My thoughts on the Erdogan/Peres show...

I am sure, most of you have either watched or read the events that took place in the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday between Shimon Perez and Tayyip Erdogan. I have read opinions from The Guardian (British), Financial Times (British), New York Times (American), Herald Tribune (American), Democracy Now (American), Haaretz (Israel), Al Jazeera (Arab world), Deutsche Welle (German), Spiegel International (German), Tehran Times (Iranian), Times of India (Indian), Hurriyet (Turkish), Milliyet (Turkish), Cumhuriyet (Turkish) and various blogs both on the “left” and on the “right” as well as some friend’s blogs who posted on this issue.

The world opinion is, as you can imagine, divided into two: Those who support his speech/performance and those who don’t. Mainly, European and American media condemns him in every which way and the rest of the world hails him as a hero; the one leader who has the guts to stand up to the all mighty “western” powers (I am using Western Powers very loosely here). Those opinions who criticize him tend to go a little further and turn this into a Muslim-Jewish, Turkish-Israeli affair, which I thought was totally out of context and even tasteless in some cases. As some of my friends in the blogger world predicted, Erdogan is very quickly becoming the lynch pin of the Turks and Turkey in general. Which is quite disconcerting and worrisome for many of us Turks living in the Diaspora.

On the other hand, those media outlets that are hailing him as a hero is giving too much importance and power to a man who is obviously diplomatically challenged. He has a huge “anger issue” which presents its ugly head every once in a while, both at home and abroad.

But let me remind my readers, he was the hero of Europe and America only a few months ago. He was applauded and cheered for bringing down all the secular establishments both in the Government and the Academic circles. He was supported, both by the European and American media, while secular Turks were watching in dismay of what was happening to their country. (I am one of them…) Where was all the outrage when he was shutting down U-tube? Silencing journalists? Attacking liberals? Attacking the Secular Establishment? Attacking anyone admiring Ataturk? As I remember correctly, people who were depicted as “elitist secularists” were seen as “miserable coupe plotters…”

Numbers of women walking around in headscarves have gone up, not double but triple in numbers. Righteous religious bigots found their voice through him and feel they have the right to silence anyone opposing their intolerant ways. Due to Mr. Erdogan’s efforts, Turkey has become much more religious.

Thank you America and Europe for supporting him and his party for many years. Now he has turned against you. Just like the “Taliban” you once supported turned against you! I am sorry, if my words offend some readers. That is not my intend but the hypocrisy needs to be addressed…

I want to make myself clear here… I do not and never have supported AKP and Mr. Erdogan. I found his behavior on Thursday in Davos undiplomatic and overly emotional. However, I found Mr. Peres equally undiplomatic and overly emotional. The moderator did a really bad job by not giving all speakers equal time. BUT, most of what Erdogan said about the human tragedy in Gaza was true and somebody had to say it… He could have said it in a much more diplomatic and stylish way…

Peace…

"Flow", World's Water Crisis

Today, I watched an award-winning documentary by Irena Salina called “Flow”, which analysis the worldwide water crisis that effect mostly third-world countries in the most profound ways.

The developing nations in various continents are forced to agree to buy at high prices, substandard and usually contaminated water from various co-operations, such as Nestle, with the support & the help of the World Bank. The producers of this eye-opening documentary, very carefully and meticulously build a case against the multinational companies who are taking over the water supplies of poor countries and privatizing them for profit.

Various interviews with local activists, farmers and scientists support her case against a real global crisis that affect millions of people everyday.

The documentary is also linking the water-bottle industry both in the US and Europe, which is making billions of dollars, by harassing, intimidating and forcing countries to hand over their water supplies.

“Who owns the water for survival, owns you” It’s that simple… Without most of us noticing, the water resources are being privatized to the point, where it will become an important commodity like “Oil”. Who knows, next wars might be not about Oil, but about Water!

“Flow” is seeking signatures for a petition to the UN: HERE

"Article 31: Everyone has the right to clean and accessible water, adequate for the health and well-being of the individual and family, and no one shall be deprived of such access or quality of water due to individual economic circumstance."

ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY

Global Warming Is Irreversible, Study Says!

Some sobering news for everyone...! There is no going back…! Climate change is basically irreversible…!

According to a study done by Susan Solomon, who is a prominent top climate scientist. The more she studies “climate change” the more she realizes that this is not just a pollution problem.

