Tag Archives: Iran

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wicked Wednesday weather& some News


The World is watching …    As Freedom marches ramp up and the violence against protesters breaks out again … people have had enough

Remember … there is always strength in numbers

I think we all take our freedoms for granted here in the US of A though lately the Republican Party is beginning to make me feel a little less free every day. I watched as freedom fighters  in Egypt Libya and others in the region did whatever they had to before going out to march against tyranny , but the idea that there are people being killed by their own government for wanting to be free, heard,  wanting to be participants in their own futures is not new but it is disturbing. There were  mothers with children, older men and women and college students  coming out in droves to let the current dictators know it’s time for a change and given what these dictators will lose they have chosen to “crackdown” on the protesters which we all know is pure bs and a lack of respect for life.

Months ago, we saw some of the people of Iran try to rise up and claim a voice of independence. Unfortunately, what came out of that was the loss of freedom fighters with Neda becoming their symbol of strength. However, in the end after a few days those freedom fighters had to retreat which had to be the only way to save lives. It was a rude awakening at how a dictator only respects his position and is still willing to sacrifice the many for his title, power, and money. Then we heard of an uprising in Tunisia Egypt and many others in possible transition with talk of more and more people willing to risk their lives to gain their freedom. It was definitely clear that a movement against the Ancient practice of dictatorship by freedom fighters for a move into the 21st Century was breaking out all over. The voice and votes of millions have gone uncounted and or compromised for decades.  The demand to be heard great but to get the change they need and want … means that the fear of authority was, is, cannot be an option… and the possibility of death likely.

The quick response from dictators was surprising, disturbing, and totally unacceptable. I have to say it was strange to see how fast they were able to cut off most if not all connections to the outside world, stating the US meddled in the process to divert responsibility while using extreme force on their own people. In the case of Libya, we heard their government make threats of slaughtering all who will not stand down and going house to house, which was after reports of thousands already killed by Gadhafi forces. The demand to move into the 21st Century continues to be met with bullets bombs and death. It has to make you wonder if the money the militia gets is worth killing their own people, don’t they want personal freedom , do they dare dream or wonder what living in a more modern society would be like. I guess being an American, the thought of remaining silent under force let alone 40years of dictatorship is just not an option. These men of so-called power showed the World how horrible they were and as days and weeks went by their own military forces began to crumble.  It was enlightening to see just how nefarious these dictators were and still are. I have to say it was stunning to hear that under pressure a dictator was willing to kill Military forces who wanted out and or refused to kill civilians. It was equally stunning that some managed to flee the region and others definitely in elite positions asked for refuge while workers, outsourced from other countries became shields, trapped, or lacked funds to go home, as some countries did not help their people out others took that long walk across the border to temporary safety and freedom in refugee camps.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

pray for all those involved

Other News

Egypt probes Tahrir Square
clash

Instant view: Greek parliament votes

NM Wildfire Burns Near Nuke Facility

Roche seeks more time for Avastin in
breast cancer

Taliban claims credit for hotel
attack

Burma warns Aung San Suu Kyi to halt
all political activities

Conservative blogger Breitbart sees
Sarah Palin jumping into White House race

CSPAN …

President Obama Holds News Conference

Will take questions on Afghanistan, Libya, deficit talks

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White House Releases National Counterterrorism Strategy

Deputy Nat’l Security Adviser John Brennan on U.S. plan to defeat al-Qaeda

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Senate Panel Looks at Supreme Court Rulings

Sen. Leahy said the Court sided with corporations

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Federal Reserve To Issue Final Rules on Debit Card Fees

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GAO Reports on Diplomatic Security

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for austerity plan

~ my 2cents ...

