Al Qaeda Shows French Hostages

Al Jazeera - The North African wing of al-Qaeda on Thursday released photographs of seven hostages held in Niger, the first since the group was kidnapped earlier this month.

The photo shows seven hostages, with a group of heavily armed men behind them

The photos released to Al Jazeera show the group, which includes five French nationals and one each from Madagascar and Togo, sitting on the sand as several gun-toting men in Bedouin clothing stand behind them. It is impossible to identify where the photos were taken.

A spokesman for the French foreign ministry declined to comment on the photographs.

The group was abducted earlier this month, and are reportedly being held in a mountainous region in northwestern Mali. French officials say they have not received any demands from al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the group that carried out the kidnapping.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/09/201093013231890813.html

The hostages are employees of two French firms, Areva and Vinci, which do business in the mining town of Arlit in Niger.

China Opposes U.S. Bill On Foreign Currency Reform

Reported by the Xinhua New Agency China.

BEIJING - China firmly opposes legislation passed by the US House of Representatives on Wednesday to penalize countries that allegedly manipulate their currency values for trade advantages, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said on Thursday.


China urged US lawmakers to fully comprehend the importance of Sino-US trade and resist protectionism to avoid harming the interests of the people of China, the United States, and the world, Jiang said when answering a question at a regular press briefing.

Jiang said China had made clear its principle and stance on many occasions concerning issues related to RMB exchange rate.

Any attempts to exercise protectionism against China with the excuse of RMB exchange rate would seriously damage Sino-US trade and badly affect the economic revival of both countries and the world.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the proposed Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, which allows the Commerce Department to impose trade sanctions against its trade partners for allegedly manipulating their currencies.

Muslims in Birmingham England Targeted In Unlawful Surveillance Operation

A secret police operation to place thousands of Muslims living in Birmingham under permanent surveillance was implemented with virtually no consultation, oversight or regard for the law, a report found today.

Project Champion was abandoned in June after an investigation by the Guardian revealed police had misled residents into believing that hundreds of counter-terrorism cameras installed in streets around Sparkbrook and Washwood Heath were to be used to combat vehicle crime and antisocial behavior.  

In a report by the Guardian Newspaper of the U.K. reported that, http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/sep/30/police-surveillance-muslims-no-regard-law, the network of CCTV and automatic number plate reading (ANPR) cameras, which were weeks away from being switched on, were intended to monitor people entering and leaving the predominantly Muslim suburbs.

This is clearly a violation of their civil rights. Is the world becoming so intolerant that we are willing to violate the rights of an entire religious/ethnic group.  Although I am not terribly familiar with U.K. law, I am certain that this is not and should not be tolerated.

.

Russia To Reopen Unsolved Journalist Murders

In what seems like a sudden shift in policy, the Kremlin has decided to reopen, and actively pursue, the unsolved murders of Russian journalists.  One of these murders was that of journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, in a highly publicized case that was never solved.

The Christian Science Monitor reports, http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2010/0930/In-shift-Kremlin-reopens-cases-of-Russian-reporters-unsolved-murders, top Moscow authorities met Thursday with a visiting delegation from the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists and pledged to aggressively pursue investigations into 19 unsolved, work-related murders of Russian journalists since Vladimir Putin came to power a decade ago, including at least five cases that had previously been closed or suspended.

Christine O'Donnell, Her Story Gets Stranger And Stranger!

Delaware Republican Senatorial candidate Christine O'Donnell has responded to accusations that she overstated her education in her resume by insisting that a LinkedIn profile erroneously stating she went to Oxford University wasn't authored with her knowledge.

But now a new website has surfaced listing the same erroneous biographical information. And a website spokesman claims that O'Donnell entered the data herself.  

From the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/30/second-website-surfaces-w_n_745231.html

Two days in a row it appears that Christine O'Donnell's educational background has been debunked.  What will be next...a Doctorate from Harvard.  I think not. 

Too Few Americans Bear The Burdens Of War

Defense secretary Robert Gates, speaking said Wednesday that most Americans have grown too detached from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and see military service as "something for other people to do."
This on a personal level distresses me.  My son has enlisted into the U.S. Army Infantry Division so this comment strikes very close to home.


