Herschel Smith at The Captain's Journal ("dedicated to the dissemination of conservative views, based on a solidly and consistently conservative world view, on matters political and military") presents some optimistic analysis.
Money quote(s):
"We must remove the radical Mullahs or support those who would in order to avoid a regional conflagration in the near term. Everyone in the State Department already knows this, or if they don’t, they aren’t qualified to be in the employ of the government. I’m not quite sure which group is larger. One year and four months ago I forecasted that “the State Department will begin the administration will high hopes, excitement and grand ambitions for the role of diplomacy, negotiations and multi-lateral talks. By the end of the administration, a general malaise and confusion will have descended upon the entire State Department, and yet there will still be sparse and shallow understanding of why negotiations have so miserably failed to prevent or ameliorate the various calamities for which they were targeted.”"
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
NYT - Iran: 3 Americans Accused of U.S. Intelligence Link
From my archive of press clippings:
New York Times
Iran: 3 Americans Accused of U.S. Intelligence Link
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: April 8, 2010
Iran’s intelligence minister accused three Americans jailed since crossing the border from Iraq in July of having links to United States intelligence services, state television reported Thursday.
Read the whole article here.
New York Times
Iran: 3 Americans Accused of U.S. Intelligence Link
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: April 8, 2010
Iran’s intelligence minister accused three Americans jailed since crossing the border from Iraq in July of having links to United States intelligence services, state television reported Thursday.
Read the whole article here.
JO - Cases of 'bullying' US politics
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Cases of 'bullying' US politics
Analysis by Rickey Singh
Sunday, March 07, 2010
IT would be a pity if the rest of our Caribbean Community governments do not see it necessary to acquaint themselves with the circumstances of the current sharp dispute between Jamaica and the United States over Washington's demand for the extradition of Jamaican Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The very sovereignty of Jamaica seems to be at stake in its Government's defence of its constitutional right, within the framework of an existing bilateral extradition treaty it has with the USA, which would require extending that right for a ruling by the courts in Jamaica BEFORE Coke could be handed over to US authorities, or that such a process be denied."
"In a sense, the explosion of the bitter extradition row resulting from Jamaica's refusal to extradite Coke is a classic case of déjà vu in terms of relations between Washington and Kingston under different administrations.
As it was under previous governments of the now Opposition People's National Party (PNP), and the administrations of both presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Jamaica remains a favourite "punching bag" in America's diversion to cover up its own woeful failures to effectively deal with its immense problem as the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs as well as its involvement in gun-running linked to narco-trafficking."
"The 'Coke extradition case' reminds us of other instances of the USA wielding the 'big stick' to force small and poor states in this and other regions to genuflect to the assumed legal demands of Washington."
"Such is Washington's concept of "democracy" and "sovereignty' when dealing with small and poor states like ours in the Caribbean -- something for which it is occasionally applauded by sections of the region's media."
"In the current political episode involving Coke, Prime Minister Golding has made it clear that it is NOT a case of his Government's refusal to co-operate with Washington.
Jamaica's objection relates to the manner in which the USA was muscling its way to secure Coke's extradition, even to the extent of obtaining information illegally by violating key provisions of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries."
&
"He went on to state that "constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea" (location of the United States Embassy in Kingston)."
Jamaica Observer
Cases of 'bullying' US politics
Analysis by Rickey Singh
Sunday, March 07, 2010
IT would be a pity if the rest of our Caribbean Community governments do not see it necessary to acquaint themselves with the circumstances of the current sharp dispute between Jamaica and the United States over Washington's demand for the extradition of Jamaican Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The very sovereignty of Jamaica seems to be at stake in its Government's defence of its constitutional right, within the framework of an existing bilateral extradition treaty it has with the USA, which would require extending that right for a ruling by the courts in Jamaica BEFORE Coke could be handed over to US authorities, or that such a process be denied."
"In a sense, the explosion of the bitter extradition row resulting from Jamaica's refusal to extradite Coke is a classic case of déjà vu in terms of relations between Washington and Kingston under different administrations.
As it was under previous governments of the now Opposition People's National Party (PNP), and the administrations of both presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Jamaica remains a favourite "punching bag" in America's diversion to cover up its own woeful failures to effectively deal with its immense problem as the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs as well as its involvement in gun-running linked to narco-trafficking."
"The 'Coke extradition case' reminds us of other instances of the USA wielding the 'big stick' to force small and poor states in this and other regions to genuflect to the assumed legal demands of Washington."
"Such is Washington's concept of "democracy" and "sovereignty' when dealing with small and poor states like ours in the Caribbean -- something for which it is occasionally applauded by sections of the region's media."
"In the current political episode involving Coke, Prime Minister Golding has made it clear that it is NOT a case of his Government's refusal to co-operate with Washington.
Jamaica's objection relates to the manner in which the USA was muscling its way to secure Coke's extradition, even to the extent of obtaining information illegally by violating key provisions of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries."
&
"He went on to state that "constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea" (location of the United States Embassy in Kingston)."
Monday, April 12, 2010
re: "Tragedy Upon Tragedy"
Jules Crittenden at Forward Movement ("on politics, crime, science, foreign affairs, and maritime and military matters in the United States, Asia, the Balkans and the Middle East.") shares, in closing, a criticism of the last Pres. Bush.
Money quote(s):
" (Not particularly reassured by Putin’s taking personal charge of the investigation, given that the former KGB agent heads a government that appears determined to restore some of the worst practices of historic Russian totalitarianism. Theoretically a show of sincerity with personal responsibility. Some people think George Bush’s biggest miscalculation was misjudging the intentions of Saddam Hussein. I think he got those exactly right, and it was Putin’s intentions that he sorely misjudged.)"
Money quote(s):
" (Not particularly reassured by Putin’s taking personal charge of the investigation, given that the former KGB agent heads a government that appears determined to restore some of the worst practices of historic Russian totalitarianism. Theoretically a show of sincerity with personal responsibility. Some people think George Bush’s biggest miscalculation was misjudging the intentions of Saddam Hussein. I think he got those exactly right, and it was Putin’s intentions that he sorely misjudged.)"
JO - CANCELLED US VISAS FOR SIZZLA, BEENIE, BOUNTY, MAVADO, AIDONIA - WHO NEXT?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Cancelled US visas for Sizzla, Beenie, Bounty, Mavado, Aidonia — Who next?
