tagged w/ Public Action Issue
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Even well-addressed, well-thought-out petitions have their problems, chief among them the lack of a guarantee that anyone is collecting and collating the signatures or will deliver the completed documents to the right parties. The mere existence of a petition doesn't warrant that anyone will do anything with it once it is completed.Even well-addressed, well-thought-out petitions have their problems, chief among them... more
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Its not just about Politics, though Politics is also important here.
Its not just about numbers, though Numbers are important too..
It’s about Faces, So many of them…..
Faces who have seen too much in too little a time. …
Here you see many slums , but no millionaires.
You will find travellers but no destination….
These are internally displaced People of SWAT.
Many of them settled in IDP camps established..
at Mardan, Nowshehra and other areas,
while the majority chose to stay independent.
A large portion of these displaced people arrived at Karachi
where they are living with their relatives, or rented houses
with high rents. This is there story.
Bonier is situated around 60 miles from Islamabad.
An idyllic place with a history full of traditions, simplicity and peace.
All this changed one fine morning….
The terror had finally arrived Taliban’s.
They came with colourful Promises.
The promise of quick justice,
Divine Law, Sharia.
Soon the terror removed its masks and unveiled its true face.
The recent Operation by Pakistan against Taliban forces
For them this was a ray of light, a glimmer of hope.
But everything comes with a price.
The army needed space,
the collateral damage too much a political baggage;
they had to be removed from the war zone.
With in few days more than 1.5 million people left their houses…
and settled for different parts of Pakistan.
Even here, their miseries are far from over.
The new place offers them nothing but a reminiscence
of what they have left behind.
What could have been theirs?
These children are a product of fear;
these faces the faces under terror.
These faces need to be seen,
these voices be heard,
for they tell a story not covered in any of the debate rooms.
They tell why a combination of poverty, ignorance, deception and ultimate terror alters the course of human lives in such a short span of time.
These faces need to be helped.
Because in the end, they are all human faces.
Kazim Raza, Karachi. PakistanIts not just about Politics, though Politics is also important here.
Its not just... more
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Kazim
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added this
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5 months ago
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Every morning while on the way to office or coming back in evening it’s not possible for the karachiets to ignore baggers, children with car screen wipers and drug addicts. But unfortunately hardly seen some one talking to them to share there grievan...ces, to know what turns them into a LIFE without SOUL.....
Directed and Produced by Kazim RazaEvery morning while on the way to office or coming back in evening it’s not possible... more
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Kazim
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added this
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3 months ago
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Sans Papiers
The youth of our age, surrounded by a swarm of difficulties and problems is in search of a solution, but what he eventually finds is more and more of difficulties and disappointments. When unemployed and poverty numbs all his senses, paralyzes all his muscles, he feels life is nothing but a futile effort, a bottomless pit of poverty and indigence. According to one estimate, in past 10 years, around 10 thousand Pakistanis have been killed by security forces, crossing Greece-Turkey border illegally. In pursuit of an ever evading happiness, who are these ill-informed people and who are the traffickers involved in this heinous trade of human trafficking. The real issue is how come the educated ones of our country fall prey to these human traffickers. Poverty and related problems are the main reasons behind human trafficking and illegal immigration. Your pursuit of happiness can bring this much misery and suffering, one can only know by meeting the people under Custody of FIA, who have recently been deported from the Turkey Border. It seems an obvious enough advice to have a safe albeit simple life at home, than to a have risky prosperous life abroad. But mired deeply in the troubled waters, it’s only dreams of a happy living that make these people go through all sorts of troubles.
I just pray that my country Pakistan finds a leader, a person who can improve the situation in our country, so that no one thinks about leaving this country and going through this humiliation This heinous crime of Illegal immigration, despite efforts by the State, is flourishing. One obvious contributors of this crime are the people who become a victim of agents’ treacherous promises, lost their lives’ savings and became a victim of dark alleys.
The question that haunts us all is till what time these traffickers would dupe the gullible of their livelihoods and till what time the carcasses of the youth of our country would be feasted by the beasts in unknown wildernesses.
