The inUtterable Horror Show of a FORMER Vice President writing his Memoires.
--because the "Statute of Limitations" is long over....
http://news.aol.com/article/dick-cheney-ignored-by-george-w-bush/616243
What is the Statute of Limitations on "MURDER"-
Answer: Never.
So for the secret torture unto death missions, the secret assassination teams, the secret War on Terror that terrorized millions itself?
Never.
CAN YOU SAY SPECIAL PROSECUTOR BOYS AND GIRLS
Keep spilling those guts-
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Call Your Mother
www.NationalShrine.comNo one owns her- she's your mother too.
August 15th, Feast of the Assumption- too good not to be taken up like Elijiah in body into the Heavens. She has a great view there. Call your Mother.
By George, Go George! www.GEORGESOROS.com
http://www.georgesoros.com/
Recently there was a heartwarming article all over AOL about a homeless Jewish holocaust survivor in NY living out of a shopping cart who died in her 90s - and left $100,000 to a major Jewish University in Jerusalem, where she had never been (apparently she hid a tin coffee can in her shopping cart- imagine the discipline not to touch her savings!).
Why wait till you die? (must have thought George Soros because look what is all over the news today)
Yesterday morning George Soros announced a 35 million gift to support low-income families across New York State. Back to School New York will help families buy supplies for the coming school year. A collaborative effort involving the State of New York and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the new program will provide $200 per child to the families of the more than 850,000 children receiving public assistance or food stamps in New York State. I thought you would be interested to read a few stories covering the announcement that George made at a New York City public school together with New York State Governor David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, among others. You can also listen to an interview with George Soros this evening, August 12, 2009 on National Public Radio's All Things Considered at 6:08 and 8:08 p.m. Eastern Time. You can listen online at WNYC.org by clicking on "Listen Live," or at www.npr.org. Type George Soros' name in the upper right hand search box. Links to articles in the New York Times, Financial Times, and Wall Street Journal are below.
All best,
Michael Vachon
Soros Gift Allows Bonuses to State's Needy Students
New York Times
By JENNIFER 8. LEE
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/nyregion/08soros.html
"A $35 million gift from George Soros, the financier and philanthropist, will allow for a $200 back-to-school bonus for each of more than 850,000 low-income children in New York State this fall, state officials said on Friday..."
Soros donates $35m to 'back to school' fund
Financial Times
By Simone Baribeau in New York
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bf08ea32-85f6-11de-98de-00144feabdc0.html
"New York families on public assistance or food stamps are set to receive an additional $200 per child as part of a public-private partnership between the charitable foundations of George Soros, the state of New York, and the US Department of Health and Human Services..."
Soros Gives To Match Federal Funds for New York Needy
Wall Street Journal
By Shelly Banjo
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090810-716097.html
"New York (Dow Jones)--Global financier and philanthropist George Soros is giving $35 million to needy schoolchildren in New York, enabling the stat..."
Recently there was a heartwarming article all over AOL about a homeless Jewish holocaust survivor in NY living out of a shopping cart who died in her 90s - and left $100,000 to a major Jewish University in Jerusalem, where she had never been (apparently she hid a tin coffee can in her shopping cart- imagine the discipline not to touch her savings!).
Why wait till you die? (must have thought George Soros because look what is all over the news today)
Yesterday morning George Soros announced a 35 million gift to support low-income families across New York State. Back to School New York will help families buy supplies for the coming school year. A collaborative effort involving the State of New York and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the new program will provide $200 per child to the families of the more than 850,000 children receiving public assistance or food stamps in New York State. I thought you would be interested to read a few stories covering the announcement that George made at a New York City public school together with New York State Governor David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, among others. You can also listen to an interview with George Soros this evening, August 12, 2009 on National Public Radio's All Things Considered at 6:08 and 8:08 p.m. Eastern Time. You can listen online at WNYC.org by clicking on "Listen Live," or at www.npr.org. Type George Soros' name in the upper right hand search box. Links to articles in the New York Times, Financial Times, and Wall Street Journal are below.