Monday mashup &some News


Today, President Obama held a White House Forum Commemorating Women’s History Month and will be addressing the Nation tonight about Libya 4:30 Pacific Time 7:30pmET –

In the summer of 2009, Americans and the World saw Neda, a student die for protesting for the right to speak out freely and some say she became the symbol to carry on. Unfortunately, we all know that the regime or government cracked down on the protesters in such a way that made us all gasp. The events in Iran shocked, offended and made most of us cry given the protests started out as peaceful demands for a new way of life, freedom to speak, better wages etc. That uprising became backburner news given the US had our own problems but quietly something was smoldering something the World can no longer turn away from. I have no idea how the US, UN or the NATO can actually help create change, help change practices so ancient that we all agree the devil is in the detail and that was in 2009. I will admit that my first experience in watching a human being shot, killed and die was during the Iran uprising because whoever was behind the video camera would not, could not, and did not stop filming. I was shocked, very sad, felt like a voyeur, and cried watching brave Iranians die. While I did not feel good about it being captured on camera for all to see before their family members were notified but it was a fight for freedom and life in the making of what I have chosen to call freedom fighters. In addition to Neda, a young man shot while protesting in Iran filmed as it happened, there were people surrounding him crying, yelling to make him breathe, and asking why he will not breathe. As the tragic events unfolded we viewers watched as someone else puts pressure on his chest but he died…that was the first time i had ever seen such a thing. I was angry, sad and hoped everyone in the streets of Iran knew that Americans and the International community were watching, demanding, and praying the abuse, atrocities, and assaults would stop. As in everything else life gets in the way and your own life takes a front seat and that Middle Easterner, Arab and or African becomes back burner news because well what can we as individuals do to help what with two wars waged by the last guy who btw didn’t end them either.

Now, or at least since February 2011 that we all know of, the World watches again while more senseless acts of terror and genocide coming from the Continent of Africa. Once inside it’s called the Arab World with an outdated autocratic system still brandishing ancient practices as Dictators and or Kings along with their forces against their own people in horror. The problem is someone got a taste of what could be, an opportunity to say what they want. The idea someone even risked speaking up and out about the possibilities of better wages, housing, that the trickledown theory just doesn’t work and low and behold there were others who feel the same way, maybe hundreds, thousands, actually millions of people mostly young educated and progressive thinking human beings wanting freedom of the ways of oppression and slavery.

The facts are that about 9000 people were reported murdered by Gadhafi forces in matter of a few weeks in Libya because they want freedom from oppression, please. I don’t know about you but that has got to upset anyone with compassion. If that wasn’t enough information came out that the Women being mistreated, left out of a reshaping a new Egypt even after getting rid of Mubarak the army or men -are also subjecting women to virginity checks in Egypt. In Libya, a woman burst in to a hotel yelling and screaming that pro-Gadhafi men had raped her and while the security fought the foreign press, smashing cameras this woman managed to give her story. I want to say thank you to the savvy person who managed to capture most if not all of the horrible incident on film, though she was dragged and taken away to who knows where at the time it was happening. I believe she is yet another symbol of the oppression women are subjected to and while the security stated she was going to jail, is said to have been released to her family, but I think this is a situation that warrants a call to the International Human Rights Organization.

I think about my generation who did not personally experience slavery of the 1800’s nor have i ever March for an issue with the idea that this could be the day that i die for wanting to be treated equality. Yes, slavery and discrimination still exists on so many levels here in the 21st Century and in my opinion the definition twisted by those with money, public servants or hold high offices who either engage or accept both as a way of life . Today, Americans watch and debate the good, bad or the ugly reasons to help the protesters, rebels and or freedom fighters in Africa and the Middle East. The hesitation to help is somewhat understandable but the way some seem to analyze it out loud is a real lesson in humanitarian behavior, how code words are used which when you break it all down, if not for the oil would Libyans get help from the French, the UK, and Italy, all who have more at stake.

The Social Network Media, which helped start the journey of change in Africa and the Middle East can no longer be ignored and has let the proverbial possibilities out of the bottle and while these tools of ancient practices refuse to accept change there are many who feel persuing freedom and happiness is well worth the risk of virtual death.