In a speech Wednesday at Duke University, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/29/robert-gates-war-burdens-too-few-bear_n_744536.html, Gates said this disconnect has imposed a heavy burden on a small segment of society and wildly driven up the costs of maintaining an all-volunteer force.

Because fewer Americans see military service as their duty, troops today face repeated combat tours and long separations from family. The 2.4 million people serving in the armed forces today represent less than 1 percent of the country's total population.


It appears that Americans have forgotten their sense of duty.  We as Americans have chosen to let everyone/anyone else serve the cause as long as it wasn't them.

Why is it right that someone elses son or daughter die serving our country and not mine.  Of course I hope that it never comes to that, but I can't let myself feel that it is someone elses obligation to fight for our freedom.

I just hope that I never need to go through the pain that a child's death brings.  My son is as precious to my wife and I just as your son or daughter is precious to you.  

Please pray for the sons and daughters of your fellow Americans just as I hope that the world prays for them.

Is Christine O'Donnell Imploding?

It appears that Tea Party backed Delaware senatorial candidate Christine O'Donnell is imploding a little bit each day.  From her date with a Satanist, and her taking part in their ritual, to her latest lie, stating that she was a graduate of Claremont Graduate University.  It turns out that Ms. O'Donnell, per CGU's records has never attended the university.

I think that it would be wise for voters, and the Tea Party movement to carefully check out the candidates that they vote for and support.

This is not particularly a dig at the Republican party, as both parties have less than qualified candidates, but just a commentary on the poor choices that you and I are forced to choose between.

As a candidate that is running partially on her moral standing, she would have been better off being honest about her background.  I as one would certainly have had more respect for her had she been honest with the American people.

What do you think?

Mystery Airstrike as Somalia Collapses

Here is an interesting story, that I don't believe received much if any press in the U.S.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A mysterious helicopter attack on a gathering of Islamist leaders suggests that the United States, using either Special Forces or mercenaries, may be trying to decapitate jihadist forces who are escalating a war to topple the Western-backed government.


http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/09/28/Mystery-airstrike-as-Somalia-collapses/UPI-81181285695250/




On Sunday, an unidentified foreign military helicopter, flying in from the sea, fired rockets into a house in the Shabaab-held coastal town of Merca, witnesses said.


Merca, 50 miles southwest of Mogadishu, is near where Saleh was assassinated.


At least seven al-Shabaab leaders were gathered in the house but none was reported harmed since the missiles narrowly missed them. The helicopter, painted gray or olive green, flew off when al-Shabaab fighters opened fire on it, witnesses reported.



Whether this story truthful or not is certainly up for debate as there doesn't appear to be any concrete proof of the west, or America as having taken part in this attack.

Muslim Cleric Issues Anti-terrorism Fatwa

Muslim scholar, Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, head of the Minhaj ul-Quran religious and educational organization, has issued a 600 page fatwa in the U.K. stating that suicide bombers are "destined for hell".  


In a report by Al-Jazeera, http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/03/2010321321826236.html, Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, says of suicide bombers,  "They can't claim that their suicide bombings are martyrdom operations and that they become the heroes of the Muslim Umma [the wider Muslim community], no, they become heroes of hellfire, and they are leading towards hellfire,".


It is refreshing, as a non-muslim, to see this man, a reputable scholar, speaking out about Islam and its message of peace.  Islam is not a religion of hate, but quite the contrary.  Any religion, if taken in single verses, Christianity included, can be viewed as evil, but studied in the intended context is likely to be a religion of peace.

Sudanese V.P. Urges The U.N. To Reject ICC Arrest Warrants

Sudanese Vice President, Ali Osman Taha, has called on the U.N. to reject the International Criminal Court arrest warrants against Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir for allegedly masterminding a campaign of genocide Sudan's Darfur region.

The Voice of America news has reported that, http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/Butty-VP-UNGA-Speech-React-Ismail-28september10-103910679.html, Mr. Taha addressing the U.N. general assembly, stated that the involvement of the ICC is a threat to the peaceful settlement of the Darfur conflict.

OPINION: Hopefully the U.N. does not bend to this threat of blackmail by Mr. Taha.  Omar Al-Bashir justifiably has the arrest warrants issued against him if for nothing else than his inaction to resolve the conflict and at the worst for ordering the genocide.  This man needs to stand trial and either prove his innocence or suffer the consequences of his actions.

