Saturday, May 20, 2006
Killing Them Now
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*Bush now has 5,000 of his National Guards crawling all over the border. They are in their camouflage outfits scaring people waiting in line to enter the United States. And they have the highway patrol and border patrol stopping cars as they wait in line to cross into Mexico. Having an inspection at the booths and secondary is not enough now. This has the feel of a war zone, which it is fast becoming. Just yesterday one of the gun toting federal agents shot and killed a Mexican man in this line in the middle of the day at the busiest border crossing while trying to enter into Mexico. Their excuse was they called him a suspected migrant smuggler. Which I am sure in many peoples mind now is the same as terrorist and should be shot on sight. It was just this month Mexico tried to change their drug law policies to something more logical and America complained until they changed their minds. And I should think what is helping them keep their minds changed on one of Americas biggest money makers, drugs, is this punishment of the National Guards at the border causing havoc and distrust. If Bush and company can't get their way one way, they do another.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Cannon Fodder
Keep an eye on your sons and daughters America: Christian fundamentist recruiting now in a neighbourhood near you.
This from ZNet
This from ZNet
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Making Changes
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
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The People Will Answer This Important Question
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None of us would have ever imagined that in a matter of six weeks millions of our people from every community across the US would be in the streets protesting. Hundreds of thousands of our young people walking out into political struggle was an action very few of us have seen with our own eyes.
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Nonetheless, this is what we have lived through in the span of less than two months. The last six weeks have politically transformed our reality as a people, not only within the United States but also throughout Latin America. Nothing will ever go back to how it was before the week of March 20, 2006.
Nonetheless, this is what we have lived through in the span of less than two months. The last six weeks have politically transformed our reality as a people, not only within the United States but also throughout Latin America. Nothing will ever go back to how it was before the week of March 20, 2006.
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It is essential now to do a basic assessment of what has been done and what is to come, otherwise the popular momentum will decline (as is inevitable with any spontaneous struggle) and there will be very little permanent qualitative progress for the movement as a whole.
It is essential now to do a basic assessment of what has been done and what is to come, otherwise the popular momentum will decline (as is inevitable with any spontaneous struggle) and there will be very little permanent qualitative progress for the movement as a whole.
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BEFORE THE PROTESTS
BEFORE THE PROTESTS
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This movement did not begin six weeks ago, nor was it created by the Democratic Party, the labor unions, the churches, social service agencies, radio and TV personalities. This movement has its origins dating back to1492 and the conquest of these lands by European powers. This movement has been sustained by innumerable leaders, movements and popular organizations ever since.
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This so-called immigration crisis must be looked at historically first and foremost. As stated, this whole contradiction started in 1492, with the 1848 war against Mexico with the theft of half of Mexican national territory asanother historically relevant episode.
This so-called immigration crisis must be looked at historically first and foremost. As stated, this whole contradiction started in 1492, with the 1848 war against Mexico with the theft of half of Mexican national territory asanother historically relevant episode.
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The current 2006 immigration crisis is based on the presence of 15 to 20 million people (primarily from Mexico/Latin America) living within the political borders of the United States illegally, i.e. without permission from the US government. What continental forces are capable of provoking the movement of millions of people out of their home countries into the foreign and hostile country in the north? It is an undeniable fact that the only political, economic and military force capable of producing such a massmovement of people is US imperialism/capitalism.
The current 2006 immigration crisis is based on the presence of 15 to 20 million people (primarily from Mexico/Latin America) living within the political borders of the United States illegally, i.e. without permission from the US government. What continental forces are capable of provoking the movement of millions of people out of their home countries into the foreign and hostile country in the north? It is an undeniable fact that the only political, economic and military force capable of producing such a massmovement of people is US imperialism/capitalism.
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Through political interventions the US government has subverted political change in Latin America, sponsored undemocratic, violent, corrupt regimes and undermined popular governments throughout the continent. The result has been terrible poverty, generalized political instability, and popular discontent in every Latin American country.
Through political interventions the US government has subverted political change in Latin America, sponsored undemocratic, violent, corrupt regimes and undermined popular governments throughout the continent. The result has been terrible poverty, generalized political instability, and popular discontent in every Latin American country.
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Imposing an economic hegemony over Latin America, the US government has promoted generations of self-serving economic policies (most recently with NAFTA and CAFTA). The result has been generalized extreme poverty for hundreds of millions of people.
Imposing an economic hegemony over Latin America, the US government has promoted generations of self-serving economic policies (most recently with NAFTA and CAFTA). The result has been generalized extreme poverty for hundreds of millions of people.
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With over 60 direct military interventions into Latin America from 1823 to 2004 including coup de etas, blockades, right wing conspiracies, invasions, occupations, and the promotion of civil wars, it is the government of the United States that macro-imposed the Push factors driving millions of people to go north in search of a better life.
With over 60 direct military interventions into Latin America from 1823 to 2004 including coup de etas, blockades, right wing conspiracies, invasions, occupations, and the promotion of civil wars, it is the government of the United States that macro-imposed the Push factors driving millions of people to go north in search of a better life.
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Once inside the US, our labor is exploited directly, while we are blamed for depressing the wages of US citizens. This is by design, as it is US imperialism abroad in conjunction with anti-labor laws domestically that has driven down wages within the US, to the benefit of US corporations and their stockholders. It is no secret that as unemployment goes up, so goes thes tock market, the minimum wage has not been raised in three generations, and that more anti-worker legislation has been passed in the last twenty years than in the previous 200 years.
Once inside the US, our labor is exploited directly, while we are blamed for depressing the wages of US citizens. This is by design, as it is US imperialism abroad in conjunction with anti-labor laws domestically that has driven down wages within the US, to the benefit of US corporations and their stockholders. It is no secret that as unemployment goes up, so goes thes tock market, the minimum wage has not been raised in three generations, and that more anti-worker legislation has been passed in the last twenty years than in the previous 200 years.
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The only force capable of producing a mass migration of people from Latin America and maximizing profits by coordinating it domestically with anti-worker domestic policies is US imperialism/US capitalism. USimperialism/capitalism bear primary responsibility for the current immigration crisis.
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The only force capable of producing a mass migration of people from Latin America and maximizing profits by coordinating it domestically with anti-worker domestic policies is US imperialism/US capitalism. USimperialism/capitalism bear primary responsibility for the current immigration crisis.
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THE BACKLASH
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Even if 10 million of us march bowing and shuffling our feet, carrying 50 American flags each, singing the national anthem until our eyes pop out,they will hate us anyway. None of that will win the US population to respecting our humanity. On the contrary, we should expect nothing less than a storm of repression, from the state and from racists in general. In Houston the attack on a Latino youth beaten and sodomized for trying to kiss a white girl, the firebombing of a Mexican restaurant in Jamul, California, the death threats against Villaraigosa and Bustamante, and the Migra raids across the country are all recent examples of what inevitably will occur more often. In addition, there are the innumerable individual reprisals from job dismissals and verbal and physical confrontations that don't receive media attention We should expect nothing less than more frequent BorderPatrol sweeps, home raids, mass deportations, increasing impunity for agents of the federal government, fostering of vigilante paramilitary organizations and checkpoints surrounding our neighborhoods.
Even if 10 million of us march bowing and shuffling our feet, carrying 50 American flags each, singing the national anthem until our eyes pop out,they will hate us anyway. None of that will win the US population to respecting our humanity. On the contrary, we should expect nothing less than a storm of repression, from the state and from racists in general. In Houston the attack on a Latino youth beaten and sodomized for trying to kiss a white girl, the firebombing of a Mexican restaurant in Jamul, California, the death threats against Villaraigosa and Bustamante, and the Migra raids across the country are all recent examples of what inevitably will occur more often. In addition, there are the innumerable individual reprisals from job dismissals and verbal and physical confrontations that don't receive media attention We should expect nothing less than more frequent BorderPatrol sweeps, home raids, mass deportations, increasing impunity for agents of the federal government, fostering of vigilante paramilitary organizations and checkpoints surrounding our neighborhoods.
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Right wing critics, minutemen and radio/TV personalities will always find some way to attack our movement. What we have to do is organize ourselves until they become irrelevant. Let them rant and rave, build fences and find offense as they watch our people lose our fear of struggle. They are dishonest buffoons who sooner or later will be exposed for what they are.The day they become honest with their audiences is the day they explain how gas prices, the war in Iraq, low wages, and the immigration crisis are all connected as direct consequences of capitalism. When that day comes, then Lou Dobbs will no longer blame our people for the world the capitalist class created.
Right wing critics, minutemen and radio/TV personalities will always find some way to attack our movement. What we have to do is organize ourselves until they become irrelevant. Let them rant and rave, build fences and find offense as they watch our people lose our fear of struggle. They are dishonest buffoons who sooner or later will be exposed for what they are.The day they become honest with their audiences is the day they explain how gas prices, the war in Iraq, low wages, and the immigration crisis are all connected as direct consequences of capitalism. When that day comes, then Lou Dobbs will no longer blame our people for the world the capitalist class created.