Monday Musings
with Yasmin
Monday, April 05, 2010
The recent cancellation of US visas of the abovementioned artistes (except for Sizzla, in whose case the cancellation was not recent, as the visa was revoked in 1998) sent shock waves throughout and outside of the music fraternity, as many wonder who will be the next victim.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"At first glance it seems to have been done in an almost callous way and this is surely cause for concern. An email advisory was sent to all the airlines who carry passengers to the US with the instructions not to board the artistes as their visas were in the process of being revoked. The artistes themselves claim they had no knowledge that that such a move was afoot and the US embassy, as expected, has no comment, as this is a matter between them and the individual artiste."
"However, is this to be seen as an advisory, pending some investigation on the embassy's part and at the end of the day a second advisory will be issued to countermand the first?"
"(T)he visas of four of the top dancehall acts were "in the process of being revoked"."
"The artistes had both their work permits and the visitor's visa revoked and the fact is that most artistes use the US as a hub. Without a visitor's visa they are now unable to use Miami as a connection port into other parts of the world. Artistes, like it or not, also have entourages and numerous persons to take care of. These artistes are among the top earners and shutting them down will certainly affect more than just them and their immediate families."
"Many are asking why and why now? It is felt that the stand-off between Washington and Kingston is playing a role in this unfolding saga."
&
"According to Roberts, in all his 17 years of managing Beenie Man, he has never had a visa issue with the US government. "We have always had our work permits renewed without any problems," he emphasised.
And, as the artistes grapple with the way forward, Beenie Man has already released a visa song which will no doubt strike a responsive chord with all and sundry."
Jamaica Observer
Cancelled US visas for Sizzla, Beenie, Bounty, Mavado, Aidonia — Who next?
Monday Musings
with Yasmin
Monday, April 05, 2010
The recent cancellation of US visas of the abovementioned artistes (except for Sizzla, in whose case the cancellation was not recent, as the visa was revoked in 1998) sent shock waves throughout and outside of the music fraternity, as many wonder who will be the next victim.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"At first glance it seems to have been done in an almost callous way and this is surely cause for concern. An email advisory was sent to all the airlines who carry passengers to the US with the instructions not to board the artistes as their visas were in the process of being revoked. The artistes themselves claim they had no knowledge that that such a move was afoot and the US embassy, as expected, has no comment, as this is a matter between them and the individual artiste."
"However, is this to be seen as an advisory, pending some investigation on the embassy's part and at the end of the day a second advisory will be issued to countermand the first?"
"(T)he visas of four of the top dancehall acts were "in the process of being revoked"."
"The artistes had both their work permits and the visitor's visa revoked and the fact is that most artistes use the US as a hub. Without a visitor's visa they are now unable to use Miami as a connection port into other parts of the world. Artistes, like it or not, also have entourages and numerous persons to take care of. These artistes are among the top earners and shutting them down will certainly affect more than just them and their immediate families."
"Many are asking why and why now? It is felt that the stand-off between Washington and Kingston is playing a role in this unfolding saga."
&
"According to Roberts, in all his 17 years of managing Beenie Man, he has never had a visa issue with the US government. "We have always had our work permits renewed without any problems," he emphasised.
And, as the artistes grapple with the way forward, Beenie Man has already released a visa song which will no doubt strike a responsive chord with all and sundry."
JO - Aftermath of the Dudus extradition
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Aftermath of the Dudus extradition
Mark Wignall
Sunday, March 07, 2010
A week or so after the extradition, downtown Kingston, effectively void of its 'protector', has become one vast no-man's land. The outburst of violence began at the moment his extradition was announced.
Read the whole scenario here.
Snippet(s):
"As it appears, there is some evidence that gunmen with notional attachments to the PNP have been teaming up with those in the forefront; various spokespersons in the PNP have been calling for an islandwide state of emergency. Meanwhile, the information minister has dismissed the idea that the prime minister has formally requested the Americans to send in the Marines."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Jamaica Observer
Aftermath of the Dudus extradition
Mark Wignall
Sunday, March 07, 2010
A week or so after the extradition, downtown Kingston, effectively void of its 'protector', has become one vast no-man's land. The outburst of violence began at the moment his extradition was announced.
Read the whole scenario here.
Snippet(s):
"As it appears, there is some evidence that gunmen with notional attachments to the PNP have been teaming up with those in the forefront; various spokespersons in the PNP have been calling for an islandwide state of emergency. Meanwhile, the information minister has dismissed the idea that the prime minister has formally requested the Americans to send in the Marines."
_____
observemark@gmail.com
Sunday, April 11, 2010
re: "Just Admit It: The Surge Worked (Updated)"
Abu Muqawama at CNAS ("an independent and nonpartisan research institution") came to a reasonable conclusion.
Money quote(s):
"If you really move the goal posts, defining up "success" as the Surge having not only reduced levels of violence and addressed immediate drivers of conflict but having also managed to fix all the problems in Iraq's political process, then yeah, it failed. But I don't recall that ever being the aim of the operation in 2007, and I don't think it's reasonable to expect the U.S. military and its friends in the diplomatic corps to be able to settle the political affairs of a host nation."
&
"(T)here can be no denying that a space has indeed been created for a more or less peaceful political process to take place. Acts of heinous violence still take place in Baghdad, but so too does a relatively peaceful political process.
If you want to argue that getting involved in Iraq in the first place was a stupid decision, fine. I agree with you. But trying to argue that the Surge "failed" at this point -- even if Iraq someday descends anew into civil war -- simply isn't a credible option anymore."
Hat tip to Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit ("the intersection between advanced technologies and individual liberty").
Money quote(s):
"If you really move the goal posts, defining up "success" as the Surge having not only reduced levels of violence and addressed immediate drivers of conflict but having also managed to fix all the problems in Iraq's political process, then yeah, it failed. But I don't recall that ever being the aim of the operation in 2007, and I don't think it's reasonable to expect the U.S. military and its friends in the diplomatic corps to be able to settle the political affairs of a host nation."
&
"(T)here can be no denying that a space has indeed been created for a more or less peaceful political process to take place. Acts of heinous violence still take place in Baghdad, but so too does a relatively peaceful political process.