Hamid Karzai Sets Up 68 Member High Council For Peace

Hamid Karzai has setup a "high council for peace", consisting of 68 members hand-picked by the president to hold talks with the Taliban and other armed groups.

Al Jezeera reports, http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/09/2010928122241286855.html, that the list includes former president and warlord Burhanuddin Rabani, warlords Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayaf and Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq, all key figures in the resistance during the 1996-2001 Taliban rule over the country.
These commanders helped the United States and other Western allies topple the Taliban from power in late 2001.

Dozens of pro-government religious leaders, former government officials and tribal elders are also part of the new council, along with at least seven women, Waheed Omer, Karzai's spokesman, said.


Officials said the council would include former members of the Taliban and Hizb-i-Islami, a minor armed group led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former prime minister and mujahedeen leader.

Hizb-i-Islami is currently in a tenuous alliance with the Taliban, although both sides remain suspicious of each other.


"This council is mandated to broker peace through negotiation and reconciliation" with the Taliban, Omer said.


"The mandate given to the high council for peace is a big mandate. The government will respect their mandate."

U.S. The Most Religious Industrialized Nation In The World, But...

According to a newly released Pew Research poll, the United States is the most religious of the industrialized nations of the world yet we know little about religion, our own, and even less about other religions.

Atheists, Agnostics, Jews, and Mormons are at the top of the religious knowledge survey while Evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants, and Catholics, score at the bottom of the survey.

Read the survey, http://pewforum.org/Other-Beliefs-and-Practices/U-S-Religious-Knowledge-Survey.aspx, and take the survey yourself, Pew Research Religious Knowledge Quiz.

I took the quiz and it is interesting to see where you rate based on a variety of categories.

At Least 4 Dead and 12 Missing in Mexican Mudslide

A hillside collapsed on hundreds of sleeping residents Tuesday in a rural Mexican community drenched for days by two major storms, killing at least four and leaving 12 confirmed missing.

As reported by CBS News correspondent Adrienne Bard from Mexico City, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/28/world/main6907591.shtml?tag=cbsContent;cbsCarousel.

The death toll could rise much higher in Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec, a town about 130 miles southeast of Mexico City.

What's Going On In America...Opinion

I am feeling a little  confused about the state of America.

What are we  doing a where are we going?  I don't think that these are too tough a question to ask.  I am not sure what America is doing.  We are letting the banks and investment banks run Wall Street.  We obviously did learn from the lessons of Lehman Brothers.

Since the recession has began, what have we done to try to prevent this from happening again?  The answer is NOTHING!

Although I voted for President Obama, I don't find that he has been strong enough to prevent this problem from arising in the future.  Maybe it is the Republican party from preventing any change, or maybe it is the inability of the Democratic party from being strong enough from prevent it from happening again, but none-the-less, nothing substantial has been done.

As Americans, what are we going to do?  Hope...and Change...hasn't been effective propaganda to put measures in place to protect the U.S from further economic disaster.  I don't think Republicans or Democrates are capable of fixing this mess that both parties have gotten us into, but ultimately I don't see that we have very many choices.  Obviously the 2 party system isn't working.  They both claim to be representing the best interests of the American people, but in the end they are only looking out for their own best interests.

I suppose that America is not that different that the rest of the world, but as this is the only world that I know first hand this is what I have to relate too.

What are you feeling in your country?  I am interested in knowing.

Sudan Arms Militia to Fight the Lords Resistance Army (LRA)

South Sudan is arming militia groupa know as the "Arrow Boys" with guns, communications, and training to defend civilians from the brutality of Joseph Kony's group, the Lords Resistance Army.

According to the New Vision Online,of Uganda:

 http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/733342

Armed militia groups know as the "Arrow  Boys" currently defend civilians from the LRA using crude weapons such as machetes due to Sudanese government forces being stretched too thin.  Now these militia groups will have more advanced weapons to more effectively defend the civilian population until the regular army can arrive to take their place.


“The homeguard units will be trained and armed so that they can provide effective defence until the regular forces can intervene,” said Joseph Bakasoro, the governor of Western Equatoria state, speaking by telephone from Yambio, the state capital. 

