Category: Voices

 This week’s American politics has been quite a show around the entire world. And being a loyal US citizen, (and a bit obsessive) while living in London, I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning in order to catch the speeches at the Democratic National Convention. The BBC provided great live coverage of the convention by airing all high profile speeches, but also managed to poke fun at America’s “overzealous” stage, calling it a “coliseum.” (The Brits love comparing us to Rome…for some reason)

For the real heavy hitters like Senator Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, Nobel Peace Prize and Academy Award winner Al Gore, Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden, and of course, the man himself, Barack Obama, coverage ran as late as 5 am. And I watched every bit of it. I’m sure I’ll catch most of the Republican National Convention next week as well, as this race for the White House has become more and more interesting.

At the culmination of the successful democratic pep rally, Republican presidential candidate John McCain decided to steal their thunder by finally announcing his running mate, who was little known, but strategically selected. Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, is only 44 years old (younger than Obama who’s 47) and, obviously, a woman. And where Obama made history last night for officially becoming the first African American presidential candidate, Palin’s made history by being the first female to be chosen to run for Republican Vice President.

Now more than ever I believe this election could go either way in the next few months. Currently the two teams are pretty evenly paired statistically. Joe Biden evens out Obama’s inexperience, and the fact that he’s a minority. Sarah Palin does quite the opposite, evening out McCain’s extensive experience by adding youth and minority to the Republican ticket.

Both choices for VP are also dangerous for the opposition. Biden could be dangerous for swing voters who liked McCain’s experience in the Senate, and Palin could be dangerous for Obama’s choice not to put Hillary Clinton on his ticket, since Palin will appeal to many women swing voter moms. Palin herself claimed she used to be just another “hockey mom” in Alaska.

One difference I’d give a slight edge to the Obama campaign, however, is the fact that if something were to happen to him, an experienced leader would take his place.  Whereas, on the Republican side, a virtual unknown would have to take the lead. And considering McCain’s age, this is going to be a major issue of debate. 

 Another reason I’ll give a slight edge to the Obama team at this time is because Palin has had no foreign policy experience, whereas Joe Biden has had virtually a lifetime of it. It will take a lot of training and preparation for her to be ready to debate him since he is also known for being an effective attacker. However, her gender is bound to help McCain a great deal, considering this election’s politics. “Look, I don’t know if she’s a game-changer, but she is certainly a good strategic chess move,” political professor at the University of Virginia Larry Sabato commented. (Reuters)

McCain has accused Obama of concentrating too much on “being a celebrity,” and Obama accused McCain of just “not getting it” in his historic speech last night.  Both seem to go out of their way to admit admiration for the other, though, which is a fairly fresh and pleasant political tactic. Only time (and dug up dirt) will tell which pair lead in the polls and, ultimately, take the White House in January. One thing’s for sure, it’s got me pegged. 

 I could see it coming, but I didn’t want to believe the day would ever actually arrive. My favorite means of cruising the skies, Zoom Airlines, has gone under.

The Canadian based company can no longer afford to both charge such low prices and provide such amazing quality service. I’ve flown Zoom overseas twice now; from London to New York and then from Ft. Lauderdale (Florida) direct to London, and have been incredibly impressed. Not only was my flight peanuts compared to its competitor’s prices, but the flights were also the most pleasant by far of my life--and I’ve flown on lots of planes.

One of the main complaints about airline flights today is the lack of space, and then of course getting stuck sitting next to that nightmare passenger. Both times I flew Zoom I didn’t even have a next-door neighbor. On one flight I had the middle seat and entire row to myself, and the second time I had an aisle to myself. There was extra legroom, the staff members were extra chipper and accommodating, and the food was even nice! Not to mention the selection of entertainment viewing was above average.

Sound too good to be true? It was. I had hoped to continue to be a loyal and valued client of the airline, but I can’t say I’m surprised they went under either. Zoom, based out of Ottawa, was forced to cancel all flights until further notice yesterday due to “economic downturn.” (The Canadian Press) Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are offering discounted outgoing flights to those immediately affected by Zoom’s termination.

Company founders Hugh and John Boyle said in a statement that they “left no stone unturned to secure a re-financing package that would have kept our aircraft flying."

I even received a personal apology email from the company claiming that, “the collapse of Zoom is a result of matter beyond our control.” 