All best,
Michael Vachon
Soros Gift Allows Bonuses to State's Needy Students
New York Times
By JENNIFER 8. LEE
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/nyregion/08soros.html
"A $35 million gift from George Soros, the financier and philanthropist, will allow for a $200 back-to-school bonus for each of more than 850,000 low-income children in New York State this fall, state officials said on Friday..."
Soros donates $35m to 'back to school' fund
Financial Times
By Simone Baribeau in New York
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bf08ea32-85f6-11de-98de-00144feabdc0.html
"New York families on public assistance or food stamps are set to receive an additional $200 per child as part of a public-private partnership between the charitable foundations of George Soros, the state of New York, and the US Department of Health and Human Services..."
Soros Gives To Match Federal Funds for New York Needy
Wall Street Journal
By Shelly Banjo
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090810-716097.html
"New York (Dow Jones)--Global financier and philanthropist George Soros is giving $35 million to needy schoolchildren in New York, enabling the stat..."
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
I Feel like Dancin, Dancin, Dancin, Yeah.
By a vote of 68 - 31 the Senate has just confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Sotomayor’s confirmation to the Supreme Court is an historic, groundbreaking event that marks the start of a new day for justice in America. Her confirmation is just the beginning of the significant change that President Obama can bring to our judicial system.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
August is a Jumpin Month
August 5 and 10 More Days to the Feast of the Assumption
Find your Favorite Saint Of The Day Next Find By Date
Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica -
This was the church that was the Vatican before the Vatican after the Popes came back from Avignon, France. Very blessed place- white roses fall and white lights penetrate into the
'nativity crypt.'
First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian Basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome’s seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine’s era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity.
St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peter’s, the See of Constantinople; and St. Mary’s, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most of her life.
One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilica’s dome every August 5.
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Find your Favorite Saint Of The Day Next Find By Date
Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica -
This was the church that was the Vatican before the Vatican after the Popes came back from Avignon, France. Very blessed place- white roses fall and white lights penetrate into the
'nativity crypt.'
First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian Basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome’s seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine’s era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity.
St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peter’s, the See of Constantinople; and St. Mary’s, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most of her life.
One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilica’s dome every August 5.
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Big Funny Pharma
Paid Hecklers Off Their Meds at Town Hall meetings
Oh Michael, Michael, Michael (Steele). What were you thinkin??
The stonewalling and delay strategies to blungeon the health care reform into trivial pursuit oblivion isn't going to work. The shouts of "socialized medicine" and fright factor follies are not going to work.
Too many of us know the horror show nightmare stories of relatives, neighbors and ourselves about the exploitations of egregiously overpaid insurance execs profiting off the miseries of the rest of us. They are literally killing us with their greed.
Planting bafoonish shouting hecklers at August Town Hall meetings is totally transparent and makes you all look like ignoramusus-- rude, ignorant, loud, fatassed, inconsiderate, mercenaries of the insurance lobby.
What are you giving these people beside piles of cash? A lifetime free Zoloft supply?
I especially love the guy who tries to rake up that populist sympathy on Olberman last night who said something like "I may not know how to use elegant language" or "I may not be articulate in my expression" .....but "Obama spent 6 months finding a dog for his kids and he wants to shove this down our throats in weeks?" Like the policy wonks haven't been at the Health Care debacle for the last few decades with the last serious try in Clinton's first term.
Do you seriously think that Congress should be bullied around like this?
Cut the Crap Out. Vigilante mercenary hecklers mock us all- they highlight the Moron Factor in the RNC. Run Run Run as fast as you can from this strategy.
Did I mention how much I love that Olberman guy- and I'm not gay but if I was that Rachel his sidekick is a hottie. Good reporting you guys. Keep it up. Next time you are in Washington let me take you to dinner.
Oh Michael, Michael, Michael (Steele). What were you thinkin??