It's 50 Years After the Election Of John F. Kennedy

First off, I was not alive during the Presidency of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  He was brutally murdered just a year before I was born, but his legacy lives on.  Whether Democrat or Republican, you have to admire and respect this man.  He won the presidency of the United States during a time of turmoil.  We as Americans were tackling our civil rights failures namely racial prejudice, thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King, the showdown between the U.S. and Russia/Cuba during the Bay of Pigs, and what seemed like an inevitable show down in a small country called Viet Nam, to name just a few.

In addition to this, he had to deal with the fact that he was America's first Catholic President.  I have to admit that I don't really understand what the issue was with this.  I realize that many narrow minded American's at the time felt that all Catholics had direct ties to the Pope and that because JFK was Catholic the Pope would have direct access to the Presidency, but obviously this was just garbage.

I don't think any American alive to day, if they look deep within themselves can deny JFK his due place toward the top of America's best, most admired, Presidents.  The time in which he lived was a very different time than now.  People seemed to have a generally greater respect for the office.

This article in USA Today, September 27th, 2010 edition, http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-09-26-jfk-kennedy-mystique_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip, pays tribute to this great American whose time was cut way too short.

May God Bless America.

World Leaders Decry Israeli Move - Al Jezeera

Even as world leaders expressed disappointment on Israel's decision to lift the 10 month ban on settlement building on the West Bank on Monday, settlers resumed building across the West Bank.

Al Jezeera reports that, http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/201092718349628699.html, although the building restarted, they were praising the Palestinians for not quiting the peace talks.

Don't you think that this shows some exceptional resolve on the part of the Palestinian's?  I think it does although it would be nice to have Hamas in agreement.  I would assume that Hamas will issue some form of retribution on the Israel and so the vicious cycle will continue...

U.S. Disappointed By Israel's Decision Not To Extend The Ban On West Bank Settlement Building

U.S. envoy George Mitchell has been sent back to Middle East in an attempt to salvage the peace talks between  Israel and the Palestinians.

The BBC has reported, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11422065, that the ban on settlement building in the West Bank ended on Sunday at midnight.  As much of the world expected, settlement  building would be one of, if not the most difficult hurdles to handle in these peace talks.  As Israel has, in the past, been unwavering in their desire to continue building settlements this should come as no surprise.

Opinion: If these peace talks collapse, then Israel can pat themselves on the back for destroying another chance, if only a slim one, for peace in the region.  I'm not sure what their motivations are, but at this point is appears that nothing will come of these talks...once again.

Tonights Posting is Personal

I am feeling a little melancholy tonight as I write this.  I received a Facebook post from a friend I haven't spoken to in about 25 years and she was telling me that her son is serving the in U.S. Army in Afghanistan.  This touches a little close to home for me.

My son has enlisted in the Army and is leaving for basic training in November.  What really gets me is that of all of the jobs available to him he chose to enlist in the infantry.  Lets face it, the odds of him being sent to Afghanistan rises exponentially.  I have to say that I am sad, scared, and at the same time very proud of him.  I need to tell him this before he leaves, for his sake and mine.

I am very hard on him, probably harder than I should be, but I am worried that he doesn't recognize the seriousness of his decision.  I just want the best for him and for him to come home safe.

His mother is being exceptionally strong knowing that her only son is likely going overseas to fight in this war.  I know that she wants the best for him just as I do, but she finds it easier to be honest about her feelings with him.

I on the other hand, try to justify his decision by saying to myself that millions of other peoples sons, husbands, and fathers have done what he has done throughout the ages so why should he be any different than them.  Their sacrifice is his sacrifice and for that I am proud of him.

To all of the other Fathers and Mothers out there...God Bless your sons and daughters who are sacrificing their lives for our freedom.

I for one am thankful for each and every one of you.  As for the rest of the news this day, I will leave that until tomorrow as this is what is most important to me at the moment.

Good Night!

Premier Wen Expounds the "Real China" in his Speech to the U.N. General Assembly

Premier Wen's speech entitled the "Real China" has made an attempt to portray China as a still developing country where, even though they have the 3rd largest economy in the world, the gap between the rich and the poor is still a wide one.

The report by the China Daily, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010WenUN/2010-09/24/content_11340091.htm, China is still in the primary stage of socialism, and is still by all measures, a developing country.