"We're used to thinking about pollution problems as things that we can fix," Solomon says. "Smog, we just cut back and everything will be better later. Or haze, you know, it'll go away pretty quickly."

As their study published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”, argues that the above words maybe true for some gases such as methane and nitrous oxide but not true for the worst polluter, such as the carbon dioxide.

"People have imagined that if we stopped emitting carbon dioxide that the climate would go back to normal in 100 years or 200 years. What we're showing here is that's not right. It's essentially an irreversible change that will last for more than a thousand years," Solomon says.

If that doesn’t scare the hell out of you, I do not know what will? Please listen to the program by Richard Harris, NPR’s “All Things Considered” aired January 26,2009. This is definitely sobering news for me…

Of course it is not all gloom and doom but the worst polluters in the world need to get their act together and change the course of the Titanic, otherwise it is about to hit the ice-berg. NO KIDDING folks...

PLEASE EITHER READ OR LISTEN!

Bolivians 'back new constitution'...

The uprising of the indigenous people of Venezuela and Bolivia is quite commendable in my eyes. I am happy to learn that Bolivian President Evo Morales (himself an Aymara Indian) has won the referendum granting special privileges to the Indigenous people.

The opposing countries elite, mostly of white European descendents are not too happy about the empowerment of the Indigenous Indians. The truth is Aymara Indians make up more then half of the population in Bolivia, it is only normal their voices are visible in the political arena. Hugo Chavez is another indigenous person to become the president in Venezuela, defying the European White dominant culture.

BBC:

“The new constitution gives autonomy to indigenous peoples and boosts state control of the economy, but is opposed by many of the traditional elite.
Many mixed-race people in the fertile eastern lowlands rejected the charter and four of Bolivia’s nine provinces had a majority no vote, according to the exit polls.”

No matter what your views might be about Morales or Chaves, the truth is, it’s the natives of those lands who want to be ruled by their own elected leaders. They want to have a voice and their "elected" leaders to continue to fight for land and political equality.

Arab world can and should follow the lead of South America right now… They should start electing leaders that are pro-Arab rather then ponder to the "Powers" be...

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE!

What about “Never again”?

I have posted Priya’s article written about terrorism in the UK's Guardian a few months ago. She wrote another amazing article about the carnage that took place in Gaza. For those of you who may not know my classmate Priya, here is a little introduction:

We graduated the same year from VIS in Vienna. I remember her to be very smart and highly capable in all her subjects. She did fulfill her prophecy and became a really good linguist with a strong understanding of the post-colonial world. If you Google her name, you will see all of her accomplishments… I am proud of her!

Basically, Priya argues: The International Community should never forget the suffering of the Jews for centuries by the hands of the European Colonial powers, but at the same time, must not endorse Israel to commit the same crimes against the Palestinians that was committed against the Jews. She talks about the similarities between India and Israel and why/how they grew to be close over the years. She concludes it to be true not due to common understand of suffrace of the Hindu's and the Jews, but rather due to the latest political developments such as, "war on terror". Her critical thinking is eye opening. Also, her self-criticism of her motherland is commendable. Please read her words, as they are necessary to be heard. It is important to understand a problem from all aspects and from different angels. One dimensional analysis feel so flat and untrue to me. Thanks again Priya… Keep up the good work!

"Never Again" should apply to all humans, not just the Jews!

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE!

Depleted Uranium: A highly toxic and dangerous material

I came across an interesting article in the Environmental Health Journal about the affects of Depleted Uranium on humans. I suggest for you to read the full article. It is rather long and tedious but with a cup of coffee or a glass of red at night, it will be fun and an informative read…

Depleted Uranium (DU) is a man made highly toxic radioactive material, which is extracted from the Uranium ore. (Basically, it is concentrated Uranium.) In the United States, it is shocking to find that there are 50 different sites that have been either engaged in producing or testing this dangerous material.

First time where DU was used in warfare was during the Gulf War by the US and UK governments. Large number of American / British soldiers and Iraqi civilians started suffering from mysterious illnesses which is today often referred to as the “Gulf War Syndrome". Some of the symptoms include respiratory, liver and kidney dysfunctions, memory loss, headaches, fever and low blood pressure. There have also been many birth defects seen in newborn Iraqi babies over the years.

