Thursday, February 28, 2008
Lok Sabha adjourned, Speaker flays MPs
"You are all working overtime to finish democracy in this country. It is a matter of great sorrow,” a visibly disgusted Chatterjee said after opposition MPs gathered near his podium shouting slogans. “With great sorrow ... I am forced to adjourn the house. Let the country decide what is to be done,” he added.
IMO: This disgraceful behavour is usually leftist parties (like CPI(Marxist) ) at this time. Videos have been shown on TV of chairs and tables literally being demolished, reduced to smithereens, and parliamentarians being beaten up. You really would think they could keep that sort of thing outside the voting chambers. Something should be done soon.
"You are all working overtime to finish democracy in this country. It is a matter of great sorrow,” a visibly disgusted Chatterjee said after opposition MPs gathered near his podium shouting slogans. “With great sorrow ... I am forced to adjourn the house. Let the country decide what is to be done,” he added.
IMO: This disgraceful behavour is usually leftist parties (like CPI(Marxist) ) at this time. Videos have been shown on TV of chairs and tables literally being demolished, reduced to smithereens, and parliamentarians being beaten up. You really would think they could keep that sort of thing outside the voting chambers. Something should be done soon.
Wouldbe presidential thieves all hang in together
Cunningham said unpleasant things about Obama, McCain apologised !, then Cunningham decides he will now support Clinton. Hm, interesting.
Bits from "The Carpetbagger": "McCain said he’d never met Cunningham, though he had several times before; that Cunningham is rather well known for this kind of speech; and that DeWine told Cunningham to “throw red meat.” (ie comment scurrilously). Once again it comes down to McCain’s credibility versus a GOP pattern.
(If) McCain decides to go “dirty,” he gets ground into his own mud-pie by an opponent who is already proving his ability to fight small-arms sleaze with thermonuclear fact.
The Clintons killed Vince Foster (IMO: Also see Orlin Grabbe about Vince Foster) & are involved in dozens of other deaths. Swiftboat lies about a real fighting hero, McCain fathered a black baby and was insane from his captivity years, that’s the kind of people we are dealing with."
IMO: FWIW, it also transpires that the family of Obama's father was Muslim; his mother's roots were Christian. Further, yet another and inevitably more serious reason may be connected with the fraud accusations which seem to be implied in Cunningham's comments. As in actual fact, for example, it seems that Obama received $80,000 and McCain received $100,000 through the (notorious even then) Jack Abramoff. So all hang in there together, boys, and to hell with the US voters, it would seem.
Cunningham said unpleasant things about Obama, McCain apologised !, then Cunningham decides he will now support Clinton. Hm, interesting.
Bits from "The Carpetbagger": "McCain said he’d never met Cunningham, though he had several times before; that Cunningham is rather well known for this kind of speech; and that DeWine told Cunningham to “throw red meat.” (ie comment scurrilously). Once again it comes down to McCain’s credibility versus a GOP pattern.
(If) McCain decides to go “dirty,” he gets ground into his own mud-pie by an opponent who is already proving his ability to fight small-arms sleaze with thermonuclear fact.
The Clintons killed Vince Foster (IMO: Also see Orlin Grabbe about Vince Foster) & are involved in dozens of other deaths. Swiftboat lies about a real fighting hero, McCain fathered a black baby and was insane from his captivity years, that’s the kind of people we are dealing with."
IMO: FWIW, it also transpires that the family of Obama's father was Muslim; his mother's roots were Christian. Further, yet another and inevitably more serious reason may be connected with the fraud accusations which seem to be implied in Cunningham's comments. As in actual fact, for example, it seems that Obama received $80,000 and McCain received $100,000 through the (notorious even then) Jack Abramoff. So all hang in there together, boys, and to hell with the US voters, it would seem.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Corruption charges now stayed on Bhutto's husband - Iftikar Chaudhary not restored.
Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a stay order on the operation of an ordinance which gives Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party, amnesty from prosecution in corruption cases. The court’s order is being seen as part of an understanding between President Pervez Musharraf and the PPP, which will not press for impeaching the former army chief or restoring sacked Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikar Chaudhary.
Zardari and Sharif have reached an agreement in principle on reinstating the judges but have said the modalities will be worked out by the new Parliament. So Pak politics are now, as before, still somewhat of a black hole.
Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday that Pakistan should be wary of holding talks with the local Taliban. He described Musharraf as the elected president of Pakistan. Gates said a new government would have to face the reality that Al Qaeda militants and insurgents were operating along the frontier.
IMO: Seems to be "Plus ca va, plus c'est la meme chose", as the French allegedly say.
Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a stay order on the operation of an ordinance which gives Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party, amnesty from prosecution in corruption cases. The court’s order is being seen as part of an understanding between President Pervez Musharraf and the PPP, which will not press for impeaching the former army chief or restoring sacked Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikar Chaudhary.
Zardari and Sharif have reached an agreement in principle on reinstating the judges but have said the modalities will be worked out by the new Parliament. So Pak politics are now, as before, still somewhat of a black hole.
Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday that Pakistan should be wary of holding talks with the local Taliban. He described Musharraf as the elected president of Pakistan. Gates said a new government would have to face the reality that Al Qaeda militants and insurgents were operating along the frontier.
IMO: Seems to be "Plus ca va, plus c'est la meme chose", as the French allegedly say.
CBI to summon George Fernandes and ex-navy chief Kumar in Barak missile case
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is all set to summon former defence minister George Fernandes over the controversial Barak missile deal. The Supreme Court had earlier questioned CBI as to why they hadn't questioned Fernandes yet. The central agency is probing corruption in purchase of seven Barak missile systems from Israel.
The questioning of Fernandes and Kumar would come close on the heels of the CBI completing questioning arms dealer Suresh Nanda
But the armed forces were wary of associating the name ‘Barak’ with the new project due to last year's allegations of kickbacks being paid in the original Rs 1,160-crore ($290 million) procurement deal, signed in October 2000, for Barak-I systems for Navy.