I find it interesting how the news media around the world view various events.  The views of a Chinese news outlet to a Chinese news event gives an interesting perspective on things that may not be available by reading outside news coverage.

Ahmadinejad "Questions" the September 11th Attacks on the World Trade Centers

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has once again, raised the ire of its foes, this time the U.S. by making a statement that some saw the September 11th attacks on the U.S. as part of a U.S. conspiracy to protect Israel during the 65th U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York.

As reported by the BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11402101, the American delegation, followed by all of the EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica to walk out of the meeting in protest.

Is this man insane?  Does he have any handlers that review his speeches before he gives them?  It seems that he either enjoys being viewed as inflammatory, or he  really believes in what he says, and if the later is the case then I really don't know what to say about him.  Between this type of action and his denial of the holocaust I'm not sure that he is of a right mind.

Clearly he must be the puppet of the Iranian leadership or he could not have possibly won the election for a second term as President.

Let me ask, is this the kind of man that you would want to be the face of your country...I think not!

Why has the U.S. Shifted to the Far-left and Far-Right Politically? Opinion

Question: Why does the United States have to be Right or Left politically?

In our current environment, egged on by the mainstream media, we have entered an age where only the left and right politically get any attention.

To be left you must be a atheistic ultra-liberal and to be right, you must be a Christian ultra-conservative.  What ever happened to being centrist?  The United States, like it or not, is a country that was founded on Christian principles.  This of course makes those on the right happy, but may upset the left.  I personally don't think that there is anything wrong with having Christian religious beliefs injected into our morality.  It is what should be guiding us to do the "right thing".  You don't have to believe in it, but the moral principles alone, certainly won't hurt anyone.

The left spends a great deal of time pushing the idea of individual freedom, which within reason is admirable, but they do it at the expense of our moral obligation as a nation, and as world citizens.  The "anything goes" nonchalantness with which the left views public policy is not always in the best interest of the average citizen.  The right on the other-hand is just as guilty of blindness to the average American's interests.  As an American you are free to practice the religion of your choosing and speak what is on your mind as guaranteed by the 1st Amendment.  These things are not always pleasant, but they are just a part of the freedoms that we enjoy being Americans.  This does not mean that you are entitled to act irresponsibly.  As both ultra-liberals and ultra-conservatives are essentially unwavering in their beliefs, I don't believe that either side is right for America.

Why is it that only these two groups get the attention, I think it is because they are "glamorous", or at the least exciting and new-worthy, while Centrists are boring.  Although a Centrist, which you might consider and Independent in American politics may lean slightly left or slightly right, they are typically more open to the ideas of others, may have some religious tendencies althought they may or may not practice, and I believe that they genuinely look at our politics as neither a left or right proposition.  That is by definition of an Independent as neither a Republican or Democrat.

I think that it is time to put the "ultras" aside and look at what it truly best for America.  There are so many problems to be solved that left/right bickering is a pure waste of time.

What are your thoughts, I want to know?

Russia Bans Iran Missile Deliver

Russia has banned the delivery of advanced S-300 missiles to Iran along with a host of other weapons.  This has pleased the United States and it's allies.  Russia has also banned the any visits to Russia by high ranking Iranian officials associated with their nuclear program

Al Jezeera reports, http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/2010922164756103694.html, the U.S., Israel, and their allies are very pleased with this decision following U.N. sanctions, but they are still concerned with the sale of cruise missiles to Syria.

Although this decision by Russia is not likely to sway Iran away from it's nuclear ambitions, it is at least a sign that their former partners are growing cold over Iran's ongoing arrogance.

Whether this works to change their minds or not added pressure can only reinforce the worlds concern over Tehran's intentions.

Iran Says U.S. Captives Can Be Freed - Al Jezeera

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, say that the remaining U.S. hikers can be released, but the decision is out of his hands and in the hands of the courts.

Al Jezeera reports, http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/2010922195711453893.html that the U.S. hikers can be released, but that Ahmadinejad has not sway over the courts.

Is he playing politics with the lives of U.S. citizens?   Based on Iran's history, I think that he might be.  At the least I think that Iran might be willing to deal under the right conditions.  I hope that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad shows further humanitarian tendencies.

N. Korea Set to Hold It's First Ruling Party Leadership Conference in a Generation

Is Kim Jong-il about to name a successor?  There appears to be a change of leadership on the horizon in communist North Korea with speculation that his youngest son may be hand selected to replace his father.

