VIew of the Week: Understand Israeli – Palestinian Apartheid In 11 Images

As the fighting escalates, there needs to be a better sense of all that has happened.   This is one reality that is unfortunately given virtually no attention in the Western Mainstream Media:

Understand Israeli – Palestinian Apartheid In 11 Images

The separation wall and the very nice road and the pathetic side is in and of itself telling as epitomized by the story of this Farmer who lost it all and the World stayed silent:

Post by Middle East Monitor.

On Our World: Some Brief "Mid-Week" Thoughts

It is not easy to be optimistic.    Today has seen the advent of another war between Israel and Hamas.  The scenes that were being shown as the injured were being brought into #Gaza hospitals was heart-breaking.   The impact on #Israelis is mostly psychological because #Israel will prevail in a shooting war as the war has begun:

#photooftheday Israelis watch as smoke rises after air strikes across the border in northern #Gaza, July 8 pic.twitter.com/49SjCEh1Ij

— Al-Monitor (@AlMonitor) July 9, 2014

One can't help but wonder if there is anything else actually left.   But, more importantly, one wonders if reason will prevail.   How many more people will have to die?

It is small comfort--but there is no choice but to remain hopeful as this "thought 4 the day" from Eleanor #Roosevelt reminds us all: 

 It is also up to us to insure that we constantly strive as agents of Agent as this from Joel Salatin reminds us all: 

“We must stop this incessant victimhood mentality. 
Somebody else will not fix things. 
Somebody else will not make me healthy. 
Somebody else will not make me happy. 
These things are my responsibility. 
Not the neighbor’s, 
not the government’s, 
not the church or the civic club.”
~ Joel Salatin

As we also need to underscore how we must always strive for justice and fairness always as Dr. King reminded us that:

Unlike 

Families of Slain #Israeli & #Palestinian Teens Turn to Each Other for Comfort: How Beautiful

All are on edge in #Israel and #Palestine.     The challenges on both sides are well known.  But, for today, I wanted to share this beautiful story  as The Mayor Of Jerusalem shared his thoughts too on his Facebook Page earlier:

Post by ‎Nir Barkat - ניר ברקת‎.

This was very beautiful--to me it was leadership in action.    I commend the Israeli Prime Minister for  meeting  with the father of the #Palestinian Youth that was burnt alive. I remain hopeful--there is no other reason not to be hopeful especially as Israeli Reserves have been called up, #Hamas Rockets have been landing in Southern #Israel and as the Israeli Right clamours for more direct action--especially as Israel just hit #Gaza.   I also was quite amused that Lieberman, the Foreign Minister, ended his alliance with the Israeli Prime Minister--it is quite opportunistic especially as the possibility of a third intifada is ever so within the realm of the possible if cooler heads do not prevail.     

As I assessed the continued fast moving developments, I could not help but wonder: Can reason prevail? Can the latest tragic deaths be a trigger for change?

Thought 4 the Week as the New Week Looms :-)

Enough said from the master :-)

View of the Week: Hard Truths....

ISIS's rampage is continuing throughout Iraq.   As we went to press, the horrific scenes of historic sites in Mosul being blown up by ISIS was horrific to watch.   This was as the so-called Caliph gave a sermon in Mosul telling Muslims that they had to pledge their allegiance to him.   The misery is bound to continue for quite some time as The Iraqi Army has just launched another assault on the hapless City of Falluja that has been under the Control of these thugs since late last year.  These thugs have undertaken an absolutely sophisticated public relations strategy of recruitment.  It was absolutely horrific when Sky News reported how two British Girls of Somali Origin somehow found their way to fight alongside ISIS in Syria.

As the old boundaries of Syria and Iraq are being redrawn and the people suffer in major ways, what is so unfortunate is how it seems the US Corporate Media seems to recycle the same cast of characters that did the "sell job" that are now again rehashing the old tired discredited arguments.    What was also quite amazing was how the Daily Beast reminded the World of the ugly colonial legacy that continues to haunt all even today as "Gertrude of Arabia" was the prime culprit--fascinating reading indeed.