The CBI had last year registered a case in the Barak-I deal, naming former defence minister George Fernandes, his party associates Jaya Jaitly and R K Jain, and alleged middle-man Suresh Nanda as the accused.
India will jointly build a surface-to-air missile with its second biggest weapons supplier Israel and hopes for such collaborations with other countries, the defence minister said Wednesday.Delhi earlier this month had approved the 625-million-dollar joint venture with the Jewish state to build the anti-aircraft missiles for the Indian navy.
There is also being developed the Sagarika submarine-to-surface missile, a light, miniaturised system, which is about 6.5 metres long and weighs seven tonnes. Powered by solid propellants, it can carry a payload of about 500 kg. It can be launched from different platforms from the ground, from underwater and mobile launchers.
IMO: At any rate, the Sagarika if completed may supplement to some extent Indian existing second -strike capability. The US also talk of co-operation here, probably cheaper than Russia, at least in theory.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is all set to summon former defence minister George Fernandes over the controversial Barak missile deal. The Supreme Court had earlier questioned CBI as to why they hadn't questioned Fernandes yet. The central agency is probing corruption in purchase of seven Barak missile systems from Israel.
The questioning of Fernandes and Kumar would come close on the heels of the CBI completing questioning arms dealer Suresh Nanda
But the armed forces were wary of associating the name ‘Barak’ with the new project due to last year's allegations of kickbacks being paid in the original Rs 1,160-crore ($290 million) procurement deal, signed in October 2000, for Barak-I systems for Navy.
The CBI had last year registered a case in the Barak-I deal, naming former defence minister George Fernandes, his party associates Jaya Jaitly and R K Jain, and alleged middle-man Suresh Nanda as the accused.
India will jointly build a surface-to-air missile with its second biggest weapons supplier Israel and hopes for such collaborations with other countries, the defence minister said Wednesday.Delhi earlier this month had approved the 625-million-dollar joint venture with the Jewish state to build the anti-aircraft missiles for the Indian navy.
There is also being developed the Sagarika submarine-to-surface missile, a light, miniaturised system, which is about 6.5 metres long and weighs seven tonnes. Powered by solid propellants, it can carry a payload of about 500 kg. It can be launched from different platforms from the ground, from underwater and mobile launchers.
IMO: At any rate, the Sagarika if completed may supplement to some extent Indian existing second -strike capability. The US also talk of co-operation here, probably cheaper than Russia, at least in theory.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
It’s an Election, Not a Coronation
"Dissident Voice" may have it more correct than many commentators do about Nader.
Kucinich called for bringing all troops home now, and for a a Single Payer Health care system, saving 18,000 lives a year. So he was not selected.
Edwards promised to fight the wave of corporate crime, so of course he was not selected.
In fact the Democrats chose two candidates to the right of Paul.
Democrats have a history of using unethical, strong-arm legal tactics to keep Nader off the ballots and out of the debates.
IMO:The debate should be more open, candidates should be properly heard. If the Democrats lose yet again, maybe they should think about ensuring the US becomes a democracy as it still seems to claim (or to pretend) to be.The use of the word 'democracy' by the Democrats by now seems to sully and defile the word.
"Dissident Voice" may have it more correct than many commentators do about Nader.
Kucinich called for bringing all troops home now, and for a a Single Payer Health care system, saving 18,000 lives a year. So he was not selected.
Edwards promised to fight the wave of corporate crime, so of course he was not selected.
In fact the Democrats chose two candidates to the right of Paul.
Democrats have a history of using unethical, strong-arm legal tactics to keep Nader off the ballots and out of the debates.
IMO:The debate should be more open, candidates should be properly heard. If the Democrats lose yet again, maybe they should think about ensuring the US becomes a democracy as it still seems to claim (or to pretend) to be.The use of the word 'democracy' by the Democrats by now seems to sully and defile the word.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Academic study shows 37 US Presidents were insane
And that is only counting up till 1974 ! After that, it is 'your' guess !
Eighteen (49%) presidents met criteria suggesting psychiatric disorder: depression (24%), anxiety (8%), bipolar disorder (8%), and alcohol abuse/dependence (8%) were the most common. In 10 instances (27%), a disorder was evident during presidential office, which in most cases probably impaired job performance.
IMO:The study says "Mental illness in heads of state is a topic deserving further attention." I would say that is true, for the state of the nation. By the way, a lot of people seriously suggested Tony Blair, of the UK, was also mad. And it is on public record that Ronald Regan died mad, shortly after leaving office. Some of George W. Bush's statements during office have stretched the credulity. Of the present possibilities, I would say Ralph Nader may be sane, as he is using the material for his attempt to write a book, which will presumably be profitable.
And that is only counting up till 1974 ! After that, it is 'your' guess !
Eighteen (49%) presidents met criteria suggesting psychiatric disorder: depression (24%), anxiety (8%), bipolar disorder (8%), and alcohol abuse/dependence (8%) were the most common. In 10 instances (27%), a disorder was evident during presidential office, which in most cases probably impaired job performance.
IMO:The study says "Mental illness in heads of state is a topic deserving further attention." I would say that is true, for the state of the nation. By the way, a lot of people seriously suggested Tony Blair, of the UK, was also mad. And it is on public record that Ronald Regan died mad, shortly after leaving office. Some of George W. Bush's statements during office have stretched the credulity. Of the present possibilities, I would say Ralph Nader may be sane, as he is using the material for his attempt to write a book, which will presumably be profitable.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Nader Announces New Bid for White House
Nader, 73, said Sunday he will run for president as a third-party candidate, criticizing the top White House contenders as too close to big business and pledging to repeat a bid that will "shift the power from the few to the many." Certainly a better candidate than any other at the moment, if mildly impractical. Obama aparently worked for him once, but was dissatisfied. Problem is Nader's votes may help McCain, but unfortunately Nader probably won't do well well enough to put on even a good showing...Maybe I miss the point. But, it is rumoured he may run with Al Gore's support (?).
