The Impudent Observer

HEADLINES FROM THE WORLD PRESS

Fred Stopsky — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:08:15 +0000

Each day we offer a sample of headlines that appeared in the world press along with our comments.

Sweden, The Local: “Parents Fined For Nameless Child”
Why not call him, “Nameless?”

Denmark, Copenhagen Post: “Bring On Clauses”
Yo, ho, ho.

Saudi Arabia, Saudi Gazette: “9 Months, 300 Lashes”
If it is nine months jail and 300 lashes, it has to be Saudi Arabia.

Qatar, Gulf Times: “Police Steal From Child Charity”
They simply wanted to steal from the poor and give to the rich.

South Africa, Argus: “Cop Fined For Raping Sister”
“Rapist Gets Two Life Sentences”
No comment.

China, China Daily: “China Holds MIlitary Drill In Yellow Sea”
Did China get permission from the Yellow Sea to hold a military drill?

Australia, Brisbane Times: “Sex And Crash”
Don’t you know it is not safe to f–k and drive?

Canada, Toronto Star: “Recession Proof Business”
I can name two– gambling and prostitution.

USA, NY Post: ‘Naked Cowboy In Wrangle With Naked Cowgirl”
I guess something she said got him up tight and raised for a fight.

Suspicious Looking People-Stay Out Of Arizona

Fred Stopsky — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:07:45 +0000

Sheriff Joe Arpaio, famous policeman from Maricopa county in Arizona, is getting his outdoor prison ready to receive hundreds of illegal Mexican immigrants as the new law kicks in allowing suspicious illegals to be arrested. According to Sheriff Joe, “if there’s a new law out, we’re going to enforce it.” The law allows police to arrest those in the state who are not legal citizens. Arizona guidelines to police are to arrest anyone who looks suspicious, displays signs of being nervous and is in an overcrowded car. We warn moms who are taking neighborhood kids to the baseball field to be on alert for police who undoubtedly will halt your car. Tell kids in the car not to act nervous. Human rights activist Liz Hourican will be marching with her compatriots in order to block the driveway to immigration offices. Her slogan is: “don’t buy, don’t comply.”

A federal judge is expected to rule as to the constitutionality of a state passing laws pertaining to foreign policy issues. Of course, if we pursue Arizona criteria, there are many visitors to America who might wind up in jail rather than at Disney world.

Afghan Army Stranger In Own Land

Fred Stopsky — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:07:26 +0000

To most Western military leaders, if you have seen one Afghan, you have seen them all. They all look alike even though Afghanistan is divided into ethnic groups who speak different languages, have varying customs and, in all too many cases, do not like one another. The American operation in southern areas of Afghanistan is confronting the reality that many Afghan soldiers come from northern areas of the country and are members of minorities who were oppressed by the Taliban. They do not speak the same dialect as people from southern areas of the country, and are not welcomed because they are from minority groups. It is difficult finding an Afghan brigade which is not dominated by men from the north. Pashtuns are the dominant group in Afghanistan and most Taliban leaders are from this group. Unfortunately, it is all too common for an Afghan soldier to say, “I am Tajik” while the man next to him says, ‘I am Pashtun.”

Naturally, few American officers learn about these issues until they arrived in Afghanistan. This once again points out poor intelligence on the aprt of Americans and poor intelligence invariably results in poor performance by troops.

Georgia Stripper Assumes Government Position

Fred Stopsky — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:07:07 +0000

President Mikhail Saakashvili has a reputation of appointing young men and women to important government positions in Georgia because he wants to get rid of anyone who was around when Georgia was part of the Soviet Union. However, his appointment of Vera Kabalia as the Economy Minister has raised some eyebrows. A photo is circulating on the Internet which depicts Vera and a group of friends at a strip joint and they are posing as strippers. Nodar Dzhavakishvili, former banker and government official, expressed concern that a person who lacks any education or experience in the field of commerce should be given “the position of the head of the main economic body in the country without either the necessary education or any experience whatsoever” can only be construed as an amazing expression of confidence by the president. Of course, that is one man’s opinion, and obviously, not the views of a man who goes to strip joints.

Should strippers be running a nation’s economy? Well, the typical stripper knows how to extract money from men without doing anything other than removing a few layers of clothes. They understand how to get down to the bare essentials and be open about showing the wares of Georgia in a manner that will secure positive reactions from other nations. Take it off, Vera, take off deficits and put on a surplus.

