I caught glimpses of the Glenn Back rally and the Al Sharpton Rally in Washington to Dr. King's March on Washington. I also saw some of the post-mortems on Fox. I commend Glenn Beck for having developed and mastered the art of building brands as he has. But, I continue to have profound disagreements with him.
According to Beck's Fox Comrade-in-Arms, Geraldo Rivera, the so-called "main stream" press tried to take things out of context and put Beck's rally in a bad light. Some of the realities I have gathered have noted the number of attendeed. The estimates I have seen vary between 350,000 to 500,000 people. It was also a faith-based rally to bring faith back America. It was also a rally in support of the troops. Jon Stewart and others did mock him. But one thing people will agree on: Beck has a lot of supporters and the turnout clearly showed it.
There is no question Beck had the right to hold the rally. But, I continue to question the venue on the 47th Anniversary of Dr. King's speech. I think it would have been a lot more effective to hold it in New Orleans to rekindle the very faith that he wants to restore to America.
My profound reservations with Beck is on several fronts. I reject his notion of restoring honoring faith in the first place. The fact remains that America was built on faith and faith continues to sustain it. What Beck needs to continue to explain is this crusade he and his friends have against big Government. There is no question that Government can do better. The only institution that has the capability to deal with a Katrina or oil spills/etc. is the Public Sector. It seems as if we are on a privatization binge already that has no sign of ubatting in large measure because Government is out of money. But, Beck and Co are doing a profound sense of injustice by initiating this onslaught in order to advance a very narrow unfortunate political agenda.
I was quite gratified to see how Beck had dialed down his contention about Barack Obama was a racist. But, he then brought up Liberation Theology and how he disagreed with the President on Liberation Theology because of what the President's Former Pastor, Jeremiah Wright, espoused. There was a counter rally too. But, the tepid and narrow response to the rally also was disappointing. I think that Al Sharpton should have not bothered to do it and used his radio show and public pronoucements to push his view of the meeting.
Let me conclude by again noting that Beck had every right to do this. The only admonition I have for him is to use his bull pulpit to be a bit more responsible than he has been. He is sure entertaining to watch--of that there is no doubt. Fox has also had quite a good time pushing coverage of the event!!!
I have been assessing the state of the so-called Ground Zero Mosque over the past 24 Hours. The Republican Attack Machine has been in full gear since the President's remarks on Friday during an Iftar event at the White House.
The Right has been in a State of Political Rebellion over the so called Mosque. They say it should not be built. They say it should be moved. I have been trying to figure out where it should be moved. I have yet to see any "guidance" on this. It seems that they acknowledge the constitutional principles--but at the same time they are basically condemning it. If they want it moved, will six blocks be enough? will ten blocks be enough? should it not be located in New York City at all? The biggest lie is that iti is a Mosque at all. The strategy is exactly like Iraq--if you push a fictional account long enough, someone will buy into your hysterical admonitions.
What happened on 9/11 was not the act of Muslims. It was the act of sub-human animals who happened to call themselves Muslims. I don't even want to dignify those bastards by calling them animals because even animals have a sense of honor. They have no right to call themselves anything. The President's remarks at the Iftar event at the White House discussed this:
Those on the right who have started this tirade have to listen to the whole speech. Their strategy to raise this latest "bloody shirt" is part of a larger agenda to simply do what they need to do to regain power. The desparation by the right to get back in power is such that they would cling on to anything. The key question is whether the voters will care or not as they deal with the anxieties and sense of hopelessness because of the continued economic challenges.
What is even more troubling with this debate is the ugly nature of the debate itself. The right may not realize it, but it is working to undermine the very Constitution it claims to adhere to. Gingrich, Santorium, Palin and the rest of the Republican Gang of Presidential wannabees need to really reassess their belief in the Constitution and not be selective about it for the sake of political expediency. It is sickening and outright un-American to see such people in action who claim to be Americans who have no clue about America. They need to really act like Americans and not just pretend to be Americans.
Gingrich, a historian, has bascially said no American has the right to say what he thinks and believes in. Gingrich and the rest of the amen choir have to be prepared to answer is whether the First Amendment is a right for some and not a right for others. The problem is that the hysteria is nationwide. What is the response to the opposition to the center in Temecula California, for instance? The Gang is pushing for it to be moved. The question is how far is far enough? Should it not be in New York City at all? What is lost in this debate is the fact that some 100 people died in the buildings themselves. What about them? Many first Muslim-American responders died. Don't they matter? Should the Catholic Faith be condenmed for the act of the sick animals who abused all those children? Should Jews be condemened for the racist views of those like the followers of Lieberman and Kahane?
