Author Archives: Fred Stopsky

Turkish Leaders Talk Turkey

Posted on June 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

The current impasse in Turkey between those seeking to half construction of a mall began when activists took over a park in order to demonstrate their anger at the increasing autocratic behavior of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan. It has since escalated into violent confrontations because Erdogan believes he is defending the government of Turkey. Several Turkish trade unions announced they would go on strike in order to demonstrate support for those fighting to defend Gezi Park against destruction. Police stood guard over Taksim Square to prevent activists from entering the area in order to continue their protest.

There is no doubt some unionists who protest a government decision to build a mall will be punished, if not arrested for daring to make clear support for activists. Erdogan has lost credibility as an international leader, but he definitely has boosted his ego.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Christianity, Conservatives, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Social Justice, Turkey, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Tragedy Of Iraq

Posted on June 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

Once upon a time, not so long ago there were some wise men who believed it was their responsibility to share their wisdom with those in the backward Middle East who did not understand how to create a modern society. So George and Don and Dick sent American forces into Iraq in order to get rid of the bad, bad dictator and replace him with peace and democracy. Oh, there were a few minor problems but George sent in General David who slew the evil giant beasts and brought peace and democracy to those in Iraq.

It is a decade later. Over the weekend at least 51 more people died due to terrorist attacks-hey, I thought General David ended violence with his “surge?” Each day there is another and another car bombing, another and another attack by either Sunni or Shiite folk and the war goes on.

Good news! George is chopping wood in Texas and Dick is wandering around giving his words of wisdom to all and Don is writing books to make gobs of money. And, Iraqis die and die.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Christianity, Conservatives, Democrats, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, Education, Gender Issues, George Bush, Human Rights, Iraq War, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Republicans, Social Justice, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Putin Supports Democracy

Posted on June 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

There are unconfirmed reports that President Vladimir Putin has decided to transform Russia into a model of what should constitute a democratic society. First, to make clear, he agreed with British Prime Minister David Cameron about the importance of ending the Syrian civil war. Putin opposes any form of violence against innocent people and hopes the world would adhere to democratic principles practiced in his beloved Russia. This is a man of peace and gentleness. Just ask anyone who has been in the care of Russian police how their rights were respected and they were treated like an old friend.

Putin is upset at the video of a rebel who took  a bite of the heart of a government soldier. “Are these the people you want to support?” asked Putin. Now, if they broke a few legs or beat the hell out of someone and put them in jail for a few years, that would prove they were men of peace and democracy!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Europe, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Russia, Social Justice, Syria, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Iran Uncertain About Future

Posted on June 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

A new president has been elected in Iran and his initial comments offer both hope and uncertainty. He insists “the Syrian crisis must be resolved by the people of Syria. We are against terrorism, civil war and foreign internvention.” OK, we agree. I assume this means Russia and Iran will cease providing arms and planes and troops to assist President Assad. How can any sane person oppose allowing the people of Syria to determine their future. This would require a free election. Anyone in Iran for that idea?

Newly elected Hassabn Rowhani emphasized his desire for resolution of the conflict over nuclear weapons with western nations. There is a solution. Iran is supported in its efforts to develop a nuclear industry and it agrees not to build atomic weapons. It IS time to end threats and engage in negotiations based on the right of Iran to have a nuclear industry.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Europe, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Iran, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

HEADLINES FROM WORLD PRESS

Posted on June 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

We offer samples of headlines that appeared in the world press along with our comments.

Russia, Moscow Times:  ”Putin-Wife Separate”

Now, how can the Russian people separate from him?

UK, Guardian:  ”Sued Over Big Man”

Or, was it something on the big man?

Sweden, Local:  ”Work Does Not Fall From Sky”

And, it sure doesn’t fall from the kindness of our wealthy folk.

Denmark, Copenhagen Post:  ”Minister Will Attend Gay Parade”

How jolly of him.

France, Connexion:  ”Bank Robberies Drop”

No surprise in Greece, there  is less money to steal.

USA, NY Daily News:  ”My Husband Is A Vampire”

His name is Abraham Lincoln.

Netherlands, Dutch News:  ”Don’t Wear Tight Pants”

Just have a tight purse.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Asia, Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Mitt Romney, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

New Era In Iran?