Zoom turned a loss of profits due to the “unprecedented” increase in aviation fuel costs, which jumped to nearly 50 million more in one year’s time. The airline is certainly not alone in finding it hard to fuel their planes. US domestic airlines have also been increasing costs, cutting back on flights and in flight conveniences for the same reasons.

For those of you who’ve also flown Zoom, I can imagine you’re most likely as upset as I am for reasons previously stated. “It is a tragic day for our passengers and more than 600 staff,” the email concluded (Zoom employed 450 people in Canada and 250 people in the United Kingdom). “We would like to thank the many thousands of passengers who chose to travel with Zoom during the last seven years and efforts of the airline’s staff.”

I may actually have a tear in my eye. Goodbye Zoom. Both my pocketbook and my genuine love for flying will miss you dearly. 

Looking at the morning's headlines today reminds me why I never want to work for a major news network.  In the past month you've probably heard a few things about US and Russia relations becoming, well, shaky.  A few weeks back the former Soviet Union deployed its troops for the first time since 1991, and one of the main problems with that is that they happened to invade a country the U.S. calls a "close ally."  Now, I'm not here to say whether who's right or who's wrong, but seeing the ongoing US media coverage of the situation is enough to make me want to puke blood by this point.  

The international news source Reuters wrote a lengthy article today about Russia recognizing two rebel regions of Georgia as independent, ally states.  With a headline reading "Russia recognizes Georgia regions as Bush Condemns,"* the write-up makes it known that the U.S. and several other nations are unhappy with the declaration.  Quotes seem to come from all sides on the issue as an unbiased report should.  It also includes the crucial fact that the U.S. seems to be ignoring right now: the two "states" of Georgia actually celebrated Russia's recognitions.  Reuters provides a statement made by President Dmitry Medvedev on the two regions:

"The peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have more than once spoken in referenda supporting the independence of their republics. We understand that after what had happened...they have the right to decide their fate themselves."

But the U.S. and its allies disagree on these regions' right to decide for themselves.  Within the article, Reuters reports that along with the U.S., Germany and Britain have called Russia's declarations "deplorable."  Mean while:

In the Abkhaz capital Sukhumi, jubilant residents fired shots into the air, uncorked champagne bottles and wept after the news from Moscow.  

To me, this appears to be the essence of the story.  But if you read the full article, on page 3 you'll find another quote by Medvedev:

"Nothing scares us, including the prospect of a Cold War, but we don't want it...In this situation, everything depends on the position of our partners."

Reuters wisely placed this quote in the middle of the story--because it's only one small part of the whole.  Russia isn't willing to back down on their beliefs, but at the same time they say they don't want a World War and accept the complex situation--using the very crucial language of still referring to those who oppose them as their "partners."  It would appear for me that despite the hairiness of the situation, Russia still wants what is best for everyone--especially the two "states" who apparently want to be one with them anyway.

Now, if we look at US coverage of the same story we get a slightly different picture.  To me, the following example is a clear-cut case of fear mongering--wholly despicable and insulting efforts by a major US news sources to grab reader attention through scare tactics that, in effect, encourage simple-minded, uninformed thinking.

FoxNews.com begins their version of the story with the headline "Russian President Says He's Not Afraid of Cold War."  The article even begins with Medvedev's quote mentioned above, as if it's the most crucial element of the story.  The news source further paints Medvedev as a scary, irrational-thinking enemy by including another immediate quote without any context: 

"If they want to preserve good relations with Russia in the West, they will understand the reason behind our decision," Medvedev said.

At no point in the article does Fox News mention the wild celebrations taking place in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.  Instead it marches to the official government line, ignoring the facts and painting Medvedev as some kind of irrational tyrant--without the full context or attempt to even understand Medvedev's words, it's hard to see the Russian president as anything else.  Fox News only has the following to say about the two regions:

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the decision to recognize the independence of two breakaway regions in Georgia is "extremely unfortunate."

She said the U.S. regards Abkhazia and South Ossetia as "part of the internationally recognized borders of Georgia" and will use its veto power in the U.N. Security Council to block any Russian attempt change their status.

Furthermore, Fox News makes it prominent that France, Germany, and Britain are unanimous with their agreement with the U.S. It seems to be a case-closed issue, and now Cold War fears appear to be legitimate to anyone using Fox News as their world information source.

Fox isn't the only culprit in media reporting either.  A variety of newspapers are throwing around terms like "Cold War Atmosphere" and writing countless pieces speculating the possible disasters of Russia's actions.  It's also extremely difficult to find any reporting conducted within Georgia.  How does the country and its citizens, who are the real people at issue here, feel about all this?  