The question is what's next. If this is allowed to stand, what's next? The same crowd should remember this from Martin Niemoller:
First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak out for me.
The question is whether they will listen or not and remember the Constitution?
President Obama has been on the prowl telling the World that U.S. Combat Operations will end on August 31. I welcome that as I continue to be concerned that 50,000 US troops will continue to remain. I have also continued to be disturbed by reports by commentators like Tariq Ali who note that the U.S. will continue to have a long-lasting presence not withstanding what the Adminstration leads us to believe.
The cost continues to rise ever more. I am frankly numb at the monies spent in Iraq. The daily counter featured in "outsiders" signifies the continued spending being done with no apparent end in sight. Yet, Iraqis are lucky to get a few hours of electricity every day and even luckier if they have running water. I won't even begin to discuss the job prospects, the continued uncertainty in Kurdistan and the fact that there is not even a Government in place. As always, the Economist' Kal said it best
The last number of weeks have been quite startling, to say the least. As I write this, Iran is in the midst of a National Holiday to commemorate the death of the Prophet Mohammad's Daughter, Fatima. Last night saw Ayatollah Khameini preside over a remembrance in Tehran. Iran's National News Network is now broadcasting reflections on the Prophet's Daughter and the lessons that can be learnt from her life.
Events in Iran continue to be as quite dynamic as ever on the political front. As the opposition continues to be under pressure, The Government tries to portray an aura of normalcy. In a few hours, The G-15 Meeting being held in Tehran is slated to begin. The Turkish Prime Minister, the Brazilian President, the President of Algeria and the President of Senegal have been among World Leaders who have arrived in Tehran for this occassion
There have been bombings in Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The bombings occured during a major religious ceremony. The idiocy of it all boggles the mind!!!
In Iraq, pilgrims were attacked at the Holy City of Karbala. Bombings caused deaths in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city. Public funerals are being planned right now. 31 people lost their lives. They were mostly women and children. After the first attack, a second attack occured at the hospital that the victims were taken too. Even worst, I am monitoring reports that a third bomb was defused by the Pakistani Authorities
The World right now continues to be focused on Haiti. The focus is so right in light of the utter devastation going on. The desparation is evident and the scenes are heart breaking. I cannot even comprehend what Kerry Sanders, the NBC News Correpodent is reporting right now:
As I plan for 2010 and beyond, I have been continuing to reflect upon a very trying year and a very tough decade. I have been particuarly thinking about Obama's story. I remember him being in Los Angeles during the 2000 Democratic National Convention. He was denied entry. I remmeber him going to get money from his ATM and his ATM bounced. 9 years later, he's President of the United States flying on Air Force One for 10 days of vacation
:..and why not??!?? What are we afraid of?? That we actually would like our life!!!
In the midst of all the political debate and the hot tempers, I always try and look for reasons to celebrate why we are here. One thing that truly excites me is the International Space Station. I just got done reviewing a dispatch on the founder of Cirque De Soleil hosting a Circus Show from the Space Station. Whenever we lose sight of where we are in the Universe, we should really go to the International Space Station Site and see these majestic scenes: Really Long Link
I continued exploring NASA's site and when I saw this picture, I nearly fell off my chair in awe
President Obama is right now speaking at Cairo University. Before he began his speech, he spent a few hours at Sultan Hassan Mosque, one of the centers of teaching in the Moslem World. He reached out to all and underscored America's committment to move forward. He noted that Violence is a dead end
As I write this, Al Jazeera is showing live scenes from Cairo showing Air Force One arriving. Cairo is pretty much shut down and been given a face lift in anticipation of the visit. Security is as tight as it gets
I caught the program, Empire, that Al Jazeera's Marwan Bishara hosts talking about U.S. Foreign Policy and the future. The analysis done is chilling. The session he hosted had Seymour Hersch, Lakhmar Brahimi and Tariq Ali. Tariq Ali and Seymour Hersch are considered "lefties" by the Conservative Community. But, sometimes lefites have words of wisdom that should be listened to.
In Iraq, there is some consesus that there is reasonable security. Hannity, in his radio interview on Thursday with Governor Rendell of Pennsylvania, said that the United States won the Iraq war. My reaction was, really? How? The fact is that Suicide bombers are back in fashion as America begins to withdraw. If the United States did in fact win, then why do we still have 150,000 troops in that country? Why are people dying
Today is Easter. It is a day to celebrate and to remember. As all of us pray for those who are in harm's way, we ought to also remember those who did not live to see this blessed day. I especially am mindful of those who lost their lives in Italy during that terrible earthquake. I am also reminded of those who continue to lose their lives everyday to hunger and disease despite all the abundance in our world.
