April 25, 2008
Truckloads of heavily armed police officers rounded up hundreds of people at the headquarters of ZimbabweÂ’s opposition party on Friday as plainclothes investigators descended on independent monitors of the nationÂ’s disputed elections last month, according to opposition officials, witnesses and the police.FridayÂ’s raid on the oppositionÂ’s nerve center and the election monitors signaled a sharp and very public escalation of the countryÂ’s deepening and increasingly violent political crisis, one that has been concentrated to date in far less visible rural areas.
Both raids began around 11 a.m. in ZimbabweÂ’s capital, Harare. Harvest House, the rundown, six-story headquarters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, was still cordoned off by the police at midafternoon. Computers and documents were seized.
The oppositionÂ’s offices had become an informal refugee camp for party supporters, some visibly wounded, who had fled what human rights groups describe as political repression in the countryside. Witnesses said they had watched as the police herded more than 200 of these bedraggled people, including pregnant women and children, onto buses.
At the same time, a smaller contingent of police investigators raided the offices of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, an alliance of civic groups that enraged the government by analyzing polling data and projecting that the opposition had won the March 29 election, perhaps by enough to avoid a runoff in the race for president. Its findings were cited Thursday by the top American diplomat for Africa as the best evidence that the opposition was the clear victor.
What is really most shocking to me is that there is such silence here in this country about the goings on in Zimbabwe.
Celebrities rightly protest the actions of China in Tibet, but can't spare a word for the people of Zimbabwe. We have a candidate for president who says he is all about change who is unable to find a word to say about the suppression of the desire for change in another country expressed by its people at the ballot box. We have a news media that has done a pretty weak job of reporting on the ongoing crisis in Zimbabwe.
Personally, I think what we are seeing here is the same thing that we have seen for years in the treatment of Darfur -- benign neglect. And interestingly enough, I think the cause is the same -- Africa, especially black Africa, is simply not a priority for the elite in America.
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(, April 24, 2008
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday called former President Jimmy Carter "a bigot" for meeting with the leader of the militant Hamas movement in Syria.Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, "went to the region with soiled hands and came back with bloody hands after shaking the hand of Khaled Mashaal, the leader of Hamas," Ambassador Dan Gillerman told a luncheon briefing for reporters.
The diplomat was questioned about problems facing his country during a wide-ranging discussion with reporters lasting more than an hour. The briefing was sponsored by The Israel Project, a Washington-based, media-oriented advocacy group.
The ambassador's harsh words for Carter came days after the ex-president met with Mashaal for seven hours in Damascus to negotiate a cease-fire with Gaza's Hamas rulers. Carter then called Mashaal on Monday to try to get him to agree to a one-month truce without conditions, but the Hamas leader rejected the idea.
The ambassador called last weekend's encounter "a very sad episode in American history."
He said it was "a shame" to see Carter, who had done "good things" as a former president, "turn into what I believe to be a bigot."
I do disagree with the ambassador on one point -- it isn't the meeting which turned Carter into a bigot. He demonstrated his anti-Semitism some time back, in his book about the Israel-Terrorstinian conflict. The meeting with terrorists and the one-sided agreement that was nothing but a plan for the dismantling of Israel one piece at a time in return for nothing of substance is nothing but the fruit of Carter's embrace of the forces of Jew-hatred.
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April 20, 2008
When a shallow, glassy river and a few coils of razor wire are the only things separating one of Africa’s most developed countries from one of its most miserable, the inevitable result is millions of illegal border jumpers. But South African and Zimbabwean human rights groups say that the flow of people into South Africa has been surging in the three weeks since Zimbabwe’s disputed election and during the violent crackdown that followed. One Zimbabwean named Washington, who goes back and forth across the border ferrying Super Sure cake flour and Blazing Beef potato snacks, said the government was now using food as a weapon and channeling much of the United Nations-donated grain to supporters of the ruling party.“As we speak,” he said, “people are starving.”He seemed more defeated than anything else. “People hate the government,” he said. “But they are too scared to fight it.”
Commercials are now running on Zimbabwean TV showing grainy images of captives from the liberation war in the 1970s and reminding citizens not to disobey their leaders, recent arrivals said.
Mugabe, of course, has always been a murderous thug. He has held onto power via thuggish tactics. And now, while the whole world watches, he is using tohse same tactics to hold on to power.
Where are his neighbors? Where is the OAU? Where is the UN? Will no one stop him?