Nader, 73, said Sunday he will run for president as a third-party candidate, criticizing the top White House contenders as too close to big business and pledging to repeat a bid that will "shift the power from the few to the many." Certainly a better candidate than any other at the moment, if mildly impractical. Obama aparently worked for him once, but was dissatisfied. Problem is Nader's votes may help McCain, but unfortunately Nader probably won't do well well enough to put on even a good showing...Maybe I miss the point. But, it is rumoured he may run with Al Gore's support (?).
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Obama and Clinton
I was unfortunate enough to be watching a CNN debate involving Obama and Clinton as to whether US leaders should meet with Raoul Castro.
What a lot of pompous claptrap. Has America forgotten the reasons for the rise of Fidel Castro and Che Guavara ? And the fact that the reasons for Fidel's success included the fact that the US were in the process of turning Cuba into a third-rate crack den, casino and brothel with lower living standards than present day Haiti ? The world should not forget this, nor should it forget the support of the UK and Russia for Cuba at that time, and indeed the continuing support of Cuba by London's Ken Livingstone.
I was unfortunate enough to be watching a CNN debate involving Obama and Clinton as to whether US leaders should meet with Raoul Castro.
What a lot of pompous claptrap. Has America forgotten the reasons for the rise of Fidel Castro and Che Guavara ? And the fact that the reasons for Fidel's success included the fact that the US were in the process of turning Cuba into a third-rate crack den, casino and brothel with lower living standards than present day Haiti ? The world should not forget this, nor should it forget the support of the UK and Russia for Cuba at that time, and indeed the continuing support of Cuba by London's Ken Livingstone.
HP ex-boss in dock: should bosses be scared?
Pratibha Murthy, was raped and murdered by a cab driver in December 2005. The Karnataka government filed a complaint against Mittal, the then CEO of HP Global Software, for employing women on night shifts and not ensuring their security.
CNN-IBN asked: "Does this mean top bosses will be held responsible whenever employee security is breached?"
IMO: One would hope that corporate responsibility should be required everywhere. Some would say that we would probably never get another disaster like Bhopal if a few directors of Union Carbide and some other firms had been jailed and the key thrown away. I would add, and perhaps a few facilitators and lawyers jailed as well. But life is unlikely to be that good under a Government that seem hell-bent to hand Chattisgargh over to the Naxals and allows the death rate by accident on Western Railways, Mumbai to be much higher per annum than for an EU civil war, even after a public protest by over 3 million Mumbaikers.
The "exodus" of north Indians from Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's tirade against them has affected industry operations, a business lobby said on Thursday.
IMC president Niraj Bajaj said every Indian citizen has the fundamental right to earn his livelihood in any part of the country. "This right must be protected by the state government unconditionally," he said.
IMO: Fine sentiments, from an industry that does not even take a little time and trouble to protect its own female employees from rape. The IMC might as well stand in the street and hold out begging bowls to the taxpayers.
Pratibha Murthy, was raped and murdered by a cab driver in December 2005. The Karnataka government filed a complaint against Mittal, the then CEO of HP Global Software, for employing women on night shifts and not ensuring their security.
CNN-IBN asked: "Does this mean top bosses will be held responsible whenever employee security is breached?"
IMO: One would hope that corporate responsibility should be required everywhere. Some would say that we would probably never get another disaster like Bhopal if a few directors of Union Carbide and some other firms had been jailed and the key thrown away. I would add, and perhaps a few facilitators and lawyers jailed as well. But life is unlikely to be that good under a Government that seem hell-bent to hand Chattisgargh over to the Naxals and allows the death rate by accident on Western Railways, Mumbai to be much higher per annum than for an EU civil war, even after a public protest by over 3 million Mumbaikers.
The "exodus" of north Indians from Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's tirade against them has affected industry operations, a business lobby said on Thursday.
IMC president Niraj Bajaj said every Indian citizen has the fundamental right to earn his livelihood in any part of the country. "This right must be protected by the state government unconditionally," he said.
IMO: Fine sentiments, from an industry that does not even take a little time and trouble to protect its own female employees from rape. The IMC might as well stand in the street and hold out begging bowls to the taxpayers.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Bridgend, suicide and the internet.
Bridgend has for years had a high suicide rate and, as a coastal town with high unemployment rates, a high rate of suicide among young males might be expected. Seventeen suicides in the county borough of Bridgend, population 132,000, since the beginning of last year.
IMO:It has been like that at Bridgend for at least 15 years in my experience.
The parents of at least one suicide case blamed their son's death on press coverage. The police also criticised reporting of the suicides and said Bridgend is becoming "stigmatised" by the coverage.
IMO:Much more likely to be press coverage, general and of individuals, than the internet. Also unfair legal pressure through courtroom appearances. Blaming the internet seems to be much less sensible than blaming the Press. Certainly private individuals have been trying to curb suicides in Bridgend for a long time. And certainly it is not just Bridgend, it is clearly many other places as well, in fact the whole of the UK.
Bridgend has for years had a high suicide rate and, as a coastal town with high unemployment rates, a high rate of suicide among young males might be expected. Seventeen suicides in the county borough of Bridgend, population 132,000, since the beginning of last year.
IMO:It has been like that at Bridgend for at least 15 years in my experience.
The parents of at least one suicide case blamed their son's death on press coverage. The police also criticised reporting of the suicides and said Bridgend is becoming "stigmatised" by the coverage.
