Taken at the Aartal Kaserne, Herborn-Seelbach, West Germany, in 1982.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Fox - U.S. Consulate Mistakenly Sells Secret Files in Jerusalem
Fox News
U.S. Consulate Mistakenly Sells Secret Files in Jerusalem
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 By Reena Ninan
FOX News obtained hundreds of sensitive files mistakenly sold by the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem at a public auction.
EXCLUSIVE: Hundreds of files — with social security numbers, bank account numbers and other sensitive U.S. government information — were found in a filing cabinet purchased from the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem through a local auction.
Read the whole article here.
U.S. Consulate Mistakenly Sells Secret Files in Jerusalem
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 By Reena Ninan
FOX News obtained hundreds of sensitive files mistakenly sold by the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem at a public auction.
EXCLUSIVE: Hundreds of files — with social security numbers, bank account numbers and other sensitive U.S. government information — were found in a filing cabinet purchased from the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem through a local auction.
Read the whole article here.
CNN - Visitors to U.S. face refusal under new online entry system
CNN
Visitors to U.S. face refusal under new online entry system
January 12, 2009 -- Updated 1102 GMT (1902 HKT)
LONDON, England (CNN) -- From today, travelers visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) risk being detained at airports and sent home if they don't comply with new U.S. immigration rules.
Read the whole article here.
Visitors to U.S. face refusal under new online entry system
January 12, 2009 -- Updated 1102 GMT (1902 HKT)
LONDON, England (CNN) -- From today, travelers visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) risk being detained at airports and sent home if they don't comply with new U.S. immigration rules.
Read the whole article here.
JO - The politics of race
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
The politics of race
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Dear Editor,
The system of government originated in Africa. Humanity itself began in Africa. I stress these points mainly because, in spite of Barack Obama's clear-cut qualifications to be president of the United States, many ignorant non-blacks are scrutinising his ability to effectively hold the post strictly on the basis of race. For some, the very notion of a black man claiming the highest political office of a so-called first-world country, even with his biracial genealogy, is a threat to every nefarious falsehood they've ever held about black people.
Read the whole letter here.
Jamaica Observer
The politics of race
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Dear Editor,
The system of government originated in Africa. Humanity itself began in Africa. I stress these points mainly because, in spite of Barack Obama's clear-cut qualifications to be president of the United States, many ignorant non-blacks are scrutinising his ability to effectively hold the post strictly on the basis of race. For some, the very notion of a black man claiming the highest political office of a so-called first-world country, even with his biracial genealogy, is a threat to every nefarious falsehood they've ever held about black people.
Read the whole letter here.
WT - FBI security checks called deficient. Justice questions reliability.
From my archive of press clippings:
Washington Times
FBI security checks called deficient. Justice questions reliability.
Jerry Seper
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Security procedures used by the FBI to check immigration and naturalization applicants have "serious deficiencies" that have resulted in large backlogs and raised questions about the reliability of the information, a Justice Department report said Monday.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In a highly redacted 120-page report, the department's Office of the Inspector General said that while the FBI generally was able to process millions of fingerprint checks "in an accurate and timely manner," the bureau's name check processes rely on "outdated and inefficient technology, personnel who have limited training, overburdened supervisors and inadequate quality assurance measures."
As a result, the name check process is backlogged and also provides little assurance that necessary information is retrieved and transmitted to customer agencies," Inspector General Glenn A. Fine said."
&
"The IG's review examined the FBI's National Name Check Program (NNCP) and its Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).
FBI Assistant Director John Miller said that while processing nearly 77,000 name check requests per week, the FBI has completed nearly 97 percent of the requests in the last five years and that the majority - nearly 90 percent - were completed within 120 days, well within the required 180-day limit."
Washington Times
FBI security checks called deficient. Justice questions reliability.
Jerry Seper
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Security procedures used by the FBI to check immigration and naturalization applicants have "serious deficiencies" that have resulted in large backlogs and raised questions about the reliability of the information, a Justice Department report said Monday.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In a highly redacted 120-page report, the department's Office of the Inspector General said that while the FBI generally was able to process millions of fingerprint checks "in an accurate and timely manner," the bureau's name check processes rely on "outdated and inefficient technology, personnel who have limited training, overburdened supervisors and inadequate quality assurance measures."
As a result, the name check process is backlogged and also provides little assurance that necessary information is retrieved and transmitted to customer agencies," Inspector General Glenn A. Fine said."
&
"The IG's review examined the FBI's National Name Check Program (NNCP) and its Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).
FBI Assistant Director John Miller said that while processing nearly 77,000 name check requests per week, the FBI has completed nearly 97 percent of the requests in the last five years and that the majority - nearly 90 percent - were completed within 120 days, well within the required 180-day limit."
JO - Dual citizenship shows lack of commitment from political leaders
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Dual citizenship shows lack of commitment from political leaders
Curtis Webley
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Most Jamaicans, if they desire, should have the right to hold dual citizenship, provided that there are no laws to the contrary. This is freedom that is innate and epitomises what democracy is all about.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Dual citizenship can enhance the economy of countries, or the country of the individual preference, including but not limited to the use and dissemination of intellectual property."
Jamaica Observer
Dual citizenship shows lack of commitment from political leaders
Curtis Webley
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Most Jamaicans, if they desire, should have the right to hold dual citizenship, provided that there are no laws to the contrary. This is freedom that is innate and epitomises what democracy is all about.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Dual citizenship can enhance the economy of countries, or the country of the individual preference, including but not limited to the use and dissemination of intellectual property."
Friday, January 30, 2009
re: "When Will The Islamic Republic Apologize?"
Robert at Expat Yank ("one American Living in the South of England") is still waiting, as are the rest of us.
Money quote(s):
"(T)he U.S. had diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic at its inception. Those ceased when the Islamic Republic made relations impossible. How?
Americans are still waiting to hear “sorry” from the Islamic Republic for its having orchestrated the overrunning of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979 in complete rejection of centuries-long diplomatic practices. The staff were taken hostage, threatened with death, and 52 of them were imprisoned in Iran until January 1981.
Iran was lucky, then, that the U.S. only broke off relations six months later, and did not declare war on the regime. U.S. restraint at that time was remarkable, and demonstrated how “slow to war” is the country."
Money quote(s):
"(T)he U.S. had diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic at its inception. Those ceased when the Islamic Republic made relations impossible. How?
Americans are still waiting to hear “sorry” from the Islamic Republic for its having orchestrated the overrunning of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979 in complete rejection of centuries-long diplomatic practices. The staff were taken hostage, threatened with death, and 52 of them were imprisoned in Iran until January 1981.
Iran was lucky, then, that the U.S. only broke off relations six months later, and did not declare war on the regime. U.S. restraint at that time was remarkable, and demonstrated how “slow to war” is the country."
AHN - British Rapper Lady Sovereign Cancels U.S. Shows Due To Visa Problems
AllHeadlineNews
British Rapper Lady Sovereign Cancels U.S. Shows Due To Visa Problems
January 27, 2009 7:03 a.m. EST
Nidhi Sharma - Celebrity News Service Reporter
New York, NY (CNS) - Visa complications have forced British rapper Lady Sovereign to push back her quick run of small-venue U.S. shows for a week.
Sovereign was scheduled to perform at Pianos in New York on January 26, but that show has been moved to February 2.
Read the whole article here.
British Rapper Lady Sovereign Cancels U.S. Shows Due To Visa Problems
January 27, 2009 7:03 a.m. EST
Nidhi Sharma - Celebrity News Service Reporter
New York, NY (CNS) - Visa complications have forced British rapper Lady Sovereign to push back her quick run of small-venue U.S. shows for a week.
Sovereign was scheduled to perform at Pianos in New York on January 26, but that show has been moved to February 2.
Read the whole article here.
JG - Thievery: a national disease
Jamaica Gleaner
Thievery: a national disease
Published: Sunday January 11, 2009
Avia Collinder, Gleaner Writer
DARING ACTS of theft featured prominently in the news in 2008 with the most amazing report being the theft of an entire beach. Most chilling, however, was the reported plundering of belongings of market vendors who died in the horrific Portland truck tragedy in December. Reports stated that the shop of one passenger was emptied after the accident.
Read the whole article here.
Thievery: a national disease
Published: Sunday January 11, 2009
Avia Collinder, Gleaner Writer
DARING ACTS of theft featured prominently in the news in 2008 with the most amazing report being the theft of an entire beach. Most chilling, however, was the reported plundering of belongings of market vendors who died in the horrific Portland truck tragedy in December. Reports stated that the shop of one passenger was emptied after the accident.
Read the whole article here.
AFP - US, Bulgaria hail 'excellent' bilateral ties, talk visa waiver
From my archive of press clippings:
AFP
US, Bulgaria hail 'excellent' bilateral ties, talk visa waiver
7/10/2008
SOFIA (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin hailed what they both described as "excellent" ties between the two countries and expressed hopes for reaching a deal soon on a US visa waiver programme for Bulgarians. Speaking to journalists after one-on-one talks in the Bulgarian capital, Rice described Kalfin as "a good friend".
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Bulgarian minister, for his part, said ties between Bulgaria and the US "have never been better." "
&
"Both Rice and Kalfin said that progress had been made towards reaching a visa waiver programme for Bulgarians wanting to travel to the United States.
But neither gave any indication as to when such a deal might be signed."