 Jon Stewart again brought it out in a way that is absolutely hilarious--yet ever so true:




It is always amazing that at least one element of the US Corporate Media is able to lay out the real truth. As this has been going on, NBC News featured Tony Blair, the Former UK Prime Minister--and the Neo-Con's Neocon--again came out trying to be an expert on the Middle East.    It was amazing that NBC News even had the nerve to book this man.    This is as Fox did this as noted by the esteemed scholar Professor Dabashi: 

 Be very careful about what you read and learn about the current events in Iraq and Syria--like the outbreak of a deadly disease the sensational news of the so called ISIS, or ISIL, or Da'esh, or now "the Islamic State" conquering Iraq and Syria and planing "world domination in five years" banks heavily on a massive body of mis- and dis-information--here is where American and European disease of Islamophobia aids and abets in the propaganda machinery of the international gang of mercenaries that calls itself by those namesonal gang of mercenaries that calls itself by those names--take this map that both Fox News and ABC News have been disseminating as the plan of action for world domination by Da'esh--it turns out this map is actually the work of an infamous white American conspiracy theorist and has in fact originated "in part from a video game called Victoria 2." For details see here:http://mediamatters.org/mobile/blog/2014/07/03/why-is-the-media-taking-these-isis-world-domina/199984/199984.

The hard truths by Jon Stewart underscores the simple yet crucial fact:  there are no easy solutions.  That's the ultimate hard truth.

Excerpts  released to http://www.outsiderviews.com, 7/2014

Thought For The Week From RFK

Courtesy of the Team @ SIMPLETRUTHS.COM as the new "season" embraks @ Outsiders...

Onward :-)

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly.”

—Robert F. Kennedy

Happy 4th of July :-)

As we in America celebrate Independence Day, the ever insightful Jonathan  Lockwood Huie reminded us of this "Self-Evident" Truths....Happy 4th of July to all!!!

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights,

among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

- Thomas Jefferson [Declaration of Independence]

 They who can give up essential liberty

to obtain a little temporary safety

deserve neither liberty nor safety.

- Benjamin Franklin

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.

- Abraham Lincoln

The only thing necessary for evil to triumph

is for enough good men to do nothing.

- Edmund Burke

The best way to enhance freedom in other lands

is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation.

- Jimmy Carter 

We must become the change we wish to see in the world.

- Gandhi 

Independence of nation begins with independence of self.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

A "Thought 4 the Week" On the Eve of 4th of July

On the eve of this 4th of July, Some reminders about the Uniqueness of America Today & wishing all a Happy and Safe 4th of July ....

   & never  Not forgetting that:

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” —Beverly Sills

View of the Week (7/3/2014): On an Ever Challenging & Complicated World This Week

The 2nd half of the year has begun and it is with a heavy heart as I launch the new Quarter here @ "Outsiders".  Iraq  continue to burn ever more.   It was with amusement as I reviewed dispatches from Iraqi Kurdistan as Barzani formally made moves for independence.   They took over Kirkuk as ISIS (now self-described as the Islamic State) began its' rampage across Iraq.  The UN noted that 2,000 people have died in the month of June.  The Kurds have been independent since 2003--so this is not a surprise at all.   It was amazing that the Kurdish Representative in the United States--Jalal Talebani's Son-- got more airtime that the Iraqi Ambassador during the height of the Iraq War.    As this has been going on, Saudi Arabia announced a deployment of 30,000 Troops to the Iraqi Border as there were reports of Iraqi Troops abandoning their posts.   It is just amazing how a force of 500,000 Troops that the United States spent 25 BIllion Dollars to build has just simply melted away.  

The Israeli-Palestine conflict is also of profound concern.    It was disheartening when 3 Israeli teenagers were killed by Palestinian abductors.   A revenge killing of a 17-year old Palestinian Boy--whose body was subsequently burned-- has  rekindled a cycle of violence that seems to have no end in sight.   I welcomed this from the OneVoice Movement and I made it a point of thanking them by reaching out to them over Twitter as the key admonition from Dr. King resonated ever more:

Dear Mike, On behalf of the OneVoice Movement and its Israeli, Palestinian, European and American staff, I wish to express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of all those who were slain without cause. OneVoice is a movement for and on behalf of the youth of Palestine and Israel, who yearn for the day when they will live side by side in peace and security, with no more fear from reprisal or intolerance. The young Israelis and Palestinians who lost their lives in recent days remind us that their hopes and aspirations can only be fulfilled by ending the occupation and bringing to a quick end the latest cycle of violence and reprisal. There is only one true path forward, as difficult as it may seem, in these mournful hours…courageous leadership that leads Israelis and Palestinians back from the precipice of more violence to the negotiating table in good faith. We at OneVoice know that the challenges before us are greater than ever before. But as we mourn the loss of these young lives, we rededicate ourselves with conviction and fortitude to their memories so that their young Israeli and Palestinian brothers and sisters face better days and greater comfort in the weeks and months ahead. Marc Ginsberg CEO, OneVoice Movement Statement from the OneVoice Movement We at the OneVoice Movement are deeply worried and saddened by the recent escalation and violence and the tragic news of young Israelis and Palestinians who have needlessly lost their lives. We recall the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.”   As the only solution to violence is the end of the occupation and conflict and the realization of the two-state solution, we call upon both parties to refrain from violence, and to return to serious negotiations based on clear references and a timeframe, bringing bloodshed to a permanent end. Together, we pledge to re-double our efforts; doing everything that we can to ensure that no more lives are lost as part of this tragic conflict.

As the Palestinian boy is about to be buried, dispatches from the Middle East is even more disturbing.  This  from the Middle East Monitor was of profound concern as Palestinian citiznes of Israel gathered at the entrance of the City of Umm al-Fahm to protest against actions by Israel on the Westbank.   Avigdor Lieberman--who wants to be Prime Minister--once again showed his ugly and racist side as he threatened them on his Facebook page.  What is unfortunate is that they seem not to realize that it is their very policies that has contributed to this radicalization that they so despise   This is as rockets from Gaza began hitting Southern Israel and as the Israeli Air Force continuing bombing runs on Gaza. Furthermore, The Israeli Prime Minister has proposed to expand settlements even more which has been repeatedly rejected by the International Community--But Israel repeatedly rejects all such calls.   The one that horrified me even more was calls to kills the Israeli Knesset Member (known as MK's in Israel) Hanin Zoabi for what I view as exercising her free speech right.    It was also quite disturbing to see how Hamas does not seem to have full control over its' various branches as the Hebron Branch has wrecked havoc over previous peace efforts.   

Beyond Iraq and Israel, there is Afghanistan.    There is no President yet.    The Presidential candidates have been noting that there has been wide-spread fraud.    As this political vacuum continues, though, the Taliban has been quite active.  The latest brazen attack as I "went to press" here was an attack on Kabul Airport that struck the Afghan President's Helicopter.   There is no where in Afghanistan right now and as the US and NATO draw down, it will only get worst.   

It is not easy to take heart in Jefferson's admonition as I reflect upon a challenging World including the mess in Ukraine as the fighting continues despite another attempt towards a ceasefire  .   But as America celebrates the 4th of July, this sense of hope must be ever so evident:

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”

—Thomas Jefferson

A "Thought 4 the Week" On the Eve of a New Week, A New Month & A New Quarter :-)

 

This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,

Sunsets to warm your heart,

Hugs when spirits sag,

Beauty for your eyes to see,

Friendships to brighten your being,

Faith so that you can believe,

Confidence for when you doubt,

Courage to know yourself,

Patience to accept the truth,

Love to complete your life.

- Anonymous

As the Weekend Looms: A View For The Weekend

In the United States, the NBA held its' annual draft.  It is quite an event and many aspiring players were given an opportunity of a life time.   As I was watching this on ESPN, I could not help but be happy for all the young men who were part of the estimated 1% that are able to make it to the pinnacle of Basketball.   But, for me, the true highlight of it was when the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, drafted Isiah Austin.    He was drafted by Commissioner Silver even though he was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disease.   I could not help but be moved by it and shared this while on the "Grid" making the rounds on Facebook earlier tonight.    Isiah Thomas' tears said it all.

As I was witness to this beautiful selfless moment, I was also sickened when I saw the latest coming out of Egypt:

 

#Egypt judge upheld death sentences for 183 #Morsi supporters. Hope u have a chance 2 join me 2 stop this injustice: http://t.co/dHALJHvv4m

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) June 27, 2014

This is as I also saw this on the Guardian about how the Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is slated apparently to serve as an advisor to the new President-King of Egypt, Retired Field Marshal Sisi. Mr. Blair was on the TV circuit (and Britain's Sky News did a nice job really grilling him) advocating for another Iraq War after being such a zealous advocate. What continues to be disconcernting is how Mr. Blair is serving as a Middle East Peace Envoy--and he's achieved nothing. From what I have seen from the fabulous reporting done by the Guardian of London, it appears that he's gotten richer and will apparently even get richer as he gears up to help Sisi. It is gratifying to Bill Clinton cut to the chase during his interview on NBC News: If the fateful decision in 2003 was not made, The World Would not be here today. That's reality--and many of us underscored this. It was interesting how a story today noted how the Iraq War critiques are not being booked on the News Networks--and I noted that it simply was not sexy.