David Cameron Tells It As It Is!

Fred Stopsky — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:06:51 +0000

Prime Minister David Cameron became the first western leader to state clearly to Pakistan officials it was time for their secret service agency to cease cooperating with the enemy and become a friend of its western allies. He told a meeting of Indian business leaders that a democratic nation does not have the “right to have any relationships with groups that are promoting terror. Democratic states that want to be part of the developed world can not do that. The message from the United States and the UK is very clear on that point.” When asked to clarify his points, Cameron bluntly stated that a nation which supposedly is working to end terrorism, must understand “that it is unacceptable for any support to be given from within to any terrorist organizations that export terrorism.” It is clear he was referring to the Pakistan ISI intelligence agency which, not only created the Taliban, but continues to fund it and cooperates with its leaders to attack Western armies in Afghanistan.

Naturally, the Pakistan government responded with cries of innocence. Hogwash. The ISI has been working with Taliban leaders to develop plans that result in attacking western troops. Either Pakistan joins the fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda or it will eventually be take over by these groups.d

Victory In Afghanistan Present Of Tooth Fairy?

Fred Stopsky — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:06:27 +0000

General James Mattis, assumed leadership of the Central Command, and issued the normal boast of someone who takes over a military position–we will win! Oh, he told the media, “we will have some bad days ahead, but as long as we hold fast and adapt tactics faster than the enemy, the enemy’s situation will continue to worsen.” He is not worried about the issue a deadline, because as he told members of Congress, “It’s a date when the process begins. It is not a hand off of a hot potato.” Nor, is he worried about our allies in Pakistan because cooperation with those military leaders is as at an “all time high.” Of course, recent release of secret documents offers a rather different perspective on cooperation from our gallant allies, but, it is important to remain optimistic.

Has the general ever considered the possibility that Taliban leaders will alter their strategies as they learn more about those of the United States? Every indication suggests the Taliban are winning, but, then again, we have the tooth fairy on our side so victory is at hand.

Veil Not Issue In Muslim Religion

Fred Stopsky — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:05:25 +0000

Current controversy over women wearing a niqab or a burqa reflect creating an issue where none really exists. Imam Sayed al Tantawi of Al-Azhar, the great Muslim university, argues there is nothing in the Koran which justifies women wearing a veil or covering their heads. In fact, he urges banning use of veils by women attending the university. Al Makin Yogyakarta, writing in the Jakarta Post, goes even further and notes that of the 6,000 verses in the Koran only two make any reference to face or head coverings which would indicate the topic was of no great interest to those writing the document. In Indonesia, few women wore a veil until recent times and for many it is a fashion statement as much as a religious one. Some religious fanatics have seized upon this issue and attempted to transform it into one of serious import to Muslims.

According to Yogyakarta, “Looking at classical Islamic literature, one will discover that this piece of cloth was never a serious subject of discussion among Muslim jurists.” Perhaps, it is time for Christian politicians in Europe to cease creating an issue where none exists. For example, in France which has about 2,500,000 Muslim women about 2,000 wear either the niqab or burqa.

No WMD In Iraq Claims UN Leader

Fred Stopsky — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:09:06 +0000

Hans Blix, former head of UN weapons inspectors, told the Chilcot inquiry American and British leaders should have paid more attention to what they were being told concerning the alleged presence of WMD in Iraq. He admitted telling former prime minister Tony Blair in 2002 that Saddam might have secret weapons, but after UN inspectors went into Iraq and were unable to find any trace of those alleged weapons, Bush and Blair should have held off on invading Iraq in order to find WMD. “When we reported that we did not find any weapons of mass destruction they should have realized, I think, both in London and in Washington, that their sources were poor.” He even pointed out to Blair, “wouldn’t it be paradoxical if you were to invade Iraq with 250,00 men and find very little? I gave a warning that things there had changed and there might not be so much.” He pointed out UN inspectors visited 30 sites based on tips from American and British intelligence, but never found any WMD.

Blix charged the Bush administration was high on use of the military and “they felt they could get away with it and therefore it was desirable.” In other words, Bush lied to the American people, Blair lied to the British people, and over 4,000 Americans and British soldiers died because of these lies. Of course, those who lied will not be punished. In fact, they will be hailed as heroes by Fox News.