The stonewalling and delay strategies to blungeon the health care reform into trivial pursuit oblivion isn't going to work. The shouts of "socialized medicine" and fright factor follies are not going to work.
Too many of us know the horror show nightmare stories of relatives, neighbors and ourselves about the exploitations of egregiously overpaid insurance execs profiting off the miseries of the rest of us. They are literally killing us with their greed.
Planting bafoonish shouting hecklers at August Town Hall meetings is totally transparent and makes you all look like ignoramusus-- rude, ignorant, loud, fatassed, inconsiderate, mercenaries of the insurance lobby.
What are you giving these people beside piles of cash? A lifetime free Zoloft supply?
I especially love the guy who tries to rake up that populist sympathy on Olberman last night who said something like "I may not know how to use elegant language" or "I may not be articulate in my expression" .....but "Obama spent 6 months finding a dog for his kids and he wants to shove this down our throats in weeks?" Like the policy wonks haven't been at the Health Care debacle for the last few decades with the last serious try in Clinton's first term.
Do you seriously think that Congress should be bullied around like this?
Cut the Crap Out. Vigilante mercenary hecklers mock us all- they highlight the Moron Factor in the RNC. Run Run Run as fast as you can from this strategy.
Did I mention how much I love that Olberman guy- and I'm not gay but if I was that Rachel his sidekick is a hottie. Good reporting you guys. Keep it up. Next time you are in Washington let me take you to dinner.
Nice Job Uncle Bill
Playing Nice With Korean Nukes
Bill to the rescue-literally. Two Korean-American journalists released from looking at 12 years of hard labor... and hopefully some -calm yourselves down -deal on the nuclear front.
These are the benefits of being a former President and having a wife who is Secretary of State.
Charter a jet and get those girls out of there.
What you might have missed, but I didn't, not so behind the scenes is a genius of a slight man named John Podesta who accompanied Bill on the journey. He was his former Chief of Staff, now runs the Center for American Progress think tank and is a professor of law at Georgetown Law.
John Podesta is the quiet, get it done guy. Wiley like a fox smart. Damn Proud to meet you and be an American smart. Love that guy.
And now for their next trick??? Perhaps getting those three American hikers out of Iran.
truth in advert. disclaimer-he's not really my uncle, it's an artistic poetic license play on 'uncle sam', and i really did have an uncle bill who died tragically in his early 40s so i just miss saying 'uncle bill.'
Bill to the rescue-literally. Two Korean-American journalists released from looking at 12 years of hard labor... and hopefully some -calm yourselves down -deal on the nuclear front.
These are the benefits of being a former President and having a wife who is Secretary of State.
Charter a jet and get those girls out of there.
What you might have missed, but I didn't, not so behind the scenes is a genius of a slight man named John Podesta who accompanied Bill on the journey. He was his former Chief of Staff, now runs the Center for American Progress think tank and is a professor of law at Georgetown Law.
John Podesta is the quiet, get it done guy. Wiley like a fox smart. Damn Proud to meet you and be an American smart. Love that guy.
And now for their next trick??? Perhaps getting those three American hikers out of Iran.
truth in advert. disclaimer-he's not really my uncle, it's an artistic poetic license play on 'uncle sam', and i really did have an uncle bill who died tragically in his early 40s so i just miss saying 'uncle bill.'
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
You'd Rather Have an UNWISE LATINA?
Play That Funky Music White Boy
The same odious onerous old White guy senatorial song and dance over the paranoia on someone not so old, white, Protestant and perhaps Southern will rear its drawling head again to raise the most appauling non-issues regarding Sonia Sotomayer and she will be confirmed anyway.
The problem with a Wise Latina is what exactly? You would rather find an unwise one?
Diversity doesn't lend itself to helpful differing perspectives in your book? Might someone who understands anti-catholic anti-immigrant bigotry actually be able to relate to the ethnic experiences of Italians or Irish?
How does the flat tire on the Pizza delivery truck sound?
Dego Whap Whap Whap Whap.