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April 14, 2008
n a showing of pro-Chinese support, hundreds of demonstrators protested outside a college arena Monday as the Dalai Lama spoke to students on solving problems through dialogue.Thousands of people have flocked to Seattle to hear the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader speak since he arrived Thursday for a five-day conference on compassion, but the city's Chinese community had remained largely silent until Monday.
Demonstrators held signs alleging media bias and protesting the violence from rioting by Tibetan monks.
Some echoed Beijing's stand that the Dalai Lama is behind the recent uprising against five decades of Chinese rule. Signs called the Dalai Lama a liar and a "CIA-funded militant." Many people waved large Chinese flags.
"I think that people are misinformed. They have media discrimination," demonstrator Jiange Li said. "Tibet was freed _ 50 years ago."
I love that quote, don't you? Tibet was freed 50 years ago? Really? You mean when the Chinese Army overran a peaceful neighbor and began actively disrupting its culture, forcing many of its people into exile? Some definition of freedom.
And interestingly enough, these apologists for Red Chinese evil are permitted to stand in teh streets of an American city and spread their poison -- while those who support the Dalai Lala a e arrested, beaten, and killed if they try to protest in the streets of China.
That dichotomy says all that needs be said about that "freedom" proclaimed by the supporters of the butcher of Beijing.
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April 13, 2008
Chinese media denounced the Dalai Lama and his supporters as "anti-human rights," and slammed top U.S. politician Nancy Pelosi as "the least popular person in China" for her stance on Tibet, in editorials on Sunday.The belligerent commentaries by the official Xinhua news agency came the day after Beijing announced the arrest of nine Buddhist monks for bombing a government building in Tibet.
A Tibetan source with strong contacts in its capital, Lhasa, said the city was also swirling with rumours of fresh clashes between monks and security forces at the important Drepung monastery. No one at the monastery or the local police station could be reached for comment.
China has gone on the offensive in the face of mounting international criticism of its handling of violent riots in Tibet and a subsequent crackdown, which is clouding the run-up to the Olympic Games in August.
Of course, the Chinese have air-tight evidence of all these crimes -- because like every dictatorial state, they are experts at forging evidence. Indeed, the recent sentencing of a human rights lawyer to jail for effectively representing his clients is evidence of that.
Interestingly enough, the Red Chinese tyrants have also attacked Nancy Pelosi for one of the few things she has done right as Speaker of the House.
Xinhua also targeted Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, after she backed a resolution urging dialogue with the Dalai Lama, the end of a crackdown on nonviolent protesters and a halt to repression in the region.The People's Daily accused the California Democrat of cynical double standards and said she would likely top any Chinese poll to find "the most disgusting figure."
"Pelosi would remain the least popular person for China if she stiff-neckedly clings to her double standards and an anti-China stance," the commentary said.
"The Chinese are fully justified to call her 'a protector of mobsters, arsonists and murderers'. Why doesn't she give a thought to Iraq?" it added, an apparent reference to U.S. policy in Iraq, of which Pelosi has in fact been a strong critic.
I'll agree that Pelosi is a protector of mobsters, arsonists, and murderers -- look at her opposition to the Iraq War and her willingness to let the terrorists win. That said, her support for human rights in Tibet is a laudable stand in which I gladly join.
But at least the red Chinese have Ron Paul on their side on this issue -- I'm sure his supporters can whip up some cool YouTube videos justifying the repression in Tibet since their hero won't condemn it.
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April 10, 2008
A new U.N. Human Rights Council official assigned to monitor Israel is calling for an official commission to study the role neoconservatives may have played in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
On March 26, Richard Falk, Milbank professor of international law emeritus at Princeton University, was named by unanimous vote to a newly created position to report on human rights in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Arabs. While Mr. Falk's specialty is human rights and international law, since the attacks in 2001, he has devoted some of his time to challenging what he calls the "9-11 official version."On March 24 in an interview with a radio host and former University of Wisconsin instructor, Kevin Barrett, Mr. Falk said, "It is possibly true that especially the neoconservatives thought there was a situation in the country and in the world where something had to happen to wake up the American people. Whether they are innocent about the contention that they made that something happen or not, I don't think we can answer definitively at this point. All we can say is there is a lot of grounds for suspicion, there should be an official investigation of the sort the 9/11 commission did not engage in and that the failure to do these things is cheating the American people and in some sense the people of the world of a greater confidence in what really happened than they presently possess."
Oh.
My.
God!
Can you believe this crap!
