My New Project, The Next Generation News Junkies

I have begun a new project, called the Next Generation News Junkies. A group news blog, we use humor to convey serious messages about our domestic and foreign affairs. We do weekly video broadcasts, podcasts and interact through social media. Check out the website, like the facebook page and show support for local journalism.

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Eastwood and The Chair, Republicans and The Imaginary Obama

The Republican National Convention. A time where the Republican party comes together to showcase their platform, introduce new and rising party members, and above all, officiate the nomination of their chosen candidate in the presidential race. While all the above were included in the prestigious occasion, one act among all the rest was proven to up-show the rest; Clint Eastwood and the chair.

While I'm one who believes party politics can become too stifling and rigid, there is a cause for some criticism of the award studded Hollywood actor Clint Eastwood. Unorthodox may be an understatement while funny may be an exaggeration, but like the Republicans said, viewing Eastwood's performance under the guise of our overly critical political lens does not do the actor's intentions justice. I do believe his motives were light hearted and were meant to be taken with a grain of salt.

But there is a bigger picture here. What Eastwood most likely did not intend to do was actually sum up the Republican party's false perceptions on who the President is and what problems this country actually faces.

Mounting debt, reinforced through the Republican party's obscene placement of two real time debt clocks, one counting up the country's debt from the time the convention started and the other counting up the country's total sum of debt, while may be nice back drops for poorly written sound bytes, fails to address what are the causes of this climbing debt.

As shown on CNN's "Your Money", our debt by the end of this year will reach 16 trillion dollars. That is trillion with a T. Alarming to say the least. What Republicans won't say is what caused a majority of that debt. Instead, they'll talk to an imaginary person in a chair, metaphoric of their accusations and claims against the President and the Democratic party.

It was shown that almost 70% of the current debt was caused by 3 main causes- Firstly, the Bush Tax Cuts, secondly, two unfunded wars, and third, the economic downturn. Two of these were Republican party policies, and the third may well have been a result of such policies. Meanwhile TARP/The Stimulus comprise about 15%, not to mention that that policy was necessary to prevent an economic free fall.

But hey, Republicans might be right afterall. Maybe there is an imaginary Obama who wrote those policies and/or caused all the economic problems we face. Too bad no one else can see him.

Syrian Rebels Execute 14 Pro-Government Forces; Video Documents the Atrocity

                              

                                         The video of armed rebels executing pro-Assad forces. 

 Warning, images are graphic.

Video courtesy of Youtube

Reports coming out of Syria purport that 14 members of the pro government militia group, Shabiha, were executed by anti-Assad forces in the city of Aleppo. This comes days after President Bashar Al-Assad stated that the 'battle for Aleppo will determine our fate'.

The amateur video believed to have been shot within the past 36 hours shows anti-Assad forces capturing 14 men, interrogating them, having them state their names for the camera, brought outside, lined up against against a dingy white wall, and summarily executed.

While crimes and atrocities are being perpetrated by both sides daily in this civil conflict, the imagery that accompanies this act of brutality is startling. While the people of Syria have a right to their self determination as a people, they do not have the right to commit the type of war crimes they have accused President Bashar Al-Assad's regime and supporters of carrying out.

The rebels claim that this comes after an incident a week earlier between the Shabiha group and anti-Assad forces, where it is said about a dozen anti-Assad forces were captured and killed in the same manner. The act the rebels say was retribution for the deaths of those soldiers.

While it is a tragedy and a crime that should not go unpunished, as simple as it sounds, two wrongs don't make a right. If the Anti-Assad forces want to be legitimized as a credible and official alternative to the atrocious and malicious regime under President Assad, they must act like it. They can not carry out the type of horrific crimes that will only further inflame international opinion and alienate potential allies.

It is understandable in some sense the type of desperation on the part of the rebels. They have been battling the Assad regime for over a year and a half now and have received little to no international support or even condemnation of Assad's regime. With Russia and China's defiance in the face of international pressure, Assad's regime has gotten away with almost no penalization in the wake of the mass murders and crimes against humanity him and his militia forces have committed since the uprising nearly two years ago.

Although this may be the case, a tactic like this can not help the cause of the rebels. It will only legitimate the government as the procurer of justice in the face of these 'terrorist' factions that 'seek to destabilize the Syrian society' as President Assad would like people to believe. Sadly enough if these types of crimes are to continue, his lies may become truths.

Lost in France

As I reflect on my European experience, I look on it with nostalgia. It's been a pleasure living among such an interesting culture, meanwhile witnessing other cultures from around the continent as well. Thinking about it I want to say that I grew as a person, but a cliche like that is best reserved for a novel or inspirational quote. Instead, I'd like to say I grew into the person I always was.

One of the places I visited that stole my heart was France. Staying for 5 days, I experienced multiple cities along the northwestern area of France; Starting in La Rochelle, I crashed at my friend Maya's apartment. 