Even though both UK and US Gulf War veterans were tested positive for DU poisoning, their prospective governmental officials continue to deny or even acknowledge the existence of the usage of Depleted Uranium during warfare…

Governments of so-called “democracies” are spraying cities with white phosphorus, testing Depleted Uranium on their own soldiers and innocent civilians of other nations is a criminal behavior. This is not my opinion or the opinion of some Conspiracy Theorist in the blogger world… These are the words and the findings of a scientific journal!

What usually happens by the co-operate media is that, these findings or voices of good hearted scientist and researches out there are not given the proper respect or the platform to be heard. People like me who are curious and do some “Googling” in the Internet come across such findings…

I wanted to share it with you! Enjoy…

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE!

Brutal job losses continue in 2009

When my husband told me that Circuit City filed for a bankruptcy, I was literally shocked! How could that be? But then again, if a two hundred year old giant like Lehman Brothers can disappear of the charts, why not Circuit City?

House hold names like Hertz (rental company) have said, they are letting 4,000 people go, Honda (Japanese car manufacturers) are letting 1,500 people go, Motorola is letting another 4,000 people go….

In fact here is a list of some job losses in the US:
• Circuit City 30,000
• Boeing 4,000
• Motorola 4,000
• Hertz 4,000
• Barclay’s 2,100
• Honda 1,500
• Saks Fifth Ave 1,100
• Walgreens 1,000
• Macy’s 900
• Logitech 500
• Ethan Allen 350
• New York & Co 350
• Barnes & Noble 100
• Google 100

Most of these job losses will be blue-collar jobs such as bank clerks, sales assistance, receptionists, technicians, and sales-man/woman… These men and women work all hours to make ends meat, pay their mortgages and survive like the rest of us. I cannot help but wonder, what will happen to the working and lower middle class of America. They are the backbones of the society. They run the banks, the super markets, the post offices, the shopping malls… They clean, serve and help us everyday.

It’s like a domino effect; if the blue-collar jobs are going before our eyes, eventually so will the higher paid middle class jobs…

I am not an economist, but it is becoming increasingly visible to me that the world is entering into a deep recession. 2009 will not be pretty!

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE!

What is Obama inheriting from Bush?

Here is what Obama inheriting from Bush:

• Needless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Over a million Iraqi men, women and children dead maimed and/or psychologically traumatized for life.
• Over five thousand young/poor American soldiers dead.
• Over two hundred thousand American soldiers maimed, inquired and psychologically traumatized for life.
• A pissed off Iran, who continues to enrich Uranium for god knows what.
• A pissed off North Korea, who already possesses number of nuclear weapons.
• Billions of dollars lost from the treasury due to these unnecessary and extremely expensive wars.
• Two huge bailouts, making the rich even richer.
• Crumbling healthcare.
• Crumbling economy.
• Crumbling social security.
• More job losses then WW2.
• 90% of the world thinks America is a big bully, not be trusted.
• Illegal wire-tapping of Americans
• Guantanamo, Bagram Prison, Abu Ghrabe and various black-sights around the world.
• Ghost detainees, illegal rendition and legalization of torture.
• Stepping all over the constitution and disobeying international law.

I could go on and on…. Just keep in mind what Obama is up against, thanks to Bush!

Bye bye war criminals Bush and Co. … I bid you farewell.

What does my blog mean to me?

What does my blog mean to me? I have been pondering on this for a while now. Why did I start my own blog? And most importantly, what am I trying to achieve? Am I trying to achieve anything at all?

First, let me start by explaining my personal history before I elaborate how I got here.

I grew up in a family of readers…. When one walks into my parent's home, the first thing that would strike you would be their books. It's everywhere and it is an integral part of their home. So, at a very young age, my brother and I were infected with the love of reading. I remember my mother once telling me, "never bend the edge of a book, always place a bookmark, otherwise, you are ruining your book." Books were to be respected, loved, treated with care because they were almost living creatures.

First, I swallowed children's classics, children's mini series, Asterix, Lucky Luke and many more… Then around 15 years old, I discovered books where the central themes were on the analysis of the human mind. For example a book that changed my life was "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. It was about a teenager around the same age as me at the time, who was feeling a lot of teenage angst and was going through various worries as one does at that age.