The evidence is incontrovertible – as is the claim of responsibility by no less than Osama bin Laden himself.
That this piece of Ivy League excrement insists upon blaming America first – and, in particular, blaming American Jews for the murder of so many thousands of Americans – is un-freakin’-beliveable. That a UN body would appoint him to anything related to Israel – or any position at all – is proof of the moral bankruptcy of the UN and the importance of the United States and all civilized countries abandoning the organization as beyond redemption.
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April 07, 2008
![2007-11-12-handcuff-olympic-symbol[1].jpg](http://rhymeswithright.mu.nu/archives/images/2007-11-12-handcuff-olympic-symbol[1].jpg)
If holding the torch relay is impossible due to international outrage, how can you possibly hold the Olympics in the brutally oppressive Communist dictatorship which has set off the protests by its abominable deeds?
The IOC will consider ending the international leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay as a result of the anti-Chinese protests.International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge says the issue will be discussed by the organization's executive board on Friday.
Rogge told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he is "deeply saddened" by the violent protests in London and Paris and concerned about the upcoming torch relay in San Francisco.
He says the issue must be discussed by the ruling executive board.
The greatest stain upon the Olympic movement has undoubtedly been the 1936 Berlin Olympics, which Hitler used to promote is despicable racial theories. Today, the Red Chinese promote genocide in Darfur and the continued oppression of the Tibetan people. -- as well as other acts of repression at home. The world is disgusted by the notion that such a regime will be allowed to host the Olympics, and a few brave souls are engaging in civil disobedience to disrupt the torch relay. And America will have a shining moment on behalf of human rights soon, when the torch relay reaches San Francisco and its activists disrupt the relay there as well.
When will the IOC recognize that the only viable solution is to cancel the Beijing Games?
UPDATE: A reminder of what Red China does to those who dare to oppose Beijing's policies.
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April 06, 2008
Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to All TibetansWhile extending my warm greetings to all the Tibetans in Tibet, I would like to share some of my thoughts.
1. Since March 10 this year, we have witnessed protests and demonstrations in almost all parts of Tibet, even in a few cities in Mainland China by students, which are the outburst of long pent-up physical and mental anguish of the Tibetans and the feeling of deep resentment against the suppression of the rights of Tibetan people, lack of religious freedom and for trying to distort the truth at every occasion, such as saying that Tibetans look towards the Chinese Communist Party as the "Living Buddha", is an ultra leftist statement and smacks of Han chauvinism. I am very much saddened and concerned by the use of arms to suppress the peaceful demonstrations of Tibetan people's aspirations that have resulted in unrest in Tibet, causing many deaths, and much more causalities, detention, and injury. Such suppression and suffering are very unfortunate and tragic which will reduce any compassionate person to tears. I, however, feel helpless in the face of these tragic incidents.
2. I pray for all the Tibetans as well as Chinese who have lost their lives during the current crisis.
3. The recent protests all over Tibet have not only contradicted but also shattered the People Republic of ChinaÂ’s propaganda that except for a few "reactionaries", the majority of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented life. These protests have made it very clear that Tibetans in the three provinces of Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbor the same aspirations and hopes. These protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue can no longer be neglected. These protests highlight the need to find a way to resolve the issue through "finding truth from facts". The courage and determination of those Tibetans who have, for the greater interests of Tibetan people, demonstrated their deep anguish and hopes by risking everything is very commendable as the world community has acknowledged and supported the spirit of these Tibetans.
4. I deeply appreciate the acts of many Tibetan government employees and Communist Party cadres who have, without losing their Tibetan identity, shown grit and sense of what is right during the present crisis. In future, I would appeal to the Tibetan Party cadres and government employees not to look always for their personal benefit, but to work for safeguarding the larger interests of Tibet by reporting the real sentiments of the Tibetan people to their superiors in the Party and try to give unbiased guidance to the Tibetan people.
5. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates, Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the world have been sending clear and strong messages to the Chinese leadership to stop the present ongoing harsh crackdown against the Tibetan people. They have all been encouraging the Chinese government to follow a path where a mutually beneficial solution could be reached. We should create an opportunity for their efforts to bring out positive results. I know you are being provoked at every level but it is important to stick to our non-violent practice.
6. The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations against myself and the Central Tibetan Administration for instigating and orchestrating the recent events in Tibet. These allegations are totally untrue. I have made repeated appeals for an independent and respected international body to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. I am sure this independent body will uncover the truth. If the PeopleÂ’s Republic of China has any basis and proof of evidence to back their allegations, they need to disclose these to the world. Just making allegations is not enough.