IMO:Much more likely to be press coverage, general and of individuals, than the internet. Also unfair legal pressure through courtroom appearances. Blaming the internet seems to be much less sensible than blaming the Press. Certainly private individuals have been trying to curb suicides in Bridgend for a long time. And certainly it is not just Bridgend, it is clearly many other places as well, in fact the whole of the UK.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Breath analysis can detect cancer, asthma and other ailments
A laser-based breath-analyser can help identify debilitating diseases like asthma or cancer. The study found a laser analysis of the breath could pinpoint the rarest of molecules that may be markers of specific diseases, said Jun Ye, who headed the research team. The technique is called cavity-enhanced direct optical frequency comb spectroscopy
While the efficacy of this technique is yet to be evaluated clinically, breath analysis is the ultimate non-invasive and low-cost procedure. For instance, bad breath may indicate dental problems while excess methylamine may indicate liver and kidney disease. The presence of ammonia may be a sign of renal failure.Similarly, elevated acetone levels in the breath can indicate diabetes, and nitric oxide levels can be used to diagnose asthma. Full details here.
A laser-based breath-analyser can help identify debilitating diseases like asthma or cancer. The study found a laser analysis of the breath could pinpoint the rarest of molecules that may be markers of specific diseases, said Jun Ye, who headed the research team. The technique is called cavity-enhanced direct optical frequency comb spectroscopy
While the efficacy of this technique is yet to be evaluated clinically, breath analysis is the ultimate non-invasive and low-cost procedure. For instance, bad breath may indicate dental problems while excess methylamine may indicate liver and kidney disease. The presence of ammonia may be a sign of renal failure.Similarly, elevated acetone levels in the breath can indicate diabetes, and nitric oxide levels can be used to diagnose asthma. Full details here.
10,000 march against Gorai SEZ
10,000 people including fishermen, farmers, social activists and NGOson Sunday shouted slogans and marched to the gates of Essel World at Gorai to protest against the Special Economic Zone coming up in the area. The protesters warned that they would not tolerate any attempt to take away their land to make way for an entertainment zone, which would leave thousands of fishermen and farmers without their traditional occupations.
The government plans to establish an SEZ for entertainment and has initiated plans to acquire over 5,000 acres of land to be handed over to the Pan India Parivatran Limited which will develop the zone.
Leaders of the Dharavi Bhet Bachao Samiti, comprising local fishermen and farmers of the area, were supported by the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), Harit Vasai, Mumbai Catholic Sabha, Catholic Secular Forum and Mumbai East Indian Association.
National Alliance for People’s Movements (NAPM) was going to scale up the agitation against all SEZ projects in the country, particularly in West Bengal and Maharashtra which had bagged the maximum SEZ proposals. The blockade at Gorai has been planned to register a symbolic protest against all SEZs including the two projects proposed in Navi Mumbai and Raigad districts.
10,000 people including fishermen, farmers, social activists and NGOson Sunday shouted slogans and marched to the gates of Essel World at Gorai to protest against the Special Economic Zone coming up in the area. The protesters warned that they would not tolerate any attempt to take away their land to make way for an entertainment zone, which would leave thousands of fishermen and farmers without their traditional occupations.
The government plans to establish an SEZ for entertainment and has initiated plans to acquire over 5,000 acres of land to be handed over to the Pan India Parivatran Limited which will develop the zone.
Leaders of the Dharavi Bhet Bachao Samiti, comprising local fishermen and farmers of the area, were supported by the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), Harit Vasai, Mumbai Catholic Sabha, Catholic Secular Forum and Mumbai East Indian Association.
National Alliance for People’s Movements (NAPM) was going to scale up the agitation against all SEZ projects in the country, particularly in West Bengal and Maharashtra which had bagged the maximum SEZ proposals. The blockade at Gorai has been planned to register a symbolic protest against all SEZs including the two projects proposed in Navi Mumbai and Raigad districts.
Al-Fayed sees royal family, Blair, medics in 'murder' plot
Al Fayed Monday implicated Britain's royal family, the American CIA, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and the French judicial and medical services in an alleged plot to kill his son Dodi and Princess Diana in Paris in August 1997. He branded Philip, the 86-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, as a "Nazi" and a "racist" and said, "It's time to send him back to Germany from where he comes." "You want to know his original name - it ends with Frankenstein."
IMO: Nobody in some 627 news reports of this case that I have seen, seems to speak favorably of Al-Fayed. Strange, as such people usually have decent public relations consultants.
Al Fayed Monday implicated Britain's royal family, the American CIA, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and the French judicial and medical services in an alleged plot to kill his son Dodi and Princess Diana in Paris in August 1997. He branded Philip, the 86-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, as a "Nazi" and a "racist" and said, "It's time to send him back to Germany from where he comes." "You want to know his original name - it ends with Frankenstein."
IMO: Nobody in some 627 news reports of this case that I have seen, seems to speak favorably of Al-Fayed. Strange, as such people usually have decent public relations consultants.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Better than free
Kevin Kelly, the well-known popular author, is writing a book with that title. The idea seems to be roughly that even with a lot of information around, people will still pay for information
Kelly lists reasons for "better than free" - below - and explains why.
Personalization Interpretation Authenticity Accessibility Embodiment Patronage Findability
His earlier work has been thought-provoking so the full book may be of interest. 'Edge' resume here..
IMO: Certainly, expensive versions of the 'free' Linux distributions and many other examples come to mind.
Kevin Kelly, the well-known popular author, is writing a book with that title. The idea seems to be roughly that even with a lot of information around, people will still pay for information
Kelly lists reasons for "better than free" - below - and explains why.
Personalization Interpretation Authenticity Accessibility Embodiment Patronage Findability
His earlier work has been thought-provoking so the full book may be of interest. 'Edge' resume here..
IMO: Certainly, expensive versions of the 'free' Linux distributions and many other examples come to mind.
CNN introduce user-generated news.
