The Impudent Observer

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT,

Fred Stopsky — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:35:02 +0000

Each week we offer our completely biased and unsubstantiated observations on life.

Nobody, Asked Me But,

I recall during basic training receiving “the lecture” about the importance of adhering to Geneva Convention rules on treatment of POWs. Has this now been deleted from the curriculum?

Dark clouds hovered in the sky. Flashes of lightening. A man floated calmly in the poor where I live. He must be a man of faith or wins the lottery each week.

I saw a car license that I thought said: “God’s Work is Uplifting.” I could have sworn it said: “God’s work is Shoplifting.”

I am a bigot. If I see a car in front of me which displays a handicap parking permit, I quickly move away from the vehicle since I don’ trust the driver.

There is no greater symbol of love than a child’s hand tightly held by mom.

I have absolutely no interest in cars of discussing the topic. When I enter a showroom to purchase a car and the salesman comes to me, I quickly turn him over to my wife who makes such decisions.

I saw a man by the road with his thumb held upward. I stopped, invited him in, but had to get off the highway two miles down the road. I felt guilty having once bummed the roads of America depending on the kindness of strangers.

As dictator of America it will be decreed every male and female at age 18 must spend a year bumming the roads of America so they will learn about life before professors teach them about their version of life.

i saw two women returning from a morning run. They obtained some bagels which most probably diluted the entire effect of the run.

I overheard a conversation between birds. They were discussing the love affair between Madonna and Alex Rodriguez.

I have lived in St. Louis for thirty five years and always regarded myself as a stranger. St. Louisians bond in high school for life. No St. Louis high school and you are a stranger.

I always in summer time avoid using an empty high school parking lot because I am a creature of the law.

I said to a young woman, “Bagels used to be a penny.” She said: “I don’t think we will ever see that price again.” I responded: “I dunno, I hear they are free in heaven.”

On my walk I passed a store whose sign said: “Drop Out Services Available.” I gazed in the window and saw a three headed green man.

The sign on the church board said: “Get In Touch With God On Sunday.” Does this mean I can’t the other days?

I was walking into the library at Washington University when a young girl came walking down the path holding a cell phone to her ear and crying. I heard her say, “I’m all alone. I can’t do it by myself.” I wanted to reach out with a touch, but feared winding up in jail.

John McCain would be safer as a prisoner of the Viet Cong that a prisoner of Bush’s incompetence.

Beards will remain, but I am dubious about the life expectancy of the moustache.

Information I do not wish to know– who is the lover of Lindsay Lohan.

I splurged and spent $.75 more for orange juice. The orange juice tasted better than the cheap brand I usually purchase. Do more expensive orange juices use different oranges?

My legs these days grow more tired. My breath shorter. But, my heart beat is faster and my dreams more infinite in scope. The tribulations and joys of old age.

At least when I get to heaven I will not encounter lawyers. They head south.

My kingdom for a good Jewish rye in St. Louis.

The Busch brewery was bought out by a Belgian beer company. This means the 2nd largest employer in St. Louis is Washington University. How times have changed in American employment.

I miss the card catalog system in libraries.

My barber attributes the decline of St. Louis to hiring black policemen. He told me a former mayor gave him this scoop. I have a hunch the former mayor and subsequent mayors have more to do with the decline of the city than any black cop.

I have been trying to figure out what Republicans believe in. Is it smaller government that does not intrude into the lives of people? Is it lower taxes and higher deficits? I think Republicans these days are a bit confused.

Peace and Love

Headlines Of The Week From World Press

Fred Stopsky — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:19:50 +0000

Each week we share headlines that appeared in the world press with our own comments.

New Zealand, New Zealand Herald: “Crime A Priority”
I want every member of the police force to get out and get more crime!

Sweden, The Local: “”Man Arrested For Spying on Saab”
Mr. Henry Ford and his associate Dawn Chrysler were spotted checking out Saabs.

Denmark, Copenhagen Post: “Gays Less Likely To Divorce”
I think they are less likely to be able to marry.

Norway, Aftenposten: “Swimsuit May Get Olympic Medal”
Is it for being worn or for the swimming?

Australia, The Age: “Snow White Gets Her Man”
She gets Prince Charming and we Americans get Prince Alarming.

Uganda, Sunday Monitor: “Government Hospitals Full Of Expired Drugs”
And, they are also filled with expired bodies.

Canada, Toronto Star: “Is Sewage Fertilizer Safe?
I think there is something smelly about this story, let’s get to the bottom of it.

Australia, Brisbane Times: “Ninety Bloody Idiots Caught”
Is that all that were found in the White House?

