority Han Chinese are clashing over jobs and land in this mineral rich area. Chinese troops have been sent in to put down what appears to be a rebellion, which the Chinese government states was incited by a Uighur woman living in the United States using the Internet to spread rebellion.
As they have been doing in Tibet, the Chinese government is responding with a heavy hand. No doubt human rights violations are ocurring, but is the government of the USA protesting? Where is Hillary Clinton to make a statement?
In Iran it now appears that there is dissension in the ruling clerical body, with some of the imams coming forward and disagreeing with the Supreme Leader's decision on the recent election. Could these clerics be planning to join with the dissidents? Is civil war in Iran's near future?
Honduras also looks like it could be heading for a civil war. After the ousted president was unable to land his plane yesterday, rioters took to the streets. It is evident that the working class of this Central American country is not happy with the military take over and that they could get support from other Latin American countries, most notably Venezuela, to stage a revolt of their own.
And finally, there is North Korea shooting off missiles. Are they really crazy? What is their goal?
I know I left out other hot spots, the Balkans, the Sudan, Somalia, Thailand, etc, unrest appears to be everywhere, and one needs to ask, what is going on?
Is this just normal life, or are there forces behind the scenes manipulating things for their own profit and power? Is there a conspiracy out there somewhere? A multi-national conglomerate out for world power?
I know, you're thinking I've read too many Robert Ludlum books and seen too many shows like "Prison Break". Maybe you're right.
On the other hand, maybe I'm right. More than twenty years ago I read a book by Taylor Caldwell entitled "Captains & Kings", about international financiers manipulating world occurrences for their own benefit. Maybe the same is happening now.
Just because someone is paranoid, doesn't mean there aren't conspiracies.
Who really has the power?
Its something to consider carefully.
Showing posts with label human rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label human rights. Show all posts
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Obama & Russia
President Obama states he supports Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's efforts to reform and improve the Russian judicial system. After all, it sounds noble. However, I have a lot of doubts.
If one studies Russian/Soviet Union/Russian history, there is little regard for a true equal legal system during centuries of various rulers. Russian law was always controlled by the parties in power, the people had very little say in the matter.
Although President Medvedev says he wants reform, I do not see him as the true ruling force in Russia. Putin still holds the reins of power, at least in my mind, and I cannot imagine him releasing any power to anyone.
I believe Putin will continue to control the courts, just as he will justify clear human rights violations as being necessary actions to protect Russia.
Hopefully President Obama will have his eyes open when he meets with the Russians. It is true that working out a good trade agreement will be beneficial to our country during these hard financial times. But, that being said, Obama needs to protect the integrity of the USA at the same time.
Thus far I have been disappointed in the Obama Administration's track record in dealing with nations such as China, who clearly violate human rights, yet because of the debt the USA owes them, Obama's people are remaining silent. I fear the same silence will come out of the talks with the Russians, especially if there is a financial benefit to the USA that will make Obama look good, at least for the short term.
The financial crisis is causing the leadership of our nation to form strange alliances, with nations/people we need to keep at arm's length. I fear that when all is said done, our country will be weaker, not stronger because of the unsavory compromises the government has made.
Time will tell.
In the mean time, keep track of how the stimulus dollars are being spent, who is actually being helped, and how big the debt is that our grandchildren will inherit.
Bother your representatives and frequently remind them that you are keeping tabs on their performance and that come election day, you will be voting to put someone you trust in Washington. Actions speak louder than words. Let your reps know you are watching those actions.
Its Common Sense!
If one studies Russian/Soviet Union/Russian history, there is little regard for a true equal legal system during centuries of various rulers. Russian law was always controlled by the parties in power, the people had very little say in the matter.
Although President Medvedev says he wants reform, I do not see him as the true ruling force in Russia. Putin still holds the reins of power, at least in my mind, and I cannot imagine him releasing any power to anyone.
I believe Putin will continue to control the courts, just as he will justify clear human rights violations as being necessary actions to protect Russia.
Hopefully President Obama will have his eyes open when he meets with the Russians. It is true that working out a good trade agreement will be beneficial to our country during these hard financial times. But, that being said, Obama needs to protect the integrity of the USA at the same time.
Thus far I have been disappointed in the Obama Administration's track record in dealing with nations such as China, who clearly violate human rights, yet because of the debt the USA owes them, Obama's people are remaining silent. I fear the same silence will come out of the talks with the Russians, especially if there is a financial benefit to the USA that will make Obama look good, at least for the short term.
The financial crisis is causing the leadership of our nation to form strange alliances, with nations/people we need to keep at arm's length. I fear that when all is said done, our country will be weaker, not stronger because of the unsavory compromises the government has made.
Time will tell.
In the mean time, keep track of how the stimulus dollars are being spent, who is actually being helped, and how big the debt is that our grandchildren will inherit.