PM Cameron Blasts Israel In Gaza

Fred Stopsky — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:08:48 +0000

UK Prime Minister David Cameron at a meeting with Turkish business people launched an attack on Israel for its Gaza policy and warned it was time to end maintenance of the blockade of that area. “The situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must move in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp.” He also made clear his disagreement with Israeli actions against the flotilla from Turkey. “The Israel attack on the Gaza flotilla was completely unacceptable” and he made his position clear in his contacts with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu that an honest investigation must take place as to what happened. His comments comparing Israel action against the flotilla to Somali pirates aroused anger from Israel officials who condemned his failure to blame Hamas for its repressive actions in Gaza.

Yes, Hamas has acted in repressive ways in Gaza, it has killed opponents, but that does not excuse Israel actions. Five years ago, Turkey and the United Kingdom were strong supporters of Israel, today they are furious at actions of the Israel government. Isn’t it time for Israel leaders to take some responsibility for changing attitudes toward their country instead of always blaming negative comments on the ever present, ‘anti-semitism” argument? Wake up Israel, it is time to change your policies and pay attention to other nations of the world.

Is It A War Crime Or Is It War?

Fred Stopsky — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:08:29 +0000

The release of thousands of documents concerning operation of American forces in Afghanistan has raised interesting issues regarding the legality of establishing hit lists of people to kill during wartime. Actually, in most wars, there are either formal or informal lists of those in enemy forces you desire to kill. Task Force 373 was provided lists containing names of the enemy they were supposed to kill. I guess in wartime we say, “kill,” rather than “murder.” but what the heck, in the end, the person is dead. The documents reveal incidents like an operation in June, 2007, when Task Force 373 set out to kill a militant leader and in the ensuing fight, by accident, killed members of the Afghan National Police. The military would term their deaths, “collateral damage.” In another operation, Task Force 373 fired rockets in an attempt to kill an al-Qaeda leader, and failed in the attempt, but also killed several children.

The enemy shoots at you, fire is returned. That is war. But, is it war to fire rockets into civilian areas in order to kill a member of the enemy forces even though there is a strong likelihood civilians might get caught in the cross fire? Is this war? Is this criminal behavior? That is the question to be decided.

Criminals Use Get Out Of Jail Pass In Mexico

Fred Stopsky — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:08:01 +0000

The young men and women crowded the dance floor shouting expressions of joy and singing along with the music. Suddenly, the door burst open and four men entered the room. Within a few moments they had sprayed over hundred bullets into the crowd leaving 17 people dead and dozens wounded. It remains a mystery why this crowd of youngsters who were dancing in a hotel in the city of Torreon in Mexico were the subject of the deadly assault. As detectives picked through the mess they found bullet casings which came from an AR-15 assault rifle. But, further investigation revealed the rifles came from guards at a prison in the neighboring state of Durango. Detectives concluded that prison guards had been releasing groups of inmates, lending them weapons, and sending them off in official vehicles so they could carry out drug related killings. Four prison officials, including the director, Margarita Rojas and her security chief and now under arrest. This is a fascinating discovery since it raises questions if criminals are now seeking to get into prison in order to secure work as killers.

What next is the real question? We argue the next step is for the United States of America to legalize drugs and place sale of drugs under the control of special government stores. Let’s end opportunities for drug lords to make money. Let’s legalize drugs and shut down these criminal gangs just as ending Prohibition ended the lucrative liquor crime lords.

Long Live Cuban Revolution–Or Should It?

Fred Stopsky — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:07:44 +0000

Revolution Day is an occasion for old revolutionaries who fought with the Castro boys a half century ago to come out in public, shout, “Long Live The Revolution,” and enjoy a day when the entire Cuban population pays tribute to your gallantry–or at least, most of the population. Ordinarily, the Great Leader, Fidel Castro, gets an opportunity to talk, and talk, and talk for a few hours in order to hear the sound of his voice echoing through the country. After all, what would Revolution Day be without a six hour speech by the Great Leader? Of course, he has been sick, and those on the stand waited patiently for HIS appearance, but only brother Raul showed up. At one point, Raul rose, only to speak with another man, then returned to his seat while minor figures of the Revolution poured out cliches about the REVOLUTION and how it had transformed Cuba into a model state of equal opportunity poverty.