Sweden, The Local: “Ass Man Concludes Visit To Sweden”
I think we will never see the backside of this man again.

Norway, Aftenposten: “Summer Put On Hold”
It will return for an encore this fall.

Kuwait, Kuwait Times: “Committee To Defend Bedroom Rights”
And, it will leave no sheet unturned in this effort.

Australia, West Australian: “Naked Teacher To Sue For Sacking”
I believe strongly in hands on education and a living biology.

Saudi Arabia, Saudi Gazette: “Pharmacist Now A Robot”
Take a drink of oil and wash it down with some kerosene.

Australia, Sydney Morning Herald: “Sex Abuse Jury Out”
Doing what?

Yemen, Yemen Times: “Life In Guantanamo For A Day”
It would be nice if Club Med ran excursions for Bush people for a day in Cuba.

New Zealand, New Zealand Herald: “Are Sheep Dogs Being Poisoned?”
Detective Wolf is shepherding the investigation.

Norway, Aftenposten: “Robbery Rates Skyrocket”
“Murder Rates Plummet”
Now, those are two headlines which tell a story about Norway. Don’t kill, just rob.

Jordan Newspaper Questions Sudan Genocide Charge

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:02:58 +0000

Rami Khouri, writing in the Jordan Times, raises questions about the International Criminal Court decision to charge Sudan President Omar Hassan Bashir with the crime of genocide. He suggests the indictment will result in Arabs wondering “if this is a new form of racism and colonialism that applies different standards of accountability for different countries.” Bashir is accused of masterminding policies to destroy three of the largest ethnic groups in Darfur(the Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa) by using the armed forces, the Jajaweed mlitias, and the entire government apparatus in an effort to kill civilians.

“But these criminal charges against Arabs in Sudan,” says Khouri, “have to be weighed against three other realities: massive crimes committed against Arabs by their own leaders in other Arab countries; crimes committed by Israel; and, the mass suffering, death, destitution, refugee flows, and other consequences of invading foreign forces– especially the American-led troops in Iraq. Will any of the crimes by Arab, Israeli or American leaders be equally investigated in due course?”

Mr. Khouri validly suggests all who go down the road of using violence should be brought to trial. However, international courts at this juncture in human history simply can not intrude into each and every nation’s immoral behaviors. Which country has not used force and violence in pursuit of its aims–both internally and externally as a society? The Sudan is an example of “genocide” which is defined as the systematic destruction of a group of people. Israel, the United States, Hamas, Hezbollah and others have all used violence, but neither of these entities is engaged in a systematic destruction of a people. Granted, a critic might say, I am quibbling, but international courts simply lack the jurisdiction or resources to deal with all crimes against human dignity.

Are Iraqi Immigrants To Sweden Being Integrated?

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:36:17 +0000

Anders Lago, mayor of the Swedish town of Sodertalje, was recently invited to testify before a US Congressional committee on the topic of immigration because his tiny town integrated more immigrants from Iraq than was accomplished by the entire United States. Sweden has an extremely generous policy toward immigrants from Iraq– many of whom are Christians fleeing the oppressive Muslim rulers of Iraq. Lagos told Congress his city of 83,000 has nearly 6,000 Iraqi immigrants and “those Iraqis who choose to come to Sodertalje are almost all Christians.” He admitted there were many success stories but his city also confronted social issues such as housing. It is common, he said, for Iraqis to cluster together in crowded housing in order to remain close to fellow immigrants.

He noted the surprising data that 40% of adult Iraqi refugees have an academic education and another 40% have backgrounds in traditional crafts, but it has been difficult getting them to apply for jobs. Swedish researchers are struggling to understand why refugees with such high education levels remain unemployed for long periods. One hypothesis is the generous Swedish welfare system may well work against quick integration of Iraqi immigrants.

Recent statistics indicate Iraqis are slower to enter the labor market, less prone than other immigrants to learn Swedish and become integrated within Swedish society, more prone to cluster in tight and overcrowded ethnic neighborhoods and too dependent on welfare.

Muslim Woman Too Orthodox For France

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:34:57 +0000

Faiza Silmi applied for French citizenship worrying that her fluency in French might not be sufficient to impress anyone examining her petition. Little did she believe her request for citizenship would not be denied on her ability to speak French or know about French history, but upon the manner in which she dressed. “I would never have imagined that they would turn me down because of what I choose to wear: said Ms. Silmi gazing out from the narrow slit in her niqab, an islamic facial veil that is part of an outfit that covers her entire body. Last m month, France’s highest administrative court upheld a decision to deny Ms. Silmi citizenship on the ground that her “radical” practice of Islam was incompatible with French values. This was the first time someone has been denied citizenship on the basis of her ability to become assimilated on the basis of religious belief.