That was the joke running around my white suburban Philadelphia Jr. High when I grew up.
It's a racial epithet. Actually it's two- its a dumb bad ethnic joke. Who today even knows Italian Catholic Americans at one time were the object of deep discrimination and called "dego" and "whap"? Alito apparently might know as he spoke about how anti-Italian discrimination informed his perspective if not decisionmaking at his confirmation hearing. He openly told of the fact that his Italian immigrant family faced discrimination in America. No one had a second thought that this obviously would shape someone's perspective.
But Sonia Sotomayer had to get defensive about her belief that a "wise" latina might similarly be able to broaden the perspective and answer absurd charges that this somehow makes her "racist" - against whom exactly-southern white guys??? Are you kidding? The person who writes the scripts on these RNC strategies would be fired from Letterman they are such bad jokes. Seriously- are you boys off your meds?
She might broaden the perspective perhaps on immigrant issues, spanish language issues, accent discrimination title VII issues, and a host of others.
Remember that joke about 5 witnesses at the scene of an accident relaying six different versions of events? Perspective. That's what diversity means in part- she has a different vantage point. And it's a big country, so that's what we want.
She is a juvenile diabetic- how might she feel about universal health care issues? She is a
woman- so how might she feel about access to early screening for breast cancer and the constitutionality of legislation concerning certain health care reformed measures? Might she have a degree of serious concern about some issues that a male might not? She is a woman who worked for her living and didn't live off the income of a husband most of her professional life. What might that inform her about concerning the ability of women to have equal rights and opportunities in the workplace?
I'll take a WISE LATINA any day over anything Unwise.
The Wisest thing that the Republicans can do is not assault the integrity of this person any longer. The more they do, the more they look like complete Moronskis-- not to be racist against the Polish.
WHAT: Rally to Support Judge Sonia Sotomayor
WHEN: Wednesday, August 5, 11:45 am, EST
WHERE: Upper Senate Park, 200 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC
Download and a print a flyer for the rally here.
Tell your friends!
***Rain location: 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building
-- Your Allies at People For the American Way
The same odious onerous old White guy senatorial song and dance over the paranoia on someone not so old, white, Protestant and perhaps Southern will rear its drawling head again to raise the most appauling non-issues regarding Sonia Sotomayer and she will be confirmed anyway.
The problem with a Wise Latina is what exactly? You would rather find an unwise one?
Diversity doesn't lend itself to helpful differing perspectives in your book? Might someone who understands anti-catholic anti-immigrant bigotry actually be able to relate to the ethnic experiences of Italians or Irish?
How does the flat tire on the Pizza delivery truck sound?
Dego Whap Whap Whap Whap.
That was the joke running around my white suburban Philadelphia Jr. High when I grew up.
It's a racial epithet. Actually it's two- its a dumb bad ethnic joke. Who today even knows Italian Catholic Americans at one time were the object of deep discrimination and called "dego" and "whap"? Alito apparently might know as he spoke about how anti-Italian discrimination informed his perspective if not decisionmaking at his confirmation hearing. He openly told of the fact that his Italian immigrant family faced discrimination in America. No one had a second thought that this obviously would shape someone's perspective.
But Sonia Sotomayer had to get defensive about her belief that a "wise" latina might similarly be able to broaden the perspective and answer absurd charges that this somehow makes her "racist" - against whom exactly-southern white guys??? Are you kidding? The person who writes the scripts on these RNC strategies would be fired from Letterman they are such bad jokes. Seriously- are you boys off your meds?
She might broaden the perspective perhaps on immigrant issues, spanish language issues, accent discrimination title VII issues, and a host of others.
Remember that joke about 5 witnesses at the scene of an accident relaying six different versions of events? Perspective. That's what diversity means in part- she has a different vantage point. And it's a big country, so that's what we want.