When I decided to study Psychology, I read Freud, Jung, Adler, Fromm, Rogers, Laing, Sartre, Kafka, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, and many more fantastic intellectuals and authors that do not come to my mind right away. As I grew more mature and became somewhat wiser, I got interested in Politics…

For the last 5-6 years, I have been "intensely" interested in the US and it's effects on the world political arena at large. As one reads, it is only normal to develop ideas, thoughts and perceptions about the world we live in. I started seeing the world as a chess game. You make a move, and then your opponent makes a move, then you, then your opponent… So and so fort… This is how I started seeing the world… Not so much as "West vs. East, or Christians vs. Muslims" but "actions" followed by "reactions". Isn't that how the human mind works? One acts, the other reacts… Isn't that the way a chess game moves? One attacks, the other one responds… Human politics is not about "I am better than you, my civilization is more advanced than yours". Although lots of narrow minded, self indulgent individuals, politicians, policy makers, religious figures think this way, I will ignore them and leave them to struggle in their fantasy world… Because I have a feeling they need that comfortable blanked of "self satisfaction" more than others… Who knows why? Who cares why?...

So about a year ago, my husband, my brother and my lovely sister-in-law, who are all extremely supportive of my blog pushed me to start it. They kept nagging me to write my thoughts on paper (screen in this case). They said, "start small, as you get more comfortable, your readers will grow"… So I took the big leap and did it! Here we are!

Am I trying to achieve anything? NO. I am just analyzing the world as "I" see it! My posts are just my way of dealing with the world; the injustices, the hypocrisy, the power struggles, the human drama, the human pain/love/hate, war/peace. I am not a politician, I am not a journalist, I am not a writer… I am 41 years old mother of twins that love to read and read and read…. That's all…. I am just trying to find my way through the complex developments of the world. After having lived in Sweden, Turkey, Canada, Austria, United Kingdom and now USA, I like to see myself as someone connected to various cultures at the same time, rather than just one. Even though I feel a strong affiliation towards Turkey, it does not define me. It is not who I am as a whole. I hope I am able to reflect my international background in my blog. That would be my ultimate goal, if I had one!

Why did I divert from my usual international political analysis? … I just wanted to reflect upon my blog… As Melanie (my sister-in-law) one day suggested, "Try to post something personal every once in a while in your blog, as your readers will connect with you better". So I am taking her advice…

'Think Twice about Marrying a Muslim'

Here is an article that infuriated me on so many levels! These are the kind of people I have very little tolerance for…. Racist, small minded, bigoted people who have the ego of a rhinoceros…

The person I am talking about is a Portuguese Cardinal, Jose Policarpo. His exact words that blew my top off were: "The advice that I give to young Portuguese girls is, be careful with love, think twice about marrying a Muslim, think seriously because it brings loads of hassle, and even Allah can't say where all that will end."

Where should I start? First of all most people in the world marry because they find some kind of a common ground with their spouses. They either fall in love knowing full heartedly all the differences of the other or they marry for various other reasons such as financial stability, improving ones living conditions, wanting to have children, so on and so fort.

Let me tell you, I take marriage very seriously. It is a commitment for life and should not be taken lightly. The person one chooses to share their Bed, Bank and Babies must be the right person. No one will get an argument from me there. However, what this man who calls himself “Cardinal” is suggesting is completely racist. OK, I understand if a Portuguese brain-surgeon from Lisbon marries a Taliban with no formal education might be a problem for the woman’s family. But can somebody explain to me where would they have a chance to meet and fall in love? Who in their right mind, coming from a certain way of life would marry a man who she has absolutely no common ground with?

However, there are millions of Muslims marring Christians, Jews or Buddhists everyday. Heck, I have plenty in my family, including my grandfather, my brother and my cousin. Some of those marriages may work and some don’t. Sometimes, people make mistakes in terms of trying to fit in with the “other culture”… or “not”… but these are normal and very common reasons why people divorce. Why would he suggest that marring a Muslim “MAN” is a problem? Does he have horns? Will he turn into a Vampire at night? Will he beat, torture or even water-board her? ohhh wait... will he corrupt the mind and soul of the poor Christian, virgin Portuguese girl? I mean what is this Cardinal thinking? What is his thought process? I cannot come up with any realistic explanation apart from THIS MAN IS A BIG FAT RACIST!