AFP
US, Bulgaria hail 'excellent' bilateral ties, talk visa waiver
7/10/2008
SOFIA (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin hailed what they both described as "excellent" ties between the two countries and expressed hopes for reaching a deal soon on a US visa waiver programme for Bulgarians. Speaking to journalists after one-on-one talks in the Bulgarian capital, Rice described Kalfin as "a good friend".
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Bulgarian minister, for his part, said ties between Bulgaria and the US "have never been better." "
&
"Both Rice and Kalfin said that progress had been made towards reaching a visa waiver programme for Bulgarians wanting to travel to the United States.
But neither gave any indication as to when such a deal might be signed."
BTN - DHS To Launch Online Visa Waiver Program
From my archive of press clippings:
Business Travel News Online
DHS To Launch Online Visa Waiver Program
By Patty Donmoyer
JUNE 09, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security this month took a pivotal step toward implementing a new online system that better secures the Visa Waiver Program, issuing an interim final rule that deploys new technology that screens and authorizes U.S.-bound travelers before they board their transport.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Electronic System for Travel Authorization will require U.S.-bound travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to submit information online to the Department of Homeland Security.
Once approved, the clearance is valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ESTA Web site opens for voluntary applications on Aug. 1."
&
"Some 15 million people visited the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries last year.
Twenty-seven countries currently participate in the program, ranging from Andorra to the United Kingdom.
Memorandums of understanding have been signed with nine other countries ranging from the Czech Republic to South Korea, a first step towards including them in the program."
Business Travel News Online
DHS To Launch Online Visa Waiver Program
By Patty Donmoyer
JUNE 09, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security this month took a pivotal step toward implementing a new online system that better secures the Visa Waiver Program, issuing an interim final rule that deploys new technology that screens and authorizes U.S.-bound travelers before they board their transport.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Electronic System for Travel Authorization will require U.S.-bound travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to submit information online to the Department of Homeland Security.
Once approved, the clearance is valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ESTA Web site opens for voluntary applications on Aug. 1."
&
"Some 15 million people visited the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries last year.
Twenty-seven countries currently participate in the program, ranging from Andorra to the United Kingdom.
Memorandums of understanding have been signed with nine other countries ranging from the Czech Republic to South Korea, a first step towards including them in the program."
LAT- Migrant workers' stays may be extended
From my archive of press clippings:
Los Angeles Times
Migrant workers' stays may be extended
May 22, 2008
Although a major piece of immigration legislation looks unlikely to happen during the Bush administration's waning months, perceived labor shortages are increasing the pressure for the extension of temporary work permissions.
Read the whole article here.
Los Angeles Times
Migrant workers' stays may be extended
May 22, 2008
Although a major piece of immigration legislation looks unlikely to happen during the Bush administration's waning months, perceived labor shortages are increasing the pressure for the extension of temporary work permissions.
Read the whole article here.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Lunch for Two
Taken at the Brunnen Eck, Herborn, Germany, on August 26, 2006, at right about lunchtime.
AFP - Absent fathers could lose passports under crackdown
AFP
Absent fathers could lose passports under crackdown
LONDON (AFP) — Fathers who refuse to pay child maintenance could be stripped of their drivers' licence and passport under plans to go before parliament on Tuesday to crackdown on "deadbeat dads".
Read the whole article here.
Absent fathers could lose passports under crackdown
LONDON (AFP) — Fathers who refuse to pay child maintenance could be stripped of their drivers' licence and passport under plans to go before parliament on Tuesday to crackdown on "deadbeat dads".
Read the whole article here.
JO - The challenge of restoring US credibility
Jamaica Observer
The challenge of restoring US credibility
CLAUDE ROBINSON
Sunday, January 11, 2009
FROST-NIXON, one of several wonderful movies showing in New York City when I was there over the Christmas and New Year holidays, has a great line which could serve to introduce discussion in the US media around President-elect Barack Obama's pick to head the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
CLAUDE ROBINSON
The movie is based on the celebrated interview of President Richard Nixon by the British journalist and broadcaster David Frost about crimes committed by Nixon and some of his top aides in the Watergate burglary and executive cover-up leading to Nixon's fall in the 1970s.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In one memorable sequence Frost quizzed Nixon as to whether he was suggesting that it was OK for the president to break the law. The reply was swift, if somewhat incredible: "What I am saying is that when the president does it, it is not illegal".
The exchange was a chilling reminder of assertions by the outgoing Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld administration that denial of the protections of the Geneva Conventions to detainees at Guantanamo was justified because they were not prisoners of war, as decreed by the Conventions and US law, but 'enemy combatants' as decreed by President Bush."
(Clearly this is another person who hasn't actually read the Geneva Conventions. - CAA)
The challenge of restoring US credibility
CLAUDE ROBINSON
Sunday, January 11, 2009
FROST-NIXON, one of several wonderful movies showing in New York City when I was there over the Christmas and New Year holidays, has a great line which could serve to introduce discussion in the US media around President-elect Barack Obama's pick to head the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
CLAUDE ROBINSON
The movie is based on the celebrated interview of President Richard Nixon by the British journalist and broadcaster David Frost about crimes committed by Nixon and some of his top aides in the Watergate burglary and executive cover-up leading to Nixon's fall in the 1970s.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"In one memorable sequence Frost quizzed Nixon as to whether he was suggesting that it was OK for the president to break the law. The reply was swift, if somewhat incredible: "What I am saying is that when the president does it, it is not illegal".
The exchange was a chilling reminder of assertions by the outgoing Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld administration that denial of the protections of the Geneva Conventions to detainees at Guantanamo was justified because they were not prisoners of war, as decreed by the Conventions and US law, but 'enemy combatants' as decreed by President Bush."
(Clearly this is another person who hasn't actually read the Geneva Conventions. - CAA)
JO - Better times ahead for police force
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Better times ahead for police force
KEN CHAPLIN
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin loved his distinguished beard. He cultivated it for 30 years while in the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard. However, the day he got his uniform as commissioner, he shaved off his beard because it is a long-standing policy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that policemen should not sport a beard. He got much admiration from members of the force and civilians for falling in line in spite of the fact that he heads the force. This goes to show how simple things can create a favourable impact.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"It is not new for officers of the JDF to be appointed to the JCF to beef up the organisation. There was RT "Rocky" Michelin, commissioner from 1953-58, a firm officer."
&
"Those were the colonial days when the sun had just begun to set on the British Empire. Then there were Gordon Langdon, a fine commissioner whom no government could push around; Flight Lieutenant Vin Bunting, deputy commissioner who served in the Royal Air Force, an officer with an incisive mind; Neville Ernandez, assistant commissioner, who granted no favours; SO "Soapy" Day, senior superintendent, a jolly officer; fearless Owen Stephenson, a rough assistant commissioner who had a reputation for going anywhere at any time, and Commissioner Colonel Trevor MacMillan, who brooked no political interference, and who is now minister of national security."
Jamaica Observer
Better times ahead for police force
KEN CHAPLIN
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin loved his distinguished beard. He cultivated it for 30 years while in the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard. However, the day he got his uniform as commissioner, he shaved off his beard because it is a long-standing policy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that policemen should not sport a beard. He got much admiration from members of the force and civilians for falling in line in spite of the fact that he heads the force. This goes to show how simple things can create a favourable impact.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"It is not new for officers of the JDF to be appointed to the JCF to beef up the organisation. There was RT "Rocky" Michelin, commissioner from 1953-58, a firm officer."
&
"Those were the colonial days when the sun had just begun to set on the British Empire. Then there were Gordon Langdon, a fine commissioner whom no government could push around; Flight Lieutenant Vin Bunting, deputy commissioner who served in the Royal Air Force, an officer with an incisive mind; Neville Ernandez, assistant commissioner, who granted no favours; SO "Soapy" Day, senior superintendent, a jolly officer; fearless Owen Stephenson, a rough assistant commissioner who had a reputation for going anywhere at any time, and Commissioner Colonel Trevor MacMillan, who brooked no political interference, and who is now minister of national security."
JG - Mealy-mouthed nationalism
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Mealy-mouthed nationalism
published: Sunday June 8, 2008
Ken Jones, Contributor
Ken Jones - Contributed
It's an ill wind that blows no good; and so it is with the twisting tornado that envelops dual citizenship in Jamaica. Abe Dabdoub's motives might not be all that laudable, but with his desire to upset the expressed will of the voters of western Portland he had made us fully aware of the lurking dangers of Section 40 of the Constitution.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"For 45 years this clause has remained virtually unnoticed, certainly unused and surely as a time bomb waiting to undermine the unity of our people and, as we now see, create utter confusion in our parliamentary affairs.
Purporting to protect our Parliament from outside influences, Section 40 has made second-class citizens of hundreds of thousands of well-thinking Jamaicans at home and abroad.
It has also stirred many unreasonable voices to intone against regional neighbours, including a very friendly country that has proven to be our greatest benefactor and trading partner - the United States of America.
All this is being done in the name of a brand of nationalism that does not ring true; and does not take cognisance of the fact that this supposedly protective rule does not apply to such high offices as the Governor General, the Police Commissioner, and probably the head of the military force."