Posted on June 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

During the past five years Republicans have been blasting the “weak” policy of the Obama administration toward Iran. Mitt Romney promised, if elected, to let the Iranians know they can not refuse demands of the United States and John McCain is ready to send in the troops. There was an election in Iran over the weekend which resulted in victory for Hasan Rouhani. The cleric is a close ally of Hashemi Rafsanjani who  has been urging resuming talks with western nations.  Rouhani gained at least 50% of the vote and immediately came out with a new approach to other nations. “We won’t let the past eight years be continued. I’ll pursue a policy of reconciliation and peace. We will reconcile with the world.”

In the streets  cars were honking their horns, people smiling and  hugging one another while shouting “Ahmadi Bye Bye.” It was a farewell song to current President Ahmadinejad. So, Republicans, was the Obama approach the right one?

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Iran, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Mitt Romney, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Putin, The Medicine Man

Posted on June 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

During the nineteenth century there would appear a man in your town with a wagon from which he dispensed bottles of nostrums designed to cure one and all forms of disease. Naturally, before anyone could figure out if the medicine actually worked, the man would be gone and in another town with his miracle cures. Vladimir Putin heads an army that would encounter difficulty defeating any armed force in Africa or even the Middle East, but he continues to frighten the world with dire prospects of war. Actually, Putin still retains a decent armament industry and uses its weapons to frighten the world.

A little man with a modest armed force now has the world shaking in its boots because he hands out weapons of mass destruction to anyone who enables him to claim more and more power. He is a man made of mud who intimidates any who oppose his rule, both in Russia or elsewhere in the world.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, Education, Gender Issues, George Bush, Human Rights, Iraq War, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Mitt Romney, Multicultural, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, Syria, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Erdogan And God

Posted on June 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

Recept Erdogan is a man with memories. He remembers being attacked, sent to prison and treated like a man without any power because he did not accept the world of Turkish generals. He has not and will not forget the years of powerlessness. He decided, as chief city planner of Turkey, to alter the city of Istanbul by building a new mall. Thousands  of people did not want the mall but he pursued his dream and the end result was open conflict. He did back down–for a moment– and talked quietly, but old memories of  being powerless returned to  his mind. He met with HIS followers and proclaimed: “nobody can intimidate us. We don’t take orders or instructions from anybody except God.”

Police returned to Gezi Park, they resumed beating up people, using gas and water cannon and made clear to one and all that God Himself had declared anyone who opposes the new mall in Istanbul is a TERRORIST!!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Christianity, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Mitt Romney, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, Turkey, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Police Are Discontented

Posted on June 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

The so called, “election”of Mohamed Morsi to the presidency has ushered in a new era of uncertainty and anger which has rippled through the entire society of Egypt. Interior Minister MOhaed Ibrahim made clear that a large segment of members of the police force are angry at the inept leadership of their “president.” His statement came a day after the funeral of a member of the security forces when large numbers of police chanted angry remarks against President Morsi.

Ibrahim made clear the Interior Ministry will not confront those planning to protest on June 30 against the president and his buddies in the Muslim Brotherhood. The economy is in chaos, Morsi has allowed attacks on Coptic Christians and seeks to  allow the Muslim Brotherhood to extend its power in the government. A mass rally is planned and, most probably, there will be physical clashes as Egyptians make clear their desire for a democratic society.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Barack Obama, Christianity, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Egypt, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Mitt Romney, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Change In North Korea?

Posted on June 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

North Korea is a  mystery wrapped in an enigma of confusion, a land which engages in nonstop uttering of threats and warnings. However, there are reports that China has  made clear to its tiny neighbor that neither development of nuclear weapons or engaging in war will be allowed. The North Korean National Defense Commission which is led by our Beloved All Wise Great Leader, Kim Jong-un,  has asked for talks with the United States and South Korea in order to reduce tensions on the peninsula. They want high  level discussions and are ready to engage in serious discussions.

This might be a ploy, this might be another dodge, this might be another empty promise, but the path to peace is always, “jaw, jaw, not war, war.”

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Asia, Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, john kerry, Liberals, Military, Multicultural, Peace, Politics, Republicans, Social Justice, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News