If you want to argue that getting involved in Iraq in the first place was a stupid decision, fine. I agree with you. But trying to argue that the Surge "failed" at this point -- even if Iraq someday descends anew into civil war -- simply isn't a credible option anymore."
Hat tip to Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit ("the intersection between advanced technologies and individual liberty").
re: "Kwame James, Shoe Bomb Hero, Becomes Citizen"
James Joyner at Outside the Beltway ("an online journal of politics and foreign affairs analysis") has some good news:
"Kwame James, a private citizen who helped subdue Richard Read (sic), is now an American citizen."
___
The correct surname is Reid.
"Kwame James, a private citizen who helped subdue Richard Read (sic), is now an American citizen."
___
The correct surname is Reid.
re: "Mistaken identity this is not, US ConGen Nuevo Laredo bombed!"
Domani Spero at DiploPundit ("Just one obsessive observer, diplomatic watcher, opinionator and noodle newsmaker monitoring the goings on at Foggy Bottom and the worldwide available universe. ") posits a logical surmise.
Money quote(s):
"If that attack on US ConGen Ciudad Juarez was not a targeted attack against US interest, well, then this latest bombing of the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo certainly looks targeted and intentional."
Money quote(s):
"If that attack on US ConGen Ciudad Juarez was not a targeted attack against US interest, well, then this latest bombing of the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo certainly looks targeted and intentional."
JO - 'We are on our own.' St Andrew Western residents feel alone in struggle against joblessness, violence.
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
'We are on our own'
St Andrew Western residents feel alone in struggle against joblessness, violence
BY KIMONE THOMPSON Features editor — Sunday
thompsonk@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, April 04, 2010
DERRICK Brown has made some mistakes but he wants to ensure that unemployed, unattached young men in Waterhouse, a community that forms a part of Anthony Hylton's St Andrew Western constituency, do not follow in his footsteps.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"He was deported from the United States last year on drug-related charges but says he has a lot to offer in the way of developing the human resources in Waterhouse, where he grew up."
Jamaica Observer
'We are on our own'
St Andrew Western residents feel alone in struggle against joblessness, violence
BY KIMONE THOMPSON Features editor — Sunday
thompsonk@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, April 04, 2010
DERRICK Brown has made some mistakes but he wants to ensure that unemployed, unattached young men in Waterhouse, a community that forms a part of Anthony Hylton's St Andrew Western constituency, do not follow in his footsteps.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"He was deported from the United States last year on drug-related charges but says he has a lot to offer in the way of developing the human resources in Waterhouse, where he grew up."
JG - When politicians go naked
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
When politicians go naked
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010
In 2005, then Opposition Leader Bruce Golding (right), member of parliament for West Kingston, and Jamaica Labour Party Deputy Leader James Robertson (centre) and party member André Franklin rushed to the scene of a major police-military operation in...
From left, government Members of Parliament Omar Davies, Peter Phillips and Karl Blythe were seen at Willie Haggart's funeral on May 8, 2001. Haggart was a well known 'don' at the time of his death.
Left: Camille Coke (left) weeps as she stands beside her mother, Beverley, viewing the body of Lester Lloyd Coke alias 'Jim Brown' who was laid to rest in 1992. Brown, the father of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, was the acclaimed 'don' of West Kingston. Then Opposition Leader Hon Edward Seaga is in the background with then Senator Olivia 'Babsy' Grange just in front of him.
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
Local politicians' defiant flirtations with garrison communities over many years - in the face of dire warnings that this could have grave implications - are coming back to bite the Bruce Golding administration in its ongoing extradition tussle with the United States.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Since last week's release of a damning report by the US State Department chastising the Government for its handling of the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, Jamaicans have applied colourful phrases to capture and describe the predicament in which the Golding administration finds itself."
"That Prime Minister Bruce Golding is the parliamentary representative of West Kingston, which includes the Tivoli Gardens community, has not helped.
Coke has been unofficially anointed 'President' of Tivoli Gardens, dubbed the "mother of all garrisons," an uncomplimentary title attributed to the community by former Jamaica Defence Force Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin."
"Golding told the House of Representatives last Tuesday that Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne had not signed the extradition order against Coke because the surveillance evidence that the US submitted contravened local laws.
The prime minister's insistence that the constitutional rights of every Jamaican must be protected was met with scepticism from many.
Gomes likened Golding to the main character in the story titled The Emperor's New Clothes . "I think the politicians are naked. The public expressions and the vox pops are supporting this point," she declared."
&
"It is the first time since the Mutual Assistance Treaty was signed in 1992 that an extradition request has generated such a furore.
The extradition foul-up, which dispatched Richard 'Storyteller' Morrison to the United States in 1992 and precipitated a diplomatic tiff between the P.J. Patterson administration and the US, pales in comparison.
Even the extradition request of 1992, which landed Coke's father, Lester Lloyd Coke aka 'Jim Brown', behind bars, was not nearly as controversial."
_____
gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com
Jamaica Gleaner
When politicians go naked
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010
In 2005, then Opposition Leader Bruce Golding (right), member of parliament for West Kingston, and Jamaica Labour Party Deputy Leader James Robertson (centre) and party member André Franklin rushed to the scene of a major police-military operation in...
From left, government Members of Parliament Omar Davies, Peter Phillips and Karl Blythe were seen at Willie Haggart's funeral on May 8, 2001. Haggart was a well known 'don' at the time of his death.
Left: Camille Coke (left) weeps as she stands beside her mother, Beverley, viewing the body of Lester Lloyd Coke alias 'Jim Brown' who was laid to rest in 1992. Brown, the father of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, was the acclaimed 'don' of West Kingston. Then Opposition Leader Hon Edward Seaga is in the background with then Senator Olivia 'Babsy' Grange just in front of him.
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
Local politicians' defiant flirtations with garrison communities over many years - in the face of dire warnings that this could have grave implications - are coming back to bite the Bruce Golding administration in its ongoing extradition tussle with the United States.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Since last week's release of a damning report by the US State Department chastising the Government for its handling of the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, Jamaicans have applied colourful phrases to capture and describe the predicament in which the Golding administration finds itself."
"That Prime Minister Bruce Golding is the parliamentary representative of West Kingston, which includes the Tivoli Gardens community, has not helped.