The decision comes four years after a law banning religious garb n public schools and weeks after a court in Lille annulled a marriage on the request of a Muslim husband whose wife lied about her virginity. Ironically, many Muslims agree with the decision to deny citizenship to Ms. Silmi. Fadela Amara, the French Minister for Urban affairs called Simli’s niqab a “prison” and a “straitjacket.” She said the niqab “is not a religious insignia, but the insignia of a totalitarian political project that promotes inequality between the sexes and is totally lacking in democracy.”

Ms. Simli insists she wears the niqab as being her “own choice.” Her husband is a French national as her children. Ms. Simli has a French family and it certainly entitles her to share their nationality. Certainly, her children will grow up as part of French culture and it is still unclear if they will opt for secularism or for the Muslim values of their mother.

Turkish Court Urged Not To Ban AKP

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:20:57 +0000

The rapporteur for the Constitutional Court of Turkey is recommending against any issuance of a decision which would ban political activities of the Justice and Development Party(AKP). Rapporteur, Osman Can, argued that charges of anti-secular activity fall under freedom of expression and cannot be grounds for closure. He reminded the Turkish high court that in Western democracies only committing acts of violence can be considered the basis for closing down a political party.

He also pointed out to Constitutional Court Justices that according to the Venice Commission criteria which are guidelines in Europe for banning a political party, the AKP had a Parliament constitutional amendment passed which lifted the ban on wearing a headscarf in universities and that amendment was declared null and void by the Constitutional Court. Therefore, the Constitutional Court has already dealt with the issue.

The rapporteur argued in light of the above the Court can not ban top officials of the AKP from participating in political life or running for political office. A decision is expected by
August.

Hopefully, the AKP can remain a vibrant political party and learn from this episode the importance of consulting more closely with the opposition and working with them to resolve delicate issues in a spirit of collegiality.

Reality Of Guantanamo– It’s Torture!

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:18:41 +0000

David Remes, an American lawyer who represents 15 Yemeni detainees who are being held in Guantanamo Prison, attempted to convey to a group of journalists the torture and degradation his clients daily experience as prisoners in the American prison. Remes even went so far as to pull down his pansts to show those assembled what type of humiliation and psychological torture prisoners face in Guantanamo. Khaid Al-Ansi, director of the National organization for Defending Rights and Freedoms(HOOD) said he would endeavor to depict the emotional events of a day in the life of a prisoner who is daily subjected to brutality and degradation.

David Remmes has been in constant contact with those serving the indefinite sentence to which they are subjected and described the situation of Mohammed Khusruf, in his sixties, who is a broken man and has been imprisoned because he was captured while working in a medical clinic in Afghanistan. Remmes admits some of his clients were members of the Taliban, but points out only 4% of those arrested were captured by Americans, the remainder were handed over by Afghan forces, certainly not the most reliable group in the world.

Among the stories told by Remmes were:

‘One of my clients told me his arm was chained for 24 hours a day and only freed when he was taken to interrogation where light was directed into his eyes of an on until he was unable to see. Following such torture, he was taken to Guantanamo.”

Most prisoners are placed in very small windowless cells where light is directed into their faces 24 hors a day. They are stripped searched and their private parts handled as part of the humiliation process.

Too many years have passed without people being allowed their day in court to hear charges raised against them so they might offer a defense. Guantanamo will live forever in American history as a monument of shame.

British Educational Program For Muslim Youth

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:10:40 +0000

The presence of Muslim schools in Great Britain has raised questions concerning whether or not students are receiving a broad perspective concerning the country’s history. A new report entitled, “Preventing Violent Extremism: Next Steps For Communities” describes an educational program developed drawing upon a broad perspective of Muslim communities in the UK. Young Muslims who attend mosque schools will be offered British citizenship lessons in an effort to get across the idea an individual can adhere to the Muslim faith and still co-exist with British life. Cambridge University has been asked to create an independent board of about 20 academic and theological experts to examine issues relating to Islam and modern context.

The proposed program will train mosque teachers drawn from various cities in the UK. The object of the educational program is to make students aware life is more than an either-or situation and one can encompass a perspective on life in which ideas from diverse sources become part of one’s philosophical view on society and values. Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, an imam, who is a member of the Muslim Council of Britain, said creation of the group was driven by Muslims rather than the government.”

Turkish Court Urged Not To Ban AKP

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:04:21 +0000

The rapporteur argued in light of the above the Court can not ban top officials of the AKP from participating in political life or running for political office. A decision is expected by
August.