Other News …

**Contaminated water found in Japan’s underground tunnels

**Libyan rebels close to key Gadhafi locations

**Syrian troops fire at their own people

**Japan suffers another big quake 6.5 on Sunday

**A sample of rainwater in Boston finds a very small amt of radiation might be linked to Japan’s crisis

**

**President to Address Nation on Libya

To discuss U.S. role in conflict

http://www.c-span.com/Events/President-to-Address-Nation-on-Libya/10737420538/

**Lawmakers Return to Funding Debate and Situation in LIbya

Gov’t. funding runs out April 8

http://www.c-span.com/Events/Lawmakers-Return-to-Funding-Debate-and-Situation-in-LIbya/10737420511/

Pentagon Contracting System in Question

Wartime panel calls hearing

http://www.c-span.com/Events/Pentagon-Contracting-System-in-Question/10737420454/

Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University, examines how the legacy of slavery has shaped the history of America’s academic institutions. Her keynote address was part of an Emory University conference on the role of slave labor in the building of numerous American universities.

http://www.c-span.com/Events/Slavery-and-the-University–Emory-University/10737420473/

~ my 2cents ...

tempest Tuesday &some News …


The World is watching …

While the fight for Democracy breaks out all over the World, we see the marches the violence against protesters who have finally had enough. We see what most are calling the Arab World in possible transition. A movement against dictators and clerics who have ruled with iron fists and have engaged in outdated ancient practices.

Remember … there is always strength in numbers

It is so hard to understand, believe, accept, or fathom that we are in the 21st Century yet there are people on the Continent of Africa dying at the hands of their own in the Arab World for wanting to be heard, for wanting to be participants in their own futures and this is not new. There are mothers with children, older men and women and students are coming out in droves protesting to let tell these dictators it is time for a change. In a desperate move to control the truth of what they are doing to their own people, dictators have tried to cut off all connections to the outside world. They insist and expect the world to believe that the U.S. is at fault, meddling in the process of change, which should happen slowly. When the protesters did not leave, most if not all these tyrants offered up some concessions to the people like crumbs while trying to divert responsibility until their patience ran out with tantrums and threats, crackdown, use extreme force, and death to those who refuse to obey. Tyrants obviously, act without remorse because the people no longer choose to be their little children, slaves and or pawns in the effort stay in power. It is my hope that the Militia or Mercenaries rise up against these despots. As I watched in horror, I ask myself if these people have even allowed themselves a chance to stop and consider what personal, freedom would mean for them and their families. I also wonder if they feel they deserve to be happy let alone want an opportunity a change from the old ancient ways to a life with the freedom to speak, better wages, human rights, actually be a participant in the process of life. Then, like so many others have compared the uprisings in the U.S. over bargaining rights that have been a part of the Middle Class for over forty years and the forty-one year revolution for freedom in Libya.

We all know that the demand to be heard these days is great and how amazing it is to see people on two different continents with similar reactions by those who control, who truly are working for an agenda that is one of great self-interest. This seemingly symbiotic thing going on, though we are worlds apart the Arabs must fear not evil to get the change they need and want … it means that any fear of authority is not an option… and the possibility of death.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

Other News …

**McCain’s economist says the GOP plan will cost about 700thousand jobs

**Budgets will take up most of the day in Congress and in various states trying to cut slash and burn programs

**President Obama says there is room for state flexibility in HCR

**Study says 1 in 5 are gamers

**Spending cuts will hurt the economy -dueling estimates …for more info: to go CNN read the article by Lex Haris  -& Economist Mark Zandi

**UN reports crisis on Tunisia-Libyan border -EU will hold summit on March 11th

**Questions about whether the Military is turning on the protesters are starting

**Study says half the men may have HPV

**commte overrides Mayor McGinns Veto for underground tunnel

**Gadhafi regime fails to  retake rebel-held town

**Chavez warns the US and says US just wants to invade Libya

**China harassing journalists US ambassador states -cracking down on possible protests …

**Tripoli has been barricaded and Gadhafi forces say they are ready -others are marching to Tunisia border

CSPAN …

Foreign Policy

Clinton Discusses Foreign Policy Priorities with Congress

U.S.’s Next Steps for Libya

http://c-span.com/Events/Clinton-Discusses-Foreign-Policy-Priorities-with-Congress/10737419883/