On Democracy, Freedom of Speech & Egypt: Notations on Quite a Week

It has been a very interesting week as the US Supreme Court handed down a wonderful verdict on Privacy.  The Supreme Court also found that President Obama violated the Constitution with the recess appointments.      There are also a number of other decisions still due--but it underscores how the law matters despite the disagreements one has. I also have the privilege of serving as a Traffic Commissioner for my local City: Laguna Niguel. Our Commission had its' latest meeting yesterday that gave the Community to raise concerns which was such a joy to be a part of. One of the residents who spoke before our Commission noted America made it possible. This is as others around the World are fighting for such rights and as many are paying a heavy price for such rights.   As I was working away, I saw an article from Robin Wright on Libya that I also wanted to report on here.      This is as Egypt continues to be on the edge of the abyss with the sham trial of Al Jazeera Journalists as  just one example that noted in one of the blog channels for my fledging start-up, the Daily Outsiders in , Outsider Views: 

The trial of the Al Jazeera Journalists in Egypt is now over.

The Three Journalists have been handed down 7 Year sentences. Whatever one may think of Al Jazeera, its Owners, Al Jazeera has done much to change the narrative around the World. The idea that such fine reporters can be sentenced as they have is chilling. The Social Media Campaign by the Greiste Family, Al Jazeera, Amnesty International and Media around the World has been gratifying to be privy too. We here @ Outsiders have added our name to this as well on Twitter. Sis, the new President-King, has said he will not intervene because he says Judicial institutions in Egypt are "exalted". He seems to be ever more a legend in his own brain as he also issued a decree giving him full authority to appoint the heads of Universities.

In the meantime, freedom of speech is dissipating ever more, massive death sentences have been yet again affirmed while the ordinary Egyptian continues to suffer The dissipation of speech was affirmed when Bassam Youssef decided to end his show because he did not want to subject himself and his family to such harassment. For those who do not know who Bassam Youssef is, he was Egypt's Jon Stewart. He had the courage to speak out and create the political satire that was very much the impetus for Egypt's 2011 Revolution--that has been now stolen by the so-called Dark State. 

 Jon Stewart's indictment of Sisi and Egypt was just beautiful:

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive

The horrific scene of these hapless souls in cages says it all.

Excerpts Also released to http://www.outsiderviews.com, June 2014

A Mid-Week "Thought 4 the Week: On Reminders From Og Mandino....

 

Do all things with love.

- Og Mandino

Count your blessings. Once you realize

how valuable you are and how much you have going for you,

the smiles will return, the sun will break out,

the music will play, and you will finally

be able to move forward the life that God intended

for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.

- Og Mandino 

What you plant now, you will harvest later.

- Og Mandino

While on the "Grid": A Final "Thought 4 the Week II" From Buddha

..ran across this on Facebook from Buddha to prepare up for the final Week of 2nd Quarter 2014 and gear up for another challenging Quarter:

Onward w/the New Week :-)

Thought 4 the Week: On Service

Onward to the New Week..and remembering what's important despite all that goes on as I listen to the latest on Iraq--ISIL is making such inroads that is getting to be ever so scary: 

The only way you can serve God is by serving other people.

- Rick Warren

The purpose of human life is to serve,

and to show compassion and the will to help others.

- Albert Schweitzer 

View of the Week: On the Economy On the Eve of Summer 2014

"Green Shots" are continuing to appear around the Economy.   In Orange County, California, the unemployment rate has dropped below 5 percent and help wanted signs seem to be springing up everywhere.   However, the growth seems to uneven at best.   This is as the IMF has cut US Growth Forecasts and the Fed itself has cut its' forecast for the US Economy even though the latest FOMC statement reflects a broad strength.  What has been a bit tragic has been how the US has led the world in the creation of low paying jobs according to reports from the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development that had some major suggestions for the United States to strengthen development.    