# posted by Rancho Perros Bravos @ 5/17/2006 05:09:00 PM
might want to read a book called "Utmost Good Faith"Patterens of Apache-mexican Northern Chihuahua Boarder warefair 1821-1848 By William B.Griffen Univerisity of new mexico press Lots of info about a few wars in it spanish and native and then american and native good hard read tho writen in 1988
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Ahmadinejad's Letter
Officials in the US have been quick to dismiss and deride the letter that Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad sent to US President George W Bush, as mere "philosophical" narrative that does not "engage the issues". Strange, as the letter covers a whole array of international issues, including Iran's right to civilian nuclear technology. Any hope that Bush might connect with the inter-religious subtext of the letter is probably vain as well: there's unlikely to be any White House response to the diplomatic opening the letter provides.
The US and tody nation press have have had many articles about but not the letter. Of course, they, as have their governments, dismissed it as rambling trash. Here is the letter it self. You decide.
Mr George Bush, President of the United States of America
For some time now I have been thinking, how one can justify the undeniable contradictions that exist in the international arena - which are being constantly debated, specially in political forums and among university students. Many questions remain unanswered. These have prompted me to discuss some of the contradictions and questions, in the hopes that it might bring about an opportunity to redress them.
Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ (PBUH) [praise be upon his name], the great Messenger of God, feel obliged to respect human rights, present liberalism as a civilization model, announce one's opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and WMDs [weapons of mass destruction], make war and terror his slogan, and finally, work towards the establishment of a unified international community - a community which Christ and the virtuous of the Earth will one day govern, but at the same time have countries attacked; the lives, reputations and possessions of people destroyed and on the slight chance of the ... of a ... criminals in a village or city, or convoy, or for example the entire village, city or convoy, set ablaze.
Or because of the possibility of the existence of WMDs in one country, it is occupied, around 100,000 people killed, its water sources, agriculture and industry destroyed, close to 180,000 foreign troops put on the ground, sanctity of private homes of citizens broken, and the country pushed back perhaps 50 years. At what price? Hundreds of billions of dollars spent from the treasury of one country and certain other countries and tens of thousands of young men and women - as occupation troops - put in harm's way, taken away from family and loved ones, their hands stained with the blood of others, subjected to so much psychological pressure that every day some commit suicide and those returning home suffer depression, become sickly and grapple with all sorts of ailments; while some are killed and their bodies handed to their families.
On the pretext of the existence of WMDs, this great tragedy came to engulf both the peoples of the occupied and the occupying country. Later it was revealed that no WMDs existed to begin with.
Of course Saddam [Hussein] was a murderous dictator. But the war was not waged to topple him, the announced goal of the war was to find and destroy weapons of mass destruction. He was toppled along the way towards another goal, nevertheless the people of the region are happy about it. I point out that throughout the many years of the ... war on Iran [in the 1980s], Saddam was supported by the West.
Mr President,
You might know that I am a teacher. My students ask me how can these actions be reconciled with the values outlined at the beginning of this letter and duty to the tradition of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the Messenger of peace and forgiveness.
There are prisoners in Guantanamo Bay that have not been tried, have no legal representation, their families cannot see them and are obviously kept in a strange land outside their own country. There is no international monitoring of their conditions and fate. No one knows whether they are prisoners, POWs [prisoners of war], accused or criminals.
European investigators have confirmed the existence of secret prisons in Europe too. I could not correlate the abduction of a person, and him or her being kept in secret prisons, with the provisions of any judicial system. For that matter, I fail to understand how such actions correspond to the values outlined in the beginning of this letter, ie the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH), human rights and liberal values.
Young people, university students and ordinary people have many questions about the phenomenon of Israel. I am sure you are familiar with some of them. Throughout history many countries have been occupied, but I think the establishment of a new country with a new people, is a new phenomenon that is exclusive to our times.
Students are saying that 60 years ago such a country did not exist. The show old documents and globes and say try as we have, we have not been able to find a country named Israel.
I tell them to study the history of World War I and II. One of my students told me that during WWII, which more than tens of millions of people perished in, news about the war was quickly disseminated by the warring parties. Each touted their victories and the most recent battlefront defeat of the other party. After the war, they claimed that 6 million Jews had been killed. Six million people that were surely related to at least 2 million families.
Again let us assume that these events are true. Does that logically translate into the establishment of the state of Israel in the Middle East or support for such a state? How can this phenomenon be rationalized or explained?
Mr President,
I am sure you know how - and at what cost - Israel was established: Many thousands were killed in the process.
Millions of indigenous people were made refugees.
Hundred of thousands of hectares of farmland, olive plantations, towns and villages were destroyed.
This tragedy is not exclusive to the time of establishment; unfortunately it has been ongoing for 60 years now.
A regime has been established which does not show mercy even to kids, destroys houses while the occupants are still in them, announces beforehand its list and plans to assassinate Palestinian figures and keeps thousands of Palestinians in prison. Such a phenomenon is unique - or at the very least extremely rare - in recent memory.
Another big question asked by people is why is this regime being supported? Is support for this regime in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH) or Moses (PBUH) or liberal values? Or are we to understand that allowing the original inhabitants of these lands - inside and outside Palestine - whether they are Christian, Muslim or Jew, to determine their fate, runs contrary to principles of democracy, human rights and the teachings of prophets? If not, why is there so much opposition to a referendum?
The newly elected Palestinian administration recently took office. All independent observers have confirmed that this government represents the electorate. Unbelievingly, they have put the elected government under pressure and have advised it to recognize the Israeli regime, abandon the struggle and follow the programs of the previous government.
If the current Palestinian government had run on the above platform, would the Palestinian people have voted for it? Again, can such position taken in opposition to the Palestinian government be reconciled with the values outlined earlier? The people are also saying why are all UNSC [United Nations Security Council] resolutions in condemnation of Israel vetoed?
Mr President,
As you are well aware, I live among the people and am in constant contact with them - many people from around the Middle East manage to contact me as well. They do not have faith in these dubious policies either. There is evidence that the people of the region are becoming increasingly angry with such policies.
It is not my intention to pose too many questions, but I need to refer to other points as well.
Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in the Middle East regions is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D [research and development] one of the basic rights of nations?
You are familiar with history. Aside from the Middle Ages, in what other point in history has scientific and technical progress been a crime? Can the possibility of scientific achievements being utilized for military purposes be reason enough to oppose science and technology altogether? If such a supposition is true, then all scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, engineering, etc. must be opposed.
Lies were told in the Iraqi matter. What was the result? I have no doubt that telling lies is reprehensible in any culture, and you do not like to be lied to.
Mr President,
Don't Latin Americans have the right to ask, why their elected governments are being opposed and coup leaders supported? Or, why must they constantly be threatened and live in fear?
The people of Africa are hardworking, creative and talented. They can play an important and valuable role in providing for the needs of humanity and contribute to its material and spiritual progress. Poverty and hardship in large parts of Africa are preventing this from happening. Don't they have the right to ask why their enormous wealth – including minerals – is being looted, despite the fact that they need it more than others?
Again, do such actions correspond to the teachings of Christ and the tenets of human rights?
The brave and faithful people of Iran too have many questions and grievances, including: the coup d'etat of 1953 and the subsequent toppling of the legal government of the day, opposition to the Islamic revolution [of 1979], transformation of an embassy into a headquarters supporting the activities of those opposing the Islamic Republic (many thousands of pages of documents corroborates this claim), support for Saddam in the war waged against Iran, the shooting down of the Iranian passenger plane, freezing the assets of the Iranian nation, increasing threats, anger and displeasure vis-a-vis the scientific and nuclear progress of the Iranian nation (just when all Iranians are jubilant and collaborating with their country's progress), and many other grievances that I will not refer to in this letter.
Mr President,
September 11 was a horrendous incident. The killing of innocents is deplorable and appalling in any part of the world. Our government immediately declared its disgust with the perpetrators and offered its condolences to the bereaved and expressed its sympathies.
All governments have a duty to protect the lives, property and good standing of their citizens. Reportedly your government employs extensive security, protection and intelligence systems - and even hunts its opponents abroad. September 11 was not a simple operation. Could it be planned and executed without coordination with intelligence and security services – or their extensive infiltration? Of course this is just an educated guess. Why have the various aspects of the attacks been kept secret? Why are we not told who botched their responsibilities? And, why aren't those responsible and the guilty parties identified and put on trial?
All governments have a duty to provide security and peace of mind for their citizens. For some years now, the people of your country and neighbors of world trouble spots do not have peace of mind. After 9-11, instead of healing and tending to the emotional wounds of the survivors and the American people - who had been immensely traumatized by the attacks - some Western media only intensified the climates of fear and insecurity - some constantly talked about the possibility of new terror attacks and kept the people in fear. Is that service to the American people? Is it possible to calculate the damages incurred from fear and panic?
American citizens lived in constant fear of fresh attacks that could come at any moment and in any place. They felt insecure in the streets, in their place of work and at home. Who would be happy with this situation? Why was the media, instead of conveying a feeling of security and providing peace of mind, giving rise to a feeling of insecurity?
Some believe that the hype paved the way - and was the justification - for an attack on Afghanistan. Again I need to refer to the role of media. In media charters, correct dissemination of information and honest reporting of a story are established tenets. I express my deep regret about the disregard shown by certain Western media for these principles. The main pretext for an attack on Iraq was the existence of WMDs. This was repeated incessantly - for the public to, finally, believe - and the ground set for an attack on Iraq.
Will the truth not be lost in a contrive and deceptive climate? Again, if the truth is allowed to be lost, how can that be reconciled with the earlier mentioned values? Is the truth known to the Almighty lost as well?
Mr President,
In countries around the world, citizens provide for the expenses of governments so that their governments in turn are able to serve them.