Intended to be somewhat like a version of Wikipedia for news. iReport.com, a site that allows people to upload, share and discuss news without the intervention of any central filtering or censoring authority.
IMO: This approach, as I have earlier implied, may be the future. Whether or not it works, may be another matter.
Intended to be somewhat like a version of Wikipedia for news. iReport.com, a site that allows people to upload, share and discuss news without the intervention of any central filtering or censoring authority.
IMO: This approach, as I have earlier implied, may be the future. Whether or not it works, may be another matter.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Indo-US n-deal critics seek shift in Washington policy
IIf the Bush administration did not adhere to the Hyde Act, US lawmakers will eventually refuse to endorse the landmark agreement if and when it comes up in the Congress, Rice told the House foreign affairs committee. While the Hyde Act allows the export of civilian nuclear fuel and technology to India, reversing the sanctions imposed after India’s 1998 nuclear tests, it does not suspend the requirement to stop exports in case India tests again.
Daryl G. Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association (ACA), a leading critic of the 123 nuclear deal, suggested that Rice’s “pledge” to make global rules on nuclear trade with India “consistent” with US law requires shift in US policy.
IIf the Bush administration did not adhere to the Hyde Act, US lawmakers will eventually refuse to endorse the landmark agreement if and when it comes up in the Congress, Rice told the House foreign affairs committee. While the Hyde Act allows the export of civilian nuclear fuel and technology to India, reversing the sanctions imposed after India’s 1998 nuclear tests, it does not suspend the requirement to stop exports in case India tests again.
Daryl G. Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association (ACA), a leading critic of the 123 nuclear deal, suggested that Rice’s “pledge” to make global rules on nuclear trade with India “consistent” with US law requires shift in US policy.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Blair's legacy
The Serious Fraud Office unlawfully ended a graft probe into arms deals between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia because of pressure from members of the Saudi royal family, the High Court was told on Thursday.
A lawyer representing pressure groups Corner House Research and the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) made the claims at a hearing on whether it was legal for the SFO to drop probes into the biggest export deal in British history.
Then-Prime Minister Tony Blair said that if the SFO investigation into the state-to-state Al Yamamah arms deal between Britain and Saudi Arabia proceeded, it would damage national security.
His opponents said the decision went against the rule of law. Last year, a court granted Corner House Research and CAAT permission to seek a full judicial review of the SFO decision.
IMO:Quis custodiet ipsos custodes ? The U.S. Justice Department is also probing the company's compliance with anti-corruption laws.
The Serious Fraud Office unlawfully ended a graft probe into arms deals between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia because of pressure from members of the Saudi royal family, the High Court was told on Thursday.
A lawyer representing pressure groups Corner House Research and the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) made the claims at a hearing on whether it was legal for the SFO to drop probes into the biggest export deal in British history.
Then-Prime Minister Tony Blair said that if the SFO investigation into the state-to-state Al Yamamah arms deal between Britain and Saudi Arabia proceeded, it would damage national security.
His opponents said the decision went against the rule of law. Last year, a court granted Corner House Research and CAAT permission to seek a full judicial review of the SFO decision.
IMO:Quis custodiet ipsos custodes ? The U.S. Justice Department is also probing the company's compliance with anti-corruption laws.
Another one bites the dust
Well-known Indian politician, Pappu Yadav, was convicted of ordering the assassination of Ajit Sarkar, a popular left-wing legislator in impoverished Bihar state. He now goes to jail for life. Othe politicians should beware as this could become a new trend.
Well-known Indian politician, Pappu Yadav, was convicted of ordering the assassination of Ajit Sarkar, a popular left-wing legislator in impoverished Bihar state. He now goes to jail for life. Othe politicians should beware as this could become a new trend.
Tata plans 'green' airdriven car
100km on a pressure charge, weight of current test vehicle about 350 kg. About 24 bhp, top speed around 100 km/hr.
Compressed air, like so many alternative-motoring technologies, doesn't solve the issue of generating power without carbon emissions - especially given the need for burner boost. The air car, like an electric or hydrogen vehicle, merely moves the power generation offboard and into a stationary infrastructure. In France, to be sure, you can use grid power which comes mostly from nuclear generators and thus is nearly carbon-free. But an awful lot of people who see themselves as caring about the environment will have nothing to do with nuclear power
100km on a pressure charge, weight of current test vehicle about 350 kg. About 24 bhp, top speed around 100 km/hr.
Compressed air, like so many alternative-motoring technologies, doesn't solve the issue of generating power without carbon emissions - especially given the need for burner boost. The air car, like an electric or hydrogen vehicle, merely moves the power generation offboard and into a stationary infrastructure. In France, to be sure, you can use grid power which comes mostly from nuclear generators and thus is nearly carbon-free. But an awful lot of people who see themselves as caring about the environment will have nothing to do with nuclear power
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Maharashtra
Raj Thackeray has been charged with promoting enmity among different communities and questioning the national integrity of India.
According to DNA, probably roughly accurately, in 1960, Marathi speakers were nearly 70 per cent of the population of Mumbai. The numbers have steadily dwindled since. The Marathi manoos has steadily retreated to Thane and Raigad districts. In Mumbai, Marathi speakers are just about 35 to 40 per cent of the population and neither the Maharashtra Navanirman Sena nor the Shiv Sena can politically survive without the support of Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
'North Indians’ would of course include Panjabis and Haryanavis as well. Raj Thackeray and his party have got themselves besieged by their foolish and desperate move against a settled polity. They have opened a Pandora’s Box and they could be its first victims.
Though both Mayawati and Mulayam can hardly be expected to win many seats in Maharashtra next year, they could fracture the traditional north Indian and Dalit votes, thus helping the Shiv Sena indirectly. In this scenario, the Congress-NCP would surely not mind if Raj manages to drive some of the traditional Maharashtrian vote away from the Shiv Sena by portraying the latter as no more the party of the people of Maharashtra.