Directed and Produced By
Kazim Raza
Masmedia Productions
Pakistan
923333705114Sans Papiers
The youth of our age, surrounded by a swarm of difficulties and... more
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Kazim
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added this
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2 months ago
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Amongst the most beautiful regions of the world, the picturesque valleys of Swat and Buneir used to be huge tourist attraction. The people of this land were remembered for their ethereal beauty and generous hospitality.
But all this changed in a short span of time. These valleys soon became a symbol of terror and insecurity for the tourists. Even the locals started feeling insecure in their homeland.
With a population of around 5 millions, these valleys became a burning inferno right in front of the eyes of the world, fuelled by religious bigotry and fanaticism.
To eliminate the menace of terrorism, Pakistan Army started its operation in the troubled region, the subsequent resistance by Taliban forces turned this halcyon patches into a war zone.
Lush green fields turned into deadly bunkers, happy faces suddenly plagued by death stricken silence. The ensuing uncertainty culminated into the biggest exodus of human history. Around 3 million people left their homes to taste the bitter tastes of homelessness, settling in the Tent Villages at Mardan, Naushehra and Swabi.
Leaving the war zone was an unavoidable decision, the migration inescapable, but in these testing times, the true essence of people came out. Armed with the sense of compassion, sacrifice and devotion came out the helping hands. And pretty soon many a new shelters started appearing. The sense of homelessness started giving way to a glimmer of hope, peace and security.
A huge contingent of IDPs in Swabi was welcomed b y Mr Liaquat Taraki, the chairman of Tarakai group and Head of Liaquat Khan welfare trust. The aim and mission of Trakai trust is to make Swabi a prosperous district, and to help elevate the living standard of Swabi people by eradicating poverty and backwardness.
Directed and Produced By " Kazim Raza"Amongst the most beautiful regions of the world, the picturesque valleys of Swat and... more
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Kazim
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3 months ago
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Mercury is polluting streams across the country with alarming frequency, according to a study published last month by US Geological Survey. More than two-thirds of fish samples in nearly 300 water bodies exceeded levels of concern for the environment, and a quarter exceeded levels safe for human consumption. Every single fish sampled was contaminated with some level of mercury.
By Dan BrennanMercury is polluting streams across the country with alarming frequency, according to... more
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Staring at the camera, Shona Holmes says a brain tumor would have killed her had she relied on her Canadian, government-run health plan that would have provided treatment far too late. "Now, Washington wants to bring Canadian-style health care to the U.S.," a narrator says darkly.
The television ad from a conservative group is dramatic — but deceptive.
In fact, President Barack Obama and Democrats pushing to overhaul health care want to create an optional, government-run plan to compete with private insurers but not replace them. As Obama told a health forum last week, "We're not suddenly just going to completely upend the system. We want to build on what works about the system and fix what's broken about the system."
The ad is part of a handful of commercials that are expected to grow this summer in both numbers and criticism as detailed health bills emerge from Congress and dozens of interest groups, companies and labor unions tussle over influencing lawmakers.
Millions spent on TV ads
Through June 27, $31 million has been spent for roughly 47,000 TV ads on health care this year, says Evan Tracey, president of the Campaign Media Analysis Group, a firm that tracks issue advertising. That's double the roughly $14 million the insurance industry spent in 1993 and 1994 for the famous "Harry and Louise" ads credited with helping kill President Bill Clinton's health care drive, but a fraction of the $250 million Tracey guesses will ultimately be spent this year.
Hoping to shape the early debate, the initial ads are "really being aimed at some people in the administration, some people on Capitol Hill, a whole bunch of reporters, a few bloggers," Tracey said. As Congress' direction becomes clearer and interest groups seek public support, "then I think you're going to see the spending go on a hockey stick curve straight up," he said.
So far, Tracey said about $15 million has been spent on ads favoring the Democrats' push to revamp the health care system and $4 million to oppose it. Another $12 million has gone to ads generally favoring better health care — nearly all of it by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, representing drug makers, which hopes its market will expand if more people have insurance.
These figures might be too low, with several groups reporting higher figures reflecting costs Tracey doesn't track.