The  BBC is reporting, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11378145, that the Worker's Party is likely to raise Kim Jong-un to a senior position in the government.  This would essentially make him the heir to his fathers "throne".

Whether anything will change in this highly secretive country, only time will tell.

What are your thoughts?

Afghanistan helicopter crash kills nine US Nato troops - BBC News

Another sad day for our troops in Afghanistan.  9 U.S. troops under NATO control were killed in helicopter crash that the Taliban has staked claim to.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11378948

This however, has been disputed by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).  Over 529 international troops have been killed in 2010 with 3 months left in this year.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave soldiers.

God Bless Them!

Who Owns The U.S. Dollar? Interesting Article by Pravda

This is an interesting article written by Stanislav Mishin for Pravda out of Russia on the Federal Reserve and the U.S. dollar.

http://english.pravda.ru/business/finance/14-09-2010/114921-us_dollar-0/

Whether all of the facts are true or not is not the issue, but I find it interesting to see how people from other parts of the world view the United States and it's government.

Top Khmer Rouge Cadre Charged With War Crimes

The question needs to be asked, "Why has it taken so long for charges to be levied against these criminals?".  Cambodians have been waiting for over 35 years for some kind of justice, and now in 2010 it appears that they may finally get some.

As reported by CNN, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/09/16/cambodia.khmer.rouge.top.cadre.case/?hpt=T2, the U.N. backed war crimes tribunal has finally filed charges against 4 surviving Khmer Rouge cadre.

The hope is that justice will be served for the survivors of this atrocity.  We will have to watch.

Pope Addresses Sex Abuse Scandal As He Starts Visit To Britain - CNN

As a non-Catholic, but a Christian, I have great respect for the Catholic church.  Unfortunately, their handling of sex abuse by Catholic priests has not been handled well at all.  The Vatican is dealing with this issue as if it was nothing but an inconvenience.

This article by CNN, http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/09/16/uk.pope.visit/index.html?hpt=T2, covers Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the U.K.

The Pope needs to realize that the acts of these priests are criminal.  Simply reassigning them to positions where they do not come into contact with children is not a solution, but a cover-up.  They are investigating these incidents and judging them based on religious laws that in these cases are not sufficient to punish these criminals.

There is no excuse for abusing children, regardless of their position.  In these cases, the priest has betrayed their followers sacred trust.

I can only hope that the Pope takes a stand and makes serious changes to the way these cases are handled.

1 In 7 American's Living in Poverty! What A Disgrace!

This my friends is a disgrace!  Once, and arguably still, the greatest country in the world is feeling the affects of the economic downturn along with the rest of the world.  As reported by the BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11332635, states that approximately 4,000,000 individuals between 2008 and 2009 who are of working age are now counted in the poverty roles.

While the Democrats and Republicans squabble over their idealogical differences, the American people continue to suffer.   As neither party is looking out for the interests of their constituents, it seems that this is the time for drastic political change.

This doesn't mean advocating the Tea Party Movement, the Green Party, Libertarian Party, or any other fringe movements.  Unfortunately it seems that all we have now in this country is far right (Tea Party) or far left (Liberals) as our options.  I think what we need is something in the middle, candidates that will actually listen to the will of the people and NOT their own interests or the interests of their friends and associates.

I certainly don't have the answer to all our problems, but this might be at least a start.

God Bless U.S. Army Staff Sargent Salvatore Giunta, Medal of Honor Recipient

This is an incredible story of one of America's finest young men, U.S. Army Staff Sargent Salvatore Giunta.  As the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War, we should honor this brave soldier for his courage under fire in Afghanistan.

This story is reported by CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/15/medal.of.honor.recipient/index.html

 Let us all keep Staff Sargent Giunta and his family in our thoughts and prayers, and thank God every day for his service.

Jewish Settlements Deadlock Remains

As has always been the case with peace talks between the Israeli's and Palestinians, expanding Jewish settlements are a point of contention.  It appears that this may once again be a sticking point.  All we can do is hope that cooler heads prevail and that concessions are made on both sides to avert a stalemate.