Though it’s in alliance with it, the Sharad Pawar-led outfit has been giving the Congress sleepless nights for quite some time. The party is more worried about Mr Pawar because of his track record. So, the Congress wanted someone to counter NCP-Shiv Sena nexus that was looking more and more probable with the each passing day. Raj Thackeray and his MNS provided the perfect opportunity for India’s grand old party. Aware of its plight and inability to counter Pawar’s clout over Maharashtra, the Congress has pinned its hopes on the younger Thackeray. The party’s Delhi-based think-tank’s view is that Raj’s growing stature will eat into the Sena base and eventually benefit the Congress. Some of the leaders ET spoke to dropped enough indications as to what’s playing in the leadership’s mind. “If we wanted, Raj could have been put behind bars a week ago,” a Congress leader, who didn’t want to be identified, said while explaining the rationale behind giving some breathing space to the MNS chief.
IMO: So far so good, one might conceivably have said. But remember that the Thackerays are frequently making valid points about the problems in Maharashtra and genuinely are trying to champion - up to a point - the rights of the unfortunate manoos and others. So the politics of Maharashtra are yet again in the melting pot, mindless violence is triumphing for the moment, and the manoos and everyone else but the politicians are losing out to big business and to the USA and its pressures. It was Shivaji who defended Maharashtra from its enemies. There does not seem to be any amongst the present politicians who are ever going to be even remotely like another Shivaji and defend Maharshtra against its REAL enemies, and these do not some from North India.
Raj Thackeray has been charged with promoting enmity among different communities and questioning the national integrity of India.
According to DNA, probably roughly accurately, in 1960, Marathi speakers were nearly 70 per cent of the population of Mumbai. The numbers have steadily dwindled since. The Marathi manoos has steadily retreated to Thane and Raigad districts. In Mumbai, Marathi speakers are just about 35 to 40 per cent of the population and neither the Maharashtra Navanirman Sena nor the Shiv Sena can politically survive without the support of Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
'North Indians’ would of course include Panjabis and Haryanavis as well. Raj Thackeray and his party have got themselves besieged by their foolish and desperate move against a settled polity. They have opened a Pandora’s Box and they could be its first victims.
Though both Mayawati and Mulayam can hardly be expected to win many seats in Maharashtra next year, they could fracture the traditional north Indian and Dalit votes, thus helping the Shiv Sena indirectly. In this scenario, the Congress-NCP would surely not mind if Raj manages to drive some of the traditional Maharashtrian vote away from the Shiv Sena by portraying the latter as no more the party of the people of Maharashtra.
Though it’s in alliance with it, the Sharad Pawar-led outfit has been giving the Congress sleepless nights for quite some time. The party is more worried about Mr Pawar because of his track record. So, the Congress wanted someone to counter NCP-Shiv Sena nexus that was looking more and more probable with the each passing day. Raj Thackeray and his MNS provided the perfect opportunity for India’s grand old party. Aware of its plight and inability to counter Pawar’s clout over Maharashtra, the Congress has pinned its hopes on the younger Thackeray. The party’s Delhi-based think-tank’s view is that Raj’s growing stature will eat into the Sena base and eventually benefit the Congress. Some of the leaders ET spoke to dropped enough indications as to what’s playing in the leadership’s mind. “If we wanted, Raj could have been put behind bars a week ago,” a Congress leader, who didn’t want to be identified, said while explaining the rationale behind giving some breathing space to the MNS chief.
IMO: So far so good, one might conceivably have said. But remember that the Thackerays are frequently making valid points about the problems in Maharashtra and genuinely are trying to champion - up to a point - the rights of the unfortunate manoos and others. So the politics of Maharashtra are yet again in the melting pot, mindless violence is triumphing for the moment, and the manoos and everyone else but the politicians are losing out to big business and to the USA and its pressures. It was Shivaji who defended Maharashtra from its enemies. There does not seem to be any amongst the present politicians who are ever going to be even remotely like another Shivaji and defend Maharshtra against its REAL enemies, and these do not some from North India.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Thackerays and many others
According to the public press, Udhaiv Thackeray recently said he would kill and slice to pieces any North Indians who dare to work in Maharashtra.
The editor of Panchjanya (the 'conch'), the old and highly respected Hindu weekly, recently wrote a quite long article for the "Times of India" recently, entitled "India bruised and shrunk" which unfortunately rings true and says in part:
"A polity that draws sustenance from a fractured society and from reductionism become more rewarding than the all-inclusive embrace; the fallout is bound to reach us in various extremist forms, divisive polity being one of them.
When a narrow, shrunken vision is preferred over a national outlook and national perspective, the Raj Thackerays emerge winners.
IMO: One hardly need add more to the article. You literally might as well have India run by the lashkars as by many of the present bunch of politicians.
According to the public press, Udhaiv Thackeray recently said he would kill and slice to pieces any North Indians who dare to work in Maharashtra.
The editor of Panchjanya (the 'conch'), the old and highly respected Hindu weekly, recently wrote a quite long article for the "Times of India" recently, entitled "India bruised and shrunk" which unfortunately rings true and says in part:
"A polity that draws sustenance from a fractured society and from reductionism become more rewarding than the all-inclusive embrace; the fallout is bound to reach us in various extremist forms, divisive polity being one of them.
When a narrow, shrunken vision is preferred over a national outlook and national perspective, the Raj Thackerays emerge winners.
IMO: One hardly need add more to the article. You literally might as well have India run by the lashkars as by many of the present bunch of politicians.
US Torture Outsourcing
Torture outsourcing has made many Americans uncomfortable, although in some form or another it has existed for quite some time the twist introduced by the Clinton administration, and wholeheartedly embraced by enthusiasts in the current administration, has been the aggressive use of kidnapping, rather than, say, turning over foreign nationals captured on the battlefield. Of course, the whole world’s the battlefield, they would have us believe - and outsourcing to unaccountable American contractors is just part of the game.