Somalia Approaches Total Chaos

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:03:19 +0000

Attacks on aid workers in Somalia and disruptions to food shipments are threatening the lives of millions of people. This unfortunate nation has known nothing but discord, violence, brutality, invasion, warring cliques and nations without any semblance of a government that can unite people in the nation. PeterGoossens, of the World Food Progamme(WFP) warns: “Somalia is at a dire crossroads. If sufficient food and other humanitarian assistance cannot be scaled up in the coming months, parts of the country would well be in the grips of disaster similar to the 1992/93 famine when hundreds of thousands died.”

French, Danish and Dutch naval vessels have been invaluable in helping get supplies to Somalia but much more is needed. Islamic militants are fighting government and Ethiopian forces in a civil war that continues to escalate with ordinary citizens caught in the middle.

Iraq Backs Obama View Or Does Obama Back Iraq View?

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:02:29 +0000

The government of Iraq has made clear its intention of establishing a clear time line for withdrawal of American troops from their nation. In sharp contrast to the views of President Bush and Senator John McCain, the Iraqi government and American officials have agreed to seek a “general time horizon” for deeper reductions in the size of the US armed force in Iraq. The White House said President Bush and Prime Minister Maliki in a phone conversation agreed that any accord between their nations should include, “a general time horizon for meeting the aspirational goals, such as the resumption of Iraq security control in their cities and provinces and the further reduction of U.S. combat forces from Iraq.”

Bush has vetoed efforts by the Democratic Congress to establish time lines on withdrawal although he now is negotiating with the Iraq government for the same end goals. Admiral Mullen insists things are much better although he hesitates to announce it is time for the complete withdrawal from Iraq. At the same time, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is talking about sending troops currently in Iraq to Afghanistan to deal with that ever worsening situation.

Senator Barack Obama must be smiling as events unroll in Iraq. He has been urging the establishment of a time line only to be ridiculed by Senator McCain. Now, the president is discussing a timeline. One can only wonder if George Bush has decided to brush off John McCain and join the Obama bandwagon. In any respect news of discussing timelines is not good news for John McCain.

Condi Rice Shows Exit Door To Darth Vader Cheney

Fred Stopsky — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:00:03 +0000

The violence of fighting in Iraq is only exceeded by the virulent angry in-fighting within the Bush administration. In the latest episode of who has the ear of the president, Secretary of State Condoeezza Rice clearly demonstrated she now sits on the right hand side at the throne of King George II. She was behind the dramatic shift in Administration policy which breaks from previous stands of no interaction with Iran to one in which a high ranking officer in the State Department has been sent to participate in discussions with Iran. “The point that we’re making,” said Rice, “is the United States is firmly behind this diplomacy, firmly behind and unified with our allies and hopefully the Iranian will take that message.”

Her decision to send William Burns to attend talks with Iran in Geneva has unleashed cries of anger and fury among conservatives all over Washington D.C. and the nation. John Bolton, former UN envoy for President Bush, angrily commented: “This is a complete capitulation on the whole idea of suspending enrichment. Just when the administration has no more U-turns, it does another.” What will he say if Secretary of State Rice proceeds with rumored re-opening of a diplomatic presence in Tehran?

Reports from observers said Iran’s Foreign Minister Maoucher Mottaki was visibly stunned to receive information about America’s participation in talks with Iran. He sent a letter to Rice in which he emphasized there was an opportunity to “find common ground through logical and constructive actions.”

A cynic might raise the issue as to whether Condoleezza Rice is considering the idea of entering the political arena and by recasting herself from the angel of war into the angel of peace she may be opening new political possibilities in her life.



Dalai Lama Clashes With Buddhist Sect
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:35:42 +0000
Thousands of supporters of the Dalai Lama shouted and spit at a group of demonstrators belonging to a Buddhist sect which claims the Tibetan spiritual leader is persecuting its members. The incident happened outside Radio City Hall as thousands of Tibetans and Nepalese Americans were coming out of a lecture conducted by the Dalai Lama. The situation is confusing at this point because some of the demonstrators were waving money in the air as though to offer the view they had been paid by Chinese agents to stage a protest against the Dalai Lama. However, leaders of the Western Sugden Society(WSS) insisted they were angry at the ban placed by the Dalai Lama against certain forms of prayer which he termed “just  spirit worship.” The Tibetan leader insisted “99 percent of Tibetans follow my practice. A small portion worship this spirit.”
The WSS insists the Dalai Lama end the ban on their form of worship since it is causing “spiritual, emotional and physical harm” to its adherents. They point out the  Dalai Lama for years was engaged in this form of prayer but then claimed it was wrong. 
Frankly, we of this blog are unable to sort our way through the complexities of this religious dispute. Readers who are interested can access the WSS website as well as that of the Dalai Lama.