Coke has been unofficially anointed 'President' of Tivoli Gardens, dubbed the "mother of all garrisons," an uncomplimentary title attributed to the community by former Jamaica Defence Force Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin."
"Golding told the House of Representatives last Tuesday that Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne had not signed the extradition order against Coke because the surveillance evidence that the US submitted contravened local laws.
The prime minister's insistence that the constitutional rights of every Jamaican must be protected was met with scepticism from many.
Gomes likened Golding to the main character in the story titled The Emperor's New Clothes . "I think the politicians are naked. The public expressions and the vox pops are supporting this point," she declared."
&
"It is the first time since the Mutual Assistance Treaty was signed in 1992 that an extradition request has generated such a furore.
The extradition foul-up, which dispatched Richard 'Storyteller' Morrison to the United States in 1992 and precipitated a diplomatic tiff between the P.J. Patterson administration and the US, pales in comparison.
Even the extradition request of 1992, which landed Coke's father, Lester Lloyd Coke aka 'Jim Brown', behind bars, was not nearly as controversial."
_____
gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com
Saturday, April 10, 2010
re: "Arrogant Qatari "Diplomat" Likely To Be Reassigned"
Ace at Ace of Spades HQ isn't surprised at this news.
Money quote(s):
"I'd say I was stunned by this guy's arrogance, but I'm really not. There is certainly a sense of entitlement among these cats. The rule against smoking applies to everyone, and yet this guy seemed to take it as a personal offense that it was being applied to him too."
Money quote(s):
"I'd say I was stunned by this guy's arrogance, but I'm really not. There is certainly a sense of entitlement among these cats. The rule against smoking applies to everyone, and yet this guy seemed to take it as a personal offense that it was being applied to him too."
re: "Qatar Diplomat: Airline Shoe Bomber? No: Potty Smoker"
James Joyner at Outside the Beltway ("an online journal of politics and foreign affairs analysis") also charts a moderate course on the incident.
Money quote(s):
"A Qatari diplomat with a disregard for the rules and an odd sense of humor managed to create a major air incident — including the dispatch of a pair of F-16s — for trying to sneak a cig in the lavatory of a 757 while in flight."
"(I)t strikes me as perfectly prudent to take the word of an Arab man producing smoke in the lavatory who proclaims that he’s a shoe bomber. I must agree, though, that scrambling fighter jets seems extreme overkill."
"We can expel a diplomat for any reason we want. That goes double for some low-ranking schmo.
Diplomatic immunity is an age-old principle and one that by and large makes sense. It can be waived by the diplomat’s government but I doubt we’ll pursue that course in this case since no lives were threatened or lost. One suspects that he’ll be quietly recalled to Doha and directed to another line of work."
&
"I’m merely suggesting that the Qatari government might not want this buffoon representing them in Washington after this embarrassing incident."
Money quote(s):
"A Qatari diplomat with a disregard for the rules and an odd sense of humor managed to create a major air incident — including the dispatch of a pair of F-16s — for trying to sneak a cig in the lavatory of a 757 while in flight."
"(I)t strikes me as perfectly prudent to take the word of an Arab man producing smoke in the lavatory who proclaims that he’s a shoe bomber. I must agree, though, that scrambling fighter jets seems extreme overkill."
"We can expel a diplomat for any reason we want. That goes double for some low-ranking schmo.
Diplomatic immunity is an age-old principle and one that by and large makes sense. It can be waived by the diplomat’s government but I doubt we’ll pursue that course in this case since no lives were threatened or lost. One suspects that he’ll be quietly recalled to Doha and directed to another line of work."
&
"I’m merely suggesting that the Qatari government might not want this buffoon representing them in Washington after this embarrassing incident."
re: "Flying While Diplomatically Immune"
Jules Crittenden at Forward Movement ("on politics, crime, science, foreign affairs, and maritime and military matters in the United States, Asia, the Balkans and the Middle East") takes a moderate stance.
Money quote(s):
"Waiting for all the usual suspects to denounce the anti-Muslim sentiments inherent in a Qatari diplomat’s sarcastic jokes about lighting his shoes on fire after causing a panic by smoking in an aircraft restroom, mocking the efforts of those tasked with preventing Islamic extremists from blowing planes out of the sky."
Yeah, there's certainly been some of that.
"Sounds more like an irresponsible provocation by someone who apparently doesn’t understand what serious business this is for everyone who flies, including all law-abiding Muslims who don’t care to blow out of the sky and don’t enjoy being subjected to a high degree of official scrutiny any more than the rest of the flying public does."
Just like every American who travels by air, I'm subjected to the same security kabuki a la TSA, the increased restrictions while in the air, and I don't like it much either. But I aim to at least pretend to willing and cheerful compliance. They can't make me act like an idiot child after all, no matter how much they treat us like idiot children.
"(F)rivolous actions of the sort this Qatari diplomat is reported to have engaged in could be damaging to the good relations with Muslims and Muslim nations that our government and institutions have worked hard to maintain in difficult times, going back to George Bush’s remarks in the first days after 9/11. Fortunately, Americans have largely limited themselves to reasonable responses to real threats."
&
"The Qatari diplomat wasn’t being targeted while minding his own business. He was being targeted while reportedly doing the equivalent of shouting fire in a crowded theater."
Money quote(s):
"Waiting for all the usual suspects to denounce the anti-Muslim sentiments inherent in a Qatari diplomat’s sarcastic jokes about lighting his shoes on fire after causing a panic by smoking in an aircraft restroom, mocking the efforts of those tasked with preventing Islamic extremists from blowing planes out of the sky."
Yeah, there's certainly been some of that.
"Sounds more like an irresponsible provocation by someone who apparently doesn’t understand what serious business this is for everyone who flies, including all law-abiding Muslims who don’t care to blow out of the sky and don’t enjoy being subjected to a high degree of official scrutiny any more than the rest of the flying public does."
Just like every American who travels by air, I'm subjected to the same security kabuki a la TSA, the increased restrictions while in the air, and I don't like it much either. But I aim to at least pretend to willing and cheerful compliance. They can't make me act like an idiot child after all, no matter how much they treat us like idiot children.
"(F)rivolous actions of the sort this Qatari diplomat is reported to have engaged in could be damaging to the good relations with Muslims and Muslim nations that our government and institutions have worked hard to maintain in difficult times, going back to George Bush’s remarks in the first days after 9/11. Fortunately, Americans have largely limited themselves to reasonable responses to real threats."