The question here is what has the hundreds of billions of dollars, spent every year to pay for the Iraqi campaign, produced for the citizens?
As your excellency is aware, in some states of your country, people are living in poverty. Many thousands are homeless and unemployment is a huge problem. Of course these problems exist - to a larger or lesser extent - in other countries as well. With these conditions in mind, can the gargantuan expenses of the campaign - paid from the public treasury - be explained and be consistent with the aforementioned principles?
What has been said, are some of the grievances of the people around the world, in our region and in your country. But my main contention - which I am hoping you will agree to some of it - is: Those in power have specific time in office, and do not rule indefinitely, but their names will be recorded in history and will be constantly judged in the immediate and distant futures. The people will scrutinize our presidencies.
Did we manage to bring peace, security and prosperity for the people or insecurity and unemployment? Did we intend to establish justice, or just supported especial interest groups, and by forcing many people to live in poverty and hardship, made a few people rich and powerful - thus trading the approval of the people and the Almighty with theirs'? Did we defend the rights of the underprivileged or ignore them? Did we defend the rights of all people around the world or imposed wars on them, interfered illegally in their affairs, established hellish prisons and incarcerated some of them? Did we bring the world peace and security or raised the specter of intimidation and threats? Did we tell the truth to our nation and others around the world or presented an inverted version of it? Were we on the side of people or the occupiers and oppressors? Did our administration set out to promote rational behavior, logic, ethics, peace, fulfilling obligations, justice, service to the people, prosperity, progress and respect for human dignity or the force of guns? Intimidation, insecurity, disregard for the people, delaying the progress and excellence of other nations, and trample on people's rights? And finally, they will judge us on whether we remained true to our oath of office - to serve the people, which is our main task, and the traditions of the prophets- or not?
Mr President,
How much longer can the world tolerate this situation? Where will this trend lead the world to? How long must the people of the world pay for the incorrect decisions of some rulers? How much longer will the specter of insecurity - raised from the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction - hunt the people of the world? How much longer will the blood of the innocent men, women and children be spilled on the streets, and people's houses destroyed over their heads? Are you pleased with the current condition of the world? Do you think present policies can continue?
If billions of dollars spent on security, military campaigns and troop movement were instead spent on investment and assistance for poor countries, promotion of health, combating different diseases, education and improvement of mental and physical fitness, assistance to the victims of natural disasters, creation of employment opportunities and production, development projects and poverty alleviation, establishment of peace, mediation between disputing states and distinguishing the flames of racial, ethnic and other conflicts where would the world be today? Would not your government, and people be justifiably proud? Would not your administration's political and economic standing have been stronger? And I am most sorry to say, would there have been an ever increasing global hatred of the American governments?
Mr President, it is not my intention to distress anyone. If prophets Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Joseph or Jesus Christ (PBUH) were with us today, how would they have judged such behavior? Will we be given a role to play in the promised world, where justice will become universal and Jesus Christ (PBUH) will be present? Will they even accept us?
My basic question is this: Is there no better way to interact with the rest of the world? Today there are hundreds of millions of Christians, hundreds of millions of Muslims and millions of people who follow the teachings of Moses (PBUH). All divine religions share and respect on word and that is monotheism or belief in a single God and no other in the world.
The holy Koran stresses this common word and calls on all followers of divine religions and says: (3.64) "O followers of the Book! Come to an equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught. With Him and (that) some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allah, but if they turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims. (The Family of Imran)."
Mr President,
According to divine verses, we have all been called upon to worship one God and follow the teachings of divine prophets. To worship a God which is above all powers in the world and can do all He pleases. The Lord which knows that which is hidden and visible, the past and the future, knows what goes on in the Hearts of His servants and records their deeds. The Lord who is the possessor of the heavens and the earth and all universe is His court planning for the universe is done by His hands, and gives His servants the glad tidings of mercy and forgiveness of sins. He is the companion of the oppressed and the enemy of oppressors. He is the Compassionate, the Merciful. He is the recourse of the faithful and guides them towards the light from darkness. He is witness to the actions of His servants, He calls on servants to be faithful and do good deeds, and asks them to stay on the path of righteousness and remain steadfast . Calls on servants to heed His prophets and He is a witness to their deeds. A bad ending belongs only to those who have chosen the life of this world and disobey Him and oppress His servants. And a good and eternal paradise belong to those servants who fear His majesty and do not follow their lascivious selves.
We believe a return to the teachings of the divine prophets is the only road leading to salvations. I have been told that Your Excellency follows the teachings of Jesus (PBUH), and believes in the divine promise of the rule of the righteous on Earth.
We also believe that Jesus Christ (PBUH) was one of the great prophets of the Almighty. He has been repeatedly praised in the Koran. Jesus (PBUH) has been quoted in Koran as well; (19,36) "And surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serves Him; this is the right path, Marium."
Service to and obedience of the Almighty is the credo of all divine messengers.
The God of all people in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, the Pacific and the rest of the world is one. He is the Almighty who wants to guide and give dignity to all His servants. He has given greatness to Humans. We again read in the Holy Book: The Almighty God sent His prophets with miracles and clear signs to guide the people and show them divine signs and purity them from sins and pollutions. And He sent the Book and the balance so that the people display justice and avoid the rebellious.
All of the above verses can be seen, one way or the other, in the Good Book as well.
Divine prophets have promised: the day will come when all humans will congregate before the court of the Almighty, so that their deeds are examined. The good will be directed towards Heaven and evildoers will meet divine retribution. I trust both of us believe in such a day, but it will not be easy to calculate the actions of rulers, because we must be answerable to our nations and all others whose lives have been directly or indirectly effected by our actions.
All prophets, speak of peace and tranquility for man - based on monotheism, justice and respect for human dignity.
Do you not think that if all of us come to believe in and abide by these principles, that is, monotheism, worship of God, justice, respect for the dignity of man, belief in the Last Day, we can overcome the present problems of the world – that are the result of disobedience to the Almighty and the teachings of prophets - and improve our performance?
Do you not think that belief in these principles promotes and guarantees peace, friendship and justice?
Do you not think that the aforementioned written or unwritten principles are universally respected?
Will you not accept this invitation? That is, a genuine return to the teachings of prophets, to monotheism and justice, to preserve human dignity and obedience to the Almighty and His prophets?
Mr President, History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God has entrusted the fate of man to them. The Almighty has not left the universe and humanity to their own devices. Many things have happened contrary to the wishes and plans of governments. These tell us that there is a higher power at work and all events are determined by Him.
Can one deny the signs of change in the world today? Is this situation of the world today comparable to that of ten years ago? Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.
The people of the world are not happy with the status quo and pay little heed to the promises and comments made by a number of influential world leaders. Many people around the world feel insecure and oppose the spreading of insecurity and war and do not approve of and accept dubious policies.
The people are protesting the increasing gap between the haves and the have-nots and the rich and poor countries.
The people are disgusted with increasing corruption.
The people of many countries are angry about the attacks on their cultural foundations and the disintegration of families. They are equally dismayed with the fading of care and compassion. The people of the world have no faith in international organizations, because their rights are not advocated by these organizations.
Liberalism and Western style democracy have not been able to help realize the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts have failed. Those with insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the ideology and thoughts of the liberal democratic systems.
We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a main focal point - that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in God and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their problems. My question for you is: Do you not want to join them?
Mr President,
Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.
Vasalam Ala Man Ataba'al hoda
Mahmood Ahmadi-Najad President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The US and tody nation press have have had many articles about but not the letter. Of course, they, as have their governments, dismissed it as rambling trash. Here is the letter it self. You decide.
Mr George Bush, President of the United States of America
For some time now I have been thinking, how one can justify the undeniable contradictions that exist in the international arena - which are being constantly debated, specially in political forums and among university students. Many questions remain unanswered. These have prompted me to discuss some of the contradictions and questions, in the hopes that it might bring about an opportunity to redress them.
Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ (PBUH) [praise be upon his name], the great Messenger of God, feel obliged to respect human rights, present liberalism as a civilization model, announce one's opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and WMDs [weapons of mass destruction], make war and terror his slogan, and finally, work towards the establishment of a unified international community - a community which Christ and the virtuous of the Earth will one day govern, but at the same time have countries attacked; the lives, reputations and possessions of people destroyed and on the slight chance of the ... of a ... criminals in a village or city, or convoy, or for example the entire village, city or convoy, set ablaze.
Or because of the possibility of the existence of WMDs in one country, it is occupied, around 100,000 people killed, its water sources, agriculture and industry destroyed, close to 180,000 foreign troops put on the ground, sanctity of private homes of citizens broken, and the country pushed back perhaps 50 years. At what price? Hundreds of billions of dollars spent from the treasury of one country and certain other countries and tens of thousands of young men and women - as occupation troops - put in harm's way, taken away from family and loved ones, their hands stained with the blood of others, subjected to so much psychological pressure that every day some commit suicide and those returning home suffer depression, become sickly and grapple with all sorts of ailments; while some are killed and their bodies handed to their families.
On the pretext of the existence of WMDs, this great tragedy came to engulf both the peoples of the occupied and the occupying country. Later it was revealed that no WMDs existed to begin with.
Of course Saddam [Hussein] was a murderous dictator. But the war was not waged to topple him, the announced goal of the war was to find and destroy weapons of mass destruction. He was toppled along the way towards another goal, nevertheless the people of the region are happy about it. I point out that throughout the many years of the ... war on Iran [in the 1980s], Saddam was supported by the West.