Jamaica Gleaner
Mealy-mouthed nationalism
published: Sunday June 8, 2008
Ken Jones, Contributor
Ken Jones - Contributed
It's an ill wind that blows no good; and so it is with the twisting tornado that envelops dual citizenship in Jamaica. Abe Dabdoub's motives might not be all that laudable, but with his desire to upset the expressed will of the voters of western Portland he had made us fully aware of the lurking dangers of Section 40 of the Constitution.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"For 45 years this clause has remained virtually unnoticed, certainly unused and surely as a time bomb waiting to undermine the unity of our people and, as we now see, create utter confusion in our parliamentary affairs.
Purporting to protect our Parliament from outside influences, Section 40 has made second-class citizens of hundreds of thousands of well-thinking Jamaicans at home and abroad.
It has also stirred many unreasonable voices to intone against regional neighbours, including a very friendly country that has proven to be our greatest benefactor and trading partner - the United States of America.
All this is being done in the name of a brand of nationalism that does not ring true; and does not take cognisance of the fact that this supposedly protective rule does not apply to such high offices as the Governor General, the Police Commissioner, and probably the head of the military force."
Google - Guatemala annuls 15 adoption cases
From my archive of press clippings:
Google
Guatemala annuls 15 adoption cases
May 21, 2008
By RODRIGO ESTRADA
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Guatemala's attorney general said Wednesday he has annulled 15 pending adoptions to U.S. couples after finding evidence of fraud or other irregularities.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Attorney General Baudilio Portillo suspended all of Guatemala's 2,286 pending adoption cases in early May to investigate them.
The 15 annulled cases represent nearly 10 percent of the 160 cases that have been reviewed thus far.
Another 2,126 must still be investigated.
The 145 cases that were not annulled were allowed to move forward."
&
"The babies whose cases have been annulled will be put in foster homes until a judge locates their parents. If their parents aren't found, they will be put up for adoption again."
Guatemala annuls 15 adoption cases
May 21, 2008
By RODRIGO ESTRADA
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Guatemala's attorney general said Wednesday he has annulled 15 pending adoptions to U.S. couples after finding evidence of fraud or other irregularities.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Attorney General Baudilio Portillo suspended all of Guatemala's 2,286 pending adoption cases in early May to investigate them.
The 15 annulled cases represent nearly 10 percent of the 160 cases that have been reviewed thus far.
Another 2,126 must still be investigated.
The 145 cases that were not annulled were allowed to move forward."
&
"The babies whose cases have been annulled will be put in foster homes until a judge locates their parents. If their parents aren't found, they will be put up for adoption again."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
admin notes
CAA added another 10 links in the sidebar, moving them over from the older CAA web log. That includes two comic strips which I hope you'll enjoy, as well as links to AFSA, The Pyrates Royale, and The Rogues (among others).
Also, yesterday the new site counter clicked over with the 1,000th visitor, from Georgia (the state).
Also, yesterday the new site counter clicked over with the 1,000th visitor, from Georgia (the state).
re: "Although, There Was That Genghis Khan Role."
Robert at Expat Yank ("one American Living in the South of England") deconstructs common stereotypes about Americans held by people who mistakenly think they know a lot about America.
Money quote(s):
"(A)s an American (speaking only for himself) one could well respond that whether bombing Canada would have been appropriate would rather have depended on certain factors, really.
Especially this: did investigators uncover clear evidence pointing conclusively to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Canadian government in Ottawa being functionally intertwined with, and ideologically aligned totally with, “extremists” who bankrolled and trained those geese at camps in Newfoundland to attack U.S. aircraft suicidally in order to kill hundreds of American travellers? Sadly, worldly observant London-based Canadian Ms Kafno doesn’t address that rather important caveat. But in being so blasé and dismissive over the very real brutal and horrific murders of thousands a scant few miles away in that same NYC in 2001, suicidal attacks that were hatched and organized from just that sort of Taliban/Al Qaeda Afghanistan, it would have undoubtedly been the apex of unreasonability to have expected her to have made that small effort."
Ha. Ha. The geese that downed the USAir flight were from Canadian, so of course the trigger-happy Americans will bomb Canada.
I get it.
Clever.
Not.
Robert will school this knucklehead.
"one might also think we have already for some years had quite a few examples of “extremists in the open” — particularly when they are rather “openly” blowing themselves up to try to blow us up, just blowing us up, or shouting about how they desperately crave to blow us up"
That last sort of thing should be viewed as falling under the "shouting-fire-in-a-crowded-theater" exception to free speech, particularly in wartime, and the utterers taken at their word. With appropriate consequences, including notification of their next-of-kin.
"(E)veryone else, including those who follow a particular religious faith, are all non-essentialist individuals. All people are heartily different from one another with no shared “traits” whatsoever. Except Americans, of course: they are cartoons."
That's one of the drawbacks of Hollywood being the 500 lbs. gorilla of the global entertainment industry. Everyone's seen an American movie so they think they know about America and Americans. And lots of Europeans have visited New York City and Los Angeles and Miami so of course they're experts on American culture and folkways. Naturally.
"“Big John,” yes, at times played some morally questionable American characters, which is hardly surprising given that he was portraying characters on screen (films aren’t “real” remember), so they had to be somewhat “interesting.” However, yours truly also cannot recall a major film in which “the Duke” starred as an American in a “shoot ‘em up, g-damnit, slaughter all of ‘em, women and children, too, just for the sake a killin’, and because I feel like it and it makes me feel good, pilgrim” role?"
I too must have missed those ones.
"(H)ollow accusations cannot easily demolish how Mr Wayne’s stereotypical character that has come down to us was clearly almost never “the provoker” so much as the man who didn’t fight until unduly provoked and United Nations mediation was definitely unavailable. Mostly, he fought when he felt his back was against the wall, in order to save the women and the children, the farmers, the town, the country.
That unwillingness to fight lightly does seem very much an American trait that John Wayne on screen came to epitomize, which is probably why so many identified with his characters: because they saw themselves in his outlook. Remember, before he became a truly huge star, it had taken a direct assault on the major U.S. Pacific naval base at Pearl Harbor to get Americans into the fight against Japan. It had also required Hitler’s declaration of war on the U.S. to push Americans into the war against Nazi Germany.
All after much of the rest of the world was already in a titanic life or death struggle for over two years. Yet not having been directly confronted themselves, Americans as late as December 6, 1941 for some reason didn’t relish the chance to jump in a-shootin’? Remarkable that reticence from a nation of “unrestrained” military tendencies that is populated by “born flagwavers.”
More recently, to prompt major U.S. military action abroad? That required a series of surprise suicide attacks that attempted to flatten lower Manhattan and destroy parts of Washington, aiming to kill tens of thousands with a few carefully pinpointed blows. Amazing: talk about a bully people with fingers perpetually on triggers, seeking a fight over the most insignificant of provocations?
True, that horrific violence unleashed at them in 2001 subsequently moved many Americans to reflect upon a hatred that had been directed at their country from a disturbingly large number of people generally embracing a certain religious faith. Which as we know had been almost entirely Bush’s fault."
I really like Robert.
Money quote(s):
"(A)s an American (speaking only for himself) one could well respond that whether bombing Canada would have been appropriate would rather have depended on certain factors, really.
Especially this: did investigators uncover clear evidence pointing conclusively to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Canadian government in Ottawa being functionally intertwined with, and ideologically aligned totally with, “extremists” who bankrolled and trained those geese at camps in Newfoundland to attack U.S. aircraft suicidally in order to kill hundreds of American travellers? Sadly, worldly observant London-based Canadian Ms Kafno doesn’t address that rather important caveat. But in being so blasé and dismissive over the very real brutal and horrific murders of thousands a scant few miles away in that same NYC in 2001, suicidal attacks that were hatched and organized from just that sort of Taliban/Al Qaeda Afghanistan, it would have undoubtedly been the apex of unreasonability to have expected her to have made that small effort."
Ha. Ha. The geese that downed the USAir flight were from Canadian, so of course the trigger-happy Americans will bomb Canada.
I get it.
Clever.
Not.
Robert will school this knucklehead.
"one might also think we have already for some years had quite a few examples of “extremists in the open” — particularly when they are rather “openly” blowing themselves up to try to blow us up, just blowing us up, or shouting about how they desperately crave to blow us up"
That last sort of thing should be viewed as falling under the "shouting-fire-in-a-crowded-theater" exception to free speech, particularly in wartime, and the utterers taken at their word. With appropriate consequences, including notification of their next-of-kin.
"(E)veryone else, including those who follow a particular religious faith, are all non-essentialist individuals. All people are heartily different from one another with no shared “traits” whatsoever. Except Americans, of course: they are cartoons."
That's one of the drawbacks of Hollywood being the 500 lbs. gorilla of the global entertainment industry. Everyone's seen an American movie so they think they know about America and Americans. And lots of Europeans have visited New York City and Los Angeles and Miami so of course they're experts on American culture and folkways. Naturally.
"“Big John,” yes, at times played some morally questionable American characters, which is hardly surprising given that he was portraying characters on screen (films aren’t “real” remember), so they had to be somewhat “interesting.” However, yours truly also cannot recall a major film in which “the Duke” starred as an American in a “shoot ‘em up, g-damnit, slaughter all of ‘em, women and children, too, just for the sake a killin’, and because I feel like it and it makes me feel good, pilgrim” role?"
I too must have missed those ones.
"(H)ollow accusations cannot easily demolish how Mr Wayne’s stereotypical character that has come down to us was clearly almost never “the provoker” so much as the man who didn’t fight until unduly provoked and United Nations mediation was definitely unavailable. Mostly, he fought when he felt his back was against the wall, in order to save the women and the children, the farmers, the town, the country.