&
"The Qatari diplomat wasn’t being targeted while minding his own business. He was being targeted while reportedly doing the equivalent of shouting fire in a crowded theater."
re: "Macheteculturalism"
Mark Steyn at NRO's The Corner coined a new word.
Money quote(s):
"The killing has shocked the town. The leaders of four local Muslim associations held a press conference to deplore the "accident" and warn that it could "cause xenophobia". Indeed. That's the real news angle here:
Sweden: Muslim Community Fears Violence After Attack On Elderly Couple
That's the ticket: A purely hypothetical outbreak of violent attacks on Muslims always trumps actual violent attacks on non-Muslims"
Money quote(s):
"The killing has shocked the town. The leaders of four local Muslim associations held a press conference to deplore the "accident" and warn that it could "cause xenophobia". Indeed. That's the real news angle here:
Sweden: Muslim Community Fears Violence After Attack On Elderly Couple
That's the ticket: A purely hypothetical outbreak of violent attacks on Muslims always trumps actual violent attacks on non-Muslims"
JG - Easter tragedy - Two die in boat mishap
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Easter tragedy - Two die in boat mishap
Published: Sunday April 4, 2010
A fun-filled Easter boat ride ended in tragedy yesterday evening with two persons dead and several others hospitalised.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The police said late yesterday evening a marine patrol vessel was in the vicinity of Lime Cay where the boat capsized. The marine police rushed to the passengers' rescue but were too late to save one man and a woman."
Jamaica Gleaner
Easter tragedy - Two die in boat mishap
Published: Sunday April 4, 2010
A fun-filled Easter boat ride ended in tragedy yesterday evening with two persons dead and several others hospitalised.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The police said late yesterday evening a marine patrol vessel was in the vicinity of Lime Cay where the boat capsized. The marine police rushed to the passengers' rescue but were too late to save one man and a woman."
JG - Whose rights are protected?
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Whose rights are protected?
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
The Editor,
Sir:
A most interesting situation has occurred with the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition case. The prime minister has loudly declared that Jamaicans have "constitutional rights that do not end at Liguanea". The method of attaining evidence against Coke, we are told, was illegal, and it is on these grounds that the extradition has not been granted. How interesting!
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Was the Constitution being upheld when you had as many as four members of parliament sitting in the legislature illegally on account of the fact that they had sworn allegiance to a foreign power?"
_____
I am, etc.,
CANUTE SHAW
scanshaw@gmail.com
Kingston 5
Jamaica Gleaner
Whose rights are protected?
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions
The Editor,
Sir:
A most interesting situation has occurred with the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition case. The prime minister has loudly declared that Jamaicans have "constitutional rights that do not end at Liguanea". The method of attaining evidence against Coke, we are told, was illegal, and it is on these grounds that the extradition has not been granted. How interesting!
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Was the Constitution being upheld when you had as many as four members of parliament sitting in the legislature illegally on account of the fact that they had sworn allegiance to a foreign power?"
_____
I am, etc.,
CANUTE SHAW
scanshaw@gmail.com
Kingston 5
Friday, April 9, 2010
re: "Denmark Tightens Immigration Rules"
Baron Bodissey at Gates of Vienna ("At the siege of Vienna in 1683 Islam seemed poised to overrun Christian Europe. We are in a new phase of a very old war.") relayed some heartening news from Denmark.
JO - There is more than one way to skin a cat
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
There is more than one way to skin a cat
Sunday, April 04, 2010
A few days ago, at the opening of the US Embassy's consular office in Montego Bay, the point was made that the great northern power considers Jamaica a friend.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Not a word would the American officials let slip about any possible impact that Prime Minister Bruce Golding's handling of the extradition request for his friend, Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, might have on the relationship between both countries."
"According to Vice-Consul David Stone, some 120,000 visas are issued per year, way more than the number of visas that are cancelled.
This, coupled with the fact that the Embassy has spent a pretty penny on infrastructure within the past three years, is, according to Embassy officials, indicative of their intentions to maintain strong relations with Jamaica."
"Mr Stone's explanation that the small number of visas that are cancelled on a yearly basis are done so for reasons that are personal and unique to the individuals, is perfectly plausible.
But it would be nothing short of simplistic to twin the local presence of the US with the supposition that the 'Dudus' issue is one that we can afford to sustain in its current format.
Never mind the broad smiles and assurances of the Americans. They know, as do we, that there is more than one way to skin a cat.
There's no need to close down embassies or pull out of Jamaica over this issue. We are, after all, talking about one man... 33, counting Mr Golding and his team."
&
"No undiplomatic venting, no inappropriate scenes, just a systematic unveiling of information that raises serious challenges to much of what is coming out of the Government's mouth."
Jamaica Observer
There is more than one way to skin a cat
Sunday, April 04, 2010
A few days ago, at the opening of the US Embassy's consular office in Montego Bay, the point was made that the great northern power considers Jamaica a friend.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Not a word would the American officials let slip about any possible impact that Prime Minister Bruce Golding's handling of the extradition request for his friend, Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, might have on the relationship between both countries."
"According to Vice-Consul David Stone, some 120,000 visas are issued per year, way more than the number of visas that are cancelled.
This, coupled with the fact that the Embassy has spent a pretty penny on infrastructure within the past three years, is, according to Embassy officials, indicative of their intentions to maintain strong relations with Jamaica."
"Mr Stone's explanation that the small number of visas that are cancelled on a yearly basis are done so for reasons that are personal and unique to the individuals, is perfectly plausible.
But it would be nothing short of simplistic to twin the local presence of the US with the supposition that the 'Dudus' issue is one that we can afford to sustain in its current format.
Never mind the broad smiles and assurances of the Americans. They know, as do we, that there is more than one way to skin a cat.
There's no need to close down embassies or pull out of Jamaica over this issue. We are, after all, talking about one man... 33, counting Mr Golding and his team."
&
"No undiplomatic venting, no inappropriate scenes, just a systematic unveiling of information that raises serious challenges to much of what is coming out of the Government's mouth."
