Are We on the Verge of War With Iran?
Posted on 03. Jan, 2010 by Goode Fellow in Iran, Politics
A year into his administration, President Obama has finally found the opening that he needs to take an aggressive step into Iran. While the United States people and the world are hardly supportive of a nation going to war with Iran over their nuclear power reactor program – they will hardly blame the United States for going to all-out war over terrorist activity.
So what opens the door for an act of war against Iran?
Terrorism!
It is easy to blame terrorism and use it as an excuse for ulterior motives. Just the thought of terrorist getting close to U.S. soil again stirs the passions in Americans and calls for a sense of action against those involved. So with the bombing attempt aboard a Northwest bound flight for Detroit, Michigan, from Amsterdam, Netherlands is linked to al Qaeda based in Yemen – you have all the support you need. There’s a suspect, there is motive for retaliation and there is a prime target – just because they happen to be the prime targets that the United States has been trying to raise political aggression against for several years just happens to be coincidence.
Or is it!
One of the signs of one nation going to war, or getting ready to go to war against another – even in the midst of talks for peace, or other solutions is when you pull your Ambassadors out of that country. Today the U.S. closed its Embassy in Yemen. According to a U.S. news release it is because of ongoing threats by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to attack American interests in Yemen.
This is a situation that needs a close eye in order to monitor what is the truth and what is convenience. George Bush Sr. had his war in Kuwait and Iraq, Bill Clinton carried on his war in Bosnia for almost his entire presidency, George W. Bush chose his war in Afghanistan and Iraq – is this going to be Obama’s war – Iran?
War is easy – peace is difficult! It takes strength, courage, patience and endurance. It is sacrifice for the benefit of others and hard work. Let us work toward peace!
My Wall Fell the Day After – Berlin Wall
Posted on 10. Nov, 2009 by M.L. Zupan in EU - European Union, Feature, Politics
Fall of the Berlin Wall - 20th Anniversary of Freedom
There are events in history that define life changing moments. They change the way we look at our world and they change the way we look at ourselves. It is in these “landmarks in history” that we also define time. They become the markers of the past and the crossroads for the future.
- Do you remember when… ?
- Where were you when… ?
- What were you doing when… ?
- What did you do before… ?
- What did you do after… ?
- Did it change your life… ?
One of those events human history that we remember in our time is the “fall of the Berlin Wall”. The following excerpt comes from a story written by Dorothea Grass. She was eleven years old when the wall came down. Her story tells of a family of courage, fear, anger and joy.
Weg aus der DDR – Mein Mauerfall am Tag danach
“Ihr Vater war aus der DDR geflüchtet, jetzt solte die Familie nachkommen: Warum unsere Autorin den Mauerfall verschlief – und der 10. Novermber 1989 zum Kuriosum geriet. [Translation: Their father fled out of the DDR, now the family has to follow: why our Author missed the fall of the wall." Sueddeutsche Zeitung
"My personal wall came down the day after
In the May of 1988 my father went to West Germany on a visa for a short term visit. He never returned. Shortly after, my mother started filing papers to initiate the process for family re-unification. Much later my mother explained that this had been their plan all along. But as children we were told that she hadn't known he would not return, simply so we would not accidentally tell anything to the 'Stasi” (secret police) and thus jeopardize the whole process, and all family members involved.
After that nothing ever remained the same. In our sleepy little town in Thuringia we had become those who “are going to leave”, enemies of the state, and were no longer part of the 'normal' world. For us as schoolchildren it meant were no longer allowed to participate in school functions. I learned that being at the same place at the same time does not mean people experience the same things. We had started living in a different world, a parallel universe to that of the “conformed citizen”. Men in gray overcoats randomly came to search our house and dig through our drawers, our telephone line had ominous clicking noises, and all of that to prove there had been a conspiracy to leave the country all along.
Not that we were not used to being different. My family was part of a church, and we were raised with Christian values. My grandfather had managed to keep his private company when all property was being made common good in the 50ties. We had lots of relatives in the west part of the country. Each of these facts alone was more than enough to raise suspicions.
In school everybody who went to a church had to be registered: there were five out of 25. If we didn't know God didn't exist, and Christmas is only a dusty old winter tradition? we were asked. All the other kids stared at us. We knew in our hearts we would never be able to be “model citizens” and believed even as children we would someday leave.