'It's setting the table'
Ken Johnson, spokesman for the pharmaceutical group, says the association has spent tens of millions on television ads since late 2008, thanking lawmakers for supporting previous health initiatives or urging them to support a comprehensive effort this year.
"It's conditioning the environment, it's setting the table for the debate to come," he said.Staring at the camera, Shona Holmes says a brain tumor would have killed her had she... more
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The White House signaled a willingness Monday to compromise on details of a public plan to compete with private insurance companies as negotiators sought ways to advance health-care legislation.
A senior administration official said one way to meet President Barack Obama's goals would be a mechanism under which a public plan is introduced only if the marketplace fails to provide sufficient competition on its own.
Mr. Obama has pushed hard for a public option, saying it will keep the insurance industry honest, but he has also said he won't draw a "line in the sand."
The official noted that congressional Republicans created a similar mechanism when they introduced a prescription-drug benefit in Medicare. In that case, private competition has been judged sufficient and the public option has never gone into effect.The White House signaled a willingness Monday to compromise on details of a public... more
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Lyn Shimuzu, left, and her partner, Silvia Castellanos, right, play with a train set with their children, 6-year-old twins Che, left, and Liana, right, at their home in San Francisco. Recent data has found that denying LGBT people equal access to family benefits and other civil rights may be contributing to higher poverty rates in the LGBT community than in the general population overall.Lyn Shimuzu, left, and her partner, Silvia Castellanos, right, play with a train set... more
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SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Wednesday is the start of a new fiscal year for many Bay Area transit agencies. And that means it is the day fares go up. In the case of Bay Area Rapid Transit, the increases come amidst difficult labor negotiations.SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Wednesday is the start of a new fiscal year for many Bay Area... more
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Not surprising, but still troubling: A new study from the University of Washington and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health shows that subways are the loudest forms of mass transit in the city.Not surprising, but still troubling: A new study from the University of Washington and... more
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Politicians from across the political spectrum, including Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Mitt Romney, have argued that the government should guarantee “universal coverage” to all Americans, making health care a “right.”9 And politicians are not alone; numerous businessmen, union leaders, and insurance executives are united in saying that this will solve our problems.10
It will not.
Contrary to claims that government-imposed “universal health care” would solve America’s health care problems, it would in fact destroy American medicine and countless lives along with it. The goal of “universal health care” (a euphemism for socialized medicine) is both immoral and impractical; it violates the rights of businessmen, doctors, and patients to act on their own judgment—which, in turn, throttles their ability to produce, administer, or purchase the goods and services in question. To show this, we will first examine the nature and history of government involvement in health insurance and medicine. Then we will consider attempts in other countries and various U.S. states to solve these problems through further government programs. Finally, we will show that the only viable long-term solution to the problems in question is to convert to a fully free market in health care and health insurance.Politicians from across the political spectrum, including Democratic presidential... more
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On numerous visits to Manhattan, I have found myself poking around the city trying to find a moment of quiet and once located a hint of it in Central Park during a windless, late-night snowfall. There I stood absolutely still in the lemon glow of the city, a sky full of snow. The city still roared from all sides, a thousand noises compressed down to just one. I counted that distant, mild roar as quiet, a welcome relief from the more pressing noises of the daytime city.
Great Article from Miller-McCune MagazineOn numerous visits to Manhattan, I have found myself poking around the city trying to... more
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The long community fight to close the Integrated Environmental Systems (IES) medical waste and solid waste incinerators in Oakland, California has ended in victory.
Article by Bradley Angel
GreenactionThe long community fight to close the Integrated Environmental Systems (IES) medical... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 23, 2009
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
This will be the last newsletter by me for a few weeks. Lt. Rich Pate will be Acting Captain until July 13 when I return. If you miss a newsletter, try checking www.thebarbarycoastnews.com for current and archived police reports.