JO - A father's pain
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
A father's pain
BY PETRE WILLIAMS-RAYNOR williamsp@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, March 07, 2010
AT 40 years old, he is a man in anguish over the loss of the family he had to leave behind in the United States when he was deported to Jamaica in 2008.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"He recalled that when the authorities came to get him, he was in the process of taking his youngest son, age 13, to school."
"(H)is story did not begin with his deportation, which came as a consequence of his not being in the country legally. The man, who is married to the mother of his two youngest children, said he was taken to the US at age five or six by his father. But no sooner did he get there, his father began to physically abuse him. As a result, he was taken into state care where he remained, on and off, for the next 10 years.
He later returned to live with his father until he was 21-years-old, when he was deported, having run afoul of the law over a drug charge. While in custody, the authorities discovered that he had no papers. He was offered bail, which his father -- who had failed to ensure he got his green card and citizenship -- refused to post."
"He was deported, but after only about four months he was back in the States using a new name. He assumed the name of a US soldier, and it was several years before local authorities discovered what he had done and brought him up on charges. He was given two years probation for that offence and went back to using his own name."
"Immigration authorities soon discovered that several years earlier he had also assumed the name of a soldier that had deserted the army.
He was subsequently taken into custody, and deported for the second time in 19 years."
"(A)s he adapts to life on the island, his family struggles in the US."
&
"His other children from a previous relationship -- a son, 19, a daughter, 21, and another son, 22 -- are in no less need of him."
Jamaica Observer
A father's pain
BY PETRE WILLIAMS-RAYNOR williamsp@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, March 07, 2010
AT 40 years old, he is a man in anguish over the loss of the family he had to leave behind in the United States when he was deported to Jamaica in 2008.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"He recalled that when the authorities came to get him, he was in the process of taking his youngest son, age 13, to school."
"(H)is story did not begin with his deportation, which came as a consequence of his not being in the country legally. The man, who is married to the mother of his two youngest children, said he was taken to the US at age five or six by his father. But no sooner did he get there, his father began to physically abuse him. As a result, he was taken into state care where he remained, on and off, for the next 10 years.
He later returned to live with his father until he was 21-years-old, when he was deported, having run afoul of the law over a drug charge. While in custody, the authorities discovered that he had no papers. He was offered bail, which his father -- who had failed to ensure he got his green card and citizenship -- refused to post."
"He was deported, but after only about four months he was back in the States using a new name. He assumed the name of a US soldier, and it was several years before local authorities discovered what he had done and brought him up on charges. He was given two years probation for that offence and went back to using his own name."
"Immigration authorities soon discovered that several years earlier he had also assumed the name of a soldier that had deserted the army.
He was subsequently taken into custody, and deported for the second time in 19 years."
"(A)s he adapts to life on the island, his family struggles in the US."
&
"His other children from a previous relationship -- a son, 19, a daughter, 21, and another son, 22 -- are in no less need of him."
Thursday, April 8, 2010
re: "Petraeus asks to add Israel & Palestine to AO"
Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive evaluated Gen. Petraeus' request.
The set-up:
"There is an element within the US foreign policy establishment that believes that virtually every problem we have with Arab and/or Muslim countries can be tied to our support for Israel. They take the realpolitik view that since this is what their counterparts from these countries say then we should adapt our policies accordingly to gain traction with them. There is no question that our alliance with Israel makes our relations with many countries more difficult. The question remains as to whether changing this will actually benefit us and if that is worth throwing one of the few true allies we have in the region under the bus."
The conclusion:
"This looks like a request to alter our force posture and a major alliance to produce better relations with other countries concerned about Israel v. the Palestinians.
Now I am hardly a fan of the State Department, but that sure seems like their job. The military is sometimes used to increase our government to government relations, and my team went to Singapore when the Philippines announced they wanted to close our bases there specifically to do this. But I think it is a stretch, and one in the wrong direction, for a theater commander to be requesting a change to his AO that would reverse decades of US policy. If this happened as it is portrayed, then those within the State Department who have been complaining about mission creep from the military may have a point. As Clausewitz said, war is the continuation of diplomacy by other means, but we should not consider that to be an invitation to reverse the flow."
The set-up:
"There is an element within the US foreign policy establishment that believes that virtually every problem we have with Arab and/or Muslim countries can be tied to our support for Israel. They take the realpolitik view that since this is what their counterparts from these countries say then we should adapt our policies accordingly to gain traction with them. There is no question that our alliance with Israel makes our relations with many countries more difficult. The question remains as to whether changing this will actually benefit us and if that is worth throwing one of the few true allies we have in the region under the bus."
The conclusion:
"This looks like a request to alter our force posture and a major alliance to produce better relations with other countries concerned about Israel v. the Palestinians.
Now I am hardly a fan of the State Department, but that sure seems like their job. The military is sometimes used to increase our government to government relations, and my team went to Singapore when the Philippines announced they wanted to close our bases there specifically to do this. But I think it is a stretch, and one in the wrong direction, for a theater commander to be requesting a change to his AO that would reverse decades of US policy. If this happened as it is portrayed, then those within the State Department who have been complaining about mission creep from the military may have a point. As Clausewitz said, war is the continuation of diplomacy by other means, but we should not consider that to be an invitation to reverse the flow."
S&S - Kidnapped Army linguist returns home to San Diego
From my archive of press clippings:
Stars and Stripes
Apr 4, 2:57 AM EDT
Kidnapped Army linguist returns home to San Diego
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A U.S. Army linguist returned to his family in Southern California Saturday after more than two months in captivity in Baghdad, according to a National Guard spokeswoman.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Issa Salomi arrived home in San Diego and was "resting and beginning his adjustment back to normal life," Maj. Kimberly Holman said in an emailed statement."
Stars and Stripes
Apr 4, 2:57 AM EDT
Kidnapped Army linguist returns home to San Diego
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A U.S. Army linguist returned to his family in Southern California Saturday after more than two months in captivity in Baghdad, according to a National Guard spokeswoman.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Issa Salomi arrived home in San Diego and was "resting and beginning his adjustment back to normal life," Maj. Kimberly Holman said in an emailed statement."