On November 8, 1989, after much waiting, a year and a half after my father had left, we were told that “someday” would be tomorrow. We were to go to bed early and rise early in order to pick up our papers. How many times had I dreamed to see my father through binoculars standing on the opposite side of the hill, beyond “no man's land” and the border line. But using binoculars we never would have dared. In the weeks prior we had been told to move out of our apartment in expectation of an imminent departure. My mother's parents graciously had offered to let us stay with them during this time. Meanwhile emotions ran high in the country all around us.
So when Schabowski proclaimed on the eve of November 9 that the wall had come down, the TV in my grandparents house had long been turned off. We slept right through one of the most monumental moments of German history. The next day my uncle told us: “The wall is open!”. We were hopeful and expectant all at the same time. We hurried down to the police station to pick up our papers, only to be caught in throngs of people heading the same way. “Where have they all come from?”, I remember wondering. They had never shown any interest in leaving before. I was getting angry. All our waiting, the undignified searches, all our hopes and fears – it did not seem fair that they did not have to go through the same pain as we had.
Yet, after we had collected all paperwork and made it across the border – when I saw my father standing in a parking lot on the “other side”, I didn't even wait for the car to stop. I jumped out while we were still driving and ran into his arms with tears streaming down my face.
I am glad, of course, that there is no more “DDR”. I am elated to see how much change human courage can achieve. Yet – on that 10th day of November, all I really cared about was that our family finally was happily united."
If you would like to read the original article in its entirety you can find it at: Mein Mauerfall am Tag danach - Sueddeutsche.de
Related Stories:
Berlin Celebrates Demise of Wall – UPI.com
Leaders in Berlin Retrace the Walk West – NYTimes.com
World Marks Fall of Berlin Wall – NewsOK.com
Obama Rejects Nobel Peace Prize
Posted on 11. Oct, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Politics
What has Obama done to create peace?
Obama’s incredible rise to peace advocate consisted of 11 days in office and the spending of trillions of U.S. dollars to keep the citizens of the United States from lynching AIG, CitiBank (and dozens of other banks), GM, Chrysler, and many of the corporate executives involved in the dramatic economic down-spiral of our banking system, stocks and hundreds of thousands of jobs lost in America.
Let’s recap Obama’s first 100 days in office:
- January 22, 2009 – Signs an executive order to close Guantanamo
- February 17, 2009 – Tax cuts in Stimulus Bill
- February 19, 2009 – A plan to rescue mortgages
- March 9, 2009 – Lifted the ban on embryonic Stem cell research
- March 11, 2009 – Signed $410 Billion Stimulus bill
- March 18, 2009 – Expressed anger over AIG receiving more bailout money and once again using that money to pay out millions of dollars in corporate bonuses.
- March 30, 2009 – Announced that Auto companies on their own
- April 2, 2009 – Attended a conference of world leaders at a G-20 summit in London
- April 13, 2009 – Lifted restrictions on Cuba (that will make a lot of Cuban Cigar smokers happy)
- April 20, 2009 – Asked Congress to identify $100 million dollars in additional cuts
- April 20, 2009 – Put an end to torture techniques used to interrogate prisoners
- April 23, 2009 – Allowed the release of CIA torture memos
In short, there is nothing within the first 11 days of his presidency that has warranted any kind of peace prize let alone the “Nobel Peace Prize”. There was not even a call for peace, negotiations for peace, agreements of cease-fires or anything of that nature.
Traditionally, he Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to individuals who have made a dramatic effort at establishing peace, negotiated peace efforts and have gone above and beyond in trying to achieve and achieving that end. “Blessed are the peace makers…”
“Greg Mortenson is a remarkable man, whose leadership, passion, and character is truly transforming lives and inspiring millions,” said Bono Mack. “For over fifteen years, Greg has devoted his life to promoting peace and improving education in the war-torn regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“I am deeply honored to have known Greg for many years and am proud of everything he has accomplished thus far. One of the most humble people I know, Greg is a living hero and his dedication to peace is truly changing the world. I am proud to nominate this most-worthy individual for this high honor.”
— California Chronicle – Greg Mortenson Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Greg Mortenson is a man who has worked toward peace for over 15 years in war-torn regions of the world.
Who is Greg Mortenson?
Greg Mortenson (born 1957) is a humanitarian, international peace-maker, and former mountaineer from Bozeman, Montana. Mortenson is the co-founder (with Dr. Jean Hoerni) and director of the non-profit Central Asia Institute, and founder of the educational charity Pennies For Peace. He is the protagonist and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission To Promote Peace… One School At A Time. The sequel, Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan is due for release on Dec 1, 2009.