Mr President,
You might know that I am a teacher. My students ask me how can these actions be reconciled with the values outlined at the beginning of this letter and duty to the tradition of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the Messenger of peace and forgiveness.
There are prisoners in Guantanamo Bay that have not been tried, have no legal representation, their families cannot see them and are obviously kept in a strange land outside their own country. There is no international monitoring of their conditions and fate. No one knows whether they are prisoners, POWs [prisoners of war], accused or criminals.
European investigators have confirmed the existence of secret prisons in Europe too. I could not correlate the abduction of a person, and him or her being kept in secret prisons, with the provisions of any judicial system. For that matter, I fail to understand how such actions correspond to the values outlined in the beginning of this letter, ie the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH), human rights and liberal values.
Young people, university students and ordinary people have many questions about the phenomenon of Israel. I am sure you are familiar with some of them. Throughout history many countries have been occupied, but I think the establishment of a new country with a new people, is a new phenomenon that is exclusive to our times.
Students are saying that 60 years ago such a country did not exist. The show old documents and globes and say try as we have, we have not been able to find a country named Israel.
I tell them to study the history of World War I and II. One of my students told me that during WWII, which more than tens of millions of people perished in, news about the war was quickly disseminated by the warring parties. Each touted their victories and the most recent battlefront defeat of the other party. After the war, they claimed that 6 million Jews had been killed. Six million people that were surely related to at least 2 million families.
Again let us assume that these events are true. Does that logically translate into the establishment of the state of Israel in the Middle East or support for such a state? How can this phenomenon be rationalized or explained?
Mr President,
I am sure you know how - and at what cost - Israel was established: Many thousands were killed in the process.
Millions of indigenous people were made refugees.
Hundred of thousands of hectares of farmland, olive plantations, towns and villages were destroyed.
This tragedy is not exclusive to the time of establishment; unfortunately it has been ongoing for 60 years now.
A regime has been established which does not show mercy even to kids, destroys houses while the occupants are still in them, announces beforehand its list and plans to assassinate Palestinian figures and keeps thousands of Palestinians in prison. Such a phenomenon is unique - or at the very least extremely rare - in recent memory.
Another big question asked by people is why is this regime being supported? Is support for this regime in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH) or Moses (PBUH) or liberal values? Or are we to understand that allowing the original inhabitants of these lands - inside and outside Palestine - whether they are Christian, Muslim or Jew, to determine their fate, runs contrary to principles of democracy, human rights and the teachings of prophets? If not, why is there so much opposition to a referendum?
The newly elected Palestinian administration recently took office. All independent observers have confirmed that this government represents the electorate. Unbelievingly, they have put the elected government under pressure and have advised it to recognize the Israeli regime, abandon the struggle and follow the programs of the previous government.
If the current Palestinian government had run on the above platform, would the Palestinian people have voted for it? Again, can such position taken in opposition to the Palestinian government be reconciled with the values outlined earlier? The people are also saying why are all UNSC [United Nations Security Council] resolutions in condemnation of Israel vetoed?
Mr President,
As you are well aware, I live among the people and am in constant contact with them - many people from around the Middle East manage to contact me as well. They do not have faith in these dubious policies either. There is evidence that the people of the region are becoming increasingly angry with such policies.
It is not my intention to pose too many questions, but I need to refer to other points as well.
Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in the Middle East regions is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D [research and development] one of the basic rights of nations?
You are familiar with history. Aside from the Middle Ages, in what other point in history has scientific and technical progress been a crime? Can the possibility of scientific achievements being utilized for military purposes be reason enough to oppose science and technology altogether? If such a supposition is true, then all scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, engineering, etc. must be opposed.
Lies were told in the Iraqi matter. What was the result? I have no doubt that telling lies is reprehensible in any culture, and you do not like to be lied to.
Mr President,
Don't Latin Americans have the right to ask, why their elected governments are being opposed and coup leaders supported? Or, why must they constantly be threatened and live in fear?
The people of Africa are hardworking, creative and talented. They can play an important and valuable role in providing for the needs of humanity and contribute to its material and spiritual progress. Poverty and hardship in large parts of Africa are preventing this from happening. Don't they have the right to ask why their enormous wealth – including minerals – is being looted, despite the fact that they need it more than others?
Again, do such actions correspond to the teachings of Christ and the tenets of human rights?
The brave and faithful people of Iran too have many questions and grievances, including: the coup d'etat of 1953 and the subsequent toppling of the legal government of the day, opposition to the Islamic revolution [of 1979], transformation of an embassy into a headquarters supporting the activities of those opposing the Islamic Republic (many thousands of pages of documents corroborates this claim), support for Saddam in the war waged against Iran, the shooting down of the Iranian passenger plane, freezing the assets of the Iranian nation, increasing threats, anger and displeasure vis-a-vis the scientific and nuclear progress of the Iranian nation (just when all Iranians are jubilant and collaborating with their country's progress), and many other grievances that I will not refer to in this letter.
Mr President,
September 11 was a horrendous incident. The killing of innocents is deplorable and appalling in any part of the world. Our government immediately declared its disgust with the perpetrators and offered its condolences to the bereaved and expressed its sympathies.
All governments have a duty to protect the lives, property and good standing of their citizens. Reportedly your government employs extensive security, protection and intelligence systems - and even hunts its opponents abroad. September 11 was not a simple operation. Could it be planned and executed without coordination with intelligence and security services – or their extensive infiltration? Of course this is just an educated guess. Why have the various aspects of the attacks been kept secret? Why are we not told who botched their responsibilities? And, why aren't those responsible and the guilty parties identified and put on trial?
All governments have a duty to provide security and peace of mind for their citizens. For some years now, the people of your country and neighbors of world trouble spots do not have peace of mind. After 9-11, instead of healing and tending to the emotional wounds of the survivors and the American people - who had been immensely traumatized by the attacks - some Western media only intensified the climates of fear and insecurity - some constantly talked about the possibility of new terror attacks and kept the people in fear. Is that service to the American people? Is it possible to calculate the damages incurred from fear and panic?
American citizens lived in constant fear of fresh attacks that could come at any moment and in any place. They felt insecure in the streets, in their place of work and at home. Who would be happy with this situation? Why was the media, instead of conveying a feeling of security and providing peace of mind, giving rise to a feeling of insecurity?
Some believe that the hype paved the way - and was the justification - for an attack on Afghanistan. Again I need to refer to the role of media. In media charters, correct dissemination of information and honest reporting of a story are established tenets. I express my deep regret about the disregard shown by certain Western media for these principles. The main pretext for an attack on Iraq was the existence of WMDs. This was repeated incessantly - for the public to, finally, believe - and the ground set for an attack on Iraq.
Will the truth not be lost in a contrive and deceptive climate? Again, if the truth is allowed to be lost, how can that be reconciled with the earlier mentioned values? Is the truth known to the Almighty lost as well?
Mr President,
In countries around the world, citizens provide for the expenses of governments so that their governments in turn are able to serve them.
The question here is what has the hundreds of billions of dollars, spent every year to pay for the Iraqi campaign, produced for the citizens?
As your excellency is aware, in some states of your country, people are living in poverty. Many thousands are homeless and unemployment is a huge problem. Of course these problems exist - to a larger or lesser extent - in other countries as well. With these conditions in mind, can the gargantuan expenses of the campaign - paid from the public treasury - be explained and be consistent with the aforementioned principles?
What has been said, are some of the grievances of the people around the world, in our region and in your country. But my main contention - which I am hoping you will agree to some of it - is: Those in power have specific time in office, and do not rule indefinitely, but their names will be recorded in history and will be constantly judged in the immediate and distant futures. The people will scrutinize our presidencies.
Did we manage to bring peace, security and prosperity for the people or insecurity and unemployment? Did we intend to establish justice, or just supported especial interest groups, and by forcing many people to live in poverty and hardship, made a few people rich and powerful - thus trading the approval of the people and the Almighty with theirs'? Did we defend the rights of the underprivileged or ignore them? Did we defend the rights of all people around the world or imposed wars on them, interfered illegally in their affairs, established hellish prisons and incarcerated some of them? Did we bring the world peace and security or raised the specter of intimidation and threats? Did we tell the truth to our nation and others around the world or presented an inverted version of it? Were we on the side of people or the occupiers and oppressors? Did our administration set out to promote rational behavior, logic, ethics, peace, fulfilling obligations, justice, service to the people, prosperity, progress and respect for human dignity or the force of guns? Intimidation, insecurity, disregard for the people, delaying the progress and excellence of other nations, and trample on people's rights? And finally, they will judge us on whether we remained true to our oath of office - to serve the people, which is our main task, and the traditions of the prophets- or not?
Mr President,
How much longer can the world tolerate this situation? Where will this trend lead the world to? How long must the people of the world pay for the incorrect decisions of some rulers? How much longer will the specter of insecurity - raised from the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction - hunt the people of the world? How much longer will the blood of the innocent men, women and children be spilled on the streets, and people's houses destroyed over their heads? Are you pleased with the current condition of the world? Do you think present policies can continue?