The apartment her and her sister rented was overlooking a quiet street in the student city of La Rochelle. The view from the apartment showed old grey stone buildings, archways with businesses underneath, and bicyclers and cars making their way through the town. Enchanting and interesting.

While I enjoyed my time thoroughly with Maya and her friends, One of the best experiences I had was on my way to Paris. 

It started when I decided not to buy a ticket to Paris. Maya had told me the likelihood of a conductor checking the ticket was slim to none. This proved a valid claim because on my way to La Rochelle from Paris when I had first arrived, I bought a 70 euro ticket and didn't have it checked. A big waste of $100 American to say the least.

So I took my chances. A roll of the dice and an incubus album on my ipod later, a conductor trots through the train checking tickets. She says something in French. Nervous I speak neither English or French, or anything verbally for that matter. It ended up being more of a hand gesture and the physical body language of "let me find my ticket" that was communicated. I search my bag knowing there is no ticket. She waits. 

French countryside

She tells me in French she is going to check other passengers and come back. I understand her the same way she understands me.

She walks down the cart. I search for an escape. I ask myself, do I just get up and walk away? Go through the sliding doors to the next cart and hope for her mercy? Do I just pretend I have no idea what's going on, play the foreigner card?

Instead my window of opportunity opens. The train slows down and I catch the brief passing of a blue sign in white lettering that says "Beauvoir-sur-Niort".

Maya had originally told me I had to tranfser at Noirt to get to Paris. To me, I figured maybe Beauvoir-sur-Niort was Noirt, just with, you know, an 'add on' at the beginning of it's name. This is my way of rationalizing my decision to jump off the train to avoid a hefty fine.

I wait till the train stops. The conductor is at the end by the door. The door opens and she walks outside to view boarding riders. I calmly gather my things and walk past her as if nothing was wrong and this was my stop.

Reflecting on what I experienced later on, her face was quite appropriate. She had the look of "Does this kid even know where he is going?". Her intuition was correct. I had no clue.

I find myself in a small country side town, somewhere in France. As the train departs, I survey the area. The train station information center was closed. It looked like people had not worked at this stop for over a decade. The building was growing vines and sprouting vegetation from crevices and cracks in it's bricks.

I look and see serenity. A quiet Sunday in a humble town. The solace you could taste as the sound of peaceful insects buzzed pass me and circled growing gardens.

I debated my next course of action. I looked at the train information posted in the waiting booth. Written in French, the directions were a bit unclear to me. It was clear though, that nothing was very clear.
 
Seemingly from out of nowhere, I see an old woman and a child sitting on the platform. The child was running around, making due with his surroundings. The woman with a grey poof of air watched what appeared to be her grandson appreciate the little things.
 
I approach the woman and asked her if she knew when the next train to Paris was. Not speaking a word of English, she tried her best in elementary forms of sign language to describe what I needed to do.
 
She brings me over to the same sign I had been looking at. She points to the time. It says 1730 is the next train. At the moment, it was 1330. I asked if she was sure. She says yes.
 

The road's view next to the train station

After a few incoherent attempts at communicating, she departs. I realize I am stranded somewhere in France for at the very least 4 hours or possibly more. 

I think to myself, who knows what could happen? Maybe it's not an updated train itinerary. Perhaps the schedules have changed. All I know is, I'm alone, with a dead phone, in a tiny town, with nothing to rely on except pure instinct.

I sit around for about a half an hour. Smoking cigarettes, pacing, I debate trying to walk the town and search for resources. Maybe a payphone? Some food? Someone who speaks English? Help? Anything at that point would have been pretty helpful.

So I walk. I pick up my carry on bag and take a walk.

The street closest to the station was pretty desolate. A closed credit agency, a recreational center across the street, and nothingness from that vantage point. A few picturesque houses and speed bumps lined the roads as far as I could see.
 
Deciding which way to walk was by far the most testing of instinct. To the right, more houses, no sign of active society. To the left, less houses, more road. I go left in hopes of leaving the residential neighborhood to find an open business.
 
As I walk, I catch a woman outside gardening. Her tiny little house was surrounded by a well maintained garden. By herself I feel awkward to approach. Not knowing what her reaction would be, I slowly walk towards her. I see her notice me from a distance. She continues her work and ponders what my arrival may bring.
 
I ask her if she has a phone I can borrow. She doesn't speak a word of English. I try with difficulty to communicate my needs. I pull the little yellow post it out of my pocket with Maya's number written on it. I show her and use the universal thumb and pinky to ear to show her I need a phone. She signals with an index finger 'one minute' and walks inside.



She returns a few minutes later with a cordless house phone. I say in French thank you a few times and dial the number. I explain to Maya what has happened. I am lost in a town that claims to be Noirt. It's a tiny town with almost no one around. This was the second person I found out willing to help. The next train is not for 4 hours. She says she wish she could help, but being an hour away she could not help much, and her arrival would be unnecessary. I tell her I just want to let her know what the situation was.