In addition to this, as reported by Al Jezeera,  http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/201091520229665176.html, both prominent Israelis such as Efraim Halevy, the former director of Mossad, the Israeli secret service, and Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel's National Security Council along with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter believe strongly that Hamas should be engaged in any peace negotiations.


As a side thought, might it also not be wise to involve other influential regional players such as Syria, Lebanon, and possibly Iran.  There is no ignoring the fact that these other countries hold influence with their neighbors.

Ignoring India's "Republic of Hunger"

In India's tribal regions, children are starving to death because of misguided governmental policies.  Here is a government that has the budget to develop nuclear weapons and purchase advanced military equipment from their allies, the U.S., being one, but is unable, or unwilling to see to the basic needs of their people.  Food, water, and shelter are the most basic of need.

This report was issued by the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7747313.stm.  

I do not mean to imply that India's government is the only government not adequately seeing to the basic needs of their populations.  The U.S. government can be accused of this as well when it comes to healthcare, social security, and education just to name a few.  We are not seeing to the education of our children as we should to remain competitive in the 21st century, especially in the more impoverished areas of our country.  Our government seems to be hell-bent on seeing to the destruction of our social security system.  How is it that we, with good conscience, would not want to provide for our elderly to live out their lives with financial dignity.  But I digress...

Shouldn't more developed democracies be assisting young democracies in working towards fulfilling their obligation to their citizens?  I think they should!  These are the areas where America should be using its influence, for the betterment of society.

What do you think?

Global Hunger Unacceptably High, Says U.N. Report

In the 21st century, with all of our technology and efficiencies, why is hunger still an issue?  Hunger has plagued mankind since the beginning of time and even now we don't have the discipline and/or commitment to solve it.

This report, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11288744 shines a spotlight on how far from a solution we are and while we debate the issue, men , woman, and children continue to die from lack of food.

This is a disgrace.

How to Protect Our Muslim Neighbors...Commentary by Charlotte Hilton Andersen, Huffington Post

This commentary I believe should be taught in schools (figuratively of course), or maybe in our churches.  Ignorance is no excuse for intolerance!  Charlotte Hilton Andersen has hit the "nail on the head" when it come to living with our Muslim neighbors.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/charlotte-hilton-andersen/how-to-protect-our-muslim_b_713294.html

I have worked and been friends with Muslims and although I don't like to identify any individual by their race, creed or color, I find that for these purposes it is necessary.  I have to say, that they are fantastic people, whom I would trust my life with.  They are warm, friendly, and not unlike anyone else that you might live next to.  Well...I guess...what were you expecting?

Religious intolerance in this day and age is ridiculous!  As a student of history and religion, it seems that even the crusaders of the middle ages were more tolerant that we are today.

What are we doing?

The Views of a Traveler to the Muslim World After 9-11

I found this to be an inspirational as well as rational view of the Muslim world after 9-11. I think that through ignorance, or a misunderstanding, have fallen into feelings of Islamophobia. Please don't get me wrong, Americans, just like most Muslims are inherently good, decent, and tolerant people, but the events of 9-11 stirred feelings of paranoia in the average American.

I find this commentary by Michael Luongo in the Huffington Post to be more representative of my feelings towards Muslims and Islam in general http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-luongo/what-september-11th-taugh_b_716499.html?ir=World.

It is not the religion that is violent and should I be so bold to say extremist, but a minority of their followers and their interpretation of the religion that breeds extremism. It seems to me that Islam is simply the "flavor of the day". All religions have their extremists, whether it be Islam, Christianity, or Judaism, or some other lesser followed religion. No religion is exempt no matter how self-righteous they are.

To coin a phrase, "Can't we all just get along?".

No Concessions in Middle East Talks? WHAT?????

What does negotiate mean? How can you have talks without negotiation?

Definition: mutual discussion and arrangement of the terms of a transaction or agreement: the negotiation of a treaty.

Isn't this the point of these meetings? This is not purely about Hamas or Fatah, it is about the relationship between human beings, in this case the Palestinians and the Israelis.

I know that I have posted various items tonight about this issue, but I feel that it is of such importance that it deserves this attention.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/201091421840603676.html

I don't claim to be smart enough to know what the solution is to this issue. I understand the religious implications, but I believe that there must be a reasonable solution if the leadership of the peoples involved have truly represent the interests of their populations. It seems to me that both sides over the past 20 years have been hardheaded and thereby speaking in their own best interests and not those of their populations.