She is a juvenile diabetic- how might she feel about universal health care issues? She is a
woman- so how might she feel about access to early screening for breast cancer and the constitutionality of legislation concerning certain health care reformed measures? Might she have a degree of serious concern about some issues that a male might not? She is a woman who worked for her living and didn't live off the income of a husband most of her professional life. What might that inform her about concerning the ability of women to have equal rights and opportunities in the workplace?
I'll take a WISE LATINA any day over anything Unwise.
The Wisest thing that the Republicans can do is not assault the integrity of this person any longer. The more they do, the more they look like complete Moronskis-- not to be racist against the Polish.
WHAT: Rally to Support Judge Sonia Sotomayor
WHEN: Wednesday, August 5, 11:45 am, EST
WHERE: Upper Senate Park, 200 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC
Download and a print a flyer for the rally here.
Tell your friends!
***Rain location: 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building
-- Your Allies at People For the American Way
And they get to Inherit The Earth
Meekness is the greatest of virtues.
- Joshua b. Levi, Talmud: Aboda Zara, 20b
- Joshua b. Levi, Talmud: Aboda Zara, 20b
Peace at the Crossroads of Kashmir
They had a conference on the Hill I am sorry I missed.
So I publish the recap by the Executive Director here:
Ghulam Nabi Fai
Executive Director
Kashmiri American Council
202-607-6585E-mail: gnfai2003@yahoo.com
*******************
"Kashmir Issue: Regional & International Dimension"
By:
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai
August 3, 2009
With every passing conference, we have constantly strived to improve ourselves owing to a belief that stagnation leads to decline. Onwards from that, this Tenth International Kashmir Peace Conference shares the eternal commitment and resolve of encouraging a peaceful resolution to the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir in which the aspirations of the people of Kashmir may be paramount. However, it does so in the spirit of reconciliation, not confrontation; equality, not discrimination; and hope, not despair. It is our firm conviction that wisdom will guide decisions rather than myth, superstition or deceit.Overall, our purpose is to encourage the bringing together of scholars, academics, diplomats, from India, Pakistan and Kashmir as well as policy making personalities in Washington, D.C. Our spirit is of understanding, our heart is motivated by justice for Kashmiri peoples’ right of self-determination and mind recognizes the necessity of building bridges of peace and avoiding war.We are optimistic that this conference is only the first step, in the long journey towards peace, which may, realistically, only be achievable by establishing a peace process that includes the governments of India, Pakistan as well as the accredited leadership of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This may not happen without the deeper engagement of the United States with both India and Pakistan. We have invited distinguished delegates from India, Pakistan and from both sides of the Ceasefire Line in Kashmir. They undoubtedly have varied and diverse experiences and expertise. So we do expect different presentations during the conference. It is simply because there are more than one parties involved with the dispute. In having the distinguished speakers from India, Pakistan and Kashmir share the podium, we want the beginning of a dialogue that can truly lead us out of the terrifying situation into a peaceful and diplomatic resolution.So the objective of the conference is to create an atmosphere for dialogue – the dialogue that should take place between people with different opinions and different sides in conflict. This means making sure that there is a peace process in south Asia and there is free exchange of views and opinions, however, different but in an atmosphere that is free from fear, terror, intimidation and most importantly devoid of any blame game and accusation.Hence, the aims and objectives of this conference are not to speak against one government or another. On the contrary, our main purpose is to facilitate a sincere dialogue in the form of a peace process to resolve the Kashmir issue that will ultimately bring peace and prosperity not only to Kashmir but also to the region of South Asia – home to one fifth of total human race.So our primary motivation is: to establish a peace process that includes major stakeholders along with the movers and shakers in Pakistan, India and Kashmir. In that regard, we are entirely aware that a peace process has been initiated between India and Pakistan. That peace process has chosen to emphasize confidence building measures, increased economic trade and bus travel between Srinagar and Muzzaffarabad. Following the first high-level meeting of government officials from both countries, some success was achieved in recognizing the following key principles:First, a commitment to peaceful methods of conflict resolution in South Asia;Second, rejection of all forms of extremism that are