Last week we gave a fond farewell to Day Watch Lieutenant Harry Pearson, who retired after 32 years of valued service to the City and County of San Francisco. I met Harry while we were both patrolmen at Northern Station in 1980 when the station operated out of an old school at 841 Ellis. Harry was and always has been a “cops’ cop.” He was always making good arrests and sharing knowledge with other officers. I recalled at his retirement luncheon of the time in about 1982 when my partner and I stopped a suspect in the Northern District holding a small bag of what looked like soap chips. After consultation with Harry, our resident Narcotics expert, it was determined that the substance was a new type of drug that we were hearing about called “crack cocaine.” Soon afterwards it became prevalent around the country. It’s just one of so many examples where Harry lent his expertise and experience to newer officers in crime fighting. Harry worked several years at the Narcotics Bureau as an officer, a sergeant and as a lieutenant until coming to Central Station a year ago. We are all better by knowing him.
Congratulations to Night Watch Sergeant Robert Harwood, who was honored by MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers on June 18, 2009. It’s no wonder, since Sgt. Harwood is known for his expertise in DUI recognition and arrests. Sgt. Harwood has been sharing his knowledge with the night watch officers and the response has been well received. The next DUI Checkpoint Operation will be done by the Traffic Company in the district on July 3, 2009.
Police Commission Meeting in the Central District-Postponed
Due to construction conflicts, the Police Commission in the Central District has been postponed for a future date. The Commission will hold their regular meeting June 24th at City Hall.
REMINDER- Message from the Chief regarding proposed cuts to Public Safety
Budget Hearings resume on Monday, June 22 at 5:00 PM, in the Board Chambers, City Hall Rm. 250. SPECIAL ORDER - 5:00 P.M. –Public Comment for the 2009/2010 Annual Budget
SF Pride Celebration will take place next weekend, June 27th and June 28th. People from all over the world come to this event to celebrate. The festivities take place at Civic Center from Noon to 6pm on Saturday and Noon to 7pm on Sunday. Sunday is also the day of the big parade. The parade kicks off at 10:30am at Market and Beale and ends at Market and 8th. For more information on the festivities and parade route, go to www.sfpride.org.Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 23, 2009
“Arm... more
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We've never been closer to breaking the political gridlock in Washington. Find out the latest on historic climate and energy legislation that's moving through Congress, and how you can help.
**** (This post is only one time post. This Public Action Briefing has been closed )
For more information visit;
http://www.repoweramerica.orgWe've never been closer to breaking the political gridlock in Washington. Find out the... more
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In their heart of hearts, few in the Obama administration would have predicted late last year that they would be this well positioned by June to achieve a major victory on health care. As the economy tanked, and attention focused on Wall Street and Detroit, it seemed unthinkable that Congress would be ready to devote the summer of 2009 to the costly proposition of providing health coverage for all, a goal that has eluded presidents since Theodore Roosevelt.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/theodore_roosevelt/index.html?inline=nyt-per
By KEVIN SACKIn their heart of hearts, few in the Obama administration would have predicted late... more
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Today is the limited release of Food Inc., and the Sustainable Agriculture Channel is devoting a whole day to the main company behind the topic of the film: Monsanto. Currently, the documentary, The World According To Monsanto is being featured as well as other articles and lectures regarding what Monsanto and industrial agriculture in general have done to degrade our environment and our health and what people are doing to stand up to it.
And my apologies for crying a bit in this, but this is an important issue and like the climate crisis is one we can no longer ignore and be silent about. I think some emotion including anger is definitely in order as ours and our children's ability to live on this planet sustainably is in the balance. And that is not an overstatement. Remember, those who own the seeds and the water, own you.
So please if you can, check out the entries for today being featured, (especially if you've never seen them before) become aware, work to take action to hold politicians accountable for labelling our food, and fight for the healthy sustainable agriculture this country and our world deserves and needs to meet the challenges of the future in a world full of biodiversity.
Thank you.Today is the limited release of Food Inc., and the Sustainable Agriculture Channel is... more
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The City Council is considering a bill to keep excessively loud motorcycles from stopping, standing or parking on city streets.
by Brad AaronThe City Council is considering a bill to keep excessively loud motorcycles from... more
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President Obama has called for health care reform in 2009 that upholds three core principles. It must: (Please watch the video)President Obama has called for health care reform in 2009 that upholds three core... more
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