That unwillingness to fight lightly does seem very much an American trait that John Wayne on screen came to epitomize, which is probably why so many identified with his characters: because they saw themselves in his outlook. Remember, before he became a truly huge star, it had taken a direct assault on the major U.S. Pacific naval base at Pearl Harbor to get Americans into the fight against Japan. It had also required Hitler’s declaration of war on the U.S. to push Americans into the war against Nazi Germany.
All after much of the rest of the world was already in a titanic life or death struggle for over two years. Yet not having been directly confronted themselves, Americans as late as December 6, 1941 for some reason didn’t relish the chance to jump in a-shootin’? Remarkable that reticence from a nation of “unrestrained” military tendencies that is populated by “born flagwavers.”
More recently, to prompt major U.S. military action abroad? That required a series of surprise suicide attacks that attempted to flatten lower Manhattan and destroy parts of Washington, aiming to kill tens of thousands with a few carefully pinpointed blows. Amazing: talk about a bully people with fingers perpetually on triggers, seeking a fight over the most insignificant of provocations?
True, that horrific violence unleashed at them in 2001 subsequently moved many Americans to reflect upon a hatred that had been directed at their country from a disturbingly large number of people generally embracing a certain religious faith. Which as we know had been almost entirely Bush’s fault."
I really like Robert.
re: "The Other Don't Ask Don't Tell"
Charlie at Undiplomatic ("dedicated to covering the intersection of diplomacy, global issues, U.S. politics, and pop-culture") addresses the issue of same-sex partners in the Foreign Service.
Money quote(s):
"(F)oreign service officers who were member of Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, who were fighting to get recognition for same sex spouses.
Although benefits were a big part of what they were fighting for, an equally important issue was how their spouses were treated overseas. The reality is that unlike a number of European countries, American gay and lesbian spouses do not enjoy the same status overseas as their heterosexual colleagues. That means, among other things, that they do not have the rights, privileges, and protection that other spouses do."
"(W)hen I was in the Clinton Administration, gay spouses did not have even the most basic rights and privileges. To its credit, the Bush Administration changed some of the rules — permitting partners/spouses to attend security and other introductory seminars — but not much more."
"It’s not as discriminatory as what happens in the military: gays and lesbians no longer are drummed out of the foreign service as a result of their sexual orientation. But they are asked to pretend that they are not second-class citizens."
"(S)ome folks at State may nervous about “granting” full rights and privileges to same sex spouses because they’re afraid of how some countries — particularly the Vatican, most African states, and Muslim-majority states — may react. You could call it the Anglican church precedent: rock the boat and you create problems. That’s a fallacy, of course — it hasn’t been the case for other countries that have given same-sex spouses full rights and benefits — and it’s allowing diplomacy to mask discrimination."
I used to see this as a reasonable enough objection to recognizing same-sex partners in the diplomatic context; that it would alienate some of our host countries. But I've come to realize that there are so many things about our culture and lifestyle that such countries will find objectionable that it essentially constitutes a form of Dhimmitude, of civilizational surrender, to let that be a factor.
"I’ll never forget a meeting I had during my time at State when a foreign service officer told how diplomatic security gave him a choice: forget about a foreign service career or out himself to his parents, who did not know he was gay. Another was actually outed to his parents by diplomatic security."
From a counterintelligence standpoint, the issue above isn't that an FSO is gay (at least not any more), but rather that what he or she was concealing from their parents made them vulnerable to blackmail or extortion by hostile intelligence services.
You always have to remember the four motivations for treason: Money, Ideology, Compromise, Ego.
_____
Note: This is not to suggest that gays or lesbians are more or less likely to commit treason. Among Americans, money tended to be the most common motive during the Cold War, although some Cold War traitors were homosexuals. (Don't believe me? Do your own homework.)
Money quote(s):
"(F)oreign service officers who were member of Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, who were fighting to get recognition for same sex spouses.
Although benefits were a big part of what they were fighting for, an equally important issue was how their spouses were treated overseas. The reality is that unlike a number of European countries, American gay and lesbian spouses do not enjoy the same status overseas as their heterosexual colleagues. That means, among other things, that they do not have the rights, privileges, and protection that other spouses do."
"(W)hen I was in the Clinton Administration, gay spouses did not have even the most basic rights and privileges. To its credit, the Bush Administration changed some of the rules — permitting partners/spouses to attend security and other introductory seminars — but not much more."
"It’s not as discriminatory as what happens in the military: gays and lesbians no longer are drummed out of the foreign service as a result of their sexual orientation. But they are asked to pretend that they are not second-class citizens."
"(S)ome folks at State may nervous about “granting” full rights and privileges to same sex spouses because they’re afraid of how some countries — particularly the Vatican, most African states, and Muslim-majority states — may react. You could call it the Anglican church precedent: rock the boat and you create problems. That’s a fallacy, of course — it hasn’t been the case for other countries that have given same-sex spouses full rights and benefits — and it’s allowing diplomacy to mask discrimination."
I used to see this as a reasonable enough objection to recognizing same-sex partners in the diplomatic context; that it would alienate some of our host countries. But I've come to realize that there are so many things about our culture and lifestyle that such countries will find objectionable that it essentially constitutes a form of Dhimmitude, of civilizational surrender, to let that be a factor.
"I’ll never forget a meeting I had during my time at State when a foreign service officer told how diplomatic security gave him a choice: forget about a foreign service career or out himself to his parents, who did not know he was gay. Another was actually outed to his parents by diplomatic security."
From a counterintelligence standpoint, the issue above isn't that an FSO is gay (at least not any more), but rather that what he or she was concealing from their parents made them vulnerable to blackmail or extortion by hostile intelligence services.
You always have to remember the four motivations for treason: Money, Ideology, Compromise, Ego.
_____
Note: This is not to suggest that gays or lesbians are more or less likely to commit treason. Among Americans, money tended to be the most common motive during the Cold War, although some Cold War traitors were homosexuals. (Don't believe me? Do your own homework.)
re: "Obama Quietly Benefits from Little-Noticed New Regulation Requiring "High Level" Approval for Arrest of Illegal Alien Fugitives; Policy Enacted"
Ace at Ace of Spades HQ remarks that a certain temporary rule remains in force .
Money quote(s):
"As an outgoing gift to Obama, President Bush actually promulgated this rule. His idea of courtesy, I suppose. But we're not bound by that.
Bush did it, yes, but only as a favor to Obama -- which hardly requires Obama to accept the favor. And certainly we don't need to accept it."
&
"(W)hile this rule was a personal gift from Bush to benefit Obama's aunt, it complicates and hampers the arrest of fugitives from immigration law; all such requests now require "high level" approval."
Money quote(s):
"As an outgoing gift to Obama, President Bush actually promulgated this rule. His idea of courtesy, I suppose. But we're not bound by that.
Bush did it, yes, but only as a favor to Obama -- which hardly requires Obama to accept the favor. And certainly we don't need to accept it."
&
"(W)hile this rule was a personal gift from Bush to benefit Obama's aunt, it complicates and hampers the arrest of fugitives from immigration law; all such requests now require "high level" approval."
re: "What Would Real--Rather Than Rhetorical--Change in U.S. Foreign Policy Look Like?"
Gregory at The Belgravia Dispatch ("occasionally comments on foreign policy matters at this site") lists "six critical areas for Obama and his foreign policy team’s consideration".
Money quote(s):
"(P)artly because of these very economic challenges—and the consuming efforts that will need to be directed towards alleviating them--one is concerned the scope of change required in the foreign policy realm may not prove quite as dramatic as necessary, perhaps with President Obama not being able to devote as much attention to same as he might otherwise."
"Counter-terrorism is not nation-building. Retention of counter-terror surgical strike capacities and requisite intelligence-gathering capabilities can be maintained via a modest presence in key cities like Kabul, perhaps too temporarily bases like Bagram as we nonetheless move to phase them out, ‘over the horizon’ forces, drone strikes, a heightened ‘train and equip’ effort for the Afghan Army, and the like. U.S. marines should not be dying to try to de-Talibanize, if we might call it that, remote portions of the Pashtun south of Afghanistan."
&
"Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke is an immensely talented negotiator—with few able to cajole, harrumph, corral, threaten, bluster as relentlessly as he."
Money quote(s):
"(P)artly because of these very economic challenges—and the consuming efforts that will need to be directed towards alleviating them--one is concerned the scope of change required in the foreign policy realm may not prove quite as dramatic as necessary, perhaps with President Obama not being able to devote as much attention to same as he might otherwise."
"Counter-terrorism is not nation-building. Retention of counter-terror surgical strike capacities and requisite intelligence-gathering capabilities can be maintained via a modest presence in key cities like Kabul, perhaps too temporarily bases like Bagram as we nonetheless move to phase them out, ‘over the horizon’ forces, drone strikes, a heightened ‘train and equip’ effort for the Afghan Army, and the like. U.S. marines should not be dying to try to de-Talibanize, if we might call it that, remote portions of the Pashtun south of Afghanistan."
&
"Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke is an immensely talented negotiator—with few able to cajole, harrumph, corral, threaten, bluster as relentlessly as he."
re: "Choose Your Xenophobes"
Robert at Expat Yank ("one American Living in the South of England") notes the British press being misleading about foreign work permits in Britain.