The crowd waited and waited but Fidel never showed his face. Is he still ill? Is the government going to relax economic controls? Will political prisoners be released? Tune in next year for Revolution Day and we assure one and all those questions will have been answered by that time.

Just Another Day In Afghanistan-Did Anyone Die?

Fred Stopsky — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:07:30 +0000

It was just another report from Afghanistan, or should we say it was just another two reports from Afghanistan. One claimed NATO rockets had killed 52 men, women and children in the city of Rigi in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. The other from NATO headquarters insisted the investigation into the “alleged” attack “has thus far revealed no evidence of civilians killed or injured.” President Karzai of Afghanistan sent his condolences to people who apparently were not killed or wounded. It was just another normal day in Afghanistan in which fighting the Taliban MUST result in the deaths of innocent people. That is what a guerrilla war is all about. Insurgents do their best to make certain civilians die and government forces do their best to ensure no one kills them.

It was just another NATO report that said all quiet on the eastern front. Oh, a drone might have fired something and maybe hit something, but we are certain if it did, the object of the attack were Taliban leaders. Just another report today, that all is quiet on the eastern front.

WHAT WENT WRONG WITH BARACK OBAMA

Fred Stopsky — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:07:47 +0000

It seems like light years ago when the American people welcomed the election of Barack Obama as offering a new direction for a nation that desperately wanted change. It seems like years ago, there was hope a new president would adopt sensible policies in Afghanistan and end the seemingly endless war that will never conclude. It seems like light years ago, there was hope a new president would tackle the economic crisis and develop a comprehensive job program. Alas, that was not light years ago, that was last year. Where did Obama go right and where did he go wrong?

1. He was correct to push for a massive stimulus bill that saved Wall Street and other major corporations.
2. He was wrong in failing to establish firm guidelines on pay for executives who received federal money.
3. He was correct to order a review of the war in Afghanistan.
4. He was wrong in failing to establish deadlines for reform of the Afghan government and in demanding that President Karzai install a government of experts, not buddies. Obama was wrong in failing to establish a departure date of January 1, 2010. President Kennedy, before his death, had decided to end American involvement in Vietnam. President Eisenhower in 1954 turned down requests from France to help in their war in Vietnam. A wise leader knows when to take a step back, and Barack Obama failed to take that step, instead he embroiled himself even deeper in the well of corruption and inefficiency that is Afghanistan.

Barack Obama frequently has compared himself to Franklin Roosevelt in the thirties. Sorry, Barack, but you don’t have the faintest awareness of how FDR functioned in the Depression.
1. He nonstop blamed corporate America as the villain and cast himself on the side of the middle and lower classes.
2. Within ninety days after assuming the presidency he had nearly a million people working in the CCC and within another year millions engaged in productive work to rebuild this nation.
3. Only Barack Obama could create a situation in which Republicans portray themselves as defenders of the middle class!!

Obama has behaved as an individual who is part of the American elite, rather than as an American who has been screwed by the wealthy and the Republican party. He was elected to change directions in America. After nearly two years in office, the rendition program is still operating, men captured in Afghanistan still rot in prison without being accorded due process, and the jobless rate continues to rise.

Yes, he did offer a much needed stimulus package. No, he has never provided either in actions or words the portrait of a leader of America who seeks social justice. If you doubt me, ask Shirley Sherrod.

Respect Dignity Of Prostitutes

Fred Stopsky — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:07:29 +0000

The Chinese police recently issues a warning to police officers to respect the dignity of prostitutes while enforcing laws against prostitution. This is an admirable thought and, hopefully, it will be considered by Americans this fall when they go to the polls. We have a Congress filled with men and women who daily prostitute themselves before the gods of business in order to secure money that allows them to remain in office in order that they can obtain money from business lobbyists in order to get elected. It it time for a federal law to protect the rights of members of Congress who are among the most blatant prostitutes on this planet. Most prostitutes seek the cover of darkness or hidden corners in order to ply their wares. Congressmen hit out for the most expensive restaurant, not only to get an expensive meal, but the money they need for continuing in public office. Of course, while on the subject of selling out for money, we could include the executive branch.