If billions of dollars spent on security, military campaigns and troop movement were instead spent on investment and assistance for poor countries, promotion of health, combating different diseases, education and improvement of mental and physical fitness, assistance to the victims of natural disasters, creation of employment opportunities and production, development projects and poverty alleviation, establishment of peace, mediation between disputing states and distinguishing the flames of racial, ethnic and other conflicts where would the world be today? Would not your government, and people be justifiably proud? Would not your administration's political and economic standing have been stronger? And I am most sorry to say, would there have been an ever increasing global hatred of the American governments?
Mr President, it is not my intention to distress anyone. If prophets Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Joseph or Jesus Christ (PBUH) were with us today, how would they have judged such behavior? Will we be given a role to play in the promised world, where justice will become universal and Jesus Christ (PBUH) will be present? Will they even accept us?
My basic question is this: Is there no better way to interact with the rest of the world? Today there are hundreds of millions of Christians, hundreds of millions of Muslims and millions of people who follow the teachings of Moses (PBUH). All divine religions share and respect on word and that is monotheism or belief in a single God and no other in the world.
The holy Koran stresses this common word and calls on all followers of divine religions and says: (3.64) "O followers of the Book! Come to an equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught. With Him and (that) some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allah, but if they turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims. (The Family of Imran)."
Mr President,
According to divine verses, we have all been called upon to worship one God and follow the teachings of divine prophets. To worship a God which is above all powers in the world and can do all He pleases. The Lord which knows that which is hidden and visible, the past and the future, knows what goes on in the Hearts of His servants and records their deeds. The Lord who is the possessor of the heavens and the earth and all universe is His court planning for the universe is done by His hands, and gives His servants the glad tidings of mercy and forgiveness of sins. He is the companion of the oppressed and the enemy of oppressors. He is the Compassionate, the Merciful. He is the recourse of the faithful and guides them towards the light from darkness. He is witness to the actions of His servants, He calls on servants to be faithful and do good deeds, and asks them to stay on the path of righteousness and remain steadfast . Calls on servants to heed His prophets and He is a witness to their deeds. A bad ending belongs only to those who have chosen the life of this world and disobey Him and oppress His servants. And a good and eternal paradise belong to those servants who fear His majesty and do not follow their lascivious selves.
We believe a return to the teachings of the divine prophets is the only road leading to salvations. I have been told that Your Excellency follows the teachings of Jesus (PBUH), and believes in the divine promise of the rule of the righteous on Earth.
We also believe that Jesus Christ (PBUH) was one of the great prophets of the Almighty. He has been repeatedly praised in the Koran. Jesus (PBUH) has been quoted in Koran as well; (19,36) "And surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serves Him; this is the right path, Marium."
Service to and obedience of the Almighty is the credo of all divine messengers.
The God of all people in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, the Pacific and the rest of the world is one. He is the Almighty who wants to guide and give dignity to all His servants. He has given greatness to Humans. We again read in the Holy Book: The Almighty God sent His prophets with miracles and clear signs to guide the people and show them divine signs and purity them from sins and pollutions. And He sent the Book and the balance so that the people display justice and avoid the rebellious.
All of the above verses can be seen, one way or the other, in the Good Book as well.
Divine prophets have promised: the day will come when all humans will congregate before the court of the Almighty, so that their deeds are examined. The good will be directed towards Heaven and evildoers will meet divine retribution. I trust both of us believe in such a day, but it will not be easy to calculate the actions of rulers, because we must be answerable to our nations and all others whose lives have been directly or indirectly effected by our actions.
All prophets, speak of peace and tranquility for man - based on monotheism, justice and respect for human dignity.
Do you not think that if all of us come to believe in and abide by these principles, that is, monotheism, worship of God, justice, respect for the dignity of man, belief in the Last Day, we can overcome the present problems of the world – that are the result of disobedience to the Almighty and the teachings of prophets - and improve our performance?
Do you not think that belief in these principles promotes and guarantees peace, friendship and justice?
Do you not think that the aforementioned written or unwritten principles are universally respected?
Will you not accept this invitation? That is, a genuine return to the teachings of prophets, to monotheism and justice, to preserve human dignity and obedience to the Almighty and His prophets?
Mr President, History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God has entrusted the fate of man to them. The Almighty has not left the universe and humanity to their own devices. Many things have happened contrary to the wishes and plans of governments. These tell us that there is a higher power at work and all events are determined by Him.
Can one deny the signs of change in the world today? Is this situation of the world today comparable to that of ten years ago? Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.
The people of the world are not happy with the status quo and pay little heed to the promises and comments made by a number of influential world leaders. Many people around the world feel insecure and oppose the spreading of insecurity and war and do not approve of and accept dubious policies.
The people are protesting the increasing gap between the haves and the have-nots and the rich and poor countries.
The people are disgusted with increasing corruption.
The people of many countries are angry about the attacks on their cultural foundations and the disintegration of families. They are equally dismayed with the fading of care and compassion. The people of the world have no faith in international organizations, because their rights are not advocated by these organizations.
Liberalism and Western style democracy have not been able to help realize the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts have failed. Those with insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the ideology and thoughts of the liberal democratic systems.
We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a main focal point - that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in God and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their problems. My question for you is: Do you not want to join them?
Mr President,
Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.
Vasalam Ala Man Ataba'al hoda
Mahmood Ahmadi-Najad President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
# posted by furtherleft @ 5/10/2006 11:20:00 AM
wow I wish I could put in such words of truth in such a unharming but honest way bless that man and may he live with his family 100 years
Sure, it is all over the free world. That may be why almost no one in the US and other of the tody nations that wag puppy dog tails behind that fascist dictatorship have seen it in their press. I believe I first read it in my usual daily trip to the Asia Times, where a lot of good information and analysis blanked by the west can be found.
Here are a couple other sources: Jihad Watch and Hindustan Times.
There are many many others. Some are listed here.
Now why would pocho put a untruth????Now i have once or twice and apoligised for the but i believe a lot strange things and pocho and others helped me understand and i appoligised.
I can't comment on the absence of this letter in other parts of the press but it was published in the Guardian and on the BBC website
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Mind Your Business
*
*
Congress still wants decriminalization
*
Mexico was to change its laws for more freedom for those who use substances that are not legal so they could concentrate their efforts elsewhere. But America threatened with a you better not or else. So Fox, being the businessman as always, thought he better mind. And now, once again, this move towards more freedom has a chance, reaching beyond Fox to the House of Congress.
*
Americas reason is once again an admission that they do not promote self control in their own country and have fears of their children coming here to do what they could not legally do at home, which they do anyway. At least that is the reason being put before the public for telling Mexico how to mind their own business. But when has America cared about its children, they grow them up to use them for soldiers in their various wars of oppression. Its money and power that is the concern and the fight. How many countries has America interferred in for the benefit of themselves and harm to the other? Its their pattern.
Americas reason is once again an admission that they do not promote self control in their own country and have fears of their children coming here to do what they could not legally do at home, which they do anyway. At least that is the reason being put before the public for telling Mexico how to mind their own business. But when has America cared about its children, they grow them up to use them for soldiers in their various wars of oppression. Its money and power that is the concern and the fight. How many countries has America interferred in for the benefit of themselves and harm to the other? Its their pattern.
*
"Federal lawmakers pledged Monday to keep pushing for a drug decriminalization bill despite U.S. criticism, and said they could override President Vicente Fox´s veto of the measure."
"Federal lawmakers pledged Monday to keep pushing for a drug decriminalization bill despite U.S. criticism, and said they could override President Vicente Fox´s veto of the measure."
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(The photo is a poster of my neighbors great grandmother, it hangs on my shop wall for all to see)
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Modern times
It is said we live in modern times,
In the civilised year of 'seventy nine,
But when I look around, all I see,
Is modern torture, pain, and hypocrisy.
In modern times little children die,
They starve to death, but who dares ask why?
And little girls without attire,
Run screaming, napalmed, through the night afire.
And while fat dictators sit upon their thrones,
Young children bury their parents' bones,
And secret police in the dead of night,
Electrocute the naked woman out of sight.
In the gutter lies the black man, dead,
And where the oil flows blackest, the street runs red,
And there was He who was born and came to be,
But lived and died without liberty.
As the bureaucrats, speculators and presidents alike,
Pin on their dirty, stinking, happy smiles tonight,
The lonely prisoner will cry out from within this tomb,
And tomorrow's wretch will leave its mother's womb!
Bobby Sands (9 march 1954 - 5 may 1981)
Irish liberation militant. Political prisoner. Poet.
Died from starvation after 66 days of hunger-striking.
He was 27 years old.
# posted by miguel_x98 @ 5/06/2006 06:05:00 PM
And to think if he tryed a hunger strike now thay would force a tube in him and make him live on there grule and mentaly tourcher him .Sad is it is sometimes hard to read and learn from the past is best but why cant we just start out the uncaring the killing the leaders who who dont care for there own people any more i know thats the whole world now the greed has it realy won?????
Friday, May 05, 2006
A Cup Of Coffee
A Cup Of Coffee is the name of a novel written by Further Left Chat Room participant yabasta, who also posts here in the Further Left Forum as zatikia. It is the story of a couple who expatriate to rural Mexico from the United States in the late 1980's. It is autobiographically drawn from the author's experiences and was written as it happened. The book's jackets state:
This story is about a women and her husband who want to find permanency in the country that they have chosen to live.
It is Mexico in the late eighties. The story tells of the life and adventures of Sky and America Summersun along with their family of dogs and friends in a small village on the Pacific Coast.