engulfing Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Kashmir;Third, a just resolution concerning the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the will and wishes of the people of the territory.The importance of these peace initiatives cannot be overstated, particularly when considering the link between stability and American socio-economic and geo-political interests. Sadly, the potential for violence is ever-present which could catapult South Asia towards uncontrollable de-stabilization.The requisite need for Obama Administration with all other stakeholders is to prevent the further destabilization of south Asia and fulfill its moral obligation to mandate a peace process in Kashmir thereby, also protecting American interests in the region. Here it is important to note that there has always been bipartisan expression of support for the U.S. position toward Kashmir. It is apparent from: When the Kashmir dispute erupted in 1948, the United States championed the stand that the future status of Kashmir must be ascertained in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of the territory. The U.S. was a principal sponsor of the resolution # 47, which was adopted by the Security Council on 21 April 1948, and which was based on that unchallenged principle. Following the resolution, the U.S. as a leading member of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan, adhered to that stand. The clarification made by President George W. Bush on February 22, 2006 that the United States supports a solution of the Kashmir dispute acceptable not only to India and Pakistan but also to “citizens of Kashmir;”As a candidate President Obama said “I will continue support of ongoing Indian Pakistani efforts to resolve Kashmir problem in order to address the political roots of the arms race between India and Pakistan;” He also mentioned on October 30, 2008, “We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focused not on India, but on the situation with those militants;” US Under-secretary of State, William Burns, said in New Delhi on June 18th, 2009 that ‘“The US favours resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan and wants the Kashmir problem to be solved keeping in view the aspirations of the Kashmiri people”. And Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton said in Mumbai, India on July 18, 2009 in, “The decision (on Kashmir) has to be between India and Pakistan and it must take into account feelings of people of Kashmir.” The urgent necessities to help put the issue of Kashmir on the road to a settlement are:(I). India and Pakistan must include the genuine leadership of the State of Jammu and Kashmir in all future talks between these two countries. That means that talks need to be tripartite - India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir. (ii). Without detracting from the necessity of trilateral negotiations, Kashmiri leadership should be ready for a preparatory dialogue with the Indian Government provided an environment of non-violence is established. This can be done by:a. The immediate and complete cessation of military and Para-military actions against the civilians’ population;b. Withdrawal of the military presence from towns and villages;c. Dismantling of bunkers, watch towers and barricades;d. Releasing of political prisoners, including Mr. Shabir Ahmed Shah whose only crime is his reconciliatory efforts to bring two Hurriyet Conferences closer;e. Annulling various special repressive laws;f. Permitting to travel abroad without hindrance, Kashmiri leadership who favor a peaceful resolution;g. Issuing visas to the Diaspora Kashmiri leadership to visit Jammu and Kashmir to help sustain the peace process.(iii). There cannot be and should not be any condition from any party, other than commitment to non-violence and to negotiations. (iv). In order to create a conducive atmosphere for talks, Kashmir needs to be demilitarized one hand and de-terrorized on the other.(v). During the latest phase of the freedom struggle, in particular in 2008 & 2009, virtually whole population of Srinagar (capital city of Kashmir) - men, women and children - came out dozens of times on the streets to lodge a non-violent protest against the continuance of Indian occupation. At times, the number of people exceeded 1 million. Certainly, terrorists cannot compose the entire populations of the major towns of Kashmir. And one million people reflect the true nature of the spontaneous, indigenous, non-violent and peaceful Kashmiri resistance movement and not a movement of terrorism. This popular, indigenous and non-violent movement in Kashmir needs to be supported and acknowledged by the international community to help push a fair settlement of the lingering Kashmir dispute. If we want the real peace, if we want the sincere settlement of the Kashmir problem then all parties to the dispute - India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir - will have to show some flexibility, will have to make some sacrifices and will have to modify their stand on Kashmir. It is almost impossible to find a solution of Kashmir problem that respects all the sensitivities of Pakistan, that values all the sentiments of India and that keeps in tact the whole state of Jammu and Kashmir. But does that mean that we cannot find an imaginative solution of the Kashmir problem. Yes, we can. Yes, we can. But that solution demands flexibility, sacrifices and modification of the stated positions of all parties concerned.Now is the time for the Obama administration to develop its positive and principled approach to the Kashmir problem into a tangible strategy. In this regard, an appointment of a special envoy on Kashmir would go a long way to hasten the progress of peace and reconciliation in the region of South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan & Afghanistan.The author can be reached on: gnfai2003@yahoo.com