Hungary Confronts Right Wing Extremism
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:19:16 +0000
For the first time since Hungary became a democracy its entire top tier of leaders met to discuss how the nation could handle the growth of right wing extremists groups who have displayed their hate in public against groups such as gays. Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany told the press, “What you witnessed here, was a meeting of historic significance. never since the change of the regime have all the high public dignitaries met to discuss their positions on a case that concerns all Hungarians.” The case in point was the annual Gay March in Budapest which was subject to attacks by neo-Nazi thugs. “We are fed up,” said the prime minister with such anti-democratic actions. The meeting made clear, “the elementary rights of the Hungarian Republic include the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, as well as the freedom for everybody to define his or her cultural, religious or sexual identity.”
The prime minister insisted “we want the democracy of freedom and dignity, not an ‘egg democracy.’ We all agreed we must restrain all forms of extremism.” There will be an attempt to define how the rights of people can be protected without endangering the right of opposing other people and their values. This is always an issue for any democracy.



Clashing Views And Clashing Forces In Pakistan
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:52:32 +0000
The volatile situation on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continues to elicit conflicting views as to what exactly it taking place in the region. United States sources insist the recent attack which led to the death of about a dozen Pakistan soldiers was due to Pakistan failure to control militants in the region. Pakistan sources insist the United States was given the location of its military unit. Pakistan security forces launched heavy attacks on militants in the Hangu district and cleared out Taliban strongholds. According to local officials, “the security forces, backed by tanks and gunship helicopters” secured many areas and drove out the Taliban. 
From the Pakistan perspective their forces are attacking the Taliban, but American leaders insist nothing is being done. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates warned on Pakistan TV the United States  retains the right to unilaterally launch attacks on pakistan soil if there is not sufficient effort made by Pakistan military forces to wipe out the Taliban. 
There is sufficient evidence Pakistan forces are attacking the Taliban, but they undoubtedly are not being as successful as desired by the United States. Of course, Pakistan could point out the entire situation was created when George Bush diverted the US military from the task of wiping out the Taliban and sent them off chasing WMD in Iraq that never existed.



Amnesty International Denounces Korean Rights Abuses
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:34:37 +0000
Amnesty International issued a strongly worded criticism of recent actions by the government of South Korea against people who were protesting the import of American beef. According to AI investigator Norma Kang Muico, there were  many incidents where protestors’ human rights were infringed on in the candelit vigils. She did note “the protests were largely peaceful” but there were some cases where protestors attacked and vandalized police vehicles. However, she said riot police frequently used excessive force against people in the crowds.
Amnesty International was particularly upset “regarding non-lethal riot control devices such as water cannons and fire extinguishers fired at close range.” There was also concern that few riot police had identification badges which meant an individual policeman could exert force since he knew no one could identify him for further action. Ms. Muico learned most police involved in riot control were young recruits between 20-22 who lacked experience in dealing with large crowds.
The Ministry of Justice refuted Amnesty International findings. What else could it say?



Russia Fears Democracy In The World
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:15:35 +0000
President Dimitry Medvedev was blasted by Western leaders for his apparent double cross of his supposed agreement to support condemnation of the brutal regime of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. In an editorial in the Moscow Times, the editor expressed the view Russia’s action had less o dow with Zimbabwe and more to do with the Russian government. “Indeed, Medvedev could not have possible supported the idea of the UN Security Council imposing sanctions over elections in  Zimbabwe or any other country. Declaring UN sanctions over elections would set a precedent that Moscow has no desire to see established given its own record in conducting elections, not to mention, the record of its allies.”
The Russian government has extensive business interests in nations like Turkmenistan and Uzbekstan, two nations ruled by despotic strong men, and to establish the idea the Untied Nations should impose itself in freedom of voting issues raises the possibility some day opponents of the current Medvedev regime would one day raise it against him. Until the day Russia has accepted the concept of free elections and the right of opposition parties to have equal opportunity to win, there will be no support for free elections in the world.