JG - Turks and Caicos demand democracy - To march against UK takeover
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Turks and Caicos demand democracy - To march against UK takeover
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010
From left: Turks and Caicos People's Democratic Movement's Douglas Parnell and leader of the Progressive National Party, Galmo Williams, at a press conference in Providenciales last week. - Contributed
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
Miami, Florida: BOTH POLITICAL parties in the Turks and Caicos, the Progressive National Party (PNP) and the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) will unite in a march tomorrow demanding immediate return to democracy and self- rule.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The move comes on the heels of an intended enactment of a new constitution for the country by the British.
Over a year ago, Britain took back interim autonomy of the country, placing one of its governors in charge after former premier Michael Misick, who was embroiled in a huge scandal of abuse of power, was ousted from office."
"(T)he proposed reform has been rejected by indigenous people because it excludes them."
&
"It is the first time in the country's history that the two political parties have stood on the same platform defending the same cause."
_____
Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com
Jamaica Gleaner
Turks and Caicos demand democracy - To march against UK takeover
Published: Sunday March 7, 2010
From left: Turks and Caicos People's Democratic Movement's Douglas Parnell and leader of the Progressive National Party, Galmo Williams, at a press conference in Providenciales last week. - Contributed
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
Miami, Florida: BOTH POLITICAL parties in the Turks and Caicos, the Progressive National Party (PNP) and the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) will unite in a march tomorrow demanding immediate return to democracy and self- rule.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The move comes on the heels of an intended enactment of a new constitution for the country by the British.
Over a year ago, Britain took back interim autonomy of the country, placing one of its governors in charge after former premier Michael Misick, who was embroiled in a huge scandal of abuse of power, was ousted from office."
"(T)he proposed reform has been rejected by indigenous people because it excludes them."
&
"It is the first time in the country's history that the two political parties have stood on the same platform defending the same cause."
_____
Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
re: "Pissed!"
Digger at Life After Jerusalem ("The musings of a Two-Spirit American Indian, Public Diplomacy-coned Foreign Service Officer") was pissed. And so was I.
Money quote(s):
"(W)hile we value all American life, and indeed, all human life, we are talking about people who are in a place at the service of the Nation. It is the ultimate sacrifice of service, not an unfortunate tragedy befalling a tourist or a duel national. More Americans besides Victoria DeLong were killed in Haiti, but she died in the service of our country."
&
"What the hell is the New York Times thinking putting a picture of the two dead Americans online?!"
Money quote(s):
"(W)hile we value all American life, and indeed, all human life, we are talking about people who are in a place at the service of the Nation. It is the ultimate sacrifice of service, not an unfortunate tragedy befalling a tourist or a duel national. More Americans besides Victoria DeLong were killed in Haiti, but she died in the service of our country."
&
"What the hell is the New York Times thinking putting a picture of the two dead Americans online?!"
JO - Antigua political crisis deepens.
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Antigua political crisis deepens
Documents on judge's ruling missing
BY RICKEY SINGH Observer Caribbean correspondent
Sunday, April 04, 2010
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- The political crisis in Antigua and Barbuda which emerged last week with a High Court judge's invalidation of three seats belonging to the governing United Progressive Party (UPP) has now deepened with the mysterious disappearance of vital court documents.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The documents include three certificates prepared by Justice Louise Blenman for the speaker of the House of Representatives informing him that she had declared vacant three of the UPP's seats -- including that of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer -- on the basis of petitions on the outcome of the March 12, 2009 general election.
The two other UPP parliamentarians affected by Justice Blenman's ruling are Education Minister Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, and Tourism Minister John Maginley."
Jamaica Observer
Antigua political crisis deepens
Documents on judge's ruling missing
BY RICKEY SINGH Observer Caribbean correspondent
Sunday, April 04, 2010
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- The political crisis in Antigua and Barbuda which emerged last week with a High Court judge's invalidation of three seats belonging to the governing United Progressive Party (UPP) has now deepened with the mysterious disappearance of vital court documents.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The documents include three certificates prepared by Justice Louise Blenman for the speaker of the House of Representatives informing him that she had declared vacant three of the UPP's seats -- including that of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer -- on the basis of petitions on the outcome of the March 12, 2009 general election.
The two other UPP parliamentarians affected by Justice Blenman's ruling are Education Minister Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, and Tourism Minister John Maginley."
JO - J’cans give US dirt on Dudus. 5 prominent locals on US list of informants.
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Oberver
J’cans give US dirt on Dudus
5 prominent locals on US list of informants
Sunday, March 07, 2010
FIVE well-known Jamaicans are among a number of witnesses whose statements the United States Government intends to use against Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, the diminutive and powerful Western Kingston don who has strong family and business connections in the constituency of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Highly placed authoritative sources have told the Sunday Observer that included in the five are three well-known underworld figures — one a convict deportee, another an accused against whom no convictions have been secured so far, and the third an individual currently residing in the US at the pleasure of that country’s federal prison system."
"The sources also say that both have been granted residency status in the United States in exchange for information against Coke, and at least two of the three are those referred to as co-conspirators in the indictment filed by American authorities against Coke."
"Christopher Michael Coke, aka ‘Michael Christopher Coke’; ‘Paul Christopher Scott’; ‘Presi’; ‘General’; ‘President’; ‘Dudus’ and ‘Shortman’ was indicted on two counts — conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine, and conspiracy to traffic in firearms.
According to the indictment filed in the US District Court Southern District of New York, Coke and others known and unknown, “unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with each other to violate the narcotics laws of the United States” in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.
The alleged acts, the US said, were committed “from at least in or about 1994, up to and including in or about October 2007”.
The indictment also accused Coke and others of unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly distributing and possessing with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of marijuana, and five kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine in violation of Sections 812, 841(a) (1), and 841(b) (1) (A) of Title 21, United States Code.
The indictment also accuses Coke of illegally importing guns into Jamaica “via a wharf located adjacent to Tivoli Gardens” and outlines telephone conversations the US authorities say were conducted between Coke and a number of unnamed coconspirators regarding the shipment of guns and narcotics.
The Jamaican Government’s handling of the Americans’ extradition request for Coke, submitted last August, has soured relations between both countries in recent months."
"Last Monday, in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Washington questioned Kingston’s commitment to law enforcement co-operation and blasted the Golding administration for procrastinating on the request."
"The United States Embassy in Kingston is located in Liguanea."
&
"On September 17 last year, two days after US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly labelled Jamaica a “major illicit drug-producing country”, a highly placed US source told the Sunday Observer that Washington would begin cancelling the visas of highprofile Jamaicans.