Money quote(s):
"Of course the paper doesn’t go into that sort of helpful detail. Why should it? After all, when you are waxing xenophobic and trying to mislead and whip up misplaced anger and even hate in your readership, why would you dare risk offering actual information?"
Money quote(s):
"Of course the paper doesn’t go into that sort of helpful detail. Why should it? After all, when you are waxing xenophobic and trying to mislead and whip up misplaced anger and even hate in your readership, why would you dare risk offering actual information?"
Cultural Imperialism 1982 (II)
Taken in front of the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, then-West Germany, in October 1982.
S&S - Army officer’s clan expands twice in South Korea
Stars and Stripes
Army officer’s clan expands twice in South Korea
By Jimmy Norris, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jimmy Norris / S&S
The Berdine family — from left to right in front, Jessica, Elizabeth, D.J. and, left to right in back, Dan and Danny — get together at the Town House food court at Yongsan Garrison, South Korea. The family is still in the process of adopting Danny. When completed, he will be the second son they’ve adopted from the Hwa Sung Babies Home, an orphanage in Seoul.
SEOUL — Like many expectant mothers, Elizabeth Berdine is eager to welcome the newest official member of her family. But she isn’t waiting to go into labor; she’s waiting for a judge’s permission.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"South Korea changed its adoption laws in an effort to rid the country of a reputation as a market for foreign adoptions.
Since 1958, two-thirds of those adoptions have been to U.S. parents. The article said South Korea hopes to end foreign adoption altogether by 2012.
The government is trying to increase local adoptions by allowing single South Koreans to qualify, as well as older people up to age 60."
Army officer’s clan expands twice in South Korea
By Jimmy Norris, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jimmy Norris / S&S
The Berdine family — from left to right in front, Jessica, Elizabeth, D.J. and, left to right in back, Dan and Danny — get together at the Town House food court at Yongsan Garrison, South Korea. The family is still in the process of adopting Danny. When completed, he will be the second son they’ve adopted from the Hwa Sung Babies Home, an orphanage in Seoul.
SEOUL — Like many expectant mothers, Elizabeth Berdine is eager to welcome the newest official member of her family. But she isn’t waiting to go into labor; she’s waiting for a judge’s permission.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"South Korea changed its adoption laws in an effort to rid the country of a reputation as a market for foreign adoptions.
Since 1958, two-thirds of those adoptions have been to U.S. parents. The article said South Korea hopes to end foreign adoption altogether by 2012.
The government is trying to increase local adoptions by allowing single South Koreans to qualify, as well as older people up to age 60."
TM - District Clerk's office to take passport applications in advance of June deadline
The Monitor
District Clerk's office to take passport applications in advance of June deadline
January 11, 2009 - 3:37 PM
Jared Janes
The Monitor
EDINBURG -- With a June 1 deadline approaching that will require all U.S. citizens to carry passports when entering the nation's ports-of-entry, border towns are bracing for an influx of applications.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"And the Hidalgo County District Clerk's office will now be another place handling those last-minute lines.
The office plans to start accepting passport applications in February after a two-year process to certify as an acceptance agency."
Border residents who frequently commute back-and-forth across international boundaries can also apply for a PASS Card, a wallet-sized passport substitute that is only good at land crossing."
District Clerk's office to take passport applications in advance of June deadline
January 11, 2009 - 3:37 PM
Jared Janes
The Monitor
EDINBURG -- With a June 1 deadline approaching that will require all U.S. citizens to carry passports when entering the nation's ports-of-entry, border towns are bracing for an influx of applications.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"And the Hidalgo County District Clerk's office will now be another place handling those last-minute lines.
The office plans to start accepting passport applications in February after a two-year process to certify as an acceptance agency."
&
""Congress initially set the passport deadline for land borders in 2008 but delayed the rule for more than a year at the request of some travel and tourism groups. Passports have been required for air travel from Canada and Mexico since January 2007.Border residents who frequently commute back-and-forth across international boundaries can also apply for a PASS Card, a wallet-sized passport substitute that is only good at land crossing."
JG - Jamaica held to ransom by local militia groups
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Jamaica held to ransom by local militia groups
published: Sunday June 8, 2008
Dr Roderick Hewitt, Contributor
Hewitt
The first five months of 2008 have ushered in a new socio-political phenomenon within Jamaica and that is the coming into being of local militia groups. I am amazed that the media and other well-informed analysts continue to speak of gunmen terrorising the society. I beg to differ! What is currently enveloping our nation is a phenomenon that is different from all other eras. Criminal activities have metamorphosed over the years and have become a force that is now out of control.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"What started out as criminal elements in garrison constituencies, headed by so-called 'dons' has now become independent militia groups.
In their embryonic phase, they attached themselves to political parties as parasites and delivered votes to the political parties in return for space to carry out their illegal economic activities.
They have now become so well established that they no longer need party political authorisation or support for their activities.
They privatised crime and security matters within their local communities and have transformed them politically into dictatorial fiefdoms or cantons with their system of governance headed by their own 'prime minister', 'minister of defence' and 'minister of finance' and 'minister of social security'."
Jamaica Gleaner
Jamaica held to ransom by local militia groups
published: Sunday June 8, 2008
Dr Roderick Hewitt, Contributor
Hewitt
The first five months of 2008 have ushered in a new socio-political phenomenon within Jamaica and that is the coming into being of local militia groups. I am amazed that the media and other well-informed analysts continue to speak of gunmen terrorising the society. I beg to differ! What is currently enveloping our nation is a phenomenon that is different from all other eras. Criminal activities have metamorphosed over the years and have become a force that is now out of control.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"What started out as criminal elements in garrison constituencies, headed by so-called 'dons' has now become independent militia groups.
In their embryonic phase, they attached themselves to political parties as parasites and delivered votes to the political parties in return for space to carry out their illegal economic activities.
They have now become so well established that they no longer need party political authorisation or support for their activities.
They privatised crime and security matters within their local communities and have transformed them politically into dictatorial fiefdoms or cantons with their system of governance headed by their own 'prime minister', 'minister of defence' and 'minister of finance' and 'minister of social security'."
ABS-CBN - US State Dept revokes visas of Erap, others in espionage case
From my archive of press clippings:
ABS-CBN News
US State Dept revokes visas of Erap, others in espionage case
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:56 PM
By CES DRILON
ABS-CBN News
The US State Department has revoked the US visas of at least six current and former government officials, in connection with the first known case of espionage from within the White House involving naturalized FIlipino American Leandro Aragoncillo last year.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"(A) close Estrada associate, whose visa was cancelled, estimates fifteen to twenty opposition figures suffered the cancellation of their visas, including former President Joseph Estrada and former House Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella.
In July 2007, a Federal Court in New Jersey sentenced Aragoncillo, a naturalized Filipino-American intelligence analyst who worked for US Vice-President Richard "Dick" Cheney, to ten years imprisonment. He was charged for stealing classified information about President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and passing it on to known opposition leaders in the Philippines.
Former member of the Lower House Gilbert Remulla received a letter from the US Embassy in June last year informing him of the cancellation of his US visa. The letter cited the US Immigration and Nationality Act which "prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone who seeks to engage in espionage against the US, as well as for sabotage and/or illegal export from the US of goods, technology and sensitive information."
Remulla said he has appealed his case and reapplied for a visa but was told by a US consular official that Washington would have to review his application.
In contrast, his children were granted visas valid for ten years."
ABS-CBN News
US State Dept revokes visas of Erap, others in espionage case
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:56 PM
By CES DRILON
ABS-CBN News
The US State Department has revoked the US visas of at least six current and former government officials, in connection with the first known case of espionage from within the White House involving naturalized FIlipino American Leandro Aragoncillo last year.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"(A) close Estrada associate, whose visa was cancelled, estimates fifteen to twenty opposition figures suffered the cancellation of their visas, including former President Joseph Estrada and former House Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella.
In July 2007, a Federal Court in New Jersey sentenced Aragoncillo, a naturalized Filipino-American intelligence analyst who worked for US Vice-President Richard "Dick" Cheney, to ten years imprisonment. He was charged for stealing classified information about President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and passing it on to known opposition leaders in the Philippines.
Former member of the Lower House Gilbert Remulla received a letter from the US Embassy in June last year informing him of the cancellation of his US visa. The letter cited the US Immigration and Nationality Act which "prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone who seeks to engage in espionage against the US, as well as for sabotage and/or illegal export from the US of goods, technology and sensitive information."
Remulla said he has appealed his case and reapplied for a visa but was told by a US consular official that Washington would have to review his application.
In contrast, his children were granted visas valid for ten years."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
a question about Gitmo
A longtime friend and former roommate emailed me today and asked if we needed to close Gitmo.
He said:
He said:
"What's your opinion about Gitmo? I have a problem with giving those prisoners the same rights as someone who committed a crime on US
soil (although KSM could be tried for murder in NYC and VA). Why aren't they just deemed POW's? etc etc."
Off the top of my head I responded:
The Gitmo detainees fall into a very dark grey area. By their conduct (as combatants who did not conduct themselves in accordance with the laws of war, incl. Geneva Convention requirements such as recognizable uniforms) they do not qualify for POW status under the GC.
Traditionally, such persons are, when captured, shot as spies.
The U.S. military has, in recent decades (and since the invention of television journalism) gotten out the habit of shooting such folks upon capture.