I give the phone back. I thank her again and then hand signal that I want to find somewhere that has food. 

She looks at me perplexed. At first I think she thought I was asking if she had food, but I pantomime that I am looking for a store that sells food. I point towards what I think is the center of town while simultaneously putting my hand to my mouth.
 
She says in French there's a place near by, I ask her how long by walking. She puts up 5 fingers. A 5 minute walk to the center of town? Sounds good to me.
 
I begin my journey in the direction she tells me. In the meantime, I am walking through the back streets of this French town. The houses, quiet and peaceful, sit by side in separate but synchronized sanctity.

I took photos like a tourist. Every moment I found a more beautiful garden than the last, an even more picturesque house, a well designed archway. So old, so gorgeous. The quiet was everywhere.
 

Walking through the residential neighborhood

I walk down what seems to be the main street in town. A few minutes down the road I arrive at the only place open for another kilometer. A tiny pizzeria/bar. 

The man who owns the place is middle aged. Grey haired, black shirt and jeans, he stands leaning against the doorway, viewing the landscape.
 
I walk in past him and he follows in behind me. I say "Pizza?". That's pretty universal. He says yes and proceeds to make a pizza.
 
I take a seat in the empty restaurant. I look on the wall and there's a very detailed map of France. I study the railways, the highways, the cities, the names, the geography. Before I know it a freshly made pizza and glass bottled Coca Cola arrive at my table. I eat with glorious victory of a well received dinner.
 
After my eat I walk back to the train station. Still 2 1/2 hours until the next train. Scrupulously but enjoyably 
I reflect on my experiences throughout France. From partying in clubs with Maya and her friends, to the wonderful dinners and conversations I had with her family, to the sights and sounds of France on our long drives through the French countryside traveling from city to city. The people I had met, the opinions I shared, the thoughts I received, the sensations I had felt of being independent and observing. Humbled by the unknown and intrigued by the contrasts of life in France, I was on the precipice of true nostalgic introspection.
 
All this and I ended up here. In a tiny town with no one I knew. Disconnected from the world. Completely and utterly alone. Not a single person within miles that knew where I was. Not a drop of familiarity, not a sprinkle of preconceived notions, not an ounce of resource to draw on. Just me, my wits, and my carry on luggage in a small town called Beauvoir-sur-Niort.
 
For this experience I am thankful. It was the type of disconnect I needed to understand what connection is. 
By discarding all that is known one can gauge the value in familiarity and comfort. Being thrown into a completely alien world, left to fend for myself and discover what is out there was truly enriching.
 
Of course I was only there a few hours. What is a few hours in the grand scheme of things? Not much. But what I learned in that few hours is much bigger than a few hours in a small town in France. It was the opportunity to experience something not many people have experienced. I was placed among a language unknown, surrounded by nothing to draw on, and left to rely on only myself to discover what was there.
 
Most people in a situation like that would freak out. I embraced it. I took in the chance to explore, to discover and to learn. It was one of my more memorable experiences from France, even Europe as a whole.
 

Main street in Beauvoir-sur-Niort

While many would say this story is not that exciting, even entertaining, I say, why does it need to be? Why does everything need to be so dramatic, overexposed and decorative? Why can't an experience as 'dull' or 'slow' as this one be one worth of value? To me, an experience like this was much more valuable than any fast paced, high octane type rush that sky diving or cliff jumping could offer. I feel like little things like this are under appreciated in our age of instant gratification.

My only conclusion from this experience is to take what you are given and live it. Live in that moment and do what you can while you are there. Draw out the benefits and limit the negatives. Go beyond the superficial nuances that dictate our lives and jump into it. Do what you can while you can, be less human and more humanistic.

I must say, I should probably skip paying for trains more often.

The Century 16 Massacre; A Reflection on Violence in American Society

By Tyrone L. Heppard

July 20, 2012  I was watching the late night AC360 on CNN at 4:25 when they cut out and flashed the ‘breaking news’ logo across the screen. Initially, I didn’t think much of it; these cable news channels love calling anything “breaking news” just to grab my attention for a few seconds.

 “Jesus, what’s going on now,” I thought to myself. Did a high-profile Wall Street guy turn himself in? Was Bashar al-Assad captured in Syria? Did Mitt Romney finally release his tax returns? That would be news that could make me smile.

But when they showed live video from the Century 16 movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, I knew that something was seriously wrong. It turned out that a 24-year old named James Eagan Holmes had shot up innocent people who were with friends and family watching the new Batman movie. Right now as I type these words, there are reports that 12 people were killed and over 50 were injured. The youngest victim was around 4-months old.  

Of course, this is a tragedy, and there’s no room for politics when something like this happens. Democrat or republican, everyone feels sickened and saddened when innocent people are killed for absolutely no reason. In addition, when events such as these take place, citizens and politicians; the elite and the working class alike are all compelled to offer their prayers and deepest condolences.