What do you think?

Tea Party Candidate Christine O'Donnell Wins Republican Primary in Delaware!

Is the Tea Party for real? It looks like it is! Will the support of Sarah Palin and the Tea Party movement push O'Donnell over the top in November? I don't know, and although I am by no means a Sarah Palin or Tea Party movement proponent, it seems they are for real. http://us.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/14/primary.elections/index.html. Even the Republicans seem to be fighting amongst themselves by the results of some of our primaries.

I have to admit that I was a supporter of President Obama, and I firmly believe that he was somewhat ignorant, for lake of a better word, of the challenges that he would face when he became President. I also think that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have proven to be polarizing figures and at the least need to be replaced. Although I respect the office of the President of the United States, I believe that it takes more than the ability to make a compelling speech to run our exceptionally complex country.

In the end, I believe that the American people are looking for a centrist type of government and all we have been given are radically "right" or "left" wing options. Where and when will this end?

You tell me!

"In Whose Name Do They Talk", Palestinian Views of the Peace Talks via Al Jezeera

I find the views of the people of Palestine much more revealing than the sanitized versions published by traditional news outlets.

I feel for the people of Palestine. Although I don't have any real connection to them aside from being a caring human being, which should be more than enough, I feel compelled to support their desire for freedom, peace, and prosperity.

I'm certain that I am not alone.

Please read their posts: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2010/09/201091310513935393.html

Image from Al Jezeera

If, in fact as several posters have said, Mahmoud Abbas, is not their legitimate President, and I believe that I can safely assume that Hamas is not, then who does speak for their people? Don't the Palestinian's deserve proper representation?

Middle East Peace Talks As Reported By the Guardian News

The news reports of the Israeli/Palestinian Peace talks seem to all paint an optimistic picture of their potential outcome http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/14/hillary-clinton-middle-east-peace-talks. All though this is to be expected, and at this point-in-time, it is like wise from a diplomatic standpoint, I find it interesting how other news outlets are portraying the talks. See the next post.

ONLF Driven Out By Somaliland Army - Reported By Voice of America

Reported 9.14.2010 by Voice of America http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Somaliland-Army-Drives-Out-Ethiopian-Rebels--102910114.html.

Further reporting of the Somaliland Army confronting 200 ONLF rebels at the Ethiopian boarder.

Somaliland forces 'surround ONLF rebels near Ethiopia'

In this highly volatile part of the world, namely Somalia, Somaliland forces have surrounded members of OLNF, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, a group, at least partially responsible for the instability in the region. This story was reported yesterday by the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11287682.

Hopefully this group will help to bring sanity to this part of East Africa. Their citizens deserve it.

Cuba To Cut 1 Million Public Sector Jobs

This story is to credited to the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11291267

Communism is not immune to the recession. This impoverished nations is feeling the pain just as the rest of the free world is.

Should the U.S. continue the embargo on Cuba or should we try to help this small island nation that resides so close to the U.S. mainland?

What are your thoughts on this? Please let me know.

Opening Statement

Hello All,

I have put together this blog in the hopes of providing news that the U.S. media tends to ignore, my views on the state of the world and things that are important to me, and individuals and events that make them "Tools" to the rest of us. The media in the United States tends to ignore what goes on in the world at large.

The disasterous floods in Pakistan tend to not be so extensively covered in the U.S. even though 20 million people or more are suffering. The earthquake in Haiti was covered heavily in the U.S. for a couple of weeks, but now we hear virtually nothing of the state or progress of the people of that impoverished country.

Although American's in general mean well, we tend to forget very easily. I am hoping that this blog will help to keep us, me included, focused on the issues of the world at large.

In addition to this, my interests are news in general. I am also very interested in religion and how it relates to both our past and current state of events.

I have extensively studied, religions as they exist or existed in our world. This includes everything from Jainism to Buddhism to Islam to Christianity, all of which have greatly influenced for better or worse the course of events throughout history. This obviously is not an exhaustive list.

In any event, I am hoping that I will post to this blog frequently, if not daily as I intend to. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated as this is what I intended this blog to elicit.

I hope that you enjoy, learn, and participate in this blog as I am hoping to learn from and contribute to the world, which I am but a minute part of.