As I wrote earlier, it's not up to me to decide who's "at fault" or who is "righteous" in this very complex scenario, but after seeing our current woes in Iraq, we should all know by now the consequences of "othering" another nation.  If we continue to not question our leaders or our media, and just accept that Russia is some deviant, irrational force, we may yet see a real Cold War scenario--and the blood will be directly on our hands.  

*at the time of this publishing, the Reuters story has received a new headline, "Russia faces Western pressure over Georgia," and has undergone minor writing changes.

 Ever since Saturday morning’s announcement that Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama has chosen senior Senator Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate, people of both democratic and republican parties have been speculating the decision.

Two new negative ads from Republican nominee John McCain hit the airwaves shortly after the announcement, criticizing “Obama’s motives in passing over his former chief rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton” (Associate Press) and settling on Biden. Another ad, referring to Hillary Clinton, voices, “She won millions of votes but isn’t on the ticket. Why? For speaking the truth.” McCain’s attacks included his disapproval of Biden’s vote against the first Gulf War as well as his position that Iraq should be “divided into three different countries.”

But chief Obama strategist David Axelrod insists that Biden was “a better fit.” Axelrod, who spoke on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, says one of the reasons Biden was chosen was because “he’s an independent guy who will tell the president what he needs to know even if he doesn’t want to hear it.” Biden’s impressive resume also eased decision making, as he’s been the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a leader in the senate majority for years.

On the democrat side, die-hard Hillary Clinton fans are disappointed in the choice, feeling she was unfairly overlooked. Though Axelrod claims that Clinton would be a big part and “important voice” in Obama’s campaign in the next few months.

Other democratic leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi support the decision. Pelosi told reporters Biden offered “ the full package” and “has challenged the status quo.” Virginia governor Tim Kaine said the team was a good fit “personality-wise” and Colorado governor said he thought the choice “would help the ticket, particularly with independent voters in the West.” Both governors appeared on Fox News Sunday.

A poll taken by the ABC News-Washington Post shows that three-fourths of democratic voters claim the addition of Biden will make no difference in their vote, while the remainder was split in half on the subject.

Obama and Biden are scheduled to begin pre convention rallies right way in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Montana. 

According to the Department of Education's statistics released today, 223,190 US students received a spanking or paddling in the classroom over the past year.  Corporal punishment in schools is legal in 21 states, and used frequently in at least 13 says the data collected from the Office for Civil Rights at the Department.

The punishment is linked to poverty and lack of resources.  A joint report conducted by the Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union writes, "Teachers may have overcrowded classrooms and lack resources such as counselors to assist with particularly disruptive students or classroom dynamics."  According to the data the punishment is also disproportionate to black students, who make up 17.1 percent of the 35.6 percent of those receiving physical punishment.  While boys are punished more often than girls, the report found that Africa-American students of both sexes are generally 1.4 times more likely to be hit.

The idea of smacking a child to correct them is seen by many school officials in these states as a quick and efficient solution to misbehavior.  It doesn't take much time out of the lesson to administer, and it eliminates the expenses of having to hire someone to run a detention or after-school program.  The only problem, of course, is the most important of all--the affect on the student.  Alice Farmer, the author of a joint report from Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union released the following statement:

"Every public school needs effective methods of discipline, but beating kids teaches violence, and it doesn't stop bad behavior.  Corporal punishment discourages learning, fails to deter future misbehavior and at times even provokes it."

She says, 'We need forms of discipline that makes children understand why what they did was wrong."

I can say from my own experience, that being hit as a child taught me one sure thing: don't act a certain away at a particular moment.  What is considered "misbehaving" is subjective to everyone, and therefore a systematic treatment of it simply does not work.  A child who is hit for acting one way in a specific time may be confused when he is not hit for conducting the same behavior at a different time.  The effects are obviously different for every individual, but a sharp infliction of pain with little explanation doesn't teach any sort of solid, long-term lesson in my view.  One might learn to not respect the person administering it, though.  

Britain’s domestic spy program is asking gay recruits to step out of the closet. After years of discrimination towards the minority group, MI5 is now asking the gay and lesbian community of Great Britain to “consider a career as a spy.” (Associated Press)

The program promises a decent salary, plus benefits, as well as a chance to protect their country. MI5 has apparently already wooed women, minorities and “people with language skills.” “The fact that they’re now reaching out to Britain’s gay community is long overdue,” Peter Tatchell, a London-based gay rights activist said on Monday.