"A real tumble-down house sways with winds and rocks with the pounding of the surf. No two measurements the same and everything on it has a story behind it. Each small addition a major accomplishment in itself."
"The dolphins are here often, but it is always a thing to marvel at. The tunas adding their bright flash as they break free of the water for a moment are a gift to the senses from nature."
Full of descriptions of the area and the people, the author paints a vivid picture of her life and surroundings. The Spanish and English languages mix comfortably with each other in this tale. It is simple and honest.
Yabasta has offered us a full pdf format version for screen reading. It may be downloaded from the Prose and Poetry section of the Further Left Library, which is linked here in the left column.
# posted by furtherleft @ 5/05/2006 01:20:00 PM
bless yo and ty yabasta and as soon as i get home i know what im going to be reading front to back then ill be back hehe
Thursday, May 04, 2006
The Results
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The Largest Demonstration in U.S. History
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Solidarity in the streets . "It was a massive show of strength for the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and their supporters.
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In at least 153 cities across 39 states--and across the border, in Mexico and other Latin American countries--millions of people turned out to demand justice for immigrants on “un día sin inmigrantes”--a day without immigrants.
In at least 153 cities across 39 states--and across the border, in Mexico and other Latin American countries--millions of people turned out to demand justice for immigrants on “un día sin inmigrantes”--a day without immigrants.
# posted by Rancho Perros Bravos @ 5/04/2006 05:44:00 PM
if no means nothing aand all the nonothings are illage if no mean no the how can someone be a noone ????Can i have some freedom no Noone gets it
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Better Life?
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No Choice for Migrants
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I hear so often Americans say of the Mexicans crossing the border that this is proof they come for the better life that their country offers. But this is not so. Just like they say, everyone is jealous of us, that is why they don't like us. But that is not so either. Mexicans come for money, the only reason, the big paycheck at such a personal loss. The reason for the Americans confusion is that they themselves are jealous of those who have more because money is what matters most to them. That is how they judge a person, more money, a better person. Life is far better in Mexico when one is in the position to support it. But the imbalance caused by oppression and exploitation of corporations and governments has made this hard. America offers a hard life for their Mexican workers, an unfair and uneven one. Better workers should make as much or more than everyone else, irregardless of what their papers say or don't say.
*
Here is an article from ZNet, from The Other Campaign and the Zapatistas, that brings to light many of these false reasons that are spoke of and shows the truth. America wants and needs workers, many in Mexico need money. There is no better life there, just a better life for those they send the money home to, to continue living in a better country.
Here is an article from ZNet, from The Other Campaign and the Zapatistas, that brings to light many of these false reasons that are spoke of and shows the truth. America wants and needs workers, many in Mexico need money. There is no better life there, just a better life for those they send the money home to, to continue living in a better country.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Remember
Old war still haunts nations"More than 1 million migrants flood into the United States each year across a border cutting straight through what once was Mexican territory, a touch of history that haunts the immigration debate 158 years after the land changed hands."
El Universal takes a look at the history and feelings behind the theft of so much of Mexicos land and what it means to go back to it.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Smoke Kills
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Such Extremes
Technology Used for Warfare
According to Aljazeera, military researchers in the United States are trying to create super-warriors. By routing signals from helmet-mounted cameras, sonar and other equipment through the tongue to the brain, they hope to give elite soldiers superhuman senses similar to owls, snakes and fish.
# posted by Rancho Perros Bravos @ 4/26/2006 01:58:00 AM
Not that im very schooled and all but did not germany work with stuff to make so called super humans ??????
Friday, April 21, 2006
American Terrorist
No Charges For Terrorism
A member of Alpha 66, a U.S.-based terrorist group with a long history of criminal actions against Cuba, has been found with an arsenal of over 1,000 in southern California. This man is a known terrorist and now has been caught once again. But since he is a terrorist on the side of America and its evil deeds he will not be treated like one, but a regular crimminal breaking common laws. No efforts will be made to stop the group itself. America says they are against terrorism, but they treat their own very lightly.
# posted by Rancho Perros Bravos @ 4/21/2006 11:50:00 PM
Looking Up
We are afraid of stars.
We are obsessed with Stars.
References to stars litter our life: gold stars; shooting stars, I bumped my head and saw stars; superstar; star signs, mega-star; stars in our eyes; a twinkle in the eye; twinkle, twinkle little…
Yet at night we make light - light, light, we need more light – we make light of…
so much wasted light that we blot out the stars.
Perhaps it is not the dark that we are truly afraid of, but rather to stand under the night sky, without the glare of progress, and gaze up at the stars.
Is it because we are afraid of the insignificance of our species? Perhaps even more frightening, for those who wish for reasons, is the concept of some god, some force out there that, unlike us, is in control of things.
It’s a man thing, I guess, the need to control; to be in control.
Each star is a singularity, you cannot look at one and know them all. Contemplation of the sky requires patience. (Arcturus) There are those who gave and give the stars names – the names we hear are a chart of our rise. (Cassiopeiae) These names are a testament to how long we have been conscious beings. (BD+38° 3238 aka Vega) Capable of instilling meaning into symbols. (QZ Sagittarii) Names for the burning balls of flame that lie out there in the greater part of our environment.
Insignificant yes. But understanding this makes us less insignificant.
Surely there cannot be any greater gift than thought.
It is thought that makes us equals to the stars.
We are all stars.
This is probably one of the most positive things I've written.
I dedicate it to littlebitofsonshine.
We are obsessed with Stars.
References to stars litter our life: gold stars; shooting stars, I bumped my head and saw stars; superstar; star signs, mega-star; stars in our eyes; a twinkle in the eye; twinkle, twinkle little…
Yet at night we make light - light, light, we need more light – we make light of…
so much wasted light that we blot out the stars.
Perhaps it is not the dark that we are truly afraid of, but rather to stand under the night sky, without the glare of progress, and gaze up at the stars.
Is it because we are afraid of the insignificance of our species? Perhaps even more frightening, for those who wish for reasons, is the concept of some god, some force out there that, unlike us, is in control of things.
It’s a man thing, I guess, the need to control; to be in control.
Each star is a singularity, you cannot look at one and know them all. Contemplation of the sky requires patience. (Arcturus) There are those who gave and give the stars names – the names we hear are a chart of our rise. (Cassiopeiae) These names are a testament to how long we have been conscious beings. (BD+38° 3238 aka Vega) Capable of instilling meaning into symbols. (QZ Sagittarii) Names for the burning balls of flame that lie out there in the greater part of our environment.
Insignificant yes. But understanding this makes us less insignificant.
Surely there cannot be any greater gift than thought.
It is thought that makes us equals to the stars.
We are all stars.
This is probably one of the most positive things I've written.
I dedicate it to littlebitofsonshine.
# posted by Garth @ 4/21/2006 08:14:00 AM
To Pisces Iscariot
Im so honored bless you and thanks you .For you i share a poem i wrote a while back it is and allways will be close to me thoughts and heart .
The creator made Mother earth
and she grew,
When The Creator saw,
she was with form,
He Covered her with plants,
and all our creation here
to cover her with LOVE.
But human kind forgot our place
and desired to try and be Gods
and take over Mother Earth .
Now if you where The Creator,
What would you do
to protect your oldest LOVE????
instead of love and care for.
Would you choose a hatefull child
or the Mother of all this line ????
Who are we to think
we are the only Blessed line
or will be the last ????
Do you know most blessing happen when people work at helping others .Now if we helped feed and grow more plants and find alternate fuel would this make us the blessed line living in harmony with earth and all here ?? Just a question?
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Justice / Hypocrisy
The atrocities committed by the SADF in Angola and Mozambique have been swept under the carpet in the rush for Truth & Reconciliation in South Africa.
This article by Kola Odetola posted on Global Echo asks the right questions.
For a view from the perspective of a white conscript involved in one of these 'operations' see my post What is it Good For?
This article by Kola Odetola posted on Global Echo asks the right questions.
For a view from the perspective of a white conscript involved in one of these 'operations' see my post What is it Good For?
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Education Tyranny
Every now and then I’m reminded that no matter how jaded you get, some idiot’s still going to come along and surprise you. What follows is a result of attempting to enter into dialogue on a blog which, on first impression appeared well informed and enlightening.
What is it with people who use their education as an excuse to belittle those who either a) do not conform to their world view or b) they think are beneath them? As if by understanding and using words like ‘paradigm’ they find themselves unable to understand their own arrogance and elitism. Ironically, many of them spout all sorts of righteous understanding about the state of the world, leading the unsuspecting newcomer to believe they have entered into enlightened dialogue.
It must be fun to lash out with self-gratifying bile, but to come even close to enlightenment you need to be clean – how can you claim moral high ground when your prejudice is hanging out? You need to shed the ‘isms’, starting with egotism and working your way through sexism; racism and bigotry (And I know bigotry isn’t an ‘ism’ smartarse).
At the risk of sounding preachy, it is important to realise that, rightly of wrongly, education is a privilege not afforded to everyone in equal measure (some not at all) and to use your education against those who you feel have a lesser education, is morally corrupt; ignorant and frankly reeks of class elitism.
Unfortunately education and a sharp wit do not necessarily equate to intelligence, if it did we would quite possibly be living in a far more progressive world where the many are not abused by the few; where education could be used to improve the situation rather than to climb some cliquey ladder while kicking those who you perceive to be on a lower rung.