BLESS YOUR HEART
So I publish the recap by the Executive Director here:
Ghulam Nabi Fai
Executive Director
Kashmiri American Council
202-607-6585E-mail: gnfai2003@yahoo.com
*******************
"Kashmir Issue: Regional & International Dimension"
By:
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai
August 3, 2009
With every passing conference, we have constantly strived to improve ourselves owing to a belief that stagnation leads to decline. Onwards from that, this Tenth International Kashmir Peace Conference shares the eternal commitment and resolve of encouraging a peaceful resolution to the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir in which the aspirations of the people of Kashmir may be paramount. However, it does so in the spirit of reconciliation, not confrontation; equality, not discrimination; and hope, not despair. It is our firm conviction that wisdom will guide decisions rather than myth, superstition or deceit.Overall, our purpose is to encourage the bringing together of scholars, academics, diplomats, from India, Pakistan and Kashmir as well as policy making personalities in Washington, D.C. Our spirit is of understanding, our heart is motivated by justice for Kashmiri peoples’ right of self-determination and mind recognizes the necessity of building bridges of peace and avoiding war.We are optimistic that this conference is only the first step, in the long journey towards peace, which may, realistically, only be achievable by establishing a peace process that includes the governments of India, Pakistan as well as the accredited leadership of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This may not happen without the deeper engagement of the United States with both India and Pakistan. We have invited distinguished delegates from India, Pakistan and from both sides of the Ceasefire Line in Kashmir. They undoubtedly have varied and diverse experiences and expertise. So we do expect different presentations during the conference. It is simply because there are more than one parties involved with the dispute. In having the distinguished speakers from India, Pakistan and Kashmir share the podium, we want the beginning of a dialogue that can truly lead us out of the terrifying situation into a peaceful and diplomatic resolution.So the objective of the conference is to create an atmosphere for dialogue – the dialogue that should take place between people with different opinions and different sides in conflict. This means making sure that there is a peace process in south Asia and there is free exchange of views and opinions, however, different but in an atmosphere that is free from fear, terror, intimidation and most importantly devoid of any blame game and accusation.Hence, the aims and objectives of this conference are not to speak against one government or another. On the contrary, our main purpose is to facilitate a sincere dialogue in the form of a peace process to resolve the Kashmir issue that will ultimately bring peace and prosperity not only to Kashmir but also to the region of South Asia – home to one fifth of total human race.So our primary motivation is: to establish a peace process that includes major stakeholders along with the movers and shakers in Pakistan, India and Kashmir. In that regard, we are entirely aware that a peace process has been initiated between India and Pakistan. That peace process has chosen to emphasize confidence building measures, increased economic trade and bus travel between Srinagar and Muzzaffarabad. Following the first high-level meeting of government officials from both countries, some success was achieved in recognizing the following key principles:First, a commitment to peaceful methods of conflict resolution in South Asia;Second, rejection of all forms of extremism that are engulfing Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Kashmir;Third, a just resolution concerning the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the will and wishes of the people of the territory.The importance of these peace initiatives cannot be overstated, particularly when considering the link between stability and American socio-economic and geo-political interests. Sadly, the potential for violence is ever-present which could catapult South Asia towards uncontrollable de-stabilization.The requisite need for Obama Administration with all other stakeholders is to prevent the further destabilization of south Asia and fulfill its moral obligation to mandate a peace process in Kashmir thereby, also protecting American