Once you read the actual article, some of you will be satisfied with the bogus explanation the Catholic Church gave to protect this racist pig, but those of us who are open minded, liberal and loving will feel sick to their stomach with the lies!

I remember a time when a “black man” couldn’t marry a “white woman”… what is going on?? Are the Muslims the new boogie man?

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE SPIEGEL

China becomes the world's 3rd largest economy

OK… China did it… They are the 3rd largest economy in the world, surpassing Germany. Only Japan and United States are a head of China in gross domestic product.

The only catch is, because they are 1.3 billion people, China is still behind many economies in terms of individual wealth. Compare to Germany which is still only 85 million in population, makes the spread of wealth much more visible for the average person. However, we must not forget, Chinese can survive with a lot less then many rich counterparts and the desire to exceed is deeply entrenched in the Chinese psyche. Which means China will keep on growing. Compare to a century ago, average Chinese now have 10 times more the purchasing power.

With the economy being so unstable in the world, many economists are forecasting China’s growth to slow down by the end of 2009. Despite the world recession, predictions indicate, China in less a decade will over take Japan and will become the world’s number 2 economy. If that is the case, Chinese are definitely becoming a world power to be reckoned with.

I know who the next boogieman will be for United States and European Union…

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM THE FINANCIAL TIMES

Bagram Prison - Worst then Guantanamo!

Most of us, who are aware of the crimes committed by the Bush administration in the last 8 years, will automatically think of “Guantanamo” as the biggest crime of all. Indefinite detentions, no right to lawyers, no hapes corpus, isolation in cells, ghost detainees, torture, harsh interrogations, Water-boarding, continuous sexual and religious abuses were only a small part of everyday life of the individuals who were held there and unfortunately still continues to be for more then 200 detainees.

Obama has said for sometime, the first issue to tackle with, once he takes office, is the closure of this horrific torture chamber in Cuba. Soon with the help of his administration and the support of the International Community, he will be able to end the pain and suffering that has been inflicted upon various individuals, in the so-called “war on terror”.

We have been so fixated with Gitmo, and rightly so, we are forgetting the “other Gitmo”! The US controlled military prison at Bagram Air Base, the “Bagram Prison”. Lives of over 700 detainees are equally, if not worst, over there. At least, Guantanamo is under the raider by many international human rights originations and the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) in the US. But we hardly read any news about Bagram Prison.

Same horrific stories that we have heard from Gitmo are also taking place in much bigger magnitude without any over sight or control of the international community. It’s time to shed some light to that dark, dingy and unjust party of the world. Especially, now that Barak Obama is going to take office, we must demand from him the same kind of awareness he has shown towards Guantanamo, to the Prison in Bagram Air Base.

If it’s under the total control of the US government, who do you think should be responsible for it’s closure? The US of course! I hope the new president will do “good” for the people who have been unjustly treated for many years!

Everyone deserves due process and just prosecution by properly conducted court system. Even the “worst of the worst”….

PLEASE READ THE FULL ATICLE

Some Israelis Cry Out for Peace

In the last few days, all we have been hearing about Israel and Gaza is sad and depressing news. Human suffering on both sides are tremendous, much more so for the Palestinians’ of course.

In these difficult times of war and aggression, we only hear the loudmouth “far right” and completely disregard the voice of the “left”. Co-operate media does not bring their images of protest to our screens. They do not write about the outrage felt by the Israelis who are protesting in the streets as we speak. They do not discuss the disappointment felt by them towards their government and most importantly, co-operate media does not talk about peace and reconciliation.

What we read and watch on our TV stations are news that are provocative and continually reinforces the suffering of the average, innocent Israelis and Palestinians. This unnecessary suffering and pain must stop! Both sides much learn to live with each other in peace.

In the IPS news, I found the voice of the Israeli left, whom I support whole-heartedly. They are protesting in the streets of Israel for their government to put end to the atrocities committed towards the Palestinians.

Ido Gideon, a member of Meretz, (a Jewish leftist party) says: "It is time Israelis and Palestinians start talking about pain instead of guilt. Both sides have to realize that the holocaust is as much a part of the Israeli national psyche as is the Nakba for the Palestinians." For those of you who may not know what Nakba is; It is the expulsion of the Palestinians from their cities and villages in 1948, when the state of Israel was founded.

"We have to find a way to make both stories live together in the same land, whether or not you hold one of both to be more true than the other," Gideon adds.