“There is one thing that Jamaicans love more than their country, and it’s their US visa, and America knows that,” the source said at the time."
Jamaica Oberver
J’cans give US dirt on Dudus
5 prominent locals on US list of informants
Sunday, March 07, 2010
FIVE well-known Jamaicans are among a number of witnesses whose statements the United States Government intends to use against Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, the diminutive and powerful Western Kingston don who has strong family and business connections in the constituency of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Highly placed authoritative sources have told the Sunday Observer that included in the five are three well-known underworld figures — one a convict deportee, another an accused against whom no convictions have been secured so far, and the third an individual currently residing in the US at the pleasure of that country’s federal prison system."
"The sources also say that both have been granted residency status in the United States in exchange for information against Coke, and at least two of the three are those referred to as co-conspirators in the indictment filed by American authorities against Coke."
"Christopher Michael Coke, aka ‘Michael Christopher Coke’; ‘Paul Christopher Scott’; ‘Presi’; ‘General’; ‘President’; ‘Dudus’ and ‘Shortman’ was indicted on two counts — conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine, and conspiracy to traffic in firearms.
According to the indictment filed in the US District Court Southern District of New York, Coke and others known and unknown, “unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with each other to violate the narcotics laws of the United States” in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.
The alleged acts, the US said, were committed “from at least in or about 1994, up to and including in or about October 2007”.
The indictment also accused Coke and others of unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly distributing and possessing with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of marijuana, and five kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine in violation of Sections 812, 841(a) (1), and 841(b) (1) (A) of Title 21, United States Code.
The indictment also accuses Coke of illegally importing guns into Jamaica “via a wharf located adjacent to Tivoli Gardens” and outlines telephone conversations the US authorities say were conducted between Coke and a number of unnamed coconspirators regarding the shipment of guns and narcotics.
The Jamaican Government’s handling of the Americans’ extradition request for Coke, submitted last August, has soured relations between both countries in recent months."
"Last Monday, in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Washington questioned Kingston’s commitment to law enforcement co-operation and blasted the Golding administration for procrastinating on the request."
"The United States Embassy in Kingston is located in Liguanea."
&
"On September 17 last year, two days after US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly labelled Jamaica a “major illicit drug-producing country”, a highly placed US source told the Sunday Observer that Washington would begin cancelling the visas of highprofile Jamaicans.
“There is one thing that Jamaicans love more than their country, and it’s their US visa, and America knows that,” the source said at the time."
WRGZ - Homeland Security Secretary Publicizing Passport Alternatives
From my archive of press clippings:
WRGZ
Homeland Security Secretary Publicizing Passport Alternatives
By BRIAN TUMULTY Gannett Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano agreed Wednesday to a request from Sen. Chuck Schumer to work with Canadian officials in publicizing options for people who want to cross the U.S.-Canada border but don't want to pay for a passport.
"We have seen a precipitous drop-off in border crossings,'' Schumer told Napolitano at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Visits to the U.S. by Canadians have dropped since June 1, when the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative began requiring new documentation for cross-border land travel."
"First-time passports cost $100 for applicants 16 or older, and $85 for children, making a visit to Canada expensive for many Americans even before they put gas in their car."
&
"The Buffalo field office of Customs and Border Protection reports travel fell 8.2 percent from June 1 to July 30 last year compared to the same period in 2007. This year, the decline was 13.3 percent drop over that same period."
_____
Gannett ContentOne - Washington, D.C.
WRGZ
Homeland Security Secretary Publicizing Passport Alternatives
By BRIAN TUMULTY Gannett Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano agreed Wednesday to a request from Sen. Chuck Schumer to work with Canadian officials in publicizing options for people who want to cross the U.S.-Canada border but don't want to pay for a passport.
"We have seen a precipitous drop-off in border crossings,'' Schumer told Napolitano at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Visits to the U.S. by Canadians have dropped since June 1, when the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative began requiring new documentation for cross-border land travel."
"First-time passports cost $100 for applicants 16 or older, and $85 for children, making a visit to Canada expensive for many Americans even before they put gas in their car."
&
"The Buffalo field office of Customs and Border Protection reports travel fell 8.2 percent from June 1 to July 30 last year compared to the same period in 2007. This year, the decline was 13.3 percent drop over that same period."
_____
Gannett ContentOne - Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
re: "Uninvited"
NoDoubleStandards at Muttering Behind the Hardline ("Rants of a Foreign Service Officer on the things that matter to you -- and matter to you not at all") provides an excellent example of the sort of empathy that the very best consular officers exhibit.
re: "What If We Won A War And No One Cared?"
Drew M. at Ace of Spades HQ put Iraq into nation-building perspective.
Money quote(s):
"Iraq has been at a tipping point for awhile and probably will be for some time into the future. So was America a long, long time ago. It's a comparison that can be taken to far but the fact remains, no nation rises or falls in a straight line. There are ups and downs, success and failures. The final outcome for Iraq will not be known for years, probably decades. It is up to the Iraqis to decide that outcome and it always has been. It's a country with a lot of history going against it but thanks to hundreds of thousands of men and women (and their families) who served in the US military, they have an opportunity to build something reasonably decent by the standards of that part of the world and if they succeed, it will be of immeasurable benefit to us.
Far too many people were wrong about the Iraq War and don't have the decency to admit it now."
&
"In the meantime, the least we can do is remember what they did, celebrate their victory and challenge those who would deny what these heroes accomplished for our country."
Money quote(s):
"Iraq has been at a tipping point for awhile and probably will be for some time into the future. So was America a long, long time ago. It's a comparison that can be taken to far but the fact remains, no nation rises or falls in a straight line. There are ups and downs, success and failures. The final outcome for Iraq will not be known for years, probably decades. It is up to the Iraqis to decide that outcome and it always has been. It's a country with a lot of history going against it but thanks to hundreds of thousands of men and women (and their families) who served in the US military, they have an opportunity to build something reasonably decent by the standards of that part of the world and if they succeed, it will be of immeasurable benefit to us.
Far too many people were wrong about the Iraq War and don't have the decency to admit it now."
&
"In the meantime, the least we can do is remember what they did, celebrate their victory and challenge those who would deny what these heroes accomplished for our country."
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