British Testing Fiasco-Anyone Want To Grade Them?
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:58:42 +0000
The United Stats and the United Kingdom love giving tests to children because of their undying belief in the power of pen and paper to reveal evidence of intelligence. There are 40,000 English teachers in secondary schools in the United Kingdom and all they have to do is grade the GCSE test taken by 600,000 students, A levels taken by 250,000, AS levels taken by 250,000 and national curriculum tests for 14 year-olds taken by 500,000. Each test involves at least two papers which leaves the 40,000 teachers with an incredible reading and grading task. Added to the already onerous situation, the American ETS company has entered the arena with its infamous SAT exam that is known to all American teenagers.
It now appears that hundreds, if not thousands of tests are being returned without any proper grading evident on the part of readers. The head of Harrison primary school in Fareham, Hampshire, says 26 of his students had their science results incorrectly recorded as not present for the exam. Other schools are also reporting similar incidents of incorrect or poorly graded exams. Many teachers in Great Britain are not impressed with the American SAT exam which they do not believe is an accurate indicator of ability. 
A society that lives by the test must suffer by the test. Perhaps, it is time to return to regarding teachers as professionals.



Immigration To Norway Soars To New Levels
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:55:31 +0000
The number of people seeking asylum, or immigration to Norway has reached new heights and its immigration agency(UDI) is barely being able to cope with these demands. Norway is suffering from a severe labor shortage and needs immigrants which has compelled the UDI to process applications in order to meet work demands. There currently are 100,000 foreigners legally allowed to work in Norway which is up nearly 30% from last year. As many as 60 new asylum seekers are arriving in Norway every day and UDI director, Ida Borresen  says by the end of this year the asylum total will reach nearly 15,000. She says asylum is being granted to at least 40% of applicants. 
Norway is confronting the reality of lower sized families and the need for immigrants n societies entering 21st century post industrial situations. The United States needs its “illegal immigrants” because post industrial societies do not wish to deal with various types of work. At least Norway is openly and honestly dealing with reality.



Military Court Upholds Right To Be Racist
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:48:01 +0000
An Army soldier who espoused racist views in an Internet profile was exercising his right to free speech according to the U.??S. Court of Appeals. Prc. Jeremy T. Wilcox was accused of making statements that discredited the armed forces and were detrimental to good order and discipline. He was also charged with violating military rules by attending a Ku Klux Klan rally and encouraging others to participate in extremist groups. His profile was spotted by civilian police who informed the armed forces of the material. Wilcox was tried before a court martial and sentenced to imprisonment and discharged.
The U.S. Court of Appeals noted that while Wllcox held views that were disturbing and inconsistent with Army policies, evidence was also presented he had excellent working relations with nonwhites and his fellow soldiers.
The Court decision is consistent with those who believe in the right of free speech to those with whom one disagrees. No evidence was offered which indicated Mr. Wilxcox failed to work cooperatively with other members of his unit. An individual is entitled to his private views regardless of how society disagrees with those ideas. That is the essence of democracy.



Turkish Courts Move Against Freedom Of Press
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:38:02 +0000
The ongoing conflict between Turkey’s secular minded judiciary and those supporting the rights of Muslim women took an ominous turn when a public prosecutor filed a lawsuit against a Turkish journalist for the Star on grounds he was inciting “people to hatred an enmity” because of his columns which argue Muslim females have the right to wear a headscarf while attending the university. The Constitutional Court is currently hearing a case raised against the ruling Justice and Development Party(AKP) on grounds it is fostering the Muslim religion by acts such as allowing women to wear the headscarf. 
On June 5, 2008, nine of the 11 members of the Constitutional Court declared illegal Parliament’s decision to end the ban on wearing the headscarf. Mustafa Karaaliogu wrote a column denouncing the decision and arguing in favor of the headscarf. He now stands charged with crimes of “provoking people to commit a crime.” 
Karaaliglu wrote the following on June 6:  “By canceling legislation that is designed to remove a certain violation of rights and shame and ensure that young women can attend university, the  Constitutional Court exceeded its jurisdiction and violated the very law that is its raison d’etre. It trampled not only on the law, but also on the headscarf, which is the heritage of a centuries-old faith.”
It does not matter if one agrees or disagrees with the journalist, his comments were valid expression of a viewpoint and in no way incited violence or fostered hate.



Trouble At South African Refugee Camps
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:31:28 +0000
During the past three months after xenophobic mobs rampaged through the streets of Johannesburg, thousands of people who fled their homeland in search of peace have been forced to live in refugee camps established by the South African government. Yesterday, at one such camp, four men leapt over the fence and created havoc as refugees attacked them in fear they represented a new outbreak of violence. There are now 34 shelters housing about 32,000 people who had their homes destroyed by mobs, and their possessions stolen without any effort on the part of the South African government to offer compensation for their losses. They are sitting in a refugee camp without work and without hope for the future.
Sighet Mashego, who is working on the refugee situation noted: “Reintegration is not something we can do for an individual, it’s a process that has to be dealt with by leaders both of the refugee community and the community who these people were displaced and we are still working on it.” This attitude makes no sense. People were forcibly attacked by mobs and forced to flee for their lives. It is not their responsibility to build relations with those who stole from them, that is the responsibility of the South African government. 
Most of the refugees feel abandoned. As Bosco Mugisha who fled the Sudan put it, “kill us all and they should bury us here.” Such is the fatalism of people abandoned by the South African leadership.