US Govt appears to be trying to widen its alleged rights against the US citizen even more.
US government argued vehemently yesterday in Mohamed et al. v. Jeppesen in District Court that government contractors engaged in confidential activities are covered by the controversial state secrets doctrine to the extent that litigation would require disclosure of government secrets.
Torture outsourcing has made many Americans uncomfortable, although in some form or another it has existed for quite some time the twist introduced by the Clinton administration, and wholeheartedly embraced by enthusiasts in the current administration, has been the aggressive use of kidnapping, rather than, say, turning over foreign nationals captured on the battlefield. Of course, the whole world’s the battlefield, they would have us believe - and outsourcing to unaccountable American contractors is just part of the game.
US Govt appears to be trying to widen its alleged rights against the US citizen even more.
US government argued vehemently yesterday in Mohamed et al. v. Jeppesen in District Court that government contractors engaged in confidential activities are covered by the controversial state secrets doctrine to the extent that litigation would require disclosure of government secrets.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
John McCain is no Dwight Eisenhower
It looks like McCain could be the Republican choice. Now he seems to have some of the qualities of John F. Kennedy, as both seem to have served in a relatively junior capacity in war. But Eisenhower was a serious war leader, not a Rambo type, and he was in many ways a fairly good President. Leaving aside all the flimflam from America (where admittedly Kennedy seems to have tried to alleviate some absolutely appalling problems like the racial ones), Kennedy got into Vietnam and outside the US was regarded as a bad and incompetent leader, race etc aside. The Brits were frankly frightened of his actions, feeling that they could lead to Armageddon. Kennedy was just a gungho rambo type to outsiders, whereas General Dwight Eisenhower was a great and competent leader, though all leaders have faults.
IMO: Edwards was the best of a bad lot, now it should be Obama - better than McCain even if he turns out to 'just another David Norman Dinkins'.
It looks like McCain could be the Republican choice. Now he seems to have some of the qualities of John F. Kennedy, as both seem to have served in a relatively junior capacity in war. But Eisenhower was a serious war leader, not a Rambo type, and he was in many ways a fairly good President. Leaving aside all the flimflam from America (where admittedly Kennedy seems to have tried to alleviate some absolutely appalling problems like the racial ones), Kennedy got into Vietnam and outside the US was regarded as a bad and incompetent leader, race etc aside. The Brits were frankly frightened of his actions, feeling that they could lead to Armageddon. Kennedy was just a gungho rambo type to outsiders, whereas General Dwight Eisenhower was a great and competent leader, though all leaders have faults.
IMO: Edwards was the best of a bad lot, now it should be Obama - better than McCain even if he turns out to 'just another David Norman Dinkins'.
Recent Reliance cable failure
People in Mumbai have been effected by recent Reliance network failures, apparently due to cut cable. There.are by now masses of information about this matter. Some is here, and whilst accounts in that URL may be accurate, keep an open mind as to interpretation (which could well be partial). and to the existence of further facts.The impression first given in Mumbai seems to have been that everyone would be hit by the cut cable, but I was sceptical of this due to the structure - or lack of it - of the internet, and that proved to be right
People in Mumbai have been effected by recent Reliance network failures, apparently due to cut cable. There.are by now masses of information about this matter. Some is here, and whilst accounts in that URL may be accurate, keep an open mind as to interpretation (which could well be partial). and to the existence of further facts.The impression first given in Mumbai seems to have been that everyone would be hit by the cut cable, but I was sceptical of this due to the structure - or lack of it - of the internet, and that proved to be right
September 6, 2007 Syria bombing by Israel
If the Israelis' target in Syria was not a nuclear site, why didn't the Syrians respond more forcefully? Syria complained at the United Nations but did little to press the issue.
And, if the site wasn't a partially built reactor, what was it? According to one account, North Koreans were present at the site, but only as paid construction workers. The senior officer said that the targeted building, when completed, would most likely have been used as a chemical-warfare facility. (Syria is not a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention and has been believed, for decades, to have a substantial chemical-weapons arsenal.) North Korea has been a major exporter of missile technology and expertise to Syria for decades. It is unclear to what extent the Bush Administration was involved in the Israeli attack.
El Baradei, expressing his frustration, said, "If a country has any information about a nuclear activity in another country, it should inform the I.A.E.A. - not bomb first and ask questions later."
If the Israelis' target in Syria was not a nuclear site, why didn't the Syrians respond more forcefully? Syria complained at the United Nations but did little to press the issue.
And, if the site wasn't a partially built reactor, what was it? According to one account, North Koreans were present at the site, but only as paid construction workers. The senior officer said that the targeted building, when completed, would most likely have been used as a chemical-warfare facility. (Syria is not a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention and has been believed, for decades, to have a substantial chemical-weapons arsenal.) North Korea has been a major exporter of missile technology and expertise to Syria for decades. It is unclear to what extent the Bush Administration was involved in the Israeli attack.
El Baradei, expressing his frustration, said, "If a country has any information about a nuclear activity in another country, it should inform the I.A.E.A. - not bomb first and ask questions later."
Raj Thackeray
Recently it was reported in the Press that Maoists now are cannibals. This was based on the apparent fact that a Maoist killed a man suspecting him to be a police informer and ate his flesh in full view of the public in Malkangiri district of Orissa, apparently in an attempt to terrorise the public. This sort of thing does not endear the public to Maoists, it has to be said.
n a similar way, the latest Sena antics involving Raj Thackeray have recently received a very large amount of publicity in the media, who also frequently are now asking for his arrest and prosecution.