Congress Tackles Fed’s Spending Deadline

GOP two week CR to be debated

http://c-span.com/Events/Congress-Tackles-Feds-Spending-Deadline/10737419881/

On Capitol Hill

Bernanke Unveils ‘State of the Economy’ Report

First of two-day testimony

http://c-span.com/Events/Bernanke-Unveils-State-of-the-Economy-Report/10737419880/

Congress, White House Question the Future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

http://c-span.com/Events/Congress-White-House-Question-the-Future-of-Fannie-Mae-and-Freddie-Mac/10737419893/

The National Governors Association concluded its 3-day winter meeting today with an address by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. Governors from across the country gathered to discuss issues facing states, including job creation and providing education that prepares workers to compete in a global market. http://c-span.com/Events/Bill-Gates-Addresses-Governors-on-Improving-Education/10737419825/

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi must step down and be held accountable for violence against the Libyan people. Recently, The U.N. Security Council voted for an arms embargo and other sanctions targeting the Libyan leader and his regime. Several countries, including the United States, have agreed to freeze the assets of the Libyan leader and his family. http://c-span.com/Events/Secretary-of-State-Clinton-Remarks-at-UN-Human-Rights-Council/10737419885/

Prime Minister David Cameron updated Members of Parliament on his recent trip to the Middle East and on the political situation in Libya with remarks from the British House of Commons in London. The British government has agreed to freeze the assets of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his family. http://c-span.com/Events/British-Prime-Minister-David-Cameron-Remarks-on-Libya/10737419889/

State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley conducted a daily briefing and said a no fly zone around Egypt is just one of many options being considered by the U.S. and others. Mr. Crowley also said the U.S. Ambassador to Libya is in direct contact with opposition groups there. http://c-span.com/Events/State-Department-Press-Briefing/10737419888 / 

U.N. ambassador Susan Rice fielded questions from reporters on the situation in Libya at this White House Briefing. She called Libyan leader Gaddafi’s denials of violence in the region, “delusional” and that now is time for him to step down. http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Jay-Carney/10737419887/

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF …thoughts of Egypt &some News


As President Obama visits Penn State to talk on energy he will also reveal his plan to reinvest in the future to a crowd of 3ooo, he will also be holding a news conference 3pmET with Canadian PMinister, which you can watch on CSPAN … if you want to read about the visit to Penn State go to: www.centredaily.com

President Obama visited the Penn State Campus in State College, Pennsylvania and toured labs focused on energy-efficient building solutions. The President then delivered remarks on the importance of investing in innovation and clean energy to put people back to work and grow the economy. http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-Remarks-on-Innovation-at-Penn-State/10737419391/

It is Friday night in Egypt, Cairo ….and

The World is now watching …

The marches started in Tunisia; which gave way to Egypt and moved on to cities like Alexandria. As the protests get ramped up the violence has as well but the people of Egypt like Iran have had enough, though this revolt seems to be on a roll to the people getting an opportunity to shape their own democracy, freedoms and human rights. The President appointed a VP announced he will not run for office again yet tells the World he will see his country through until the September elections. The fact is …this just seems like a military man who not only is stubborn but unwilling to listen or do right by his own people. It has been about 11 days later, several hundred injured and at least 15 dead and it gives the viewer the idea that Mubarak would rather see his country be torn up and down than do what is right and save face. The World has been watching the physical crackdown by either Mubarak and or the new VP with orders to harass foreign media, take Cameras, and detain people in the name of safety or something else. Now, it is getting harder and harder to tell the pro-Mubarak people from the pro-democracy protestors, as it is obvious being undercover enables them to do more damage.