Ten years ago gay people were seen as a security threat due to certain cases of blackmail. Two decades ago they were being “witch hunted,” and fired when found out during the paranoid days of the Cold War.

A gay rights group in Stonewall, England is working with MI5 to create “a workplace environment that is supportive of gay people.” “The spy agency is shaking off its clubby image and becoming more representative of the community it serves,” Ben Summerskill, chief executive officer of the gay rights group in Stonewall said.

Because the move by the military operation is not only about inclusion, but also about improving their image and reputation in the British community, “they’re trying to portray themselves as open,” Gary Hindle, the head of security and counterintelligence at the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies said.

Some of the available jobs include translators, computer specialists and surveillance officers. The program is recruiting all minorities, including women and ethnic groups, as well as the gay and lesbian community.

Shortly before the 2008 Olympics began, it looked like China was going to adapt to more democratized-styled government--at least while the Games ensued. Authorities announced that three special protest zones would exist, with Lieu Shaowu, director of security for Beijing's Olympic organizing committee, adding, "The police will safeguard the right to demonstrate as long as protesters have obtained prior approval and are in accordance with the law." It turns out it was a lie. So far the government has yet to permit a single demonstration.

The Herald Tribune wrote about Gao Chuancai, a 45-year-old farmer from Heilongjiang Province who mailed his application to protest at one of the three zones. The government had not written anything back, so he traveled to Beijing to follow-up. The Tribune writes:

During a visit to the Public Security Bureau on Wednesday, the police interviewed him for an hour and then told him to return in five days for his answer. "They'll probably arrest me when I go back," he said afterward.

Gao did not have to wait very long. A few hours later, he was picked up by the authorities and escorted back to Heilongjiang. On Monday, his son, Gao Jiaqing, in the family's village of Xingyi, said he had not heard from him.

A man who picked up the phone at the Wanggang police station, near Xingyi, acknowledged that Gao Chuancai was being detained at a local hotel. "He's under our control now," said the officer, Wang Zhuang.

According to human rights activists, Gao is one of several Chinese citizens under control of the authorities for responding to the government's notice about protest zones. Few are actually surprised. Nicholas Bequelin, a researcher at Human Rights Watch in New York, said he and other rights advocates had been skeptical of China fulfilling their pledge from the beginning, and sees it as the International Olympic Committee's duty to speak up about it. "The IOC seems oblivious to the fact that they're holding the Games in a repressive environment," he said. He feels the Olympics are a useful tool to encourage global unification and harmony, but accountability is a big part of actualizing such notions.

The IOC issued a statement saying they hope China will change their policies and allow protesters to organize, but ultimately feels its up to local officials to make the call. Thus far the Chinese government has yet to make any comments.

Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf has resigned in response to possible impeachment charges in the near future. The U.S. ally and former army officer has served as Pakistan’s leader for 9 years. Rumors have been circulating the international world about his resignation since his party lost control of the government and was overwhelmed by the opposition, the Pakistan People’s Party, when they won the majority back in February.

The government experienced a strong level of unrest and upheaval when former opposition party leader, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007. The coalition government claims they were planning on impeaching him later this month.

“Whether I win or lose, the nation will lose,” Musharraf, 65, said about the drawn out impeachment process in his hour long televised speech. “The honor and dignity of the country will be affected and in my view, the honor of the office of president will also be affected.” (Zeeshan Haider, Reuters) The former president fell under criticism concerning certain immunities some thought he’d be expecting after his resignation. However, in Musharraf’s speech he claimed he wanted nothing from anyone. “I have no interest. I leave my future in the hands of the nation and people,” he added.

After his address, which ended with “Long live Pakistan forever,” the country’s stocks jumped a whopping 4 percent on the news. The rupee, which has been going down in value this year immediately began strengthening. Pakistani economic officials like Asad Iqbal believe the government will be forced to focus on the economy now that they have no distractions.

Countries around the world responded well to the news. U.S. President George W. Bush expressed appreciation for Musharraf’s previous efforts in helping to combat al Qaeda and other extremists, and White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe claims he is “looking forward to working with the government of Pakistan on the economic, political and security challenges they face.” Neighboring country India’s Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced to the press that “India will continue to have an amicable relation with Pakistan in the days to come.”