We must make a renewed committment to find hunger, disease, homelessness and injustice anywhere. We must work to embrace creativity and embrace the new while remembering the best of the old. I view this as a solemn responsbility especially for those who have the bullypulpit. As someone who has the privilege to teach and to write, I wanted to do my small part to live up to this committment. We have to continue to think about our future so that we can emerge stronger. It was in this spirit that I decided to launch Outsider Views and to take on moderating Kitten Politics here within the ever-growing Orble Community. It has been a journey that I will continue on. At times, I have felt that the struggle is a lonely one. But, the prospect of doing nothing is something that I refuse to do
Mrs. Clinton has now been confirmed as Secretary of State. I am anxiously some truly earth-shattering annoucements on the foreign policy front over the ensuingd days. I am very, very excited about George Mitchell being appointed Middle East Envoy. The man helped bring peace to Northern Ireland. Although his record on the Middle East was not as effective, I still think he can do wonders. I also do fondly remember how he put Baseball on a solid footing after the scandals that has engulfed Roger Clemens, Mark McGuire and many others. I view it as a sign of things to come
The President Arrives For His First Day....A Busy One too!!!
The first day of the Obama Adminstration has begun. The President began his day by attending the National Prayer Service and got down to work. I saw him when he met with the White House and signed off on the new Ethics Rules. He has also been meeting with the Economics and National Security Teams. They have hit the ground running. Unfortunately, the Senate has not done the job by confirming the nominees. At least three key members are yet to be confirmed. A new Era has truly begun
Barack Hussein Obama is now the 44th President of the United States. Throughout my lifetime, I have had the privilege to read on the traditions and was finally able to be a true witness to this momentous transfer of power due to the power of technology. I have continued to marvel at how someone with so much power gives it up so willingly because the people are truly sovereign in America. This was quite moving when the President and the First Lady escorted Former Mr. and Mrs. Bush
CNN-IBN has called this tragedy "War on Mumbai". It is so appropriate. It is a war. There are still terrorists held at at the TAJ. Someone was clearly behind this. I am convinced of it. Whether it was homegrown or foreign-bred, the Government of India truly has a challenge on his hand. Over 155 people have been killed so far.
:The Coverage Has Fallen off the Face of the Earth....
Gaza continues to be under siege by the Israelis. Israel has initiated the blockade with the support of Egypt because of the security threat from Hamas. Some have said that Gaza is the world's largest prison. I am truly trying to see and think through a solution that all can live with. Whatever ideas folks have had has only resulted in misery for all. Israelis have to continue to live in fear. Palestianians continue to suffer because they cannot simply have the basic necessities that is necessary. Israel pulled out of Gaza. But, it continues to control the Air, the Sea and Land borders of Gaza. I am sure Israel understands its' obligations. But somehow the suffering of the ordinary Palestianian that is neither a member of Hamas or any the families should never be forgotten. From what I have seen, it is in fact the case.
The plight of the Palestinians was discussed in this film showcased in Toronto last month
I had the good fortune to attend a ceremony at my local City Council meeting earlier tonight. It was to celebrate scouting. The innvocation was conducted by a local minister who began with the Prayer of St. Francis. It truly moved me. The lessons of the prayer is so true as the world is undergoing a profound sense of change:
The wide ranging discussions Pastor Warren and Senator McCain had continued on. One of the questions I felt was poignant. Pastor Warren noted that leaders are not stubborn and do change their minds. He then asked Senator McCain about a decision he had made and then changed his mind. He was quick to respond: Off Shore Drilling. He went on to note that we must attack the problem of energy on all fronts now. He reminded all of us that the United States is sending out 700 billion dollars a year to folks who are not at times that friendly and cooperative. Senator McCain's plan is dubbed the "Lexington Plan" and is available on his website. Leaders should be flexible and change their mind, while not forgetting their principles. George W. Bush seems to have understood that during the last months of his Presidency.
His response to the question of Abortion was to the point and without any reservations. His view is that abortion begins at the moment of conception. He told the world that he was going to be a Pro-Life President. As for marriage, Senator McCain was also adamant that it was a union between a man and a woman. Although an avowed Federalist, Senator McCain noted that he would back a marriage amendment if the States moved to force other states to accept their marriages. Evil must be defeated and the Senator brought up Osama Bin Laden. He committed to hunting him down. Osama is evil and evil indeed must be eradicated. I think his commitment is a bit over the top due to the realities on the ground in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Mike Pouraryan
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