Remember … there is always strength in numbers

people dying for wanting to be heard, for wanting to be participants in their own futures is not new … mothers with children, older men and women and college students are coming out in droves to let the current dictators know it’s time for a change

We see a country in possible transition, definitely a movement against a dictatorship who has been President for thirty years; obviously, the votes of millions have gone uncounted. The people of Egypt are demanding to be heard and it is obvious that many know that to get the change they need and want … it means demanding to be heard and fear or fear of authority is not an option… and the possibility of death imminent.

Mubarak and or his new VP have tried to cut off all connections to the outside World, have been diverting responsibility, and obviously willing to use extreme force. The military and the police have let things go so far then they show their might with gun fire; but don’t they want personal freedom too … a change from the old ways to a more positive way of life … human rights, a chance for a better economy and a chance to be heard, to be a real participant in the process of life ….

They have a dictator who will not step down quietly has threatened and is now bringing the pain to his own people for what started out as a non-violent protest and demand for freedom and it is shameful.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

Pray for all those involved and hope Americans are safe

Other News …

** Top Iran leader to Mubarak… you betrayed your people-response is appropriate against his rule

**Tens of thousands still in the square of Cairo as night comes

**Folks all around the country are marking the 100yrs since RonReagan was born

**Monster storm keeps beating down on the East Coast

**Fighting between Cambodia and Thai troops near disputed temple- the Preah Vihear — on the border

**Giffords husband will go on last NASA flight 

**Senate Panel Backs Patent Overhaul Bill

**Report states FBI failed ,Fort Hood shooting

**House Repubs Propose $32Bil Cut in Fed Spending- FYI remember that is less than 1/3 of the $100Bil they promised

**Al-Jazeera’s offices torched during Egypt unrest

**Zimbabwe protesters mob aid project handover

**LA school dist cancels Chef JamieOliver’s reality shoot

**the protests in Egypt cost around $300M per day says their govt

**Dollar climbs as the job rate falls to 9%

CSPAN …

 Journalists discussed the protests in Egypt and looked at the future implications of that uprising at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Speakers include Bob Schieffer, anchor of the CBS Sunday morning program “Face the Nation,” as well as al Jazeera Arabic’s Washington Bureau Chief and the Chief Pentagon Correspondent for McClathcy Newspapers. http://c-span.com/Events/CSIS-Discussion-on-Political-Unrest-in-Egypt/10737419389/ 

With protests continuing in Egypt, and recent developments in Tunisia, the Obama administration faces a changing landscape in the Middle East. Two human rights experts and a former State Department official discussed the developments at this event hosted by Carnegie Endowment for Int’l Peace. http://c-span.com/Events/Carnegie-Endowment-for-Int39l-Peace-Discussion-on-Political-Unrest-in-Egypt/10737419396/

Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME) spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill about the latest report on the Fort Hood shootings. The report blames the army and the FBI for not doing enough to prevent the 2009 shootings which killed 13 people. http://c-span.com/Events/News-Conference-on-Fort-Hood-Shootings/10737419394/

Iraq U.S. Forces Commander General Lloyd Austin and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey gave an upbeat assessment on the transition in the country from a military mission to a civilian-led effort at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. They appeared before the committee to answer questions about a 2008 agreement between the U.S. and Iraq that calls for all U.S. troops to withdraw from the region by the end of this year. According to a Senate Foreign Relations Committee report released recently, American diplomats and other mission employees may not be safe in Iraq if the U.S. military leaves by the deadline. http://c-span.com/Events/Senate-Armed-Services-Cmte-Hearing-on-Policy-Toward-Iraq/10737419393/

The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing on U.S. economic recovery efforts. This is one of a series of hearings the Committee held on the U.S. economy and the federal budget. President Obama is scheduled to release his federal budget proposal to Congress later this month, which will kick off the budget process for the federal government’s fiscal 2012. Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) chairs the committee http://c-span.com/Events/Senate-Budget-Cmte-Hearing-on-Economic-Recovery/10737419388/

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

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