They have no rights under the GC. By their conduct they have forfeited the GC protections afforded to civilians (i.e., non-combatants) but have not done so in a manner which would entitle them to the protections to which actual POWs are entitled. Sucks to be them.
Pres. Bush made the decision (and it's reasonable enough decision given the information warfare aspects of it) to treat Gitmo detainees POW level treatment, just as if they were entitled to POW status. Which they're not.
The only legal protections they have do not come from international law or treaty, but from our own laws and regulations.
We could convene military tribunals (authorized under the GC), try them as war criminals (which is what unlawful/illegal combatants are) and execute them. Or sentence them to death, and suspend the sentence at our convenience/whim. Such as to influence cooperation. Or execute 10 (or a hundred) of them whenever we learn that one of our own has been captured/tortured/murdered. Which is why you don't ever hear about how awful the detention of U.S. prisoners is at the Al Qaida equivalent of Gitmo. 'Cuz there ain't one.
Keeping them out of the U.S. was, as a goal, intended to avoid them coming under the criminal justice system, which decades of experience have shown to be inadequate to deal with terrorists of this sort (recall how many times the WTC were bombed), most Gitmo detainees not having been arrested and evidence processed with a civilian-style federal prosecution being in mind. Nor should we expect our combat troops to collect evidence CSI style.
I don't know what Pres. Obama intends to do with them; frankly it's unclear that he does either. We could certainly intern them at POW-style camps in the U.S. until the end of hostilities, but that makes them a target for their co-terrorists to ramp up operations to secure their release, target their guards (and their families) and other scary drawbacks. Putting them in civilian courtrooms only increases those hazards and does so exponentially.
Anyhow, those are just some rough thoughts on the matter. I carried a copy of the Army field manual on Laws of Land Warfare with me throughout my Iraq tour and consulted it frequently.
re: "An Integral Part of OEF"
Cannoneer No. 4 at Civilian Irregular Information Defense Group ("DISTRIBUTED, NON-HIERARCHICAL, LOOSE-CANNON CYBER ARBAKAI OF THE AMRIKI TRIBE") explains the why of Gitmo.
Money quote(s):
"I thought it was brilliant to store ‘em at Gitmo. The alternatives were Diego Garcia or prison ships in the Indian Ocean, and the Brits would have wimped out on DG, just like we’re wimping out now.
We keep these unlawful combatants alive for two reasons:
1) Intelligence from interrogation
2) Lawfare
If it weren’t for lawfare we could execute them when their intelligence value has been exhausted. Lawfare, according to Colonel Charles Dunlap,
Money quote(s):
"I thought it was brilliant to store ‘em at Gitmo. The alternatives were Diego Garcia or prison ships in the Indian Ocean, and the Brits would have wimped out on DG, just like we’re wimping out now.
We keep these unlawful combatants alive for two reasons:
1) Intelligence from interrogation
2) Lawfare
If it weren’t for lawfare we could execute them when their intelligence value has been exhausted. Lawfare, according to Colonel Charles Dunlap,
describes a method of warfare where law is used as a means of realizing a military objective. There are many dimensions to lawfare,They will end up turning most of them loose. Probably about 10% will go back to Jihad. They will kill people. The MSM will bury those stories. They’ll be too busy providing megaphones for the few we bother to try in court, who will probably go scott free."
but the one ever more frequently embraced by U.S. opponents is a cynical manipulation of the rule of law and the humanitarian values it represents. Rather than seeking battlefield victories, per se, challengers try to destroy the will to fight by undermining the public support that is indispensable when democracies like the U.S. conduct military interventions.”25
re: "A Servant to My President?A Servant to My President?"
Charlie at Undiplomatic ("dedicated to covering the intersection of diplomacy, global issues, U.S. politics, and pop-culture") is rightfully annoyed with sycophancy.
Money quote(s):
"As regular readers of this blog know, I don’t just drink the Obama Kool-Ad, I revel in it. I bathe in it. I even do synchronized swimming moves.
But this (h/t Ta-Nehisi) — this thing, this tone-deaf, sanctimonius — nay vomitous — celebrity-soaked piece of propaganda. . ."
"(W)here do these beautiful, slim, and impossibly rich people get off telling us that we need to do more? I agree with President’s noble call to put aside childish things, but if there is a class of Americans who most need to do that it’s the Hollywood elite."
This reminds me that while Washington is "Hollywood for ugly people," oftentimes "Hollywood is Washington for stupid people."
"No matter how much I support Barack Obama, my belief in this country and its capacity to do good is not based on my joy that he is now President."
&
"Last I checked, there’s a reason that we call those we elect public servants. They are in service to us, not the other way around.
Yes, we need to grow up, be responsible, and follow the leadership of our smart and talented President. But I’m guessing that he’d be the first person to tell you that none of us should be a servant to him."
Money quote(s):
"As regular readers of this blog know, I don’t just drink the Obama Kool-Ad, I revel in it. I bathe in it. I even do synchronized swimming moves.
But this (h/t Ta-Nehisi) — this thing, this tone-deaf, sanctimonius — nay vomitous — celebrity-soaked piece of propaganda. . ."
"(W)here do these beautiful, slim, and impossibly rich people get off telling us that we need to do more? I agree with President’s noble call to put aside childish things, but if there is a class of Americans who most need to do that it’s the Hollywood elite."
This reminds me that while Washington is "Hollywood for ugly people," oftentimes "Hollywood is Washington for stupid people."
"No matter how much I support Barack Obama, my belief in this country and its capacity to do good is not based on my joy that he is now President."
&
"Last I checked, there’s a reason that we call those we elect public servants. They are in service to us, not the other way around.
Yes, we need to grow up, be responsible, and follow the leadership of our smart and talented President. But I’m guessing that he’d be the first person to tell you that none of us should be a servant to him."
re: "Guantanamo"
David Warren of DavidWarrenOnline ("ESSAYS ON OUR TIMES ") explains why we intern terrorists.
Money quote(s):
"(I)n principle, some inmates may have been captured by mistake, and in practice military tribunals were proceeding, in which guilt had yet to be formally established. Such trials have been suspended for 120 days"
"Guantanamo was selected, by the Bush administration, to intern terrorists, because no better solution could be found. The military commissions were created, ditto. Under actual international and American law, the inmates have no certain rights whatever: they were not proper soldiers, and therefore not legitimate prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions. They may thank their stars they were not shot upon capture."
There's still time. After all, they're still war criminals.
"As people understood, in the shadow of the World Trade Center, and as they still understand in Afghanistan and Iraq, we are dealing with monstrous enemies -- with people who not only kill our allied soldiers, but kill defenceless non-combatants gratuitously; who employ terror, to impose tyranny. The insistence on fine points of juridical etiquette in the heat of battle would be insane. But insisting on it later in the calm of a prison camp betrays only a failure of perspective.
It is right of the law to prohibit torture. It is right in almost every circumstance to obey the law (and accept the consequences in any other). There will, however, always be tight corners where "the law is a ass," and to pretend this were never the case is to assume a disingenuous posture. Moreover, as when Guantanamo opened, there are circumstances in which no existing law has been written or can be applied, and yet the principle of retribution remains: that the innocent will be vindicated, that the guilty will be punished."
&
"To set any of the Guantanamo inmates free, on some jurisprudential technicality, is to smear one's hands with the blood of their victims when they return to their trade. This is not a hypothetical proposition: for while the numbers are disputed, a proportion of "low risk" inmates already freed from Guantanamo have returned to action."
That proportion is already known to be at least ten percent. Which would be a pretty darn low "recidivism" rate for ordinary criminals but is unacceptable for terrorists bent on mass murder.
Money quote(s):
"(I)n principle, some inmates may have been captured by mistake, and in practice military tribunals were proceeding, in which guilt had yet to be formally established. Such trials have been suspended for 120 days"
"Guantanamo was selected, by the Bush administration, to intern terrorists, because no better solution could be found. The military commissions were created, ditto. Under actual international and American law, the inmates have no certain rights whatever: they were not proper soldiers, and therefore not legitimate prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions. They may thank their stars they were not shot upon capture."
There's still time. After all, they're still war criminals.
"As people understood, in the shadow of the World Trade Center, and as they still understand in Afghanistan and Iraq, we are dealing with monstrous enemies -- with people who not only kill our allied soldiers, but kill defenceless non-combatants gratuitously; who employ terror, to impose tyranny. The insistence on fine points of juridical etiquette in the heat of battle would be insane. But insisting on it later in the calm of a prison camp betrays only a failure of perspective.
It is right of the law to prohibit torture. It is right in almost every circumstance to obey the law (and accept the consequences in any other). There will, however, always be tight corners where "the law is a ass," and to pretend this were never the case is to assume a disingenuous posture. Moreover, as when Guantanamo opened, there are circumstances in which no existing law has been written or can be applied, and yet the principle of retribution remains: that the innocent will be vindicated, that the guilty will be punished."
&
"To set any of the Guantanamo inmates free, on some jurisprudential technicality, is to smear one's hands with the blood of their victims when they return to their trade. This is not a hypothetical proposition: for while the numbers are disputed, a proportion of "low risk" inmates already freed from Guantanamo have returned to action."
That proportion is already known to be at least ten percent. Which would be a pretty darn low "recidivism" rate for ordinary criminals but is unacceptable for terrorists bent on mass murder.
Snark of the Day
"I know the preceding remark will offend many delicate souls, but that is not the only reason I made it." - David Warren.