Supporters of the opposition party believe it is a victory for the deceased and loved Bhutto, whose husband, Asif Ali Zaradri, is now head of the Pakistan People’s Party. Zaradi recollected one of his late wife’s most powerful sayings that, “democracy is the best revenge.”

A main coalition party leader in the Middle Eastern country, Nawaz Sharif, has insisted Musharraf face trial for treason. The Pakistan People’s Party has announced they feel parliament should decide. For now, the chairman of the Senate, Mohammadmian Soomro, will sit in as the acting president until a 30-day trial period where a new official will be elected.

My aunt and uncle have been a host family for as long as I can remember. Sometimes they take on 2 or 3 international students at a time. And not only did this experience supply their three children with invaluable knowledge about different cultures, but it made them some extra money too. It’s also my belief that due to this unique experience, my cousins became very interested in studying other languages in college. Two out of three of them double majored, each choosing a foreign language as one of their focuses. They both also ended up traveling the world a great deal, and one of them joined the Peace Corps.

Due to the obviously positive and enriching results host families benefit from, more families usually volunteer than needed. However, this year not enough have come forward in the United States. The Center for Cultural Interchange, designated by the U.S. Department of State, believes it could be because of the flailing economy. Cultural Interchange is a program used to sponsor visas for high school exchange students from all over the globe.

About 1,000 high school students come to America from over 45 countries, but this year it’s been a difficult task to place them all. “For the upcoming year, families are needed more than ever to help CCI meet its requirements,” Lori Tibbett, a placement director for CCI said on Saturday. “It’s an opportunity to open a window to the world and learn about other cultures, traditions and languages not just through a textbook, but through real world encounters.”

The organization needs families in many states around the U.S. including Michigan, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Texas, California, Florida, Wisconsin and Illinois. The program lasts for 10 months through June. Most of the students still looking for placement are male Asians, though a few students are from Europe, South America and Russia. Their ages range from 15 to 18.

CCI offers protection if an incident occurs during the student’s visit, and the student’s sign a code of conduct, stating in writing they understand the terms and conditions of their living situation. You don’t need to know the given language of the chosen student, since in order to join the program they must all speak acceptable English. You don’t need to be a parent of a teenager. Host families range from “single parents, parents of young children, empty nesters and young married couples.” (Associated Press) The only requirement is that you participate in an ‘in-home interview and background check,’ supplying references and agreeing to treat the student as a member of your family.

If you live in the U.S. and you’re interested in participating on what could be a life changing experience, or you’d simply like to learn more about CCI and what it has to offer, follow this link. Alternatively, you can call 800-634-4771. This year’s deadline is August 29. 

 You know the old joke when someone you know suddenly exceeds illusiveness and you say; “well they’re probably a spy.” Truly sometimes the people you least expect turn out to actually be one. And it turns out famed British TV chef and cook Julia Child shares the title, along with other famous personalities from the past 6 or 7 decades.

Spies are chosen for reasons we may not be aware of. Take the proclaimed double agent Chuck Barris, the CBS TV producer, who claimed to lead a double life with the CIA, or the labor lawyer Arthur Goldberg who became a Supreme Court justice. Or Arthur Schlesinger, a man who later became a presidential advisor, Hollywood director John Ford, or the sons of Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt. All spies.

This Thursday, details on around 24,000 intelligence workers have been included in governmental recorded archives. The document details a worldwide spy network during World War II called the Office of Strategic Services that eventually became what we know now as the CIA. The files reference a ‘Julia McWiliams’ later Julia Child, who applied for work with the OSS, claiming her fault was ‘impulsiveness.’ (Associated Press)

The 28 year old worked as an advertising manager at W&J Sloane furniture store in Beverly Hills when she left the job abruptly after a tiff with the new store manager. “I made a tactical error and was out,” she wrote in her application. “However, I learned a lot about advertising and wish I had been older and more experienced so that I could have handled the situation, as it was a most interesting position.” Child was hired for clerical work with the OSS in the summer of 1942 and later worked in the personnel department.

These documents will lie years of rumors to rest, and provide the public with countless names who served under the OSS from World War II and on. “I think it’s terrific,” Elizabeth McIntosh, 93, a former OSS agent said, who is now living in Virginia. “They’ve finally, after all these years, they’ve gotten the names out.” (New York Post)

To learn more, follow this link for the index to National Archives OSS personnel files.