Muslims In Thailand Offer Cease Fire
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:24:20 +0000
The United States and European nations tend to focus on terrorism as it pertains to the Middle  East or to regions on the border of Pakistan, but few are concerned with the long term Muslim insurgency in Thailand. The people of Thailand are overwhelming Buddhist, but southern provinces have always been populated by people with Muslim backgrounds. For years there has been continual guerrilla warfare conducted by these Islamic insurgent groups. Thailand’s Army chief, General Anupong Paojinda has refused to negotiate with insurgents and disregarded the latest offer of a cease fire. He does not believe those claiming to speak for Muslim insurgents really have the power to enter into negotiations.
In a pre-recorded video broadcast by the army run Channel 5 television station, three unnamed Muslim men claimed to represent 11 insurgent groups and announced their intention of halting all attacks in the three southern provinces. They indicated a desire to proceed with a peace process. General Anupong admitted he was taken by surprise by men who boasted they represented the Thailand United Southern Underground(TSSU).
The Muslim rebels initially made their offer of a cease fire to General Chettha who leads a coalition party rather than directly dealing with Thai leaders. General Chettha said the insurgents do represent a sizable portion of those fighting the government. The video was made in Germany.
A solution to the Muslim insurgency most probably requires political concessions such as increased local autonomy and economic incentives for southern provinces.              



Clang, Clang, Clang, Goes Trolley In France!
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:17:31 +0000
France is enjoying a renewed love affair with the trolley as several cities from Nantes to Marseilles are constructing high-tech streetcar lines as important new components of urban redevelopment. A bright yellow with black stripes tram now runs through Mulhouse at eight minute intervals like a streak of light. Mayor Michel Samuel Weis says, “we wanted a tram that called attention to itself as a symbol of economic vitality, environmental awareness and civic improvement–transportation as an integrated cultural concept.” In order to install the new network which also connects outlying municipalities, streets, sidewalks and bike paths had to be thoroughly overhauled and the strips of land on which the tracks run have been given fresh green turf. 
The tram lines have been constructed to be people friendly with station platforms that come up to the height of the tram door so a m other can simply wheel out the baby carriage. The French government hopes the trams will help deal with automobile gridlock by offering a relaxed and comfortable way to get around a city. The tram is also able to connect poorer areas of a city and other localities with the city’s center enabling poorer people access to all aspects of modern urban life.



Burmese Dissidents May Explore Armed Resistance
Fred Stopsky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:02:09 +0000
Supporters of a democratic Burma have for decades adhered to a non-violent approach in order to secure some form of democratic processes in a nation ruled by murderous thugs who use violence in order to enforce their will. An organizer of last September’s failed uprising told the British newspaper, the Guardian, “There is a very real debate among us about how to begin a more sustained armed struggle. We are ready for that kind of action, if we can get the supplies and training we need.” Speaking from exile in Thailand, Soe Aung, the chief spokesperson for the National “Council of the Union of Burma(NCUB) which represents several groups, admitted “some are considering violent means… the Burmese people are not that kind of people, there has been a real change.”
Soe Aung admitted his group is able to receive assistance from the US State Department funded, National Endowment for Democracy, and the United States is “doing the most for the opposition. There has been real success in training and   forming an underground movement through religious organizations and monastic organizations. These provide the best cover inside Burma.”
American aid undoubtedly has been provided in the form of access to the Internet and to the media, but utilization of religious organizations for armed resistance raises many issues. This is not to say at some point the Burmese people may decide to resort to violence, but including religious groups might be a mistake.



Medvedev Challenged To Defend Independent Judiciary
Fred Stopsky — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:02:47 +0000
President Dimitry Medvedev on assuming office promised the people of Russia he would make certain the court system of the nation was truly independent and free from government control. He is now being challenged to transform words into action. Former Yukos CEO, Mikhail  Khodorkovsky, who was arrested on trumped up charges by former President Putin, and then sentenced to eight years in prison for having the audacity to challenge Putin in a possible race for the presidency, is now asking the courts for a parole after having served half of his sentence. About 50% of non-violent prisoners are released at this point in their prison sentence. 
Yury Schmidt, lawyer for Khodorkovsky, is leading the legal battle to free his client. He commented, “If(Medvedev) succeeds in achieving the independence of the courts, it won’t just be reform, but a revolution.”  The case will be an indication if President Medvedev is able to carry through on promises to end court control by government. It will also be a test case if he is able to act in an independent manner on a case which challenges the desires of  his mentor in life– Putin. After all, medvedev did not put Khodorkovsky in jail.