LAT - U-visa program for crime victims falters.
Los Angeles Times
U-visa program for crime victims falters. llegal immigrants who help law enforcement officials are eligible, but although 13,300 people have applied, only 65 documents have been issued.
By Anna Gorman January 26, 2009
When Jorge Garcia delivered a pizza in Van Nuys in September 2003, he was forced at knifepoint to enter the apartment.Garcia said two men choked him until he passed out. When he awoke, his neck and wrist had been sliced and his stomach burned with an iron. The men told Garcia they had a gun and threatened to kill him. Then the assailants picked him up, threw him in the trunk of his car and dumped the vehicle.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Congress created the U-visa in 2000 to bolster law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute certain crimes while offering protection to the victims.
After an eight-year delay, the government issued its first U-visa last summer.
Through the end of 2008, 65 such visas had been issued, although about 13,300 people have filed applications.
Twenty have been denied.
After a preliminary review, the government also has given temporary benefits to 10,800 applicants while they wait for a final decision, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration."
&
"To be eligible for a visa, the victim must have information concerning the crime, be helpful in the investigation or prosecution and have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
After three years, visa holders can apply to become legal permanent residents and can eventually become U.S. citizens.
The law allows 10,000 applicants to receive visas each year.
They can petition for certain family members to also receive visas.
Because it took so long to create the regulations for the visas, the government created an interim relief for qualified applicants. Until a decision is made on the visa, those applicants are protected from deportation and can receive work permits and access to public services while they are waiting, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services."
U-visa program for crime victims falters. llegal immigrants who help law enforcement officials are eligible, but although 13,300 people have applied, only 65 documents have been issued.
By Anna Gorman January 26, 2009
When Jorge Garcia delivered a pizza in Van Nuys in September 2003, he was forced at knifepoint to enter the apartment.Garcia said two men choked him until he passed out. When he awoke, his neck and wrist had been sliced and his stomach burned with an iron. The men told Garcia they had a gun and threatened to kill him. Then the assailants picked him up, threw him in the trunk of his car and dumped the vehicle.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Congress created the U-visa in 2000 to bolster law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute certain crimes while offering protection to the victims.
After an eight-year delay, the government issued its first U-visa last summer.
Through the end of 2008, 65 such visas had been issued, although about 13,300 people have filed applications.
Twenty have been denied.
After a preliminary review, the government also has given temporary benefits to 10,800 applicants while they wait for a final decision, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration."
&
"To be eligible for a visa, the victim must have information concerning the crime, be helpful in the investigation or prosecution and have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
After three years, visa holders can apply to become legal permanent residents and can eventually become U.S. citizens.
The law allows 10,000 applicants to receive visas each year.
They can petition for certain family members to also receive visas.
Because it took so long to create the regulations for the visas, the government created an interim relief for qualified applicants. Until a decision is made on the visa, those applicants are protected from deportation and can receive work permits and access to public services while they are waiting, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services."
JG - Castro absolved by history ... almost
Jamaica Gleaner
Castro absolved by history ... almost
Published: Sunday January 11, 2009
Robert Buddan POLITICS OF OUR TIME
In 1953, Fidel Castro and his comrades-in-arms failed to overthrow the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. They were arrested and brought to court. Fidel, a lawyer, provided his own defence and that of his comrades. He spoke for four hours. He then composed his speech and had it published under the title, 'History will absolve me'. Fidel's revolution did eventually succeed on January 1, 1959, at the second attempt.
Read the whole article here.
Castro absolved by history ... almost
Published: Sunday January 11, 2009
Robert Buddan POLITICS OF OUR TIME
In 1953, Fidel Castro and his comrades-in-arms failed to overthrow the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. They were arrested and brought to court. Fidel, a lawyer, provided his own defence and that of his comrades. He spoke for four hours. He then composed his speech and had it published under the title, 'History will absolve me'. Fidel's revolution did eventually succeed on January 1, 1959, at the second attempt.
Read the whole article here.
JO - Robert Mugabe, Douglas Chambers and normalising dysfunction
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Robert Mugabe, Douglas Chambers and normalising dysfunction
CLAUDE ROBINSON
Sunday, July 06, 2008
So much has been written about the murder of Douglas Chambers, I decided I would forego another commentary on the deed and its devastating consequences for his family and friends, the wider Jamaican community and the state that hired him to do the seemingly undoable.
CLAUDE ROBINSON
Instead, I thought of commenting on the re-installation of Robert Mugabe as president of Zimbabwe, after an election that-by all accounts-failed to meet the most basic standards of democracy.The situation in Zimbabwe is distressing for several reasons. For starters, President Mugabe continues to betray the enviable struggle credentials he earned by leading the long and bloody fight to end white minority rule in the former Rhodesia, and for exposing British hypocrisy and doublespeak.
Read the whole article.
Snippet(s):
"The British had promised to mobilise resources to buy back lands that had been handed to the white minority, thus leaving the black majority landless and excluded from the mainstream of an economy dominated by farming of export crops.
The British promise was not realised, thus frustrating the land reform process and the gains of the political liberation process.
This may explain why Mr Mugabe repossessed some of the white-owned farms. It may also explain why it is easy for Mr Mugabe and the leadership in the ZANU-PF to pin the label of British stooge on anyone who opposes him.
But it cannot explain why he has not proceeded with any real reform.
It does not explain why he has systematically used violence and intimidation against political opponents leaving himself open to the charge that his real desire is for one-party rule, by any name."
Jamaica Observer
Robert Mugabe, Douglas Chambers and normalising dysfunction
CLAUDE ROBINSON
Sunday, July 06, 2008
So much has been written about the murder of Douglas Chambers, I decided I would forego another commentary on the deed and its devastating consequences for his family and friends, the wider Jamaican community and the state that hired him to do the seemingly undoable.
CLAUDE ROBINSON
Instead, I thought of commenting on the re-installation of Robert Mugabe as president of Zimbabwe, after an election that-by all accounts-failed to meet the most basic standards of democracy.The situation in Zimbabwe is distressing for several reasons. For starters, President Mugabe continues to betray the enviable struggle credentials he earned by leading the long and bloody fight to end white minority rule in the former Rhodesia, and for exposing British hypocrisy and doublespeak.
Read the whole article.
Snippet(s):
"The British had promised to mobilise resources to buy back lands that had been handed to the white minority, thus leaving the black majority landless and excluded from the mainstream of an economy dominated by farming of export crops.
The British promise was not realised, thus frustrating the land reform process and the gains of the political liberation process.
This may explain why Mr Mugabe repossessed some of the white-owned farms. It may also explain why it is easy for Mr Mugabe and the leadership in the ZANU-PF to pin the label of British stooge on anyone who opposes him.
But it cannot explain why he has not proceeded with any real reform.
It does not explain why he has systematically used violence and intimidation against political opponents leaving himself open to the charge that his real desire is for one-party rule, by any name."
JG - Hurricanes and biodiversity
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Hurricanes and biodiversity
published: Sunday June 8, 2008
Martin Henry
I guess I should be writing about crime and the goings and comings of the police commissioner. But a couple of other things are happening in a big world out there.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"God bless America. Their hurricane monitoring and tracking system serves us and the region well."
Jamaica Gleaner
Hurricanes and biodiversity
published: Sunday June 8, 2008
Martin Henry
I guess I should be writing about crime and the goings and comings of the police commissioner. But a couple of other things are happening in a big world out there.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"God bless America. Their hurricane monitoring and tracking system serves us and the region well."
CV - Hungary, U.S. sign data exchange agreement
From my archive of press clippings:
www.chinaview.cn
Hungary, U.S. sign data exchange agreement
2008-05-21 00:29:31 BUDAPEST, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Hungary and the United States signed an agreement on Tuesday on bilateral data exchange seeking to help identify terrorists, Hungarian News Agency MTI reported.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The agreement - a prerequisite for Hungary's exemption from U.S. visa requirements - was signed by Gyorgy Szilvasy, the minister in charge of Hungary's civilian secret services, and U.S. Ambassador to Hungary April H. Foley in Budapest."
www.chinaview.cn
Hungary, U.S. sign data exchange agreement
2008-05-21 00:29:31 BUDAPEST, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Hungary and the United States signed an agreement on Tuesday on bilateral data exchange seeking to help identify terrorists, Hungarian News Agency MTI reported.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The agreement - a prerequisite for Hungary's exemption from U.S. visa requirements - was signed by Gyorgy Szilvasy, the minister in charge of Hungary's civilian secret services, and U.S. Ambassador to Hungary April H. Foley in Budapest."
Monday, January 26, 2009
re: "Launching Medical Diplomacy To Gaza"
Thanks to Gerald at Avuncular American ("An expatriate view of America and the world from Europe ") for the mentions, quotes, and the linkage.
He responded to my (and other's) reservations thusly:
"In the end, perhaps the French and my skeptical American commenters are right: for "logistical" or "force protection" reasons, or simply, for medical effectiveness, maybe our hospital ships are needed more for amphibious exercises with allied nations. Preparing for some future disaster surely to strike in the Gulf of Mexico.
And maybe the US Government is justified in channeling its aid to Gaza - considerable as it is - through UN specialized agencies and the ICRC.
But I doubt seriously that there is any more urgent medical-humanitarian mission right now than Gaza. And whatever the form and amount of US aid to Gaza via the UN and the Red Cross, it doesn't have the impact - and, let's face it, the public diplomacy payoff - of a gleaming white hospital ship flying the US flag.