Of course, when considering the president and his associates, the easiest way to get them to do anything is simply to loudly shout: “If you don’t do as I say, it will be on Fox News, tonight. What does on term prostituting oneself before Fox News?

Wikileaks Causes Officials To Leak In Pants!

Fred Stopsky — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:07:02 +0000

Wikileaks has created a furor by releasing 91,000 secret documents dealing with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some US officials are so furious they are close to pissing in their pants at the prospect the world will learn how secret forces violated every international law on the books. There is a possibility the documents will identify individuals whose actions, in effect, constituted war crimes. National security adviser, Gen. Jim Jones, lashed out at release of the documents and charged by doing so, it “put the lives of Americans and our partners at risk.” An interesting comment from a government which sends American soldiers into battles in which they have to both look forward and behind them for people who might shoot and kill them. Yes, General Jones is correct, US soldiers are at risk. But, the risk does not stem from release of any papers, but from foolish decisions by former President Bush and his coterie of idiots like Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld who did not have the slightest idea what they were doing in Iraq or Afghanistan. Don’t blame Wikipedia, blame the Bush administration!

The documents reveal what has been known for a long time-that the Pakistan secret service branch, the ISI, is working with the Taliban to plan attacks on US and NATO troops. Why yell at Wikipedia? Why not compel the Pakistan government to either get their military house in order or face the consequences.

F—ing Truth About Famous People!

Fred Stopsky — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:06:41 +0000

We attend the movies, observe actors and actresses playing roles and without realizing it come to believe the role they play is the role they play in real life. Mel Gibson portrays a smiling, witty man who is never upset and remains cool even under adverse and life threatening conditions. At least, that is the movie Mel Gibson, but there is another persona who goes by the name of Mel Gibson. During the past few days the tirades of the other Mel Gibson show a man who lacks any sense of being “cool,” let alone being witty. Listen to this tirade against his wife. “I despise you(Oksana Grigorieva). I didn’t want you back. You’re not a f–ing woman I want. You don’t know what it means to make a man happy. I’m so mad. I’m so angry. and this is not the nicotine, this is the truth.” Somehow these words spoken by the real Mel Gibson would never be expressed in any film, certainly not one in which he is the cool and collected hero.

Of course, he produced “Passion of the Christ” and was hailed by many in the Christian community for being an outstanding Christian. I get the f–ing feeling few Christians today would hold that view of Mel Gibson.

Russian Obama Elected

Fred Stopsky — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:06:22 +0000

His skin is black colored, he lives in Russia, and still he was elected to a position in the city government. Jean Gregoire Sagbo became the first man with a black skin to be elected to a government office in the entire nation of Russia. For many years, even under communism, black students who came seeking education, were assaulted, insulted and treated as a lower form of life. Racist attacks on Russians who come from Asian areas of the country are common so it was shocking to political analysts when a man from Africa won a seat as a municipal councillor in the city of Novozavidovo. Sagbo was hailed as among the first successful politicians in town who won an election without paying bribes or acting in a criminal manner. Mayor Arakielo says, “his skin is black, but he’s Russian inside.” I assume that means only white skinned people can be Russian.

An interesting story, but one that will not have import until the people of Russia recognize those from Asian areas of their nation might have a brownish hue to their bearing, but they are Russian both inside and outside. We hope Mr. Sagbo is not afraid to stand up for black skinned people, unlike the current black skinned leader of America.

Rape Of Zimbabwe Women Goes Unpunished

Fred Stopsky — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:06:06 +0000

The International Criminal Court is being asked to take action to support those seeking justice for rape victims who were assaulted during a campaign initiated by President Robert Mugabe in 2008 against supporters of his opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai. The ICC is asked to place on trial not only President Mugabe by member of his Zanu-PF youth militia who raped hundreds of women in order to punish those who refused to vote for Mugabe. It is shocking when women are raped, but it is more shocking when groups like the African Union or the Southern African Development Community allow Robert Mugabe to brutalize fellow Africans. If a white skinned leader behaved as does Mugabe, the entire continent of Africa would be up in arms, but when black skinned brutes rape and kill fellow black skinned humans, the silence of African leaders is deafening.

It is time for the ICC to indict Mugabe just as it is time for African leaders to stand up for fellow Africans, regardless of their skin color.