Although, while everyone’s heart is in the right place, we all fail to recognize the obvious: something like this happens all of the time.  First there was Columbine in 1999. Then there was Virginia Tech in 2009. We can’t forget Tucson, Arizona where Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head last year.

I’m from Binghamton, New York. You may or may not remember the American Civic Center shooting in 2009 where a Vietnamese immigrant opened fire killing 13 people and wounding 14. Add all of the senseless acts of violence that have taken lives all over the country (Recently in Sanford, Florida with Treyvon Martin), and my country has a problem that I just can’t ignore.

You can now throw in the Century 16 Massacre to the list - with the dubious honor of being the largest domestic genocide in American history – this year.

What infuriates me more than someone being so reckless and downright diabolical, is the fact that we as a nation have yet to do anything about gun control in this country.  

Whenever something like this happens, as a country, we all go through the motions: the news covers it for about a week. People offer their prayers and condolences. Victim’s families are interviewed (most of the time they say they don’t understand how something like this can happen or that they didn’t see it coming). “Experts” tell us how we should feel, and we all shake our heads before we all go on about our business.  

For me as an individual, this is the last straw. I’m deeply disturbed about what has happened; especially because there were children involved (I often say to myself in these situations, ‘do what you will to the adults, but leave the kids alone.’). But it’s painfully apparent that our “prayers and condolences” aren’t enough to stop these kinds of violent acts in our country. The only people who can do anything proactive are our politicians; and they refuse to do anything.  

As a liberal, I can point fingers at republicans and the NRA. I can rant about how their ‘lust for guns’ are the problem and they hold the 2nd Amendment too close to their chest.

However, despite allegations from Tea Partiers that Obama has a plan to take everyone’s guns away, democrats haven’t touched the issue. The fact of the matter is that no one has (to quote pro wrestler, Mick Foley) the testicular fortitude to do anything about the obvious problem: it’s WAY too easy for ANYONE to get their hands on a firearm. I think it’s disgusting that the people charged with protecting the safety and interests of country shy away from doing so for a paycheck.  

Politically speaking, democrats and republicans are equally guilty. And as an aspiring journalist, I don’t hesitate to say that the media isn’t helping at all. As a citizen, I think it’s important – perhaps now more than ever – that we need to discuss gun control in the US. It’s honestly that simple.  

Psycho-analysts are always quick to say the people who commit these crimes were ‘psychotic’ or ‘needed help’, and they tell us that we need to watch for ‘signs’ to alert authorities if we suspect someone is ‘unhinged’. What about our laws? What about the fact that anyone one of us can walk into a gun shop and, so long as we don’t have a criminal record or a history of mental problems, we can walk out with a police-issued shotgun or assault rifle?  

What about the fact that all of these people who killed in the name of the voices in their heads were living among us? Anyone who was close to the people who commit these atrocities says close to the same thing: they didn’t think [so-and-so] was capable of [insert massacre here].  

I don’t know what to do, America. I like guns just as much as the average male in our country, but that doesn’t mean I have the right to buy an AR-15 or a Remington or a Glock. I’m no professional. I’m no soldier. I’m no cop. I’m no expert. I’m just an American. I’m just a dude who’s too sick and tired of hearing about families and friends losing their lives. Why? Because as someone who’s been through it before, I’m not just going to ‘go on with my life’ as the TV psychologists tell me to. I’ve tried that before. Personally, it doesn’t work for me.  

So this is for Dave; the kid I never got to go to SUNY Cortland with. This is for the parents who will never see their sons or daughters again. This is for the little kids. This is for the comm majors, and the human beings that will never get a chance to embrace the American Dream; or live for that matter. We’ve ‘dealt’ with the loss of our friends and loved ones for far too long. I don’t have a solution, but I do think that those of us lucky enough to be alive need to take a minute to reflect and remember. This isn’t the way people need to go. I’m tired of people telling me to get over it.

Where's my Democracy?

       Does anyone see what is going on here? The fundamentals of our very democracy are eroding right in front of us. Slowly our basic human rights- access to our government, political mobility, our very essential right to vote is being taken away by the very forces that benefit off the suppression of the common person.

      Since Obama's election in 2008, conservatives, Republicans, special interest groups and corporations have done all they can in their power to assure another 'Washington outsider' (aka individual minded person) can never have the power to take away their power. Those who seek to exploit the many for the benefit of a few are threatened by the very idea of the people electing leaders who do not serve their interests.

      This is all being done in independent, but by no means unrelated means.

      For example, Governor Walker in Wisconsin's attempts to effectively strip Unions of their collective bargaining rights is an attempt to deconstruct the very fabric of the working class, limiting their ability to make an affordable wage. In turn leaving worker's helpless to decide their own economic fates

      This has lowered the standard of living for Union members and workers across the country. Once the wages for Union workers are lowered, the market responds appropriately. Private employers no longer have to compete with the fair wages Unions offer, thereafter they lower the wages of their own workers. This spiral down of wages decreases the livelihoods of millions around the country.