Others who wonder what Obama has done:
Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize – a story of Obama’s efforts in the Middle East
This is an interesting article because it refers to work that Obama has begun after the February 1st deadline for nominations. Sorry – that doesn’t count. Let’s wait for the results of those initial talks but let’s be real – his nomination was based on what? Eleven days in the office of President?
Obama’s Nobel Is Premature, Historians and Political Scientists Say – Foxnews.com
How the Nobel Peace Prize is Awarded – Foxnews.com
This article is about those selfless individuals who have sacrificed years of service to promote peace at their own personal expense and yet have been passed over. There were over 200 nominations and we are sure that many of them have done more to promote peace than the President of the United States. To those selfless men and women who have worked so hard without their work being recognized – our hat goes off to you!
Who is responsible for this travesty in human sacrifice?
There is only one body of individuals who can take responsibility for the outcome of the Nobel Peace Prize and that is the Norwegian Nobel Committee. They have based their decision on a feel-good attitude of what “may come” and “what could be” rather than what “is being done” and “what has been done“. Alfred Nobel would be ashamed.
Alfred Nobel’s foundation was set up in 1865. He laid down the “bulk of his wealth to be reserved for the financing of annual honorary awards to be made in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine or physiology, literature and peace.” — NobelPeacePrize.org.
It was meant to be an honor and a reward for actual work and progress over the previous years achievements in those subjects – not what we hope to accomplish in the future. Everyone hopes for world peace but not many have made the sacrifice to achieve that goal and certainly not in only eleven days in office.
Residential Carbon Tax – The Next Great Revenue Stream
Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 by M.L. Zupan in Economics, Politics
Meet the NEW Carbon Tax!
The carbon tax may not be called a carbon tax when Congress gets finished with it, but a tax is a tax no matter how small. Besides, how else is the government going to retrieve some of those trillions of dollars in bailout money?
In Europe, the carbon tax is already a reality. But first, what is a carbon tax? It is a specific amount of money — let us say $25.00 — applied to individuals, based on a calculation of how much carbon emissions the government feels that you should be responsible for – your Carbon Footprint.
For more information on what a “Carbon Footprint” is, read: Reduce your Carbon Footprint – Five Painless Steps.
The average person, is responsible for approximately 11 – 25 tons of carbon emissions per/year or more being released into our atmosphere. A carbon tax would be per/ metric ton. So, if you have a carbon footprint of 15 metric tons (or commonly referred to as 15 tons of CO2) – then, every year you would pay an additional $375 per/year as your share of carbon tax. That is: 15 x $25.00 = $375.00
Calculate your Carbon Footprint using our mini carbon calculator.
If the carbon tax was only on a per/household basis – that would mean that the additional revenue to the government would be: 110,000,000 x $375 (that is if every persons emissions output was equal and there are 110 million households in the United States = $41 billion dollars. That is enough money to fund the Iraqi war for an additional 41 days.
It is only a matter of time. If Americans do not do something about their own carbon responsibility – then the government will find a way to do it for you. That is a fact of history that is continually repeated.
Cap and Trade or Carbon Tax – that is the question. For more information about what is being discussed in the halls of Congress – read the following report from Senate.gov:
It all boils down to money. But in the end – is the problem of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases really solved?
Barack Obama – 44th President of the United States of America
Posted on 20. Jan, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Feature, Politics
History is only history if we remember it!
Picture by: Richard Perry The New York Times
Picture by: Richard Perry The New York Times
Politics as usual? Not today!
Today, Jan. 20, 2009 marks the day that we as Americans swear in our new President. The President that was voted in by the choice of the people. Already the headlines across the global Internet are alive with great expectations as the fevered pitch of this Inauguration shapes the path of our future.
CNN Headlines already read: Washington Awakens With Inauguration Buzz
Washington awoke Tuesday crowded and excited with the inauguration of a new president that’s only a few hours away.As many as 2 million people are expected to crowd into the area between the Capitol, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial as Barack Obama takes the oath of Office at noon.
The New York Times marks this historic event with:
The Nation Awaits its 44th President
The Capitol in Washington early on Tuesday
by Peter Baker – New York Times
One article that we found written in November, already indicated the cost of coming to this inauguration week of festivities. Katharine Q. Seelye writes in her article: Got a Room? Inauguration Is a Windfall; that apartments and houses for rent during that week are ranging from $1000.00 – $60,000 and the five-county metro area has 95,000 hotel rooms.