Arab Named Students Not Welcome In Swedish School

Fred Stopsky — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:05:45 +0000

The story of a 13 year old girl living in Sweden who was of Arab heritage is most probably one that is happening at this very moment someplace in the so-called northern liberal nation. The girl and her mother sent in an application for a school in Askid which lies north of Stockholm. The next day the secretary contacted her mother with information there were no available places in the school and would it be OK if she tore up the application. A week later, an older sister contacted the school using the name of Ammelie and asked if there was an open spot in the school for her son, Johan. The headmaster called right away and said please send in the application of “Johan” and promised he would accepted. He closed with a “see you in autumn” promise. Mom again called the secretary and asked if there were any openings, only to be yelled at for bothering her.

The girl and her mother have filed a complaint with the Discrimination Ombudsman. I assume in this case they used the girl’s Arabic name and did not use the name of “Johan.” Prejudice by any name is still prejudice.

Ahamdinejad, The Man Alone-For Good Reasons!

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:07:19 +0000

Iranian President Ahmadinejad has a propensity to alienate those who seek to become his friend, if not his supporter. President Dimitry Medvedev has been a firm ally of Iran during the crisis over its nuclear development program. But, even he had to call a halt to unlimited belief in Iran’s assurance there was no possibility their nation would develop atomic bombs. Medvedev had merely reassured Iran of its support from Russia while urging it to adhere to UN requests about atomic development. But, ANY critical remarks are interpreted by Ahmadinejad as an act of betrayal. “Russia is a great nation, and we are interested in continuing friendship between the two nations,” he declared, “but his(Medvedev) remarks are part of a propaganda drama that is to be carried out by the US president against the Iranian nation. In fact, Mr. Medvedev has kick-started this campaign.” Nonsense. Russia is desperately attempting to assist Iran, but when you have demagogues running a nation who have lost contact with reality, only slavish adherence to their words is accepted.

Russia has still to make a final decision on selling missiles and other weapons to Iran. Please listen to the words of Ahmadinejad before deciding.

Penny Wong Wong ON Gay Rights

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:06:53 +0000

Penny Wong is Minister for Climate Change in Australia, and the first openly lesbian appointed to a position in the Cabinet. However, although she values being a lesbian, Ms. Wong supports her party’s program which opposes same sex marriages. “The party’s position is very clear, this is an institution that is between a man and a woman.” She apparently does not see any conflict in being a lesbian, enjoying that life style, but opposing allowing gays and lesbians to marry and enjoy legal protections that come with such status. The institution of marriage also allows couples to get joint medical insurance, secure financial benefits that accrue when husband and wife file tax returns as well as the pride in allowing their children to recognize their parents are legally married.

Sorry, Ms. Wong, you are on the wong side in this issue. Stand up for all lesbians and gays and quit mouthing cliches about my party, right or wrong.

In Mexico, Trash Dump Means Bodies!

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:06:28 +0000

A long, long time ago in America, people used various forms of drugs, and, for some strange reason the republic did not collapse and life proceeded along with normal rates of deaths by criminals. However, at the turn of the 20th century, the American government and people decided that certain forms of drugs were “evil” and had them banned. The result has been an enormous growth in gangs, gang wars, death and destabilization of communities throughout Latin America. Police discovered a huge mass grave containing at least 51 dead bodies which had been laid to rest in a trash dump outside the city of Monterrey. Investigators discovered most of the bodies had tattoos from a multitude of gangs and the 48 men and 3 women undoubtedly were killed as a result of gang wars. Since the Mexican government initiated a campaign against drug lords in 2006, an estimated 25,000 Mexicans have been killed. The police and army are fighting drug cartels, drug lords are fighting drug lords, and thousands of innocent Mexicans are trapped in this cross fire of hate, greed, and destruction.

Military force is one option in dealing with drug lords. However, a more practical option would be to legalize drugs in America, grant the government a monopoly on sale of drugs, offer low cost drugs linked to rehabilitation programs and end the power of drug cartels in Latin America. The mass grave was not the result of gang violence, it stemmed from Americans who refuse to legalize all drugs and assist victims of drugs to learn ways of living without such assistance in their daily lives.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:05:54 +0000

We offer observations on the human condition from a twenty year old mind trapped in an 80 year old body.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT

I oppose jail for nonviolent offenders. Let them work out their expenses.