Bother your representatives and frequently remind them that you are keeping tabs on their performance and that come election day, you will be voting to put someone you trust in Washington. Actions speak louder than words. Let your reps know you are watching those actions.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Congress & Chinese Human Rights
Nancy Pelosi leads a Congressional delegation visit to Shanghai and Beijing. Senator Kerry is also in China and Treasury Secretary Geithner will be there soon to assure the Chinese government that the US dollar will remain strong and they have nothing to worry about their loans being secure.
Due to our country's dependency on Chinese loans, talk of China's poor stand on human rights is being shuffled to the sidelines. Pelosi, once an outspoken critic of China's human rights violations, especially after Tienanmen Square and what is occurring in Tibet, has remained remarkably silent.
Have the Democrats, the party of the people, decided they have to stay quiet because they are desperate for Chinese loan money to finance all of their programs? Are railroads from Disneyland to Las Vegas more important than people having rights to their basic needs?
The past couple of weeks have shown Pelosi in a very weak light. She seems confused about what she knew and when she knew about CIA interrogation techniques. (We'll debate the use of torture in another post.)
As the leader of the Congress, Pelosi is coming across more and more as weak and indecisive. Once upon a time she had strong opinions she was committed to and whether I agreed or not, at least I could respect her commitments. Now she has become wishy-washy and my fear is the Democratic Congress is heading in the same direction because the priority is getting money to spend, spend, spend and give the appearance that they are solving the country's financial crisis.
I think they are blowing smoke. Giving more billions to GM, who will still declare bankruptcy is a waste. Companies need to fend for themselves, that's how capitalism works.
Let's get back to the best American principal, defending the weak and those who can not speak for themselves. Let's help the little guy. Let's defend human rights.
Its Common Sense!!
Due to our country's dependency on Chinese loans, talk of China's poor stand on human rights is being shuffled to the sidelines. Pelosi, once an outspoken critic of China's human rights violations, especially after Tienanmen Square and what is occurring in Tibet, has remained remarkably silent.
Have the Democrats, the party of the people, decided they have to stay quiet because they are desperate for Chinese loan money to finance all of their programs? Are railroads from Disneyland to Las Vegas more important than people having rights to their basic needs?
The past couple of weeks have shown Pelosi in a very weak light. She seems confused about what she knew and when she knew about CIA interrogation techniques. (We'll debate the use of torture in another post.)
As the leader of the Congress, Pelosi is coming across more and more as weak and indecisive. Once upon a time she had strong opinions she was committed to and whether I agreed or not, at least I could respect her commitments. Now she has become wishy-washy and my fear is the Democratic Congress is heading in the same direction because the priority is getting money to spend, spend, spend and give the appearance that they are solving the country's financial crisis.
I think they are blowing smoke. Giving more billions to GM, who will still declare bankruptcy is a waste. Companies need to fend for themselves, that's how capitalism works.
Let's get back to the best American principal, defending the weak and those who can not speak for themselves. Let's help the little guy. Let's defend human rights.
Its Common Sense!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Necessities of Life
Last night around 7pm we lost our water. I called the Public Works Department and was informed that the high winds that had been blowing all day had knocked out the power lines for the pumping station that supplies water for my area. I thought it strange that they did not have a back up gas or diesel generator and it is something I will look into. We went to the a grocery store that was still opened and with several others bought water to take home, because no one was offering a time when the station would be pumping. Around 1am the power was restored and the water is once again flowing.
As is so often the case, it is not until you are missing something that you realize how accustomed you are to having it every day of your life. Electricity, running water, sewage control. trash collection, all things the majority of us take for granted and when we lose them we go into a panic.
I wonder what it is like for those in the United States who do not have those "necessities" on a regular basis. I am not talking about people who have been cut off due to not paying their bills, I am talking about those in remote areas, Indian Reservations, and slum tenements who are ignored by society and the government in general.
President-elect Obama should make one of his priorities to insure that all Americans have access to the "necessities". Plans need to be developed to assist those who currently are facing financial difficulties in paying their bills. Availability to all the "necessities" should be a priority. After all in important areas such as this, all Americans have the right to be treated equally.
No one should be deprived of the basic "necessities". They are very persons' right in a nation that is supposedly the leader of the world. Equal rights for all, and it needs to start here at home.
Its Common Sense!
As is so often the case, it is not until you are missing something that you realize how accustomed you are to having it every day of your life. Electricity, running water, sewage control. trash collection, all things the majority of us take for granted and when we lose them we go into a panic.
I wonder what it is like for those in the United States who do not have those "necessities" on a regular basis. I am not talking about people who have been cut off due to not paying their bills, I am talking about those in remote areas, Indian Reservations, and slum tenements who are ignored by society and the government in general.
President-elect Obama should make one of his priorities to insure that all Americans have access to the "necessities". Plans need to be developed to assist those who currently are facing financial difficulties in paying their bills. Availability to all the "necessities" should be a priority. After all in important areas such as this, all Americans have the right to be treated equally.