PLEAE READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Wolf in Sheep's cloths; OBAMA!

I have been discussing what Barak Obama will do and represent for the American people and the world with people around me and with other bloggers for a while now….

Personally, as an International person (me), I love his international background. I love the fact that he lived outside of the US and his father is of another culture. I love his and his wife's achievements as an African American family. I love the fact that they will bring down the color barrier that existed for so long. But, It seems most of my close circle of friends and family does not believe he will be any different from previous administrations or actually change anything.

Here is an article which retreaters what most around me fear! It seems he will not only change a goddamn thing, but will be a horrible “wolf in sheep’s cloths”…

Ohhh wait! There is one thing he might change! Previously, all the presidents could not keep their “blackberry” or “e-mail” while in ofice. He might just be able to keep his blackberry. God knows, he is fighting for it with all he has got. Not for human rights… Depressing!

Welcome two faced, hypocrite Nancy Pelosi... Democrats are Republicans in disguise!

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE

United States Arms The World

United States is the leading export of weapons in the world. Billions of dollars in weaponry has been sold to different parts of the world, which include countries that are currently in conflict such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and Pakistan.

In the past, Pentagon has been justifying the weapons sales as “promoting regional stability”, but in fact these arms have ended up in the hands of unstable regional powers. For example, United States brokered more than several billions of dollars in military sales to Iraq but some of these arms have been unaccounted for. Pentagon has no idea where they are and have no way of tracking them down.

Raed Jarrar, an Iraqi analyst, argues that the chances of these weapons promoting regional stability are extremely slim. “The current Iraqi armed forces are the same forces and militias that have been committing ethnic and sectarian cleansing during the last years and they have a violent record full of human rights violations, torture and assassinations,” says Jarrar.

Sales of weapons can never be a tool to stabilize regions that are suffering from violent conflicts. On the contrary, it will only enflame regional tensions and highlight the risk of war…

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE!

Voices of Resistance Sing On

I watch Democracy Now regularly as it is one of the few Media outlets in the US, which is in opposition to the main stream Media such as CNN, FOX or MSNBC. In Democracy Now, one can hear the voice of the voiceless, the disenfranchised and the forgotten. OK, not everything they report is completely unbiased. The producers of D.N. are lefties and they present their views reflecting their beliefs. I do not agree with everything they present on this show, as it is a little one sided sometimes. But I must say, I commend them for bringing news and commentators that we do not always hear out there, in the plants of CNN or FOX news! Check out Democracy Now when you have the time...

Here is an article, which I came across in the Truthdig.com, written by Amy Goodman, the host of D.N. I will not indulge too much on what she says, as I hope you will read it for yourselves. But I would like to add, her article made me want to write a few words on the Israeli left. Especially about a man I have been admiring from afar. He is an Israeli author and an activist, who stands shoulder to shoulder against injustices his country commits against the occupied West Bank and Gaza. His name is Uri Avnery. He is protesting in the streets of Israel with his comrades against the criminal behavior of his right wing government as we speak. I commend him and others like him who are strong enough to stand up, shout and protest against the injustices that are committed in the name of "defense".

I stand here (from a far unfortunately) with Uri Avner, Gideon Levy, Christopher Gunness against the Bush, Blair, Ehud Barak, Tzipi Livni’s of this world…

Let us not forget, however small, there is a resistance by the Israelis’, against the atrocities committed by their government. Just like I stood shoulder to shoulder with my American friends in 2007 in Washington DC and protested with my family against the atrocities committed by the US government… I do the same here from my living room, through my blog. I stand with my Israeli friends who are on the streets protesting... It’s a small gesture, but it’s better then being silent.

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE

I have tears of joy!

Did I ever mention to my readers how much I love the “The New Yorker”? Well let me tell you, I love it! There are so many well-articulated and extensively analyzed articles. There are funny cartoons and of course it is from New York City. ONE OF my favorite cities in the world… There are few other cities I love but let’s not indulge in that at the moment…

Here is yet another amazing article I came across written by David Remnick, about the plight of the African Americans since the 1700’s.

Mr. Remnick talks about how the White House was build with the sweat’n tears of the slave black men/women in 1792. Slavery was the fabric of everyday life; in fact 12 American Presidents owned slaves, 8 of them while in office.