I feel fury encountering a chubby six year old. Make his parents walk two miles a day as punishment.

A flash of lightening in the sky must be a message from someone–or something.

Human evolution prevents undoing past actions. Too bad.

I cheated today. I purchased a senior coffee and used it to get a coke.

If I see young girls in plaid skirts I assume they are from the local Catholic school.

I wonder how humans would explain to Aliens why the lower parts of our body cannot be seen by others

To love is to extend life, to hate is to shorten it.

There is no greater satisfaction in life than self respect.

Barack Obama constantly communicates, but he is no communicator.

I wonder what John McCain thinks at midnight when all alone– is this really me?

A single white haired woman smiled at me. I was not interested. I wonder why.

I possess an unusual capacity to be content when alone.

Old men toss the empty cup of coffee away. I retain everything, one never knows.

I never see children reading the comics. I do –everyday!

As I reach 80 years of age, I feel sleepy at 9:30 a.m. Within a few moments, I am awake for the rest of the day.

There is always a moment of hesitation when the waitress says, ‘pay me or the cashier.’ I have to think about it.

I feel sad seeing an attractive women who could be gorgeous if she dropped thirty pounds.

I get confused in a parking lot which indicates spots for “customers.” I wonder am I the customer to which it refers.

I have a moment of fear encountering a person my age who needs a walker.

Every time a heavy set man sits, he heaves a sigh.

Love Parade Ends In Death!

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:05:35 +0000

We humans must be among the most unique life forms in the universe. We possess an unusual capacity to transform the act of love into a death parade of crushed life strewn around in agony. A German city offered a Love Parade which was accompanying music tech concert which drew hundreds of thousands of people. For some strange reason, organizers of the event had a single entrance tunnel which supposedly was to handle the untold thousands of people seeking to enter. No one knows exactly what began the panic, a voice, a shout, an order, who knows, but within moments thousands of people who were in the entrance tunnel desperately tried to extract themselves and in the process panic broke out. Before the terror ended, 18 were dead and over 80 injured in the mass hysteria. Ironically, many who had already entered did not know about the panic and continued dancing, laughing and enjoying the music.

I often believe Aliens may have once visited this planet, but after observing our capacity to transform the act of love into the slaughter of the innocent, they just packed up their belongings and headed for a planet that can hold a Parade of Love in which love is the main performer, not Death.

Neo-Nazis Forced To Accept Diversity

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:05:19 +0000

Riesa is a town in east Germany which has the unfortunate problem of being home to the right wing neo-Nazi NPD party which hates immigrants and loves Adolf Hitler. Geri Topfer, mayor of the town has worked diligently to create support for diversity in her community and has enlisted most members of the town in the effort to prove they represent a force for peace and cooperation with those who come from different cultures. Some of her supporters wish she would be more open concerning the problem of neo-Nazism, but she prefers working quietly. For example, she recently renamed a street on which is found the publisher of neo-Nazi hate after two wonderful young Germans who fought in the resistance movement against Hitler –Hans and Sophie Scholl. From now on the publisher of hate will have in his letterhead the names of two German youths who fought against hate and Hitler.

It is so easy to give speeches about the need for equality, it is easy to mouth liberal expressions of diversity, but Ms. Topfer understands reality. She works quietly, with subtle jabs of those who hate, and with some humor. God bless her efforts.

Yes, There Are Gay Priests, So What!

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:05:02 +0000

The Catholic Church is confronting a new expose which describes gay priests going to gay clubs and bars. Panorama, a magazine owned by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, used hidden cameras to capture priests visiting gay clubs and bars and even having sex. The diocese of Rome blasted the magazine for trying to “create scandal(and) defame all priests.” The diocese also urged gay priests to come out of the closet and leave the ministry. It was pointed out honesty “would require that they come out into the open” and face the reality they made the wrong choice in becoming a priest. One priest captured in the expose named Father Paul, attended a party with male prostitutes, then said Mass the following morning before returning to take a few of the prostitutes to the airport. A former italian MP and gay activist, Franco Grillini commented: “if all the gays in the Catholic Church were to leave at once… they would cause serious operational problems.”