      This growing inequality in America has been rising rapidly to the point where political cynicism runs rampant. Due to this new economic form of enslavement, people feel powerless to affect change even in their own workplace, let alone their own government. It has disillusioned millions across the country, as their will to vote has been undermined by their perceived inability to compete with the economic powerhouses who currently control our system. 

      The necessity of economic power has become so essential in today's politics, it is disturbing. A dollar is the new vote and the value of that vote has been steadily rising.

      With the Citizens United decision, unlimited and undisclosed campaign donations can be made by corporations and even foreign entities. This in turn blurs out any chance of a common person effecting change from their elected leader, as now even the most well intentioned of officials have to compete with this wave of cash polluting the political arena and instead they ignore the needs of their community. It's hard to see the masses over that large pile of money on top of your desk.

      We now live in a system where two individuals, the Koch brothers, are legally allowed to donate over $400 million dollars to an election campaign. That's $400,000,000. That's more money than most of us could ever hope to see in our lives, yet is the price these power hungry fat cats are willing to pay to silence our voices in favor of theirs.

      These two scenarios combined are a vicious cycle. By lowering wages, workers have less to spend, meaning less economic mobility, meaning less time, less resources. Less purchasing power, less opportunity to compete with the wealthy who buy off our politicians. By permitting the exorbitant expenditures by corporations to politicians, we have effectively said "your vote is no longer valid, please pay for your ballot here".

      Meanwhile Voter ID restrictions are being passed in multiple states, disenfranchising lower income families. The only legal way to vote in some of these states is to present a valid driver's license. There are millions of people in this country who do not drive, let alone can even afford to buy a license. These potential voters are being suppressed, providing only more power for the wealthy to pick and choose their candidates.

      Overall this is an extremely troubling phenomenon. This increasing trend of concentrating wealth to the top, has in turn concentrated political power to the top. It is a frightening day when a man like Sheldon Adelson, a virtually unknown billionaire, is able to donate, by himself, $100 million dollars to a candidate. It feels like we are living in the early 20th century America, with Tammany Hall and the political machines that dominated American politics.

      It's come to a point where President Obama, who had denied funding from corporations in his 2008 campaign for President, has resorted to despicable means just to simply stay alive financially against his pro business opponent. President Obama has attended more fundraisers this year alone than President Bush did in his entire time in office.

      Since the Democratic Party has vowed to take the moral high ground and reject any private donations from corporations, the party has been reduced to begging for donations from the public. Even in such degrading and humiliating ways, like having to ask couples who are getting married to instead of asking their wedding guests for presents, re route that money as campaign donations to Obama's re-election staff.

      These factors have created a perfect storm. A decrease in income for all, an increase in political mobility for a few and restrictions in voting access for many has diluted our democracy to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people... who can afford it.

      This election has very serious consequences. It has underlying implications that can echo for generations. It's a choice to decide what kind of country we are. The choice between the powerful, the wealthy, the elite, and the choice between the people, the workers and the common man.

      This is what it has come down to. We must decide that enough is enough and we have to let our voices be heard, because if we don't our right to our voices will be taken away forever. We must let those in power know that what they are doing is wrong and that we can not accept it. A democracy is only as effective as it's people demand it to be. And for that, I say we demand much more.

Who is Anonymous?

Who is Anonymous? A product of the new world order. A world in which societies, culture, technology, communications, governments, businesses and all alike are so highly interconnected and dependent on one another that the balance of power has shifted drastically. In such an age, the decentralization of power among nations has declined, in turn bringing rise to global social movements.

Anonymous, a phenomenon within and of itself, is a highly decentralized global network of online "Hacktivists" which have taken the globe by storm. These vigilantes have perpetrated dozens of high profile attacks on governments, corporations and individuals alike. The group seeks to eliminate social injustices and level the playing field for those who are disenfranchised by the current power play system that dominates our politics.

This group, facilitated by instantaneous communication, is made up of rogue, independent actors from all corners of the world, each with various goals in mind. They claim to represent all of mankind and to preserve basic human rights that have been abused. This organization with its efficiency and unstated agenda, has struck fear into the hearts of those with power. Those who seek to exploit, abuse power, and corrupt governments around the world have met their match.

Their moral righteousness, quest for justice and thirst for fairness have led them to disrupt the activities of many of these unethical organizations.

Lockheed Martin, one of the world's largest private security contracting firms, was a victim of Anonymous after their private donations account was hacked, in which millions of dollars were stolen and redirected to various charities.
After PayPal cut services to Wikileaks in lieu of Julian Assange's arrest, Anonymous responded quickly by bringing down PayPal's servers, disrupting it's business and costing it millions.
After the introduction of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) by the U.S. government in 2011, Anonymous almost literally blew up the websites of the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, Universal Music Group, the Recording Industry Association of America, the Motion Picture Association of America and Warner Music Group, among others.