Here is an interesting fact I didn’t know: After the civil war, a handful of black men won seats in the Congress, but soon after, were removed from their governmental duties due to the good old oppressive Jim Crow period. In January 29, 1901, an African American congressman, named George H. White, representative of North Carolina, stood up in front of the everyone and said:

“This, Mr. Chairman, is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary farewell to the American Congress but let me say Phoenix-like he will rise up some day and come again. These parting words are on behalf of an outraged, heart-broken, bruised and bleeding, but God-fearing people . . . The only apology I have for the earnestness with which I have spoken is that I am pleading for the life, the liberty, the future happiness, and manhood suffrage for one-eighth of the entire population of the United States.”

After reading his words, my heart felt a pinch of pain for a moment, but then again here we are almost 200 years later electing a beautiful man named Barack Hussein Obama! I may not like his cabinet so far, I may be a little skeptical about his future policies, I may even be extremely critical of him as a politician, but I love the man. I love him for his background, I love him for his achievements, I love him because he made history.

On January 20th an African American family will occupy the White House. Obama’s mother a white Kansas woman, his father a Kenyan. The beautiful and elegant First Lady’s great-great grandfather, Jim Robinson worked as a slave on a plantation farm. WAW! If that is not amazing, I do not know what is??? In less then 2 weeks, African American President will cross the color line and move into the White House that slaves helped build.

I have tears of joy!

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Think Again: Climate Change!

Apart from Bush bashing, my other favorite topic is “Climate Change”. For years various media outlets, scientists and organizations were in disagreement about whether global warming was real or not.

One view was that “global warming” is cyclical. The other view was that it was due to men’s actions. The debate is since over. Nobel laureates, scientists, academics, organizations and even (war criminal) Bush have agreed that human behavior is the cause for the heating of the planet. Researchers have concluded that, since mid 90’s, global warming has taken a very dangerous turn, to the point were it may even be too late. If anything, researches are concluding that “global warming” is still down played and media is still quite conservative in their attitude towards this very urgent issue that affects all of us.

In the summer of 2007 researches concluded that the ice in the Arctic Ocean is melting rapidly! It is melting little every summer to the point where, %25 less ice is measured from the previous summers. In another words, by this rate, Arctic will no longer have ice and will be surrounded with water. Of course the dangers that poses on every day life is immense. Even the skeptics’ can no longer look the other way. As a result of this rapid ice melting in the Arctic, actual global warming is speeding up rapidly.

We can no longer stand ideally by and watch the global warming disaster take its course. Humans need to change how they live and what matters to them urgently. Here are some changes we can all incorporate in our everyday lives…

1) Drive Smart cars that are fuel-efficient.
2) Change your home’s light from regular ones to energy-efficient fluorescent light.
3) Switch off all your electrical appliances if it is not in use. Switch off lights when exiting from a room.
4) Don’t open your fridge’s door except when needed.
5) Use solar heating to heat up your home and water if possible.
6) Plant more trees around your home.
7) Recycle paper, aluminum can and glass.
8) Conserve water. Do not let it run when not needed. For example, when brushing teeth, turn off the water in between brushing and rinsing.
9) Support clean and renewable energy.

And most importantly, become aware, become a vocal advocate in supporting how to reduce global warming and mount pressure on your local politicians.

Have a healthy and pro-active 2009!

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Helen Suzman died at the age of 91...

Helen Suzman, a political figure known for her struggles against Apartheid, died in Johannesburg on Thursday at the age of 91.

She was an out spoken member of the parliament who criticized the apartheid regime for many years. Ms. Suzman was a regular visitor of the former ANC leader, Nelson Mandela during his 18 years of imprisonment.

Mr. Mandela wrote in his biography "It was an odd and wonderful sight to see this courageous woman peering into our cells and strolling around our courtyard. She was the first and only woman ever to grace our cells."

These are the kind of individuals that make me weep. They fight against all the odds, even if it means being shunned out and isolated.

I salute Helen Suzman for her courageous fight for the betterment of humanity.

She will be missed…

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Nine Steps to Peace for Obama in the New Year

Here is a memo from *Deepak Chopra to Barak Obama.