Guantanamo Prison Wonderful Place Say Ex Prisoners
Fred Stopsky — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:46:44 +0000
George Bush insists the United States does not use torture, and if the president, who is noted as a defender of human rights, says no torture exists one can be certain it does. Two Algerians recently released from the resort town in Guantanamo told reporters from El Khabar, they had no complaints about treatment in the prison where no torture exists. Abdurrahman Hoari said: “I got two things to say, and I want you writing id down on our newspaper. First of all, we had been well treated there(Guantanamo prison).”  He insisted legal procedures were respected in the prison. According to the El Khabar reporters, “his way of talking reflects that he suffers from psychological disturbances” and well informed sources told the newspaper both men have serious mental problems as a result of being imprisoned and subjected to interrogations.
The mechanical manner in which Hourari spoke to reporters suggests he was ordered to make the statements and after years of interrogation and prison life, he undoubtedly is unable to speak coherently about his experiences. The treatment of prisoners in that notorious prison will not be completely understood until some future administration assumes power and orders a complete investigation.



Coalition Forces Attack Pakistan Areas
Fred Stopsky — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:26:51 +0000
NATO led forces in Afghanistan launched an attack on militant positions inside Pakistan after receiving hostile fire from those locations. Coalition troops used helicopters and artillery to fire into Pakistan after coming under rocket attack from the Pakistani side of the border. An International Security Assistance  Force (ISAF) “received  multiple rocket attacks from militants inside Pakistan” said a statement, and they responded with a combination of firing from attack helicopters and shooting artillery into Pakistan.” Claims by Pakistan sources earlier this week about a NATO build up angered local inhabitants who vowed to take up arms against foreigners.
Despite attempts to cooperate between both sides of the border, Afghan leaders have blamed the Pakistani Intelligence Agency for supporting militants who are attacking into their country.
Taiban militants took over the US base which was abandoned after nine American soldiers were killed. As summer approaches, Afghanistan can expect further attacks from the ever increasing more powerful Taliban forces.



Palestinians Hail Child Murderer!
Fred Stopsky — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:06:56 +0000
The writer of this blog supports the right of Palestinians for a homeland as well as for a future in which people of Palestine and Israel live in peace. One of the tragedies of Palestinians in their struggle for independence is transforming thugs and murderers into national heroes. Israel and Hezbollah completed the  the prisoner swap which witnessed the return of the bodies of two members of Israel Defense Force soldiers while Israel handed over the two bit thug and murderer Samir Kuntar. Mr. Kuntar killed an innocent Israeli civilian and then bashed in the head of a baby–an action hailed by many Palestinians as heroic! This “brave”man never uttered a word of reflective concern about his behavior other than to promise “my people and dear ones in Palestine that I and my dear comrades in the valiant Islamic resistance are returning.” 
Now that the  exchange has taken place, Israel is waiting for further Hezbollah action along its border with Lebanon. A Kuwait newspaper last week reported Hezbollah has new sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles hidden in the mountains in central Lebanon which might be used against Israel planes. 
The war continues between Hezbollah and Israel. How many more innocent Arab and Israeli children must die in this struggle over power?



Cuban Socialist Medicine System Outdoes US In Cancer
Fred Stopsky — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:32:35 +0000
American conservatives constantly denounce any effort to create a government sponsored health system and invariably claim socialized medicine systems lag behind the United States in medical care. The first ever global study of cancer, which was conducted by cancer epidemiologist Professor Michel Coleman of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine, examined cancer data from 31 nations. The study focused on the number of people who survive for at least five years after being treated for cancer. “On the numbers alone Cuba beats the US with the best survival rates in all but prostrate cancer” although there is still not complete evidence on all Cuban deaths. The United States takes the lead in breast and prostrate cancer overall and is in second place in colorectal cancer for both men and women.
The United Kingdom ranks lower than most European Union nations in cancer survival. In an interesting aside, Coleman points out in some countries patients appear to get good care wherever they are– which is not the case in the US despite its apparently good performance. The study suggests survival from cancer depends on access to diagnostic and treatment services, how much a nation spends on cancer care.