IMO: Many of these articles actually seem to be biassed and even incorrect. They could have the effect of driving Raj to even further extremes. His present views contain some truth - e.g. Bengalis and Bangladeshis are coming in to Mumbai. What should be done, whether help should be given to them and from whom, and indeed whether such people actually are taking many jobs from manoos, which has to be bad, are fair questions and can be ruthlessly pursued in many ways, especially when the (highly newsworthy) reputation of UP and Bihar are considered, and their reputation of handing out 'bungs', doubtless to the Press as well as anyone else. Raj's uncle Bal Thackeray probably has a fair idea what is going on. Bal Thackeray seems, from reviews of his editorials in Saamna, the Sena paper, to be concerned of the counterproductive effect on the reputation on Maharashtra which Raj's behaviour is likely to have and I must say, that even though - certainly - such things happen frequently enough in India (CPI-Marxist behaviour is a case in point), I was struck by this also. Bal seem to be fairminded on this issue so far and whilst one can and should deeply sympathise with Raj's problems and his current position of only having Marathi speakering reporters at his Press conferences, the long term problems of Maharashtra are still not being addressed. I'm afraid Uddhav's approach, and hardly mild spoken or gentle tactics, will not be helped and their disagreements may weaken necessary help to the manoos, which is after all the purported aim of all these people and which they may best placed in India to handle.
Recently it was reported in the Press that Maoists now are cannibals. This was based on the apparent fact that a Maoist killed a man suspecting him to be a police informer and ate his flesh in full view of the public in Malkangiri district of Orissa, apparently in an attempt to terrorise the public. This sort of thing does not endear the public to Maoists, it has to be said.
n a similar way, the latest Sena antics involving Raj Thackeray have recently received a very large amount of publicity in the media, who also frequently are now asking for his arrest and prosecution.
IMO: Many of these articles actually seem to be biassed and even incorrect. They could have the effect of driving Raj to even further extremes. His present views contain some truth - e.g. Bengalis and Bangladeshis are coming in to Mumbai. What should be done, whether help should be given to them and from whom, and indeed whether such people actually are taking many jobs from manoos, which has to be bad, are fair questions and can be ruthlessly pursued in many ways, especially when the (highly newsworthy) reputation of UP and Bihar are considered, and their reputation of handing out 'bungs', doubtless to the Press as well as anyone else. Raj's uncle Bal Thackeray probably has a fair idea what is going on. Bal Thackeray seems, from reviews of his editorials in Saamna, the Sena paper, to be concerned of the counterproductive effect on the reputation on Maharashtra which Raj's behaviour is likely to have and I must say, that even though - certainly - such things happen frequently enough in India (CPI-Marxist behaviour is a case in point), I was struck by this also. Bal seem to be fairminded on this issue so far and whilst one can and should deeply sympathise with Raj's problems and his current position of only having Marathi speakering reporters at his Press conferences, the long term problems of Maharashtra are still not being addressed. I'm afraid Uddhav's approach, and hardly mild spoken or gentle tactics, will not be helped and their disagreements may weaken necessary help to the manoos, which is after all the purported aim of all these people and which they may best placed in India to handle.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Archbishop of Canterbury 'should resign'
Archbishop of Canterbury 'should resign'. A senior Church of England clergyman called today for the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, it was stated in the London Times. The Bishop of Southwark, the Right Rev Tom Butler, also challenged the Archbishop's comments. The means of forcing an archbishop out of office are costly and arcane.
IMO: These resignation suggestions have been made over a period of time. There are now believed to be less members of the Anglican faith than of the Roman Catholic belief system, a faith which as applied in Europe seems fatally flawed. However the "Gay" lobby has made great dents in the numbers of Anglicans by effectively turning existing clergy etc. to the less good (in Europe) Roman Catholic church. Now a Muslim lobby is apparently doing something similar for some Muslims (who in my experience at least are trivial in both numbers and faith in Islam) as Wiliams's views on Islam seem to be absurd and hence are easily capitalised on. This is not said as a criticism of Muslims or homosexuals, or a suggestion that the Anglican Church should be less tolerant. We only have to think of the life of Christ, who befriended at least one notorious prostitute for clearly good moral and socially acceptable reasons. We cannot know the full outcome of his behaviour, as the good lady's writings seem to have been largely destroyed by men, but it seems that what remains can only give added praise to Christ, who himself got together a gang of 'disciples' and beat up the crooked local priests who were almost certainly living off such women, and Christ himself was of course then tortured to death by crucifixation. IMO there is certainly a case to sack Williams and possibly even to excommunicate him.
Archbishop of Canterbury 'should resign'. A senior Church of England clergyman called today for the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, it was stated in the London Times. The Bishop of Southwark, the Right Rev Tom Butler, also challenged the Archbishop's comments. The means of forcing an archbishop out of office are costly and arcane.
IMO: These resignation suggestions have been made over a period of time. There are now believed to be less members of the Anglican faith than of the Roman Catholic belief system, a faith which as applied in Europe seems fatally flawed. However the "Gay" lobby has made great dents in the numbers of Anglicans by effectively turning existing clergy etc. to the less good (in Europe) Roman Catholic church. Now a Muslim lobby is apparently doing something similar for some Muslims (who in my experience at least are trivial in both numbers and faith in Islam) as Wiliams's views on Islam seem to be absurd and hence are easily capitalised on. This is not said as a criticism of Muslims or homosexuals, or a suggestion that the Anglican Church should be less tolerant. We only have to think of the life of Christ, who befriended at least one notorious prostitute for clearly good moral and socially acceptable reasons. We cannot know the full outcome of his behaviour, as the good lady's writings seem to have been largely destroyed by men, but it seems that what remains can only give added praise to Christ, who himself got together a gang of 'disciples' and beat up the crooked local priests who were almost certainly living off such women, and Christ himself was of course then tortured to death by crucifixation. IMO there is certainly a case to sack Williams and possibly even to excommunicate him.
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