Figure 1 (Click to Enlarge)

It doesn't stop there- individual targets have been chosen as well.

Current ruler Bashar Al-Assad of Syria was one of many victims, as his personal e-mails were distributed publically throughout the web.
The C.E.O. of HBGary Federal, another infamous security firm, was a victim after Anonymous hacked it's webpage and replaced the website's main image with a message of it's own (see Figure 1).

Their mission of defending freedom of speech and internet liberty has placed them on the red list of many countries around the world. Their tactics represent the necessary methods in which to combat those that seek to oppress such basic fundamental rights as free speech and peace. Through clever and ingenious ways, Anonymous has assembled some of the brightest minds around the world, albeit anonymously, to further the cause of social justice and freedom for all.

This truly global social movement is one that deserves much needed respect. For all of us little people out there the idea of battling these overwhelmingly powerful forces on our own seems futile. Even while peaceful protest and assembly have proven fruitful and effective, these forms of conscientious objection have also been met with oppression and censorship.

That's where Anonymous comes in. They do what we can't- strike at the heart of the oppressors. While we march around in the streets demanding rights, the powerful sit in their high rise buildings looking down upon us from their proverbial thrones made of money and influence. This has changed after Anonymous has penetrated the financial workings of these power mongers, making their actions more costly than profitable.

While our political mobility may be limited to influence legislators, Anonymous has the resources and expertise to carry out those goals of change and progress. We as individuals are anonymous as our value as people and individuals have been thrown to the waste side in favor of those with the finances to bankroll new elections for corrupt politicians.

While these shadowy, influential and powerful entities are able to influence lawmakers to do their bidding, a similar, shadowy, influential, and powerful entity is one step ahead of them; Anonymous. The only difference is, the latter seek to defend the rights of the powerless, the voiceless, and the disenfranchised.

So next time you ask yourself "Who is Anonymous?", just remember; each and everyone of us is Anonymous.

How International Support Hinders International Justice

Protestors in Bahrain

    The island country of Bahrain in the Middle East has recently been in the news over the large scale demonstrations by the Shiite majority of the country. The ethnic group has been marginalized under the Sunni controlled Sheikdom. They have been reduced to 'second class citizens' and government repression has violated many human rights. While Bahrain is heavily supported by countries like Saudi Arabia and the U.S., the government's grip on power seems unlikely to change anytime soon. Despite this reality and the use of violence against them, the Shiite majority still protest publicly and are in turn met with tear gas and stun guns.
    The Arab Uprising which began in January of 2011 has sparked a wave of anti-government protests and authoritarian regimes have acted very differently. Some have conceded, like in Tunisia and Egypt. Others pursued political reforms like Morocco and Jordan. Then there are those countries; Iran, Syria, and Bahrain which have chosen to clamp down on peaceful protests and do so often through violent measures.

Sheikh Hamad meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon

     The country of Bahrain is very small and has a population of a little over a million people (Foreign & Commonwealth Office). Now while there are no official figures, it is said about 70% of the population are Shiite Muslim while the other 30% are Sunni Muslim (Foreign & Commonwealth Office). Despite being such a large portion of the population, social benefits and economic opportunity is extremely limited and is often reserved for the Sunni minority. This is an anomaly in the Muslim world, where almost 90% of all Muslims are considered to be of the Sunni sect of the faith (Rossi).

     A method that was implemented by the government to quell internal discontent was the implementation of constitutional reforms after Sheikh Hamad's accession to the throne (Minorities at Risk). There was also the annulment of the 1974 State Security Act, the release of all political prisoners, and secret trials were also abolished (Minorities at Risk). These reforms included the creation of a partially elected bicameral legislature which attracted over half the eligible voters in 2002 to the polls (Minorities at Risk). For these reasons it seemed for many in Bahrain that change was on the way. These changes though did not change the situation for the ordinary Shiite Bahraini, as the amount necessary to effectively influence legislation in the parliament was nowhere near the amount available for election after the reforms.

Iran has also a vested interest in Bahraini Shiite dominance in the country, as Iran is the only Shiite ruled government in the Middle East (Rossi). Because of this Iran has been suspected of fomenting revolts and even funding the Shiite majority to overthrow the Sunni government. This has led to sour relations between the two governments, and in particular the Saudi Arabian government, which has an enormous interest in keeping it's neighbor ruled by the Sunni monarchy (Rossi).
    Because of international support, the small kingdom has maintained grip over it's people. When the uprising first happened in February of 2011, at the request of the Bahraini government, Saudi Arabia sent military forces into the country to quell the protests (BBC). Other countries that provided support to the Bahraini government were Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (BBC). It's because of international support like this that the Bahraini government can maintain power and use force willingly against it's own people in an effort to subdue the ethnic conflict.
    This conflict is not bound to simply just Bahrain; this ethnic conflict can be seen all across the Middle East, with Sunnis and Shiites battling in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran and elsewhere. This source of conflict has destabilized the region and has hampered efforts to control the region politically. Between the power play of Shiite dominated Iran attempting to exert it's influence over the region, and the current regional hegemon Saudi Arabia seeking to maintain it's influence, the conflict between the two groups has spiraled out of control. This conflict has quickly accelerated from inter-communal to international. Without a proper assessment of the situation and an attempt to find a common ground between the two sects, the war between Sunnis and Shiites does not look like it's going to dissipate anytime soon.

