Protesters clashing with police in the streets. Thousands marching and demanding an end to a tyrannical government. Hundreds arrested. Executions of those opposed to the establishment. A rigid clampdown on the media and press. That was Iran thirty years ago — and that is Iran today.
A year ago, Iranians could delude themselves that they inhabited a country with real, albeit limited, democracy. Now the gloves are off, and the regime has shown itself for what it truly is: an embryonic military dictatorship, taking on the veneer of religion, and brutally suppressing its own people.
Last June, Iran erupted in widespread protests after the disputed and fraudulent re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. (The usual means of ensuring that the “right” candidate won—reformers struck from the ballot by Islamic clerics—proved insufficient, and Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, personally intervened so his hand-picked designee would continue to wield authority.) The government of Iran responded to the protests with a campaign of ruthless repression against its population. Members of the Basij militia have brutally attacked demonstrators, and hundreds, if not thousands, have been detained by the government.
The theocrats ruling Iran have feared to let the information of what they are doing to their country spread around the world. Iran’s government has tried to suppress the free flow of information both within Iran and from Iran. According to Reporters Without Borders, at least sixty-five journalists have been imprisoned. Human rights activists have been both forced into exile and forbidden to leave the country. The Iranian police state is desperate to prevent news of what transpires in the cities of Persia from being broadcast throughout the world, but information has trickled out, through blogs, YouTube, Twitter, and other forms of internet media.
The clashes between the government and the protest movement have only intensified in recent months. During confrontations during the Shi’ite festival of ‘Ashura, the government shot dead at least ten protesters. Subsequently, several detained protesters were executed for being “enemies of God.”
There is a powerful popular movement by the Iranian people to fully exercise their rights as human beings — but there is a vicious campaign of repression being waged by the government to prevent the expression of those rights. The world is watching.Protesters clashing with police in the streets. Thousands marching and demanding an... more
Found this petition at petitionspot. Alreadly over 40 people have signed it to further the movement.http://ux.brookdalecc.edu/fac/socsci/Scales_of_justice2.jpg
Found this petition at... more
Obama Won't Rule Out Using 'Slaughter' on Immigration Or Other Bills...
Washington (CNSNews.com) – The White House declined on Thursday to rule out that President Barack Obama might sign future legislation, such as an immigration reform measure, that has not been put to a recorded yea-or-nay vote in both houses of Congress.
{Article 1, Section 7 of the Constitution requires that both houses of Congress hold recorded yea-or-nay votes on a bill before it can be presented to the president for his signature and before it can become law.}
“I stated earlier that when this (health care) bill passes the House, the president will be happy to sign it,” Gibbs told CNSNews.com.Obama Won't Rule Out Using 'Slaughter' on Immigration Or Other Bills...... more
Would you vote for this lot? In this second episode of WORLDbytes’ Royal Society of Arts award winning series, election campaigners and parliamentary candidates from lesser-known political parties get a grilling at a local café in London’s East End. On the menu are unemployment, education, housing, free speech and voter apathy. The Green candidate advocates building on the green belt, the Respect rep says free speech should be qualified and the English Democrat chap says they’re not for profit. The arguments dished up suggest there is no right or left anymore. Watch it and let us know your thoughts.Would you vote for this lot? In this second episode of WORLDbytes’ Royal... more
Barack Obama has said he will not campaign for any Democratic congressmen who fails to support health care reform.
The president will refuse to make fund-raising visits during November elections to any district whose representative has not backed the bill.
A one-night presidential appearance can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds which would otherwise take months to accumulate through cold-calling by campaign volunteers.
Mr Obama's threat came as the year-long debate over his signature domestic policy entered its final week.
Mr Obama is personally telephoning congressmen who are still on the fence this week, in between several personal appearances devoted toward swinging public opinion.Barack Obama has said he will not campaign for any Democratic congressmen who fails to... more
Anti-government protesters shut down parts of the Thai capital on Monday but appeared to be a long way from achieving their goal of forcing the government to step down.
Banks, shops and government offices in the northern outskirts of the city closed for the day as convoys of red-shirted protesters converged on a military base that has become a sort of field headquarters for government leaders, including Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Two soldiers were wounded when several grenades were fired at the base on Monday, The Associated Press reported.
