Category Archives: Multicultural

Our world is experiencing a historic transformation as millions move from one area of the globe to another. We intend to openly and honestly confront issues arising from this vast migration as it impacts people and societies.

HEADLINES FROM WORLD PRESS

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

New Zealand, New Zealand Herald:  ”Fired For Racism”

He just applied for a job at Republican National headquarters.

UK,Independent:  ”Right Man, Wrong Event”

Sorry Barack, the NRA convention if not for you.

Russia, Moscow Times:  ”Director Loses Driver License”

I guess he just can’t direct a film which comes out right.

USA, aol:  ”A Fairy Tale”

I just don’t believe Congress passed a bill that would lower unemployment.

Sweden, Local:  ”Abused Ghosts”

They do have a right to haunt houses!

Norway, Norway Post:  ”Reject Honey Bees”

Not a very sweet story.

China, China Post:  ”China Joins Race For Mars”

Gee, an entire planet to destroy climate!

Silence Hate?

The isssue of freedom of speech constantly emerges when a crisis impacts society. The economic collapse in Greece has witnessed the birth of neo-Nazi groups which blame foreigners for the calamity which impacted their nation. The Golden Dawn party blames immigrants or the Roma for whatever hit their nation. The assumption is that poor people are responsible for the collapse of stock markets, rising unemployment and impoverishment of society. Exactly how those without much money or without any influence in the stock market or business can somehow have the power to cripple an economy is among the great mysteries of life. Hate crimes are constant against minority groups in Greece since we have to blame someone for what we did.

The Council of Europe’s human rights warned the Greek government that it has failed to take action against hate groups like the Golden Dawn. Parliament has been silent as Roma or immigrants are beaten by street thugs. The European organization argues when the innocent are beaten then government has the power to restrict freedom of speech to those engaged in hate.  An interesting issue.

It’s Official-Global Warming Here!

I inhabit the state of Missouri, USA, a place in which 35% of the people believe the world was created about ten thousand years ago. About that time the Flintstones were riding dinosaurs and enjoying a gay old time. The journal Environmental Research Letters just released a study which notes that 97.1% of scientific journals agree there is climate change caused by human activity. The work of some 29,000 scientists who have published over 4,000 papers concludes there is global warming that results from the abuse of our planet by its human inhabitants. However, according to Pew study, only 42% of Americans agree with these egghead scientists.

I checked with my local minister, Dr. John Smith, note that he is in possesson  of the title, Dr. He obtained this degree from South Central Idaho University, an important center of academic  study. Dr. Smith is certain the world began 10,000 years ago and global warming is simply a liberal attempt to scare people. Who would you believe-4,000 scientists or Dr. Smith??

Syria And Israel

It is now over sixty years since the state of Israel was created and conflict arose between the  new nation and its neighboring Arab states. Actually, the conflict goes even further back to opening years of the 20th century when Jews began arriving in the province of Palestine at the invitation of the Ottoman empire. Israel and

It is now over sixty years since the new state of Israel and its neighbor, Syria, clashed over land. As the years passed there was one conflict over another, and, in virtually all cases Syria came out on the short end of the fight. CIA chief, John Brennan is now in Israel attempting to deal with desires of the Israel government to wipe out any and all missiles passing through Syria  on their way to Hezbollah in Lebanon. There already have been two Israel strikes at these missiles and Prime Minister Netanyahu has made clear there will be more air attacks in order to ensure that no missiles wind up with Hezbollah.

Has anyone in the Israel government considered an easier solution? How about forging a peace agreement withe Palestinians and making very, very difficult the ability of Hezbollah to strike at areas which contain Muslims and Jews? Peace with Palestinians is the BEST way to avoid war in the Middle East for the people of Israel.

 

 

 

 

 

Rising Sun Declines

The former Japanese empire ran rampant over Asia bringing war, violence and rape to innocent people. In Europe during World War II the Nazi horror surpassed any prior example of destruction in human history. The people of Germany have acknowledged their guilt in such horror. But, the people of Japan continue insisting there was no rape in Nanking, their soliders did not kill millions of people, they are innocent victims  of American aggresssion. Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto informed the world that 200,000 women from Korea and China who were forced into prostitution in order to serve sexual desires of Japanese soldiers was simply a necessary wartime matter. He notes that Japanese soldiers were away from home and needed some sex. Therefore, Asian women peformed a noble service in servicing desires of Japanse soldiers.