While most of the stories are about the parties that are taking place, the amount of people who are attending, who is wearing what and the entertainment for the past week – the cast of celebrities reads like a who’s-who of Hollywood – all leading up to today; however, not all of the articles are favorable.
Take the top story in Business Week for example:
A New Era of Regulation
As Obama takes office, new government controls are on the way across a wide swath of industries. Behind the scenes, some execs worry about overrreach…
Is everybody celebrating today?
It may seem that the world is pausing and watching the events of today – or at least people in the United States – but not everyone is stopping their activities for the day just to hear the President’s speech or watch some of the entertainment. A landscaping company in Oklahoma City whom we interviewed said that “the work has to get done and where we work – there are no televisions. It is easier to stay focused and get the job done.”
Unlike PepsiCo (PEP) who is planning to make this inauguration day a memorable experience for their employees and staff. They are planning to offer live broadcasts of the inauguration, give the employees the opportunity to play presidential trivia and receive buttons, bags, hats and scarves.
PepsiCo, isn’t alone in trying to control the way their employees view this inauguration. The Marriott (MAR) is planning special functions; Raytheon (RTN), Microsoft (MSFT), HBO (TWX) are among some of the other companies who are making something special during this inauguration for their employees.
Whether or not you are part of the inauguration, just watching it because you want to feel like you are taking part in the process, or simply trying to get your job done – this is a historic day for the Annuals of the United States and what we call here at CIDA News, an “I Remember When… ” moment.
So, Remember When…
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The Results Are In! Obama did Win
Posted on 05. Nov, 2008 by Editor in Politics
Headline News: History is always in the Making!
Change Has Come to America
Yes America – You have decided. Remember this day, because you have gotten what you have voted for. And now it is time that we come together and pray for our new President. As God has ordained us as a Nation to pray – we should commit ourselves now to pray that God Almighty will give our elected officials wisdom and guidance over the years to come.
CNN Headlines Report: New Day for Obama, Democrats (image headline)
CNN Headlines: Obama to be first African-America president
New York Times (nytimes.com): OBAMA – Racial Barrier Falls as Voters Embrace Call for Change
The Wall Street Journal: Obama Sweeps to Historic Victory – Wins in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida Were Key to His Victory Over McCain; Democrats Pick Up Seats in House and Senate, Bolstering Their Majorities
These are just some of the headlines in the papers this morning. Barack Obama is continually being quoted as saying: “Change has come,”.
The Wall Street Journal wrote:
In his first speech as victor, Sen. Obama catalogued the challenges ahead. “The greatest of a lifetime,” he said, “two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.”
“He added, “There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.”
We shall see Mr. Obama. Every new president that has come alone has promised change from the former presidency. And while it is true that each one has brought change – should those call words really be a rallying call for an election.
Let’s look at the results: George Bush (R) gave us a president declaring war without the consent of Congress. Bill Clinton become the first president to get Impeached from office and allowed to remain in office. He also turned over the U.S. military authority of our troops into foreign hands – the U.N. during the Bosnian war (conflict). And finally there is George W. Bush – who has brought governmental controls into the energy industry during the first year of office with the (energy crisis), he has given us Iraq, and we have seen the worst financial crisis in the history of our nation. Have I forgotten anything?
What kinds of changes Sen. Barack Obama will you bring?
Presidential Debate or Fist-a-Cuffs?
Posted on 07. Oct, 2008 by Editor in Hot Topics, Politics
It has been a long tradition that the Presidential Candidates debate the issues that are effecting our nation and offer (with the knowledge they currently have on the topic) their solutions to the problems. It gave the American people the opportunity to hear the potential candidates – side by side – as they challenged the issues.
But in today’s world of billion dollar campaigns, and vicious mud-slinging can the candidates say anything that is even relevant to the issues? And it makes you wonder – if these are the kind of tactics that they as citizens of America treat each other in “any effort to get ahead or get what they want” to what degree would they use smear tactic campaigning as President against another nation – perhaps not a friendly nation – in order to get what he wants?
All the American People are hearing lately is what the other candidate can’t do, didn’t do, won’t do, lied about, covered up, changed their mind about, etc…
Americans do not need to have that kind of leadership! What America needs is a leader who can rise above the garbage (regardless of what is being said) and focus on the real issues. Tell Americans what you can do, how you plan to do it, when do you expect it to get done & how much money do you think it will take. Forget what isn’t being done – let us know what you are going to be doing.
And what about the other Presidential Candidates? Why are they being shutout from being heard and expressing their views and how they would lead this nation if elected? There are other choices – is there a candidate who will lead with integrity?