The protesters on Sunday had demanded that the government dissolve Parliament and call elections by noon Monday, a deadline that was rejected by Mr. Abhisit.
By early afternoon, Thai media reported that Mr. Abhisit had left the heavily guarded military compound. Leaders of the protest then urged their followers to retreat to a district of government offices where protesters have set up camp.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of anti-government protesters poured into Bangkok in what was one of the largest demonstrations in Thailand’s recent tumultuous history.
Convoys of farmers in pick-up trucks and busloads of families wearing trademark red shirts blanketed the district of ministries and government offices.
“We are here to announce class warfare, in peace and for democracy,” Nattawut Saikua, a protest leader, told a roaring crowd not deterred by the scorching sun and 90-degree temperatures.
Organizers estimated the crowd at 250,000 people and said more were on the way by road and riverboat. The police estimated the number of protesters at 120,000. The protest leaders have vowed to continue their demonstration this week if their demands are not met.
Adelphi University’s International Initiatives Committee will host a lecture by the Ambassador of Romania Simona-Mirela Miculescu on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom of the Ruth S. Harley University Center, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY. The lecture, “Women and Democratization: Challenges and Lessons Learned in Romania,” is free and open to the public.Adelphi University’s International Initiatives Committee will host a lecture by... more
Five years ago many people didn't go to vote, in Iraq. But on Sunday the Sunnis, too, went to the polls. And despite the early morning clashes and threats, women and men were in line to choose their future.
Penn, appearing on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday, defended Chavez during a segment in which he detailed his work with the JP Haitian Relief Organization, which he co-founded.
"Every day, this elected leader is called a dictator here, and we just accept it, and accept it" said Penn, winner of two Best Actor Academy Awards. "And this is mainstream media, who should -- truly, there should be a bar by which one goes to prison for these kinds of lies."
...
Judge Andrew Napolitano, Fox News' senior judicial analyst, said the same constitutional protection that applies to journalists also applies to Penn, who can say pretty much anything he wants in the "political arena" -- aside from an immediate incitement of violence.
"What he is saying is protected, as wacky and weird as it is," Napolitano told FoxNews.com. "But the substance of what he's saying would be absolutely contrary to the First Amendment, which fully protects all political opinions. So if a journalist says Dick Cheney should go to jail, the journalist is privileged to say that."
"Mr. Penn is calling for a communist-like regime in which journalists who criticize the government are sent to jail because of that criticism," Napolitano added. "That is utterly un-American and hasn't happened here since the Civil War."
Napolitano, meanwhile, said Penn apparently prefers "thuggery" to democracy.
"In light of his ignorance of freedom of speech, his wishing rectal cancer on his detractors, and his embracing tyrants, Mr. Penn obviously prefers thuggery to democracy," he continued. "Were he free to do so, he'd be a tyrant. Now we'll see if he can get me jailed for saying that!"
MY comments:
Sean Penn is clearly off his rocker. It is one thing to say that he thinks statements calling Chavez a dictator are off the mark or innaccurate, but to try to say that they are "criminal" borders on the childishly insane.
Exactly why is it that morons like Penn, Oliver Stone, and Danny Glover think they need to chum up to quasi-dictators like Chavez and glorify them?
And a question to MODERATE DEMOCRATS: aren't you embarrassed by these ass-clowns?