7. For the future of Tibet, I have decided to find a solution within the framework of the People's Republic of China. Since 1974, I have sincerely remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The whole world knows this. The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be governed by similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision-making, except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defense. However, I have said it from the beginning that the Tibetans in Tibet have the right to make the final decision for the future of Tibet.
8. The hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of great pride to the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged. I feel the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people. On the contrary, we need to foster trust and respect in our hearts in order to create a harmonious society, as this cannot be built on the basis of force and intimidation.
9. Our struggle is with a few in the leadership of the People's Republic of China and not with the Chinese people. Therefore we should never cause misunderstanding or do something that will hurt the Chinese people. Even during this difficult situation, many Chinese intellectuals, writers and lawyers in Mainland China and other parts of the world have sympathized and shown us their solidarity by issuing statements, writing articles and offering pledges of support that is overwhelming. I have recently issued an appeal to the Chinese people all over the world on 28th March, which I hope you will hear and read.
10. If the present situation in Tibet continues, I am very much concerned that the Chinese government will unleash more force and increase the suppression of Tibetan people. Because of my moral obligation and responsibility to the Tibetan people, I have repeatedly asked the concerned leadership of the PRC to immediately stop their suppression in all parts of Tibet and withdraw its armed police and troops. If this brings result, I would also advise the Tibetans to stop all the current protests.
11. I want to urge my fellow Tibetans who live in freedom outside Tibet to be extra vigilant as they voice their feelings on the developments in Tibet. We should not engage in any action that could be even remotely interpreted as violent. Even under the most provocative of situations we must not allow our most precious and deeply held values to be compromised. I firmly believe that we will achieve success through our non-violent path. We must be wise to understand where the unprecedented affection and support for our cause stems from.
12. As Tibet is currently virtually closed and no international media is allowed there, I doubt my message will reach the Tibetans in Tibet. But I hope through media and by word of mouth, it will be passed on to the majority of you.
13. Finally, I want to reiterate and appeal once again to Tibetans to practice non-violence and not waver from this path, however serious the situation might be.
The Dalai Lama
Dharamsala
April 6, 2008
I may not agree with everything in this statement, but I certainly recognize it as the words of a wise and decent man. I repeat it here in the hopes that these words may, as the Dalai Lama has expressed his hope, reach the oppressed and enslved people of Tibet who remain loyal to him.
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April 02, 2008
Hu Jia, a persistent human rights campaigner in custody since December, was convicted Thursday of subverting the Chinese government through his online writings and sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison, his lawyer announced.The conviction, widely expected since Hu's 3 1/2 -hour trial March 18, was denounced by the human rights group Amnesty International as a betrayal of China's commitments in winning the role as host of the 2008 Summer Olympics in August.
"The manipulations that led to this guilty verdict are a blatant perversion of justice," T. Kumar, Amnesty's Asia advocacy director, said in a statement. "It is deeply disturbing that officials would so openly turn their backs on commitments to improve human rights in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics. Hu Jia must be released immediately and unconditionally."
Writing and speaking on political topics is a human right long recognized by the United nations. China has promised to improve its human rights policies, but has notoriously failed to do so. So while I agree with T. Kumar's statement above, I know that won't happen -- and so again repeat my call for the IOC to simply cancel the 2008 Games as a show of support for human rights and as a way of avoiding an abuse of the Games similar to what happened with the Berlin Olympics in 1936.
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April 01, 2008
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says President Bush should consider boycotting the opening ceremony of the Olympics Games in Beijing this summer to protest China's human rights record."I think boycotting the opening ceremony, which really gives respect to the Chinese government, is something that should be kept on the table," Pelosi told "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts in an interview to air Tuesday morning, according to the ABC News Web site. "I think the president might want to rethink this later, depending on what other heads of state do."
Pelosi said she does not think U.S. athletes should boycott the games themselves.
"I believe a boycott of the Beijing Olympics would unfairly harm our athletes who have worked so hard to prepare for the competition," she said in a statement last week.
I see no good coming in allowing the Chinese a propaganda victory via a presidential visit – especially as we are seeing allies choose not to attend. Indeed, I have stated that the IOC should consider canceling or moving the games due to the ongoing human rights violations in China.
The 1936 Berlin Olympics were a low point in Olympic history, as Hitler used the games to promote his shameful ideology. Is it too much to ask that the same mistake not be made in 2008?
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