The crisis in Syria; What can be done?

Syrian city of Homs after being shelled by Syrian forces

“For God’s sake. This is too much”.

by Tyrone L. Heppard 

Originally written February 2012

This the heading of a top news story on CNN’s website. The quote is from a Syrian named Zaidoun. It is underneath a picture of a child holding a sign that reads in clear, legible English: “If you do not help us, we will be killed”.

Just like many of the other countries caught up in last year’s Arab Spring, the Syrian people openly demanded freedom and change from their government. Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad said that change would come but never did. In fact, it’s gotten worse. A whole lot worse. How bad is it? I’ll let the facts speak for themselves. 

Most of the fighting has been taking place in the province of Homs in a city with the same name. The BBC reported 100 protesters died Monday night. This would bring the death toll to six thousand, one hundred; approximately. I say “approximately” because the United Nations has said that there’s no point in trying to track the number of civilian casualties due to a, “lack of reliable information”. 

This might have to do with the fact that the Syrian government has banned foreign reporters and journalists from entering the country without its permission since March. But that doesn’t mean the Assad regime is letting them –or Syrian journalists for that matter – go about their business. The Committee to Protect Journalists, the CPJ, reported a month ago that a French journalist died in an explosion while reporting in Syria – with permission. 

Syrian protestor

At the end of 2011, two Syrian journalists were murdered. In November, a cameraman was found with his eyes gouged out. The other, a videographer, shot in the head at a checkpoint in December. In a interview with ABC News (December, 2011), President Assad said, “What’s important is how the Syrian people look at you. Whatever I do should be based on the will of the people”. He added that outside opinion doesn’t matter because the conflict is, “a Syrian issue”. 

Russia is allied with Syria and on Tuesday, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov visited with President Assad in Damascus to, “seek peace in Syria”. He traveled to talk about peace while his ally’s military is literally bombing out residential areas in the adjacent province. By the way; Russian-made tanks have been spotted in the streets of Homs. 

I doubt the “will of the Syrian people” has anything to do with having their families slain by weapons their dictator bought from his buddies. As expected, most of the international community is “disgusted”, “appalled” and “deeply saddened” by the events in Syria, but China and Russia went out of their way to make sure that a UN Security Council resolution to intervene didn’t go through. That’s no surprise: Russia has a base in and does business with Syria. Plus, imagine how supporting Syria would make China look when they’re dealing with people demanding similar change within their own borders (but that’s a whole different injustice altogether).

As an aspiring journalist, I’m trained to be objective; to keep my opinions to myself. I’m to report the facts and to keep how I feel out of the news.  I’m sorry, but in this case, I can’t. 

When reporters are slaughtered like animals for doing their jobs –seeking the truth – how can I be quiet?  When 4-year old children are losing limbs and dying in the streets over something they don’t even understand, how can I be silent? 

When innocent people are brutally attacked by their own government for wanting to be free; for simply wanting change, how –as an American – am I supposed to keep my mouth shut? The people of Syria need our help! Period. 

There are plenty of political and economic reasons not to intervene, but I can’t think of a single humane reason to stand by and do nothing. I doubt that any politician involved with the Syrian conflict will ever hear these words, but I’m doing what I can: spreading awareness. 

What can you do? Anything.   I’m sure the Syrian people will take whatever assistance they can get. I sure as hell know I would.   

Blame Obama

Blame Obama- A video me and a few friends made, enjoy.