Practically the entire staff of the Bolzaneto barracks during the days of the G8 in Genoa in 2001 was convicted of abuses and violences against the demonstrators arrested. Police officers and penitentiary agents, and even the 4 doctors serving in the barracks: 44 people were convicted. The judges have spoken of torture, but the crime does not exist in Italy, and the sentences after 9 years have all fallen under a statute of limitations. http://www.inaltreparole.net/en/news/condannepoliziotti070310.htmlPractically the entire staff of the Bolzaneto barracks during the days of the G8 in... more
Arbitrary authoritarianism imposed by ‘jobsworths’ who seek to stop photographers providing us with a record of everyday life and critical moments in history are the subject of this compelling interview. Pauline Hadaway is Director of the unique photography gallery Belfast Exposed and authored the report Policing the Public Gaze published by the Manifesto Club. Joe Earle asks Pauline to explain more.Arbitrary authoritarianism imposed by ‘jobsworths’ who seek to stop... more
As the elections loom, should we vote? Who should we vote for? What about those of us too young to vote? Do principles matter or should we make the best of what is on offer? In Question Dine, a new WORLDbytes series, parliamentary candidates and campaigners get closer to the electorate in their own dining room, or local cafe. Over supper or a cuppa, Volunteers grill prospective MP’s, not literally, but the discussion is certainly heated. Watch it and leave us your thoughts and questions for our next grilling on the comments page.As the elections loom, should we vote? Who should we vote for? What about those of us... more
WORLDbytes’ crews of young volunteers learning to shoot alternative news programmes are regularly stopped from filming on the streets of London. Yet it is not against the law to film in public spaces, to investigate what the public think and let people have their say on issues of the day. Sick of being stopped, volunteers made a stand against the arbitrary interference suffered by photographers and film makers and achieved a one day victory for citizen journalism. In future they’ll certainly question instructions to ‘move on’ and need your support.WORLDbytes’ crews of young volunteers learning to shoot alternative news... more
The impressive image of Cuban Cesar Alexander Goza Rivera, have been seen around the world. Gagged, bounded and wearing nothing but a small Cuban flag. Cesar is a member of Cuba Democracia Ya. He stood in front of European Union Headquarters, where the group displayed a large banner demanding democracy for the Island.
Among the assistants were ex political prisoner Omar Pernet Hernandez, whom the Spanish government has withdrawn all economic aid, in spite of his deteriorating health.
Cesar's action was in response to the exclusion by the Spanish government of Cuban exiles, from a meeting with representatives from the Castro Dictatorship.
Cuba Democracia Ya, explains that, "by this method we have protested before the European Union in Madrid, for being ignored by the current Spanish administration. As dissidents, lovers of freedom and Democracy for Cuba. They ignore us, we denounce" http://sunriseinhavana.blogspot.com/2010/02/nude-for-cubas-freedom.htmlThe impressive image of Cuban Cesar Alexander Goza Rivera, have been seen around the... more
AMERICA... our legacy, our freedom and, justice. and what you can do to save it.
"THE END OF AMERICA": In a stunning indictment of sweeping policy changes during the Bush years, best-selling author Naomi Wolf (The Beauty Myth) makes a chilling case that American democracy is under threat. Investigating parallels between our current situation and the rise of dictators and fascism in once-free societies, Wolf uncovers a number of deeply unsettling similarities-from the use of paramilitary groups and secret prisons to the targeted suspension of the rule of law. With this galvanizing call to arms based on her recent book, she urges regular citizens to take back our legacy of freedom and justice.AMERICA... our legacy, our freedom and, justice. and what you can do to save it.... more
In Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has won the elections on January 26. That he won honestly remains doubtful, seeing his history. This is a man often accused of persecuting the press in a country where journalists are arrested and killed, 14 died during his presidency in a country at the bottom of all rankings of the world in regard to respect for human rights. And after the elections, the situation is not improving. http://www.inaltreparole.net/en/world/srilankaelections060210.htmlIn Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has won the elections on January 26. That he... more
The 1989 was a year of great hopes, but twenty years after most of those hopes have been largely disappointed. The world before the fall of the Berlin Wall was the world of the Cold War, divided into two camps fighting an ideological, political and economic battle based on the balance of terror of atomic bombs. But at least the opposition forced the two parties to compete on moral grounds. http://www.inaltreparole.net/en/world/guerrafredda090210.htmlThe 1989 was a year of great hopes, but twenty years after most of those hopes have... more
Those outside the United States may be surprised how the loss of a Senate seat in the state of Massachusetts in a special election can paralyze the Obama Administration. After all, it was just over a year ago that President Obama was elected by the largest margin for any Democrat in more than 40 years. He still enjoys large majorities in both houses of Congress. Even after losing the Massachusetts seat he still enjoys a 59-to-41 majority in the Senate, a larger margin than any president of either party has had since the 60s.