Hey, I know that on the scale of world problems this may appear a small issue, but I believe that we need intelligent dialogue in our attempts to change the way things are going, and dialogue cannot be termed intelligent when it is laced with prejudice.
There are those out there that advertise themselves as serious commentators; going under names that invoke revolutionary thinking (my name is Che) and posting well informed analysis of current affairs. They even appear to adhere to some or other ideology. Fair enough, but a closer look reveals minds more interested in measuring penis length than stretching understanding.
Clever and witty comebacks are fine, as punctuation in any dialogue, but when they become the dialogue then all construction is lost and we fall into egotism and public masturbation. To those who wish to continue, please feel free to correct my punctuation and grammar. Prove me wrong.
What is it with people who use their education as an excuse to belittle those who either a) do not conform to their world view or b) they think are beneath them? As if by understanding and using words like ‘paradigm’ they find themselves unable to understand their own arrogance and elitism. Ironically, many of them spout all sorts of righteous understanding about the state of the world, leading the unsuspecting newcomer to believe they have entered into enlightened dialogue.
It must be fun to lash out with self-gratifying bile, but to come even close to enlightenment you need to be clean – how can you claim moral high ground when your prejudice is hanging out? You need to shed the ‘isms’, starting with egotism and working your way through sexism; racism and bigotry (And I know bigotry isn’t an ‘ism’ smartarse).
At the risk of sounding preachy, it is important to realise that, rightly of wrongly, education is a privilege not afforded to everyone in equal measure (some not at all) and to use your education against those who you feel have a lesser education, is morally corrupt; ignorant and frankly reeks of class elitism.
Unfortunately education and a sharp wit do not necessarily equate to intelligence, if it did we would quite possibly be living in a far more progressive world where the many are not abused by the few; where education could be used to improve the situation rather than to climb some cliquey ladder while kicking those who you perceive to be on a lower rung.
Hey, I know that on the scale of world problems this may appear a small issue, but I believe that we need intelligent dialogue in our attempts to change the way things are going, and dialogue cannot be termed intelligent when it is laced with prejudice.
There are those out there that advertise themselves as serious commentators; going under names that invoke revolutionary thinking (my name is Che) and posting well informed analysis of current affairs. They even appear to adhere to some or other ideology. Fair enough, but a closer look reveals minds more interested in measuring penis length than stretching understanding.
Clever and witty comebacks are fine, as punctuation in any dialogue, but when they become the dialogue then all construction is lost and we fall into egotism and public masturbation. To those who wish to continue, please feel free to correct my punctuation and grammar. Prove me wrong.
# posted by Garth @ 4/12/2006 08:23:00 PM
Here in Mexico, a kinder and gentler nation which has preserved the great native secret of how people ought to live and let live among each other, a person who in arrogance acts rude and crude, is said to be "mal educado". That means “poorly educated”.
It does not refer to years of formal schooling, which can and often does show in rudeness and crudeness. Rather, it has to do with more important childhood lessons of social grace taught by one's mother. Diverting an arrogant's game by questioning "¿Y como está tu mama?", or "And, how is your mother?" can place a fix on what is really going on.
Tendency to diverge from a mother's teachings under cloak of cyber anonymity often causes wonder if this is a proper medium for encouraging social revolution. Too much shouting “Look at me”. Too little listening. Too much worship of status conferred through raping the world. Too many believing personal existence matters. Too many smart ones who’ve never used it to survive. Too many seeing difference in people rather than similarity. And all couched in words, empty words of little substance. Code words for "I", "me", "my", and "mine".
Everything started the day I was born. I had no mama, no papa. Nobody nurtured, pained, or worked for me. I knew all that had to be. Nobody built that world around me. It was just there. And I deserved every bit of it. I owe nothing to anyone. Why should I suffer from guilt of what passed before? Why should I pay for others older or with less because I made everything. I, me, my, mine.
Perhaps though, we can start from here, realizing everyone gets to where they will be from where they are.
I,m going out on a lemb saying this but im a me and you are a you but togther we are a us .We all have to breath the air we all have to have water we all have to find our me samness to finley have world peace but in doing so we have to rember we are all human.Be safe walk in peace allways Sonshine P.S. may we all be we's in our me'ness
Unfortunately, i am beginning to realise that the left is too busy sqabbling about who is the real left, the genuine left, the more left than left, to make a difference.
If things are to change it will have to come about by people in the middle: conservative liberal democrat tory labour - political affiliations no longer make any difference.
People on all sides seem to be pissed off with the way things are going.
People need to take back control of those who represent them. Bring pressure to bear on our governments, use economic power, shout, write, communicate your dissatifaction.
It's a slim chance but its worth taking.
Maybe Pisces, maybe. You might be right if democracy works. The view seems to depend on that. I personally don't know if such is so or what is or isn't "left" and have tendency to leave such labels and the various acys, ists, and isms alone to be expounded upon by others sharper or more interested than myself. The topic was considered in depth in a previous thread here, and I point you there. It was initiated last December and comes as close as any in exploring that in terms of this forum. It is titled "What's Left" and linked here.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Deja Vu - Again
Semour Hersh broke the story on Vietnam's Mai Lai massacre in which the US army spent a few hours killing every man, woman and child -- all unarmed civilians -- in the vicinity, about 500 all told, in which women were raped and babies were used as target practice. Hersh brought it all out in the open.
He didn't end the war any more than did those less stupid and more sensitive of the US by protesting in the streets. But along with them, he helped that population's less crazy acquiesce and finally accept victory of the Vietnamese over American invaders. For that he received a Pulitzer prize and several other awards.
Hersh did not rest on those laurels. He let the world know of the "The Samson Option" that Israel was secretly stockpiling nuclear weapons. Hersh made lie of US bombing Sudan's pharmaceutical factory under pretense it was used for terrorist activity. That was before he broke the story of Abu Ghaib prison torture.
It is hard to believe most US political writers and the wish-they-were's of foreign fawners are so dumb as to believe the tripe they parrot in defense of US actions and societal attitudes. So, if not stupid, then consider them whores for whatever gain. Semour Hersh is not one of them. He stands tall as defining what is taught as the job of a journalist.
The crazies of US war interests are now glorying in process of soon enlarging their nightmare. But, this time those too timid in self interest to oppose will not be able to claim surprise or mouth justifying official reasons for barbarity to come. That's because the investigative reporting of Semour Hersh has penetrated the smoke screen one more time.
That is in a New Yorker magazine article which reveals US intentions and planning to very soon initiate a seemingly unavoidable and probable nuclear bombing war over Iran. You know something of that nature is coming because you've seen the preview of the last being repeated, embelished with a new title.
Now however, you get the details yet only guessed. The New Yorker story is long and detailed. Hersh does little tossing of opinion but a lot of backing what he's discovered. It is worth reading if for no other reason than you may miss what is soon to unfold. You could run short this time around on the luck required to survive and protest your next war.
He didn't end the war any more than did those less stupid and more sensitive of the US by protesting in the streets. But along with them, he helped that population's less crazy acquiesce and finally accept victory of the Vietnamese over American invaders. For that he received a Pulitzer prize and several other awards.
Hersh did not rest on those laurels. He let the world know of the "The Samson Option" that Israel was secretly stockpiling nuclear weapons. Hersh made lie of US bombing Sudan's pharmaceutical factory under pretense it was used for terrorist activity. That was before he broke the story of Abu Ghaib prison torture.
It is hard to believe most US political writers and the wish-they-were's of foreign fawners are so dumb as to believe the tripe they parrot in defense of US actions and societal attitudes. So, if not stupid, then consider them whores for whatever gain. Semour Hersh is not one of them. He stands tall as defining what is taught as the job of a journalist.
The crazies of US war interests are now glorying in process of soon enlarging their nightmare. But, this time those too timid in self interest to oppose will not be able to claim surprise or mouth justifying official reasons for barbarity to come. That's because the investigative reporting of Semour Hersh has penetrated the smoke screen one more time.
That is in a New Yorker magazine article which reveals US intentions and planning to very soon initiate a seemingly unavoidable and probable nuclear bombing war over Iran. You know something of that nature is coming because you've seen the preview of the last being repeated, embelished with a new title.
Now however, you get the details yet only guessed. The New Yorker story is long and detailed. Hersh does little tossing of opinion but a lot of backing what he's discovered. It is worth reading if for no other reason than you may miss what is soon to unfold. You could run short this time around on the luck required to survive and protest your next war.
# posted by furtherleft @ 4/10/2006 12:02:00 AM
When they came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
(Martin Niemöller)
Friday, April 07, 2006
US Military Murders
*
Iraqi Police Report Details
Civilians' Deaths at Hands of U.S. Troops
As I read this article posted below I wondered how Americans can bear to be who they are. Living high on the blood of those who die for their needs. It takes a twisted mind to enjoy ones life when others around the world must pay so dearly for it. Demented American mentality, so deluded as to be immune from the suffering they cause.
*
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi police have accused American troops of executing 11 people, including a 75-year-old woman and a 6-month-old infant, in the aftermath of a raid last Wednesday on a house about 60 miles north of Baghdad. The villagers were killed after American troops herded them into a single room of the house, according to a police document obtained by Knight Ridder Newspapers. The soldiers also burned three vehicles, killed the villagers'animals and blew up the house, the document said.