Yes, there are gay priests. Yes, the vast majority of priests are not gay. Yes, this is simply another storm in a teacup in which the media knows capturing priests at gay parties sells magazines. The real issue is when will the Catholic Church, as well as other churches, accept the reality that some males are gay and some females are lesbians, make necessary changes in rules, and allow life to proceed in a normal manner?

They Took the Wrong Turn In Afghanistan

Fred Stopsky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:04:44 +0000

Two American soldiers in Afghanistan left their compound, got in a four-wheeled vehicle and headed for a local town. No one is clear as to why they left, why they went to the town or even, exactly what next occurred. A policeman in Charkh district said he tried waving them down in order to give warning they were entering a dangerous area, but they drove right past him. They apparently halted in the bazaar area, were seen by the Taliban, but not attacked. The Taliban most probably did not wish to initiate a fire fight in a crowded bazaar and let the vehicle proceed. Shortly after, another Taliban group tried waving them down, gun fire was exchanged, at least one American was killed, and, most probably, the other taken prisoner. They took a wrong turn, they left a secure area, they did not reach a secure area, and now one is dead and the other a prisoner.

Isn’t this story, a parable about American policy in Afghanistan. We have been taking the wrong turn, not once, but numerous times. We left the secure area in 2001 when Afghanistan was finally freed of the Taliban, ignored warnings, and kept on going down wrong roads. Wasn’t it clear in 2001 that Afghanistan needed an honest effective government? Wasn’t it clear in 2001 that Afghanistan desperately needed an effective armed force? Bush and his buddies ignored one wrong warning after another and the result is the debacle of Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, Barack Obama has also gone down wrong roads by ignoring every warning not to proceed on the path of “more soldiers.” It is time to get on the right road, the one that leads out of Afghanistan.

HEADLINES FROM THE WORLD PRESS

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:06:03 +0000

Each day we offer a sample of headlines that appeared in the world press along with our comments.

Saudi Arabia, Saudi Gazett: “Dead Body Not Treated As Suspicious”
Heck, this is Saudi Arabia, the question is –did it have whip marks?

USA, Stars & Stripes: “North Korea Cancels Talks With UN”
“Talks Back On Between North Korea And UN”

UK, Guardian: ‘Bristol Palin Engaged To Baby’s Father”
I assume this is what Sarah Palin means by restoring traditional family values.

Qatar, Gulf Times: “UK Best Place To Die”
There is no “best place” to die, only to live.

Canada, Toronto Star: “Vatican Toughens Sex Abuse Laws”
To encourage or discourage sex abuse?

New Zealand, New Zealand Herald: “Police Seek Clues In Farmer’s Death”
I hope they can dig up some clues.

Denmark, Copenhagen Post: “Nomads Are Deported”
Big deal, they are NOMADS for God’s sale!

China, China Daily: “Rules To Crush Bribery”
Don’t accept bribes?

Russia, Moscow Times: “Official’s Wife Gets City Contracts”
Of course, she should, she is an official’s wife.

Egypt, Egypt Daily News: “Animal Rights Campaign Ends With Women Fighting”
A cat fight?

USA, NY Post: “Paris Caught With Pot”
Was it one to piss in?

Come Back Anna, Come Back!

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:05:31 +0000

Anna Chapman is a gorgeous red haired woman who can bring smiles even to the lips of old farts like me, she is one of those women who simply have a way of making the male heart beat faster. OK, so she is a spy, big deal. She is a damned attractive spy and America should consider trading a couple of pot bellied guys named Ivan or Igor for the flame of her heart. She is currently upset because the United Kingdom has revoked her citizenship for spying and will not let her return to the bright lights of London. No one denies she is a spy, but what exactly did she steal? From what we gather the only thing she actually spied about was talking to some guys at a social event and then reporting to Moscow the essence of the conversation. To be honest, she did steal important secrets. From what we can ascertain, Ms. Chapman stole blueberry and apple pie recipes of the best cooks on her block. She is the notorious recipe thief, known far and wide for her exploits in bringing to America, how to make great borscht soup.

Let her back. Allow us to gaze at her wonderful body. Heck, I am willing to throw in my recipe for a wonderful fruit salad. Of course, we could always offer the greatest spy for terrorism and Islamist militants–Glenn Beck. They get a bull-shit artist and we get a great red headed spy. Sounds fair to me.