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?