*
Accusations that U.S. troops have killed civilians are commonplace in Iraq, though most are judged later to be unfounded or exaggerated. Navy investigators announced last week that they were looking into whether Marines intentionally killed 15 Iraqi civilians - four of them women and five of them children - during fighting last November.But the report of the killings in the Abu Sifa area of Ishaqi, eight miles north of the city of Balad, is unusual because it originated with Iraqi police and because Iraqi police were willing to attach their names to it. The report, which also contained brief descriptions of other events in the area, was compiled by the Joint Coordination Center in Tikrit, a regional security center set up with United States military assistance. An Iraqi police colonel signed the report, which was based on communications from local police.
*
The case involves a U.S. raid conducted, according to the official U.S. account, in response to a tip that a member of al-Qaida in Iraq was at the house. Neighbors, interviewed by a special correspondent for Knight Ridder, agreed that the al-Qaida member was at the house. They said he was visiting the home's owner, a relative. The neighbors said the homeowner was a schoolteacher. According to police, military and eyewitness accounts, U.S. forces approached the house at around 2:30 a.m. and a firefight ensued. By all accounts, in addition to exchanging gunfire with someone inside the house, U.S. troops were supported by helicopter gunships, which fired on the house. But the accounts differ on what took place after the firefight.According to the U.S. account, the house collapsed because of the heavy fire. When U.S. forces searched the rubble they found one man, the al-Qaida suspect, alive. He was arrested. They also found a dead man they believed to be connected to al-Qaida, two dead women and a dead child. But the report filed by the Joint Coordination Center, which was based on a report filed by local police, said U.S. forces entered the house while itwas still standing."The American forces gathered the family members in one room and executed 11 persons, including five children, four women and two men," the report said. "Then they bombed the house, burned three vehicles and killed their animals.
"The report identified the dead by name, giving their ages. The two men killed were 22 and 28. Of the women, two were 22 years old, one was 30 and one was 75. Two of the children were 5 years old, two were 3, and the fifth was 6 months old, the document said. A special correspondent in Ishaqi, said autopsies at the hospital in Tikrit "revealed that all the victims had bullet shots in the head and all bodies were handcuffed." Ibraheem Hirat Khalaf, whose brother Faiz owned the house and was among the dead, said he watched and heard the assault from his home 100 yards away. He said that U.S. troops used six missiles from helicopters to destroy the house as they were leaving.Abu Hijran, 38, and a neighbor, said those in the house were liked and respected, though the wanted al-Qaida member was not as well known.Rasheed Thair, an employee of Ishaqi, said that the town was in a state of shock over the killings. "Everyone attended the funeral," he said. "We want the Americans to give an explanation for this horrible crime which took the smile and the dream of a spring night from 11 people, and destroyed even the simple toys of children."
Ba Rong, Ba Chi
It won't really make any difference that I understand and acknowledge social value to establishment of religions. They will be here anyhow. With the god part removed in its con capacity to scare people to granting protective cover for ruling politicians, religions are a manner of coding social morays. That is nice in that they imprint and thus extend the job of parents beyond teaching years.
The primary problem of established religions' preferred behavior listings is that, though they sound nice, they don't seem to work very well. More modern attempts also have shortcomings. Mao's little red book has a lot of good stuff but is just too long except for waving in processions. Those which sneak through Che's diary and Fidel's speeches are too restricted in distribution. Contemporary political blabbering in reference to constitutions and laws are universally regarded as bull shit by any with brains who struggle to get through life with minimal hindrance.
Now we have a new set called "Ba Rong, Ba Chi", the eight honors and disgraces, which were recently put forth by Chinese Chairman Hu Jintao. They are concise and said in original language to have a nice memory enhancing poetic effect when put to music. For myself, aside from apparent gratuitous ruler gifting of the nation loving and law abiding stuff, they appear to take in the necessary for a decent society.
-- Love the country; do it no harm.
-- Serve the people; never betray them.
-- Follow science; discard superstition.
-- Be diligent; not indolent.
-- Be united, help each other; make no gains at other's expense.
-- Be honest and trustworthy; do not spend ethics for profits.
-- Be disciplined and law-abiding; not chaotic and lawless.
-- Live plainly, work hard; do not wallow in luxuries and pleasures.
Hu is on the way to visit Bush. I doubt the concepts will transfer.
The primary problem of established religions' preferred behavior listings is that, though they sound nice, they don't seem to work very well. More modern attempts also have shortcomings. Mao's little red book has a lot of good stuff but is just too long except for waving in processions. Those which sneak through Che's diary and Fidel's speeches are too restricted in distribution. Contemporary political blabbering in reference to constitutions and laws are universally regarded as bull shit by any with brains who struggle to get through life with minimal hindrance.
Now we have a new set called "Ba Rong, Ba Chi", the eight honors and disgraces, which were recently put forth by Chinese Chairman Hu Jintao. They are concise and said in original language to have a nice memory enhancing poetic effect when put to music. For myself, aside from apparent gratuitous ruler gifting of the nation loving and law abiding stuff, they appear to take in the necessary for a decent society.
-- Love the country; do it no harm.
-- Serve the people; never betray them.
-- Follow science; discard superstition.
-- Be diligent; not indolent.
-- Be united, help each other; make no gains at other's expense.
-- Be honest and trustworthy; do not spend ethics for profits.
-- Be disciplined and law-abiding; not chaotic and lawless.
-- Live plainly, work hard; do not wallow in luxuries and pleasures.
Hu is on the way to visit Bush. I doubt the concepts will transfer.
# posted by furtherleft @ 4/07/2006 04:22:00 PM
Out of all the pick and choose with rules and regulations and guides, this one sounds like it would do. Short and simple, as it should be. Bushes business of America would not last overnight if he had to go by any of them. Good knowledge from China.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Viva Chavez!
The following story is from the BBC
Venezuela takes back oil fields
Venezuela has been trying to tighten its grip on the oil industryVenezuela has taken control of two oil fields operated by French firm Total and Italy's Eni.
The government said it had taken the step after failing to agree a deal with the two firms which would give it a majority stake in new ventures.
President Hugo Chavez has been working to strengthen state control over oil production in the country.
So far, 16 oil firms have agreed to change their operations into joint ventures with state oil firm PDVSA.
US based Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and Spain's Repsol are among the companies that signed the agreement on Friday.
In an interview on state television, Minister Rafael Ramirez said the government took over the fields operated by Total and Eni on Saturday.
"We are waiting for a resolution with these operators after they exhausted the possibility of entering into the mixed companies," Mr Ramirez added.
Legal action?
Total's Jusepin field produces about 30,000 barrels of oil a day, while Eni's Dacion field produces almost 60,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Eni has vowed to fight the takeover which it declared illegal
.
"Eni believes that this action by PDVSA is a violation of Eni's contractual rights," it said in a statement.
The company added it was considering possible legal action and would be seeking compensation.
Total confirmed its oil field had been taken over, but declined further comment
.
Tighter controls
Last year, Mr Chavez declared 32 oil exploration deals in the country illegal - prompting the change to the contracts.
PDVSA officials had voiced fears that the previous agreements were disguised attempts to privatise the country's oil industry.
However, some oil firms have refused to sign new deals, arguing that they have pumped millions into operations in Venezuela, and now may not see any return on their investment.
Venezuela is currently the world's number five crude oil exporter.
The government has been tightening its grip on the oil sector to raise additional funds to fight poverty in the country.
As well as demanding firms give up majority control of their Venezuelan oil ventures, the government is also demanding firms pay more taxes.
Last month, BP was slapped with a back tax bill of $61.4m (£35m) covering 2001 to 2004.
Venezuela takes back oil fields
Venezuela has been trying to tighten its grip on the oil industryVenezuela has taken control of two oil fields operated by French firm Total and Italy's Eni.
The government said it had taken the step after failing to agree a deal with the two firms which would give it a majority stake in new ventures.
President Hugo Chavez has been working to strengthen state control over oil production in the country.
So far, 16 oil firms have agreed to change their operations into joint ventures with state oil firm PDVSA.
US based Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and Spain's Repsol are among the companies that signed the agreement on Friday.
In an interview on state television, Minister Rafael Ramirez said the government took over the fields operated by Total and Eni on Saturday.
"We are waiting for a resolution with these operators after they exhausted the possibility of entering into the mixed companies," Mr Ramirez added.
Legal action?
Total's Jusepin field produces about 30,000 barrels of oil a day, while Eni's Dacion field produces almost 60,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Eni has vowed to fight the takeover which it declared illegal
.
"Eni believes that this action by PDVSA is a violation of Eni's contractual rights," it said in a statement.
The company added it was considering possible legal action and would be seeking compensation.
Total confirmed its oil field had been taken over, but declined further comment
.
Tighter controls
Last year, Mr Chavez declared 32 oil exploration deals in the country illegal - prompting the change to the contracts.
PDVSA officials had voiced fears that the previous agreements were disguised attempts to privatise the country's oil industry.
However, some oil firms have refused to sign new deals, arguing that they have pumped millions into operations in Venezuela, and now may not see any return on their investment.
Venezuela is currently the world's number five crude oil exporter.
The government has been tightening its grip on the oil sector to raise additional funds to fight poverty in the country.
As well as demanding firms give up majority control of their Venezuelan oil ventures, the government is also demanding firms pay more taxes.
Last month, BP was slapped with a back tax bill of $61.4m (£35m) covering 2001 to 2004.