Original Link-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4bESzvXwD8

Winter of Discontent

Romanian President Traian Basescu

      Despite near frigid temperatures in the country of Romania, the political climate has been heating up, as protestors clash with police in the streets of the capital Bucharest. It is said up to 60 protestors were injured after anti-government protests sprouted up in many of the major cities across Romania.
     The 'Winter of Discontent' as it's been coined has come in response to new austerity measures the Romanian government under President Traian Basescu. Demands from protestors include the resignation of the President, along with strong opposition to these cuts that would affect the public health care system, education, among other social institutions many Romanians depend on for their livelihoods.
     Public wages were recently cut by a dramatic 25%, meanwhile benefits were slashed, and taxes are being increased on a nation where the median income is $12,200 (2008 estimate). While a majority of the protests have been peaceful, clashes and confrontations have been reported throughout the country.
     Reports of police brutality have been widespread and according to prosecutors, four police officers are under investigation after reports of their misconduct during the protests.
     The latest protest over the weekend in Romania was over the government's plan to build an open-cast gold mine in a Carpathian town, only providing more fuel for the protestor's anti-government rallies. Environmentalists and civic right groups claim the cyanide and explosives that will be used to extract the 314 tonnes of gold will effectively destroy ancient Romanian gold mines and villages. Vlad Rogati, a 61 year old retired engineer commented on the government's plan to bring revenue through gold mining to the small town. "Never mind that this project is an utter environmental catastrophe waiting to happen, but it is also the worst possible business from a financial point of view for the Romanian state... We are being misled. The promised jobs for miners are an illusion."
     These protests are similar to the protests being held all over Europe in reaction to harsh austerity measures being imposed by governments seeking to tighten their fiscal belt. Greece being the center of this economic calamity has seen similar reactions from their citizenry after huge austerity measures and harsher tax rates were implemented by the government seeking to pay back it's staggering $500 billion debt. Protests have also turned violent in America, where Occupy Wall Street protestors in D.C. over the weekend claimed they were being assaulted by police officers for peacefully demonstrating. Despite this claim by many, a protest at D.C.'s city hall led to more than 400 people being arrested after protestors threw rocks and bottles at police who responded with tear gas to subdue the protestors.
      The painful austerity measures come at a time when many economists say growth is needed, not restraint. "Starving yourself is not the road to health" says J. Bradford Delong, a former assistant secretary of the US Treasury and a current Professor of Economics at the University of California at Berkeley.
      Whether or not these austerity measures will have a positive effect on economic growth remains to be seen. To the average person on the street, the new measures are only taking from those who already don't have enough. If this trend of popular revolt continues, the year 2012 could be a rocky one for governments everywhere.

Occupy Somalia?

The Potential War Between Iran & America Is Already Happening

President Ahmadinejad of Iran touring a nuclear facility

       The tension between Washington and Tehran has been increasing steadily in the past few months. From the crash of a secret American drone in Iranian territory, to the assassination of a prominent Iranian scientist, to the continued threats from Tehran towards U.S., Israel and Britain, the air seems to be thickening all around us. It's moments and events like these that eventually lead up to wars and conflicts.

      Many would say that there already is a war waging between America and Iran. Just over the past few months alone, a number of events have brought to light this shadowy and often unknown world of intelligence gathering and military posturing that is often seen in clandestine wars like these.

Protesters during the 1979 revolution in Iran donning posters
of the leader of the revolt, Ayatollah Khomeini

      A cyber attack that many claimed the C.I.A carried out on an Iranian nuclear facility was just another form of a missile strike between the two nations. The drone that supposedly malfunctioned itself into Iranian territory is a modern version of gathering intelligence on the enemy. The summary trial and pending execution of an accused American-Iranian spy in Tehran is a war criminal being put on trial. The assassination of a prominent Iranian scientist is just another casualty of this secret war being waged behind the scenes. All in all, a war has not been declared, but it can be said that a war is being fought.
      The 1979 revolution in Iran which started off with the over throw of the Shah and ended with the takeover of the American Embassy where over 60 workers were held hostage for 444 days could be seen as the day war was declared. Through negotiations carried out by then President Ronald Reagan and the C.I.A., weapons and ammunition were funneled through terrorist groups in Nicaragua to the Islamists in Tehran to have the hostages released. To the American government this was a short term solution to what they knew was going to be a long term problem.
      The problem? A hostile nation, with access to immense resources, centered in one of the most strategically important areas of the globe, was now attempting at the expense of international law, at obtaining and enriching uranium for nuclear purposes. This was a sore sight for C.I.A. officials and businessmen who enjoyed a comfortable relationship with Iran under the western backed Shah. For this, the Iranian regime was deemed to have no validity and was to be prevented in anyway from achieving their goal of becoming a nuclear power.
       Sanctions imposed by President Clinton reflect this sentiment. Claims of Iran sponsoring groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon have stalled any form of productive talks since the cutting of diplomatic ties. Iran's ever growing influence over affairs in the region has left many in the west shaken, as control over the regions political stability is vital to many interests in both America and the business world.
       This regime which has threatened stability in the region and has pitted Shia Muslims against Sunni Muslims since 1979 have been working for decades now on obtaining nuclear materials for what they claim are peaceful energy uses. While many citizens in the country believe it is their country's right as a sovereign state to utilize nuclear energy for domestic consumption, western nations have been weary of the Iranian government's intentions.
       Iran's long time feud with Israel is one that has also been of much concern. Being that Iran is ruled by strict fundamentalist Islamists, their views towards the country have always been hostile, and it is feared that an attack on Israel by Iran could spark a war between the West and the Arab world. With rising frequency in both covert and overt operations being perpetrated by both Iran and Washington, it seems that an attack on Israel might not even be needed to start the next war. That is, if you don't already consider this a war.