interests in the region. Here it is important to note that there has always been bipartisan expression of support for the U.S. position toward Kashmir. It is apparent from: When the Kashmir dispute erupted in 1948, the United States championed the stand that the future status of Kashmir must be ascertained in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of the territory. The U.S. was a principal sponsor of the resolution # 47, which was adopted by the Security Council on 21 April 1948, and which was based on that unchallenged principle. Following the resolution, the U.S. as a leading member of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan, adhered to that stand. The clarification made by President George W. Bush on February 22, 2006 that the United States supports a solution of the Kashmir dispute acceptable not only to India and Pakistan but also to “citizens of Kashmir;”As a candidate President Obama said “I will continue support of ongoing Indian Pakistani efforts to resolve Kashmir problem in order to address the political roots of the arms race between India and Pakistan;” He also mentioned on October 30, 2008, “We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focused not on India, but on the situation with those militants;” US Under-secretary of State, William Burns, said in New Delhi on June 18th, 2009 that ‘“The US favours resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan and wants the Kashmir problem to be solved keeping in view the aspirations of the Kashmiri people”. And Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton said in Mumbai, India on July 18, 2009 in, “The decision (on Kashmir) has to be between India and Pakistan and it must take into account feelings of people of Kashmir.” The urgent necessities to help put the issue of Kashmir on the road to a settlement are:(I). India and Pakistan must include the genuine leadership of the State of Jammu and Kashmir in all future talks between these two countries. That means that talks need to be tripartite - India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir. (ii). Without detracting from the necessity of trilateral negotiations, Kashmiri leadership should be ready for a preparatory dialogue with the Indian Government provided an environment of non-violence is established. This can be done by:a. The immediate and complete cessation of military and Para-military actions against the civilians’ population;b. Withdrawal of the military presence from towns and villages;c. Dismantling of bunkers, watch towers and barricades;d. Releasing of political prisoners, including Mr. Shabir Ahmed Shah whose only crime is his reconciliatory efforts to bring two Hurriyet Conferences closer;e. Annulling various special repressive laws;f. Permitting to travel abroad without hindrance, Kashmiri leadership who favor a peaceful resolution;g. Issuing visas to the Diaspora Kashmiri leadership to visit Jammu and Kashmir to help sustain the peace process.(iii). There cannot be and should not be any condition from any party, other than commitment to non-violence and to negotiations. (iv). In order to create a conducive atmosphere for talks, Kashmir needs to be demilitarized one hand and de-terrorized on the other.(v). During the latest phase of the freedom struggle, in particular in 2008 & 2009, virtually whole population of Srinagar (capital city of Kashmir) - men, women and children - came out dozens of times on the streets to lodge a non-violent protest against the continuance of Indian occupation. At times, the number of people exceeded 1 million. Certainly, terrorists cannot compose the entire populations of the major towns of Kashmir. And one million people reflect the true nature of the spontaneous, indigenous, non-violent and peaceful Kashmiri resistance movement and not a movement of terrorism. This popular, indigenous and non-violent movement in Kashmir needs to be supported and acknowledged by the international community to help push a fair settlement of the lingering Kashmir dispute. If we want the real peace, if we want the sincere settlement of the Kashmir problem then all parties to the dispute - India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir - will have to show some flexibility, will have to make some sacrifices and will have to modify their stand on Kashmir. It is almost impossible to find a solution of Kashmir problem that respects all the sensitivities of Pakistan, that values all the sentiments of India and that keeps in tact the whole state of Jammu and Kashmir. But does that mean that we cannot find an imaginative solution of the Kashmir problem. Yes, we can. Yes, we can. But that solution demands flexibility, sacrifices and modification of the stated positions of all parties concerned.Now is the time for the Obama administration to develop its positive and principled approach to the Kashmir problem into a tangible strategy. In this regard, an appointment of a special envoy on Kashmir would go a long way to hasten the progress of peace and reconciliation in the region of South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan & Afghanistan.The author can be reached on: gnfai2003@yahoo.com
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