The mayor does not believe his comments were incorrect. However, “I admit that my international sensitivity was quite poor.” Perhaps, the government of Japan might check with the German government regarding how a nation that caused death should respond. Step one is educating new generations about their murderous ancestors.

Civil War Again

Since the end of World War II, the United States has intervened in a series of civil wars only to discover getting caught in the middle of a civil war is the most certain way to get caught in an endless conflict which can only be resolved by those engaged in this war. First, we attempted to resolve the Korean civil war, then we attempted to resolve the Vietnam civil war, later we sought to solve the Afghanistan civil war and then the Iraq civil war. In each case, outside forces were not able to handle internal conflict. During the past few days in Baghdad fourteen died and then 34 died in a Shiite sector of the city.

These failures should make Americans think twice before getting involved in the Syrian  civil war. Find a Germany or Japan to fight–and make certain we fight the war alongside allies!

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT

We offer observations on the human condition from a 22 year old mind trapped in an 82 year old body.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT

I  lack ability to sell my talent.

We once went to the Moon, today we can’t get a tunnel built under the Hudson River.

I shall never see dawn break on Mars.

Grandpa enjoys feeding grandchild.

I know who I am, few do.

All too often those with economic power lack social power.

The ultimate power is deciding what my mind thinks.

If you sit in a coffee shop, eventually someone gazes at you.

Some blow on soup before eating, some are adventurous and just plunge in.

My mom believed chicken soup was the silver bullet of drugs.

Most open laptop and then get food.

These days people do not travel unless accompanied by a gadget.

I have absolutely no interest in sharing  pictures with anyone.

If one is pondering the great issues of the day, after a few moments, one must take a drink.

I enjoy gazing at trees.

I was born on concrete, raised in concrete, and think concretely.

After getting the food, one must rearrange the laptop.

I can not recall the last time I purchased anything with a penny.

Sad sight pot bellied white haired man.

Trend, fewer employees working harder.

Shall We Talk?

The pattern is clear, there are hurried attempts to bring together diplomats from Western nations and Iran only to be followed by months of non-contact in which each side charges the other refuses to talk. Sometimes, notes are exchanged, and a few polite inquiries made as to whether you would like to dance with me in the coming weeks. Saeed Jalili, key Iranian atomic negotiator, who is also a candidate to become president of Iran, offered to enage in what is termed, “negotiations” over the issue of atomic development in his nation. “We are ready to continue ourtalks with the six powers whenever they are ready, before or after the presidential election in Iran. Talks will take place soon.”

I do not think the issue any longer is having a talk. I believe the issue is WHAT to discuss. And, will the other side actually listen to what is being discussed??

Spy Who did Not Come In From Cold

We were raised during the Cold War with tales of secret spies, daring escapades into eastern Europe in order to gain access to secret documents and intrepid actos like Michael Caine who always found a way out of trap laid by KGB agents. Today,we are left with the exploits of one Ryan Fogle and his blond wig and thousands of dollars being offered to a Russian turncoat. Why the American government needs a Russian spy in order to learn about terrorist activities in the Caucasus is simply beyond reason. Of course, one could actually read an historical work  written about this topic. Instead of putting on a wig, how about putting on a hat and going to a university library?

This is a farce wrapped up into stupidity and simply another reason why the American government stumbles from one crisis to another. Heck, everything the CIA wants to learn about is on the INTERNET!

If A Happens, Does B?

The New York City Police Department is convinced that its program of halting people in the streets and searching them has led to a reduction in crime. Joseph Esposito, a retired police chief, argues that halting 4,430,104 individuals between 2004 to 2012 has led to a  40% decrease in crime. Of course, 86% of those halted and searched on the streets of New York were African American or Hispanic youth. Esposito and Ray Kelly, police commissioner, insist there was no racial profiling, it just turns out that people with darker skin color are more prone to become criminals. Gee, when I was growing up the common thought was that young Italian boys were more prone to become criminals and prior to that group the common thought was that Jewish or Irish youth were more prone to become criminals.

The best indicator of crime is the number of people in the age bracket 18-27 since it is from this group that most crime emerges. To conclude that halting people is THE cause of  declining crime is ridiculous and not supported by any evidence. Actually, if those in the age bracket 18-27 decline, then crime rates drop-regardless of what police do or do not do.