He argues that the US is addicted to WAR, as much as it is addicted to OIL! America has been at war since WWII; starting from Pearl Harbor 67 years ago, to be exact. US spends more on military then all the European countries combined. The most immediate change must come economically. Unless the congress, white house and the pentagon stop endorsing the spending spree on the military industrial complex, there will be little peace to go around. US has over 700 military basis around the world, including Turkey. That alone must be a reason for "pause"... US officially has become an "Empire" and in 2009 it is time to acknowledge it.

Here are 9 suggestions from Mr. Chopra to President Elect Obama to make some changes … !

1. Scale out arms dealing and make it illegal by the year 2020.
2. Write into every defense contract a requirement for a peacetime project.
3. Subsidize conversion of military companies to peaceful uses with tax incentives and direct funding.
4. Convert military bases to housing for the poor.
5. Phase out all foreign military bases.
6. Require military personnel to devote part of their time to rebuilding infrastructure.
7. Call a moratorium on future weapons technologies.
8. Reduce armaments like destroyers and submarines that have no use against terrorism and were intended to defend against a superpower enemy that no longer exists.
9. Fully fund social services and take the balance out of the defense and homeland security budgets.

These 9 steps may sounds unrealistic to many, but it is a start…

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* Deepak Chopra is acknowledged as one of the world's greatest leaders in the field of mind-body medicine. He is the author of over 50 books, including "Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment" and "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind."

Let's add Up the Damage!

Here we are in 2009… guess what! Bush-bashing Nevin is back!

You may all wonder, why do I keep re-hashing Bush bashing all the time? Some of you may think, let the man go, let him quietly disappear into his ranch in Texas…. Right? WRONG!

I will scream and shout until that criminal is caught. Of course I am dreaming I know! But at least I feel good in bringing his criminal behavior on the screen and reminding people of what horrible, terrible 8 years it has been for most of us. (and still continues to be for some of us….) You can call it "cathartic" therapy for me...

Let’s see…. America is still at war with Iraq and Afghanistan. The economy has shown no signs of life so far; in fact if you ask me, it will get a lot worst. Many people have lost their jobs and those who have them are holding on to them with their fingernails. Salaries and bonuses have gone down dramatically, home values are at bottom low, credit card debts are sky rocketing, while this man who calls himself the President is nowhere to be seen. One bail out after another has saved his rich friends but who will shoulder all those debts? Us small people… that’s who!

This is the man, who ruined the Constitution by eves dropping on Americans; he is the man who gave us the torture chambers called Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo and various other black sights around the world. This is the man who came up with the terminologies “ghost detainees” and “rendition” practices. This is the man who argued that “water boarding” was not torture and that it was legal. This is the man who did not move a finger for the poor African American population while their sufferance was immense after the hurricane in New Orleans. This is the man who let the scary Dick Cheney run around wild, letting him do what ever he wanted. This is the man who spread hate, distrust and dislike of the Muslims in the US and around the world. This is the man who let all the right wing psychos loose. (Let’s not forget the crazy “Minuteman” in the border of Mexico). This is the man who did nothing about the environment, this is the man who is running away from any type of liability for his actions and finally this is the man who stepped all over the Geneva Conventions and committed War Crimes! He is getting away with it all!!!

WAW! I am flabbergasted at Bush and Co's arrogance and blatant middle finger pointing at all of us. Just look at their smirky smiles….

And finally, I would like to thank the World for their support for them. With all the crimes they committed, every nation is letting these criminals off the hook. China, Russia, European Union, so called Arab League, Canada, South America and Australia… good on you…. Look deep… deep into your government’s souls and tell me, you are not all guilty. You are guilty in letting a criminal walk out without even loosing a sleep…. I am ashamed of all of your governments. Your governments stand there bickering over little things, attack small and weak countries but when it comes to the mighty US of A, they are all silent. They all look down on their newly polished shoes….

Shame on you world! Those governments, who call themselves mighty nations, look at what you represent now? What “Might” do you have when it comes of USA… ohhh yeah, China is mighty towards Tibet, Russia is mighty towards her former subjects, Israel is mighty towards Palestine, European Union is mighty towards middle east… yeah yeah… we know your Might… We see your Might!

Bye bye criminal Bush and his compatriots’… good luck to you in your future endeavors’… Hope you will all do a better job next time…. You are the criminal presidential administrators without any cloths on! We see you naked! Don’t ever forget that you losers….

New York Times Columnist Bob Herbert is angry just like me... But says it in a much kinder way... :)

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