Hospital ship - not gunboat - diplomacy - that's another way the new Administration could mark the difference with its predecessor."
I would like to add as a clarification that my reservations aren't intended as "show-stoppers," but only as concerns that would need to be addressed in a way that mitigates the risks cited, presumably through the mission statement, operations plan, and their implementation.
He responded to my (and other's) reservations thusly:
"In the end, perhaps the French and my skeptical American commenters are right: for "logistical" or "force protection" reasons, or simply, for medical effectiveness, maybe our hospital ships are needed more for amphibious exercises with allied nations. Preparing for some future disaster surely to strike in the Gulf of Mexico.
And maybe the US Government is justified in channeling its aid to Gaza - considerable as it is - through UN specialized agencies and the ICRC.
But I doubt seriously that there is any more urgent medical-humanitarian mission right now than Gaza. And whatever the form and amount of US aid to Gaza via the UN and the Red Cross, it doesn't have the impact - and, let's face it, the public diplomacy payoff - of a gleaming white hospital ship flying the US flag.
Hospital ship - not gunboat - diplomacy - that's another way the new Administration could mark the difference with its predecessor."
I would like to add as a clarification that my reservations aren't intended as "show-stoppers," but only as concerns that would need to be addressed in a way that mitigates the risks cited, presumably through the mission statement, operations plan, and their implementation.
S&S - Aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush joins the fleet
Stars and Stripes
Aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush joins the fleet
By Kevin Baron, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, January 11, 2009
Kevin Baron / S&S
Command Master Chief J.D. Port said that with sea trials for the USS George H.W. Bush just a few weeks away, the thing he is most looking forward to is “The look on everyone’s face when they see what it’s like when a crew comes to life.” Here, Port stands in front of a scupture of the former president and ship's namesake as a naval aviator during World War II.
See more photos here.
USS George H.W. Bush, by the numbers
2 nuclear reactors
4 bronze propellers
4 high-speed 4,000-sq foot aircraft elevators
4.5 acres of flight deck
20 stories tall above the waterline
20 years of life expectancy before the reactors needing refueling
21 foot diameter of each propeller
30 knots top speed
30 tons, weight of each propeller
80 combat aircraft capacity
90 days of food and supplies to last at sea
246 miles of pipe
325 feet, the distance in which two 3-in. wide arresting wires can stop an airplane flying 155 mph.
360 lbs, weight of each link of anchor chain
500 tons of aluminum
1,092 feet in length, nearly as long as the Empire State Building is high
1,400 telephones
1,600 miles of cable and wiring
14,000 pillowcases
25,000 steel plates, each 30x10 ft.
28,000 sheets
30,000 light fixtures
47,000 tons of structural steel
97,000 tons of displacement, when loaded
400,000 gallons of sea water converted to fresh water daily (enough for 2,000 homes)
700,000 metal pieces form its base
Photo gallery
RELATED STORY: President lands on carrier named after his father
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. – More than five years after the keel was laid, a rainbow of signal pennants, huge American flags and patriotic bunting adorned the fully-dressed and nearly-completed aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush on Friday, as thousands of crewmembers busily prepared the ship and its pier for Saturday’s commissioning ceremony featuring its namesake and his son, President George W. Bush.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"On display are a flag from the vessel that pulled Bush from the Pacific Ocean during World War II, a marble ornament from Saddam Hussein’s palace, and the letter awarding Bush the Distinguished Flying Cross that was signed by Vice Adm. John S. McCain Jr., the father of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
As the Bush closes out the Nimitz-class era, the room fittingly includes a World War II-era letter to home that the naval aviator wrote to his parents. It is symbolic of how daily life has changed in the Navy. On this ship, Petty Officer Amber Kitchens manages the computer network that allows more than 5,000 people to send emails home from the ship’s library, around the clock."
Aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush joins the fleet
By Kevin Baron, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, January 11, 2009
Kevin Baron / S&S
Command Master Chief J.D. Port said that with sea trials for the USS George H.W. Bush just a few weeks away, the thing he is most looking forward to is “The look on everyone’s face when they see what it’s like when a crew comes to life.” Here, Port stands in front of a scupture of the former president and ship's namesake as a naval aviator during World War II.
See more photos here.
USS George H.W. Bush, by the numbers
2 nuclear reactors
4 bronze propellers
4 high-speed 4,000-sq foot aircraft elevators
4.5 acres of flight deck
20 stories tall above the waterline
20 years of life expectancy before the reactors needing refueling
21 foot diameter of each propeller
30 knots top speed
30 tons, weight of each propeller
80 combat aircraft capacity
90 days of food and supplies to last at sea
246 miles of pipe
325 feet, the distance in which two 3-in. wide arresting wires can stop an airplane flying 155 mph.
360 lbs, weight of each link of anchor chain
500 tons of aluminum
1,092 feet in length, nearly as long as the Empire State Building is high
1,400 telephones
1,600 miles of cable and wiring
14,000 pillowcases
25,000 steel plates, each 30x10 ft.
28,000 sheets
30,000 light fixtures
47,000 tons of structural steel
97,000 tons of displacement, when loaded
400,000 gallons of sea water converted to fresh water daily (enough for 2,000 homes)
700,000 metal pieces form its base
Photo gallery
RELATED STORY: President lands on carrier named after his father
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. – More than five years after the keel was laid, a rainbow of signal pennants, huge American flags and patriotic bunting adorned the fully-dressed and nearly-completed aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush on Friday, as thousands of crewmembers busily prepared the ship and its pier for Saturday’s commissioning ceremony featuring its namesake and his son, President George W. Bush.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"On display are a flag from the vessel that pulled Bush from the Pacific Ocean during World War II, a marble ornament from Saddam Hussein’s palace, and the letter awarding Bush the Distinguished Flying Cross that was signed by Vice Adm. John S. McCain Jr., the father of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
As the Bush closes out the Nimitz-class era, the room fittingly includes a World War II-era letter to home that the naval aviator wrote to his parents. It is symbolic of how daily life has changed in the Navy. On this ship, Petty Officer Amber Kitchens manages the computer network that allows more than 5,000 people to send emails home from the ship’s library, around the clock."
JG - Zimbabwe, African liberation and decolonisation
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Zimbabwe, African liberation and decolonisation
published: Sunday July 6, 2008
Robert Buddan POLITICS OF OUR TIME
Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is faced with sanctions from the west, mediation by Southern Africa and a call for a government of national unity from the African Union. The African Union opposes western sanctions being organised by the French leadership of the European Union (EU) and the American leadership of the UN Security Council with the British in tow.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Mugabe was leader of the liberation movement, Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), which had fought for independence against the apartheid-like policies of white-ruled Rhodesia, a country that had relied on the support of apartheid South Africa.
In fact, Zimbabwe's 17-year liberation war paralleled that of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) and both leaderships (Mugabe and Thabo Mbeki) remain close today.
The former Rhodesia became independent as Zimbabwe on April 18, 1980."
&
"Colonisation began when Cecil Rhodes, with the backing of the British, took over land that is now mostly Zimbabwe.
The Shona and Ndebele people fought their first liberation war in 1896/97 to get their land back but white power only grew.
White agriculture flourished and the Shona and Ndebele were shunted off into 'African reserves', the dust bowl of Zimbabwe.
Even when the war for liberation won independence it was a highly compromised independence.
Rhodesia's whites had made up less than five per cent of the population but held 95 per cent of the votes and 70 per cent of the Africans' land.
An agreement for independence reserved as many as one-third of the parliamentary seats for these whites, 20 Assembly seats and 10 seats in the Senate, and whites remained in control of the police, army, air force judiciary and civil service.
Mugabe's liberation government abolished the reserved assembly seats at the first chance in 1987 and the Senate seats in 1990."
Jamaica Gleaner
Zimbabwe, African liberation and decolonisation
published: Sunday July 6, 2008
Robert Buddan POLITICS OF OUR TIME
Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is faced with sanctions from the west, mediation by Southern Africa and a call for a government of national unity from the African Union. The African Union opposes western sanctions being organised by the French leadership of the European Union (EU) and the American leadership of the UN Security Council with the British in tow.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Mugabe was leader of the liberation movement, Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), which had fought for independence against the apartheid-like policies of white-ruled Rhodesia, a country that had relied on the support of apartheid South Africa.
In fact, Zimbabwe's 17-year liberation war paralleled that of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) and both leaderships (Mugabe and Thabo Mbeki) remain close today.
The former Rhodesia became independent as Zimbabwe on April 18, 1980."
&
"Colonisation began when Cecil Rhodes, with the backing of the British, took over land that is now mostly Zimbabwe.
The Shona and Ndebele people fought their first liberation war in 1896/97 to get their land back but white power only grew.
White agriculture flourished and the Shona and Ndebele were shunted off into 'African reserves', the dust bowl of Zimbabwe.
Even when the war for liberation won independence it was a highly compromised independence.
Rhodesia's whites had made up less than five per cent of the population but held 95 per cent of the votes and 70 per cent of the Africans' land.
An agreement for independence reserved as many as one-third of the parliamentary seats for these whites, 20 Assembly seats and 10 seats in the Senate, and whites remained in control of the police, army, air force judiciary and civil service.
Mugabe's liberation government abolished the reserved assembly seats at the first chance in 1987 and the Senate seats in 1990."
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