Edward Jones Investment Strategiest Kate Warne shared her insights that underscores what is before us as begin the second half of the year: 

* * * * * *

Strong May Job Growth: More Support for Rising StocksThe economy added 217,000 jobs in May, in line with expectations for an increase of 215,000 according to Bloomberg. May was the fourth month in a row with job gains above 200,000 - it's the first time that's happened since January 2000. And over the past four years, the economy has gained 8.8 million jobs, finally recovering all those lost during the Great Recession. After a sharp drop in April, May's unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.3%, near a six-year low. 
Economy Improves after Harsh WinterThe strong job gains in April and May added one more sign that the economy is strengthening, after skidding during the winter's snow and cold. Consumer confidence is at its highest level since 2008, and as consumers feel more comfortable, they've been spending more. Auto sales are at their highest levels since 2007. We expect the economy to grow about 2.5% in 2014, accelerating slightly from its pace over the past five years of recovery. And companies have continued to indicate business is improving, putting them on track for another year of record earnings. 
Stocks Reach New Highs Stock market volatility has remained low this year, and without fanfare, the stock market has made its way higher. The S&P 500 has reached record highs in eight of the past 10 days, for a total of 18 highs this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has reached eight new highs in 2014. In our view, improving economic growth, rising earnings and better investor confidence can provide support for stocks to rise further. 
Set Realistic Expectations Low volatility, rising stocks and an improving economy have created a favorable environment for investors. Consider adding stocks, if appropriate, but make sure your expectations remain realistic. Since everyone knows market conditions can change, sometimes quickly, stay prepared for market ups and downs. That's one reason we think it's important to review your financial situation regularly. A diversified investment portfolio, with a mix of stocks and bonds tailored for your situation and long-term financial goals, can help you benefit from rising stocks and stay invested during the inevitable pullbacks as well.

Summer is Here!!! :-)

June 21 was the longest day as Summer began--and it was a beautiful day here in Southern California.   This was a beautiful sentiment courtesy of the folks @ No Labels--a valiant effort by a number of leading politicos in the US to change the political narrative.  

  May the new season be a beautiful one for all.  

V-Thought 4 the Week: On Hard Choices

As the Situation in Iraq continues to go from bad to worst, this curated series from http://ted.com  was "kind of" timely in that it gives a roadmap about how to make tough choices--potential lessons to be learnt by all: 

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK

7 TED Talks on how we make choices

Inspired by the talk above? Keep exploring, with the selected talks in this playlist. Explore why some choices are so hard to make -- and learn how we can choose to make better ones. (Or are we in control of our own choices at all?) Watch »

Total run time 2:16:47

View of the Week: Reflections on the Middle East

This week has seen the final nail in the coffin of Iraq as we've known it since the end of World War I. The headlines around the World have been dominated with how ISIS has been ever so successful--and continues to be so right now based on all that has been happening on the ground.   Iraq, though, is part of the tragedy that continues to evolve in the Middle East as Syria continues to burn and Israelis and Palestinians are at each others' throats as Israel continues its' hunt for the young kids who were kidnapped on their way home--a profound tragedy for those children and their families.   

This month, though, also saw one very hopeful sign: The joint appearance by Mahmoud Abbas & Shimon Peres with Pope Francis at the Vatican at a Prayer for Peace.   

In assessing some of the deliberations in the US Public Affairs Shows,  what did not get "much traction" in the Worldwide mainstream press that was so much the cheerleader for the Second Iraq War is the views of those who actually get That part of the World. One of them is Vijay Prasad of the University of Beirut who had some compelling things to note in his recent commentary on the Real News Network:  

 The hard truths noted is ever so crucial. The same cheerleaders who wanted war were again calling for another war. Thankfully, voices even on the Conservative Community (including Glenn Beck) are saying enough is enough. There is a bigger challenge, though: What to do now. It was frankly shocking to see the latest BBC dispatch about the fact that the Iraqi Air Force ran out of hellfire Missiles two weeks ago. What about all the Billions that was spent? What is absolutely clear is that no one seems to know the answer. There are reports that Irbil--one of the key cities in the Kurdish Region--is also under threat. As the Shias were mobilizing and parading in Baghdad, there were increasing calls to replace Maliki. What was laughable was reports about who would replace him, though: Ahmad Chalabi or Ilay Alawi. In the meantime, as the bombings and killings continue, the ordinary man and woman is forgotten as refugees continue to flee in their thousands.

Excepts  released to http://www.outsiderviews.com, June 2014

A "Thought 4 the Day" as the Week-End Looms :-)