easter
the sun also warms
the dead elm
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Haiku 032609
Red River*...
not every one
loves blizzards
(*A river in Fargo, North Dakota)
***************
Recently, we read the following:
BusinessWeek.com reports: "China Talks Tough with Call to Dump Dollar"
"Just over one week before President Barack Obama and other world leaders meet in London for a summit focusing on the global recession, China is making clear it wants a greater say in managing economic policies worldwide.
"The latest blast from Beijing: a call by China's top central banker to dump the U.S. dollar as the world's most important currency. People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan, in a paper released on the bank's Web site on Mar. 23, called for a new 'super-sovereign reserve currency' to replace the current reliance on the dollar….Not surprisingly, U.S. officials aren't welcoming the idea….And pretty much everyone agrees it's not going to happen….”
***************
And we thought:
Red River*...
not every one
loves blizzards
(*A river in Fargo, North Dakota)
***************
Recently, we read the following:
BusinessWeek.com reports: "China Talks Tough with Call to Dump Dollar"
"Just over one week before President Barack Obama and other world leaders meet in London for a summit focusing on the global recession, China is making clear it wants a greater say in managing economic policies worldwide.
"The latest blast from Beijing: a call by China's top central banker to dump the U.S. dollar as the world's most important currency. People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan, in a paper released on the bank's Web site on Mar. 23, called for a new 'super-sovereign reserve currency' to replace the current reliance on the dollar….Not surprisingly, U.S. officials aren't welcoming the idea….And pretty much everyone agrees it's not going to happen….”
***************
And we thought:
.... "Talking tough." From one paper tiger to another! Posturing is really like shooting oneself in the foot ....
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Haiku 032509
in the shade
a stubborn bank of ice
doting father
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "UN says 1 million in Sudan won't get food aid from May"
“More than one million people in Darfur will not get their food rations starting in May if Sudan and the United Nations can't fill gaps left by the expulsion of more than a dozen foreign aid groups, a joint U.N.-Sudanese assessment team said Tuesday….
"Sudan expelled 13 foreign aid organizations and closed three local ones this month after the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands issued an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur. Sudan's government refuses to have any dealings with the court and has accused the aid groups of collaborating with its case. The groups deny it, and they warn of a humanitarian crisis in Darfur without their presence….”
***************
And we thought:
…. President al-Bashir expelled the foreign aid groups for allegedly reporting on the atrocities he’s perpetrated against the people of Darfur. Such a convenient excuse! Most of the world, in fact, know that Al-Bashir stubbornly wants the people of Darfur dead or gone -- one way or another. And now, he will have someone else to blame....
in the shade
a stubborn bank of ice
doting father
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "UN says 1 million in Sudan won't get food aid from May"
“More than one million people in Darfur will not get their food rations starting in May if Sudan and the United Nations can't fill gaps left by the expulsion of more than a dozen foreign aid groups, a joint U.N.-Sudanese assessment team said Tuesday….
"Sudan expelled 13 foreign aid organizations and closed three local ones this month after the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands issued an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur. Sudan's government refuses to have any dealings with the court and has accused the aid groups of collaborating with its case. The groups deny it, and they warn of a humanitarian crisis in Darfur without their presence….”
***************
And we thought:
…. President al-Bashir expelled the foreign aid groups for allegedly reporting on the atrocities he’s perpetrated against the people of Darfur. Such a convenient excuse! Most of the world, in fact, know that Al-Bashir stubbornly wants the people of Darfur dead or gone -- one way or another. And now, he will have someone else to blame....
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Haiku 032409
spring jackets
almost snowless
wet brown grass
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post: "Geithner to ask Congress for broad power to seize firms, including non-bank financial companies"
“Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner today told Congress the administration will seek unprecedented power to seize non-bank financial companies whose collapse could jeopardize the economy, a move Geithner said would have allowed the government to bail out insurance giant American International Group at a far lower cost to taxpayers. The government at present has the authority to seize only banks.
“Allowing the Treasury Department to take over a broader range of companies, such as large insurers, investment firms and hedge funds, would mark a significant shift from the existing model of financial regulation, which relies on independent agencies that are shielded from the political process. The Treasury secretary, a member of the president's Cabinet, would exercise the new powers in consultation with the White House, the Federal Reserve and other regulators….”
***************
And we thought:
…. This appears to address the seeming lack of a single, decisive locus of regulatory authority over financial institutions. As evidenced by the recent financial meltdown, the current financial regulation model, due to its inadequate oversight powers, engendered unbridled risk-taking and unscrupulous activities even by highly-rated and respected insurance companies, investment firms and hedge funds.
Geithner's proposed model should hence make messmongers think twice, we hope. It's a bit like students being better behaved and engaged when the principal manages his school by walking around and being visible -- and is perceived as personally involved. Hope the model's also been vetted enough to preclude unintended consequences….
spring jackets
almost snowless
wet brown grass
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post: "Geithner to ask Congress for broad power to seize firms, including non-bank financial companies"
“Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner today told Congress the administration will seek unprecedented power to seize non-bank financial companies whose collapse could jeopardize the economy, a move Geithner said would have allowed the government to bail out insurance giant American International Group at a far lower cost to taxpayers. The government at present has the authority to seize only banks.
“Allowing the Treasury Department to take over a broader range of companies, such as large insurers, investment firms and hedge funds, would mark a significant shift from the existing model of financial regulation, which relies on independent agencies that are shielded from the political process. The Treasury secretary, a member of the president's Cabinet, would exercise the new powers in consultation with the White House, the Federal Reserve and other regulators….”
***************
And we thought:
…. This appears to address the seeming lack of a single, decisive locus of regulatory authority over financial institutions. As evidenced by the recent financial meltdown, the current financial regulation model, due to its inadequate oversight powers, engendered unbridled risk-taking and unscrupulous activities even by highly-rated and respected insurance companies, investment firms and hedge funds.
Geithner's proposed model should hence make messmongers think twice, we hope. It's a bit like students being better behaved and engaged when the principal manages his school by walking around and being visible -- and is perceived as personally involved. Hope the model's also been vetted enough to preclude unintended consequences….
Monday, March 23, 2009
Haiku 032309
loud drumming
on the shingled roof --
first rainstorm
***************
Recently, we read the following:
International Herald Tribune: "Administration seeks increase in oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms"
"The Obama administration will call for increased oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms and possibly other [financial] companies as part of a sweeping plan to overhaul financial regulation, government officials said. The outlines of the plan are expected to be unveiled this week in preparation for President Obama’s first foreign summit meeting in early April….
"Officials said the proposal would seek a broad new role for the Federal Reserve to oversee large companies, including major hedge funds, whose problems could pose risks to the entire financial system…. The administration has been considering increased oversight of executive pay for some time, but the issue was heightened in recent days as public fury over bonuses spilled into the regulatory effort….
"One proposal could impose greater requirements on company boards to tie executive compensation more closely to corporate performance and to take other steps to ensure that compensation was aligned with the financial interest of the company…. The new rules will cover all financial institutions, including those not now covered by any pay rules because they are not receiving federal bailout money. Officials say the rules could also be applied more broadly to publicly traded companies, which already report about some executive pay practices to the Securities and Exchange Commission…"
***************
And we thought:
.... Spring cleaning at U.S. financial institutions? The danger for Obama's administration is that it doesn't go far enough in fixing the broken regulatory system and ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are equally served. It should take advantage of the momentum that public opinion has generated over the last several months. The proposed changes need to be as wide-ranging as possible in terms of the institutions and practices they will cover. And as free of legal and tax loopholes as possible -- no more "ways-out" ....
loud drumming
on the shingled roof --
first rainstorm
***************
Recently, we read the following:
International Herald Tribune: "Administration seeks increase in oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms"
"The Obama administration will call for increased oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms and possibly other [financial] companies as part of a sweeping plan to overhaul financial regulation, government officials said. The outlines of the plan are expected to be unveiled this week in preparation for President Obama’s first foreign summit meeting in early April….
"Officials said the proposal would seek a broad new role for the Federal Reserve to oversee large companies, including major hedge funds, whose problems could pose risks to the entire financial system…. The administration has been considering increased oversight of executive pay for some time, but the issue was heightened in recent days as public fury over bonuses spilled into the regulatory effort….
"One proposal could impose greater requirements on company boards to tie executive compensation more closely to corporate performance and to take other steps to ensure that compensation was aligned with the financial interest of the company…. The new rules will cover all financial institutions, including those not now covered by any pay rules because they are not receiving federal bailout money. Officials say the rules could also be applied more broadly to publicly traded companies, which already report about some executive pay practices to the Securities and Exchange Commission…"
***************
And we thought:
.... Spring cleaning at U.S. financial institutions? The danger for Obama's administration is that it doesn't go far enough in fixing the broken regulatory system and ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are equally served. It should take advantage of the momentum that public opinion has generated over the last several months. The proposed changes need to be as wide-ranging as possible in terms of the institutions and practices they will cover. And as free of legal and tax loopholes as possible -- no more "ways-out" ....
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Haiku 032209-a
Sentosa Island
"lets a hundred flowers bloom"
striped hyenas
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Times: "Singapore court rules [Wall Street] Journal editor in contempt"
" A Singapore judge ruled a senior Wall Street Journal editor was in contempt of court Thursday for two editorials and a letter to the editor published last year about the city-state's judiciary, the attorney general's office said. Prosecutors said the editorials and letter questioned the independence of the judiciary from the ruling People's Action Party and that they implied that the country's courts stifle dissent.... High Court Justice Tay Yong Kwang fined [Melanie] Kirkpatrick 10,000 Singapore dollars ($6,549)....
"Journalist rights groups claim the government uses lawsuits to quash dissent. Singapore's leaders have sued journalists and political opponents several times in recent years for alleged defamation, winning damages against Bloomberg, The Economist and the International Herald Tribune.
"The government's harassment of the Wall Street Journal indicates a chronic inability to tolerate criticism and is very harmful to the country's image," Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said.
"The New York-based group Human Rights Watch urged Singapore last year to stop using defamation lawsuits to stifle criticism and bankrupt opposition politicians, citing a High Court decision in October to order Chee Soon Juan and his Singapore Democratic Party to pay $416,000 to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his father, Lee Kuan Yew, in damages from a 2006 case...."
***************
And we thought:
.... We've marveled at how clean, orderly, safe, and prosperous Singapore is -- a true tourism haven with great hotels, fine restaurants, unique places of interest, and department stores of well-known, international consumer brands and labels.
"Singapore is such a 'fine' city,'' all Singapore tourists and visitors who've seen the ubiquitous "signs" will assure you -- with a knowing smile. And some will add, softly, that it is essentially a benign dictatorship -- but a dictatorship just the same.
How much might a people give up for a "clean, orderly, safe, and prosperous" place to live? Should one culture measure another using the former's own standards of behavior? Or are there universal standards one can in fact invoke?....
Sentosa Island
"lets a hundred flowers bloom"
striped hyenas
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Times: "Singapore court rules [Wall Street] Journal editor in contempt"
" A Singapore judge ruled a senior Wall Street Journal editor was in contempt of court Thursday for two editorials and a letter to the editor published last year about the city-state's judiciary, the attorney general's office said. Prosecutors said the editorials and letter questioned the independence of the judiciary from the ruling People's Action Party and that they implied that the country's courts stifle dissent.... High Court Justice Tay Yong Kwang fined [Melanie] Kirkpatrick 10,000 Singapore dollars ($6,549)....
"Journalist rights groups claim the government uses lawsuits to quash dissent. Singapore's leaders have sued journalists and political opponents several times in recent years for alleged defamation, winning damages against Bloomberg, The Economist and the International Herald Tribune.
"The government's harassment of the Wall Street Journal indicates a chronic inability to tolerate criticism and is very harmful to the country's image," Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said.
"The New York-based group Human Rights Watch urged Singapore last year to stop using defamation lawsuits to stifle criticism and bankrupt opposition politicians, citing a High Court decision in October to order Chee Soon Juan and his Singapore Democratic Party to pay $416,000 to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his father, Lee Kuan Yew, in damages from a 2006 case...."
***************
And we thought:
.... We've marveled at how clean, orderly, safe, and prosperous Singapore is -- a true tourism haven with great hotels, fine restaurants, unique places of interest, and department stores of well-known, international consumer brands and labels.
"Singapore is such a 'fine' city,'' all Singapore tourists and visitors who've seen the ubiquitous "signs" will assure you -- with a knowing smile. And some will add, softly, that it is essentially a benign dictatorship -- but a dictatorship just the same.
How much might a people give up for a "clean, orderly, safe, and prosperous" place to live? Should one culture measure another using the former's own standards of behavior? Or are there universal standards one can in fact invoke?....
Haiku 032209-b
mallards
on glimmering water
kids in coats
Recently, we read the following:
Wall Street Journal: "Top Official Sees End to Russia's Financial Crisis"
"A top official said Russia was at or close to the bottom of the financial crisis, adding that the Kremlin was happy to see foreign creditors take stakes in major companies to claw back bad loans. In comments to foreign media, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said the government was increasingly upbeat about the Russian economy and hoped it would start growing again by the end of this year if the global economy doesn't sharply deteriorate.
"As oil prices have risen above $50 a barrel and the ruble has steadied against the dollar, the Kremlin says there are tentative grounds for optimism, sounding an increasingly confident note about its handling of the financial downturn. "The first phase is over," said Mr. Shuvalov. "Most businesses have already adapted and the budget is not playing out according to the worse scenario."
"Mr. Shuvalov confirmed that the Kremlin was no longer willing to offer large-scale bailouts to distressed corporations, something it did during the first stage of the crisis, but said that the government would help strategically important firms that had a genuine need. He stressed that commercial banks were now awash with cash, however, and could cover many of the lending requirements...."
***************
And we thought:
…. Mr. Shuvalov’s optimism, like Obama’s, hinges on long-term measures taken to lay the foundation for sustainable economic recovery. Ironically, this is the kind of strategic thinking that, by most indications, many Wall Street types don't seem accustomed to. For all their keen minds, they don't seem able to see beyond quarterly results, which is certainly silly. Maybe they need some financial advice? Again, silly. Or, maybe they're just plain greedy…. =)
mallards
on glimmering water
kids in coats
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Wall Street Journal: "Top Official Sees End to Russia's Financial Crisis"
"A top official said Russia was at or close to the bottom of the financial crisis, adding that the Kremlin was happy to see foreign creditors take stakes in major companies to claw back bad loans. In comments to foreign media, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said the government was increasingly upbeat about the Russian economy and hoped it would start growing again by the end of this year if the global economy doesn't sharply deteriorate.
"As oil prices have risen above $50 a barrel and the ruble has steadied against the dollar, the Kremlin says there are tentative grounds for optimism, sounding an increasingly confident note about its handling of the financial downturn. "The first phase is over," said Mr. Shuvalov. "Most businesses have already adapted and the budget is not playing out according to the worse scenario."
"Mr. Shuvalov confirmed that the Kremlin was no longer willing to offer large-scale bailouts to distressed corporations, something it did during the first stage of the crisis, but said that the government would help strategically important firms that had a genuine need. He stressed that commercial banks were now awash with cash, however, and could cover many of the lending requirements...."
***************
And we thought:
…. Mr. Shuvalov’s optimism, like Obama’s, hinges on long-term measures taken to lay the foundation for sustainable economic recovery. Ironically, this is the kind of strategic thinking that, by most indications, many Wall Street types don't seem accustomed to. For all their keen minds, they don't seem able to see beyond quarterly results, which is certainly silly. Maybe they need some financial advice? Again, silly. Or, maybe they're just plain greedy…. =)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Haiku 032109
soiled clothes
leaves from autumn
on soggy ground
***************
Recently, we saw the following:
CNN: "Taxing the AIG $165 M Bonuses: Legal or Political Punishment"
***************
And we thought:
.... It's moral punishment! The people of AIG Financial Products tried to bankrupt the world, thanks to the lack of oversight during the Bush-Cheney era. And now, these same AIG FP executives are receiving "bonuses" out of taxpayers' bailout money?! ...
soiled clothes
leaves from autumn
on soggy ground
***************
Recently, we saw the following:
CNN: "Taxing the AIG $165 M Bonuses: Legal or Political Punishment"
***************
And we thought:
.... It's moral punishment! The people of AIG Financial Products tried to bankrupt the world, thanks to the lack of oversight during the Bush-Cheney era. And now, these same AIG FP executives are receiving "bonuses" out of taxpayers' bailout money?! ...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Haiku 031909
neighbor's dog
the rabbit skips on
ice water
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "Livid Democrats demand AIG return $165M bailout bonuses"
"Talking tougher by the hour, livid Democrats confronted beleaguered insurance giant AIG with an ultimatum Tuesday: Give back $165 million in post-bailout bonuses or watch Congress tax it away with emergency legislation. Republicans declared the Democrats were hardly blameless, accusing them of standing by while the bonus deal was cemented and suggesting that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner could and should have done more…."
"Fresh details, meanwhile, pushed outrage over AIG ever higher: New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo reported that 73 company employees received bonus checks of $1 million or more last Friday. This at a company that was failing so spectacularly that the government felt the need to prop it up with a $170 billion bailout....
"The financial bailout program remains politically unpopular and has been a drag on Barack Obama's new presidency, even though the plan began under his predecessor, George W. Bush. The White House is well aware of the nation's bailout fatigue — anger that hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars have gone to prop up financial institutions that made poor decisions, while many others who have done no wrong pay the price…."
***************
And we thought:
.... On the other hand, while they rail against the AIG executives, these same Democrats (like their Republican counterparts) are keeping mum about -- and won’t give up -- their own spending bill earmarks (i.e., pork), running in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Are the mirrors in the Capitol too fogged up they can't see their own faces?....
wa
neighbor's dog
the rabbit skips on
ice water
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "Livid Democrats demand AIG return $165M bailout bonuses"
"Talking tougher by the hour, livid Democrats confronted beleaguered insurance giant AIG with an ultimatum Tuesday: Give back $165 million in post-bailout bonuses or watch Congress tax it away with emergency legislation. Republicans declared the Democrats were hardly blameless, accusing them of standing by while the bonus deal was cemented and suggesting that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner could and should have done more…."
"Fresh details, meanwhile, pushed outrage over AIG ever higher: New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo reported that 73 company employees received bonus checks of $1 million or more last Friday. This at a company that was failing so spectacularly that the government felt the need to prop it up with a $170 billion bailout....
"The financial bailout program remains politically unpopular and has been a drag on Barack Obama's new presidency, even though the plan began under his predecessor, George W. Bush. The White House is well aware of the nation's bailout fatigue — anger that hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars have gone to prop up financial institutions that made poor decisions, while many others who have done no wrong pay the price…."
***************
And we thought:
.... On the other hand, while they rail against the AIG executives, these same Democrats (like their Republican counterparts) are keeping mum about -- and won’t give up -- their own spending bill earmarks (i.e., pork), running in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Are the mirrors in the Capitol too fogged up they can't see their own faces?....
wa
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Haiku 031809
new dawn
melting snow and ice
seeking the pond
***************
Washington Post: "Congress moves to impose hefty tax on AIG execs' $165M bonuses"
"Senior White House officials said last night that President Obama did not learn that bonuses worth $165 million were to be paid to executives of American International Group until Thursday, one day before they were issued and two days after his Treasury secretary was informed that the payments were going forward….
"As Geithner and other Obama aides continued to scramble to pull back the bonuses and calm the public furor they sparked, Congress was preparing its own remedies. In what they acknowledged would be an extraordinary move, leading Democrats proposed using the tax code to punish executives at the firm, in which the federal government controls an 80 percent stake, unless those payouts are surrendered voluntarily.
"Action on the legislation could begin as early as today in the Senate. A proposal from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and the panel's ranking Republican, Charles E. Grassley (Iowa), would levy an excise tax on AIG and the executives who received the payments, adding up to more than 90 percent of the total of the bonuses. That tax would also apply to future bonuses awarded, either by AIG or by other firms receiving federal aid…."
***************
.... Isn't the U.S. at war? In Iraq and Afghanistan? Isn't there probable cause to simply charge these executives with economic sabotage and treason? They did help bring the country's financial system to the brink of collapse -- in the midst of a war! That should send a stern message....
new dawn
melting snow and ice
seeking the pond
***************
Washington Post: "Congress moves to impose hefty tax on AIG execs' $165M bonuses"
"Senior White House officials said last night that President Obama did not learn that bonuses worth $165 million were to be paid to executives of American International Group until Thursday, one day before they were issued and two days after his Treasury secretary was informed that the payments were going forward….
"As Geithner and other Obama aides continued to scramble to pull back the bonuses and calm the public furor they sparked, Congress was preparing its own remedies. In what they acknowledged would be an extraordinary move, leading Democrats proposed using the tax code to punish executives at the firm, in which the federal government controls an 80 percent stake, unless those payouts are surrendered voluntarily.
"Action on the legislation could begin as early as today in the Senate. A proposal from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and the panel's ranking Republican, Charles E. Grassley (Iowa), would levy an excise tax on AIG and the executives who received the payments, adding up to more than 90 percent of the total of the bonuses. That tax would also apply to future bonuses awarded, either by AIG or by other firms receiving federal aid…."
***************
.... Isn't the U.S. at war? In Iraq and Afghanistan? Isn't there probable cause to simply charge these executives with economic sabotage and treason? They did help bring the country's financial system to the brink of collapse -- in the midst of a war! That should send a stern message....
Monday, March 16, 2009
Haiku 031609
icy puddle
the squirrel jumps on
the sun
***************
CNN.com: "Cheney says Obama's policies 'raise the risk' of U.S. terror attack"
“Former Vice President Dick Cheney on Sunday defended the Bush administration's economic record, the invasion of Iraq and the treatment of suspected terrorists, warning that reversing its anti-terrorism policies endangers Americans. In a wide-ranging interview with CNN's ‘State of the Union,’ Cheney said the harsh interrogations of suspects and the use of warrantless electronic surveillance were "absolutely essential" to