Yet, President Obama appears unable to move most of his agenda forward. First and foremost, the health care bill that had been the main focus of his attention in his first year in office now appears to be dead. Both houses had approved versions of the bill, but there were still substantial differences that had to be resolved before a final bill could be sent to President Obama to sign. Now that the Democrats no longer have 60 members in the Senate, it seems unlikely that they can get the votes needed to bring a final bill to the floor for a vote.
The same problem applies to almost everything else on President Obama’s agenda. Financial reform legislation looks highly unlikely given the prospect of unanimous Republican opposition. Any major jobs proposal will almost certainly face the same obstacle. Serious measures to limit global warming are almost inconceivable. In fact, President Obama can’t even get many of his appointees approved by the Senate and must now run his administration with interim appointees occupying key positions just below the cabinet level.
This is a new story in U.S. politics. The key issue is the rules in the Senate that allow a minority of 40 members to obstruct legislation, presidential appointees or any other order of business. The rules are not new, with relatively minor modifications they date back to the 19th century. What is new is the willingness of a minority party to use these rules to obstruct almost any order of business by the Senate.
In prior decades, the rules were very infrequently used to obstruct legislation that otherwise enjoyed majority support. The most famous example of the use of these rules to block the majority’s will was the effort to obstruct civil rights legislation in the 50s and 60s. This legislation gave the federal government a direct role in ensuring the voting and legal rights of African Americans, over-riding state laws that made them second class citizens. The legislation was blocked for years over the issue of states’ rights (the basis for the U.S. Civil War in the 19th century).
However deplorable the cause of this obstruction, no one could dispute its importance. Senators were prepared to defend their obstruction of majority rule based on their belief in the principle of states’ rights. No one can argue that the obstruction of nearly every aspect of President Obama’s agenda or his appointees (most of whom have solid records of achievement and public service) is based on such fundamental principles.
The explanation for this obstructionism rests on a fundamentally different dynamic in U.S. politics. In past years, the minority party took advantage of the Senate’s rule sparingly, because they feared being portrayed as obstructionists. This was seen most recently in the Democrats’ reluctance to block funding for the Iraq War under President Bush, even though the vast majority of Democrats were strongly opposed to the war and especially President Bush’s conduct of the war. Democrats refused to use Senate rules to obstruct funding because they feared being portrayed as undermining our troops. Therefore they always let the funding requests go through unchallenged.
The Republicans see a different calculus today. They know that few people follow the details of politics closely. For the most part people know what gets done, not how it happened it or what stopped things from getting done. In the case of the health care bill, people will know if it passes. If it doesn’t pass, the public will see that President Obama, even with Democrats controlling both the House and Senate, was unable to deliver the health care reform that he had promised. President Obama and the Democrats will be held responsible for this failure, not the Republicans who obstructed the bill.
The same holds true for all the other items on his agenda. In particular, Obama has been stifled on every aspect of his stimulus agenda. He originally downsized his stimulus proposal, asking for just two-thirds of what his top economist considered necessary, in order to make it more palatable to Republicans. He ended up getting even less than this scale-downed package. With the downturn even steeper than projected, the economy now faces high rates of unemployment long into the future with little prospect of effective government response.
The prospect of high unemployment and economic stagnation in the United States may be bad news for people here and in the rest of the world, but it is likely good politics for the Republican Party. For the moment, this Republican agenda is likely to dominate American politics.
Dean Baker is the co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR). He is the author of False Profits: Recovering from the Bubble Economy. He also has a blog on the American Prospect, "Beat the Press," where he discusses the media's coverage of economic issues.
Nearly a decade ago, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) stood alone as the Senate's constitutional conscience. Casting the only dissenting vote against passage of the Patriot Act in 2001, he was powerless to stop an opportunistic power grab by neoconservatives who had long sought, well before the tragedy of 9-11, to expand our government's reach into the lives of law-abiding Americans.Today, the draconian authorities foisted on an unsuspecting public by the Patriot Act once again place the Constitution in the crosshairs of a complacent Congress, acquiescing to another administration whose political agenda lies at conspicuous odds with its leader's oath to defend the Constitution.Nearly a decade ago, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) stood alone as the Senate's... more