No one should be deprived of the basic "necessities". They are very persons' right in a nation that is supposedly the leader of the world. Equal rights for all, and it needs to start here at home.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Letter to Representatives about US torture policy
As I said in an earlier statement, the film "Taxi to the Dark Side" upset me in a number of ways regarding the USA's policy regarding the treatment of prisoners and torture. I sent the following letter to my senators and congressman. As always, feel free to us any part of it in contacting your own representatives for answers.
Dear Senator
I recently watched a documentary entitled "Taxi to the Dark Side" a disturbing report on how the US military has treated prisoners since our initial invasion of Afghanistan. Frankly the murders, tortures and abuse allowed at Bagram Air Force Base and Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq is shocking.
What is more shocking is that after these atrocities came to light, the US government has still done little to change the practice.
A group of enlisted personnel were court marshaled for actions taken at the sites listed above, but no officers were similarly disciplined. No officers went to prison. If these enlisted personnel were guilty of dereliction of duty, how is it possible that their officers, and right up the chain of command are not equally guilty?
The documentary also makes mention that as part of the renewal of the Patriot Act in 2006 the executive branch made it clear that they would reveal what they wanted to reveal when they wanted to reveal it and that no one was to question their actions. The act passed. Did you vote in favor of giving the executive branch this power? Where is Congressional oversight?
Prisoners being held in GITMO were told that if they were not terrorist when they were apprehended, they probably would be if they ever were freed.
What is our government doing? Are we Nazis? Are our intelligent agencies the Gestapo of the 21st century?
The information given to then Secretary of State of Colin Powell to justify the invasion of Iraq was obtained by water boarding an alleged high ranking Al Qaeda operative. Needless to say he told the CIA what they wanted to hear. (Interesting note that the torture was done in Egypt, evidentially the CIA out sources this kind of work to keep their hands “clean”.)
Of course after the fact the CIA had to admit that maybe their information was wrong.
America has always stood for liberty, justice and human rights. We have wandered at times, but we have never been accused of being torturers and murderers until recently. We are portraying an image to the world similar to the one Hollywood portrayed to us of the Nazi atrocities during World War II.
Prisoners need to tried and sentenced. They have a right to counsel. They have a right to know what crimes they are accused of performing.
No one should have their body battered that it causes their death. No one should be water boarded.
When we act like the enemy, then the enemy has won because they have brought us down to their level.
What I want to know is what controls are in place now to insure that the US is not accused of abusing human rights?
That our prisoners are treated humanely, according to the Geneva Convention? What oversight is in place to make sure the military and intelligence agencies do not get over enthusiastic in their questioning of alleged terrorists and insurgents?
Senator, as a new administration prepares to take over in two months, it is imperative that our government mandates that American will once again stand for liberty, justice and especially human rights for all.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I recently watched a documentary entitled "Taxi to the Dark Side" a disturbing report on how the US military has treated prisoners since our initial invasion of Afghanistan. Frankly the murders, tortures and abuse allowed at Bagram Air Force Base and Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq is shocking.
What is more shocking is that after these atrocities came to light, the US government has still done little to change the practice.
A group of enlisted personnel were court marshaled for actions taken at the sites listed above, but no officers were similarly disciplined. No officers went to prison. If these enlisted personnel were guilty of dereliction of duty, how is it possible that their officers, and right up the chain of command are not equally guilty?
The documentary also makes mention that as part of the renewal of the Patriot Act in 2006 the executive branch made it clear that they would reveal what they wanted to reveal when they wanted to reveal it and that no one was to question their actions. The act passed. Did you vote in favor of giving the executive branch this power? Where is Congressional oversight?
Prisoners being held in GITMO were told that if they were not terrorist when they were apprehended, they probably would be if they ever were freed.
What is our government doing? Are we Nazis? Are our intelligent agencies the Gestapo of the 21st century?
The information given to then Secretary of State of Colin Powell to justify the invasion of Iraq was obtained by water boarding an alleged high ranking Al Qaeda operative. Needless to say he told the CIA what they wanted to hear. (Interesting note that the torture was done in Egypt, evidentially the CIA out sources this kind of work to keep their hands “clean”.)
Of course after the fact the CIA had to admit that maybe their information was wrong.
America has always stood for liberty, justice and human rights. We have wandered at times, but we have never been accused of being torturers and murderers until recently. We are portraying an image to the world similar to the one Hollywood portrayed to us of the Nazi atrocities during World War II.
Prisoners need to tried and sentenced. They have a right to counsel. They have a right to know what crimes they are accused of performing.
No one should have their body battered that it causes their death. No one should be water boarded.
When we act like the enemy, then the enemy has won because they have brought us down to their level.
What I want to know is what controls are in place now to insure that the US is not accused of abusing human rights?
That our prisoners are treated humanely, according to the Geneva Convention? What oversight is in place to make sure the military and intelligence agencies do not get over enthusiastic in their questioning of alleged terrorists and insurgents?
Senator, as a new administration prepares to take over in two months, it is imperative that our government mandates that American will once again stand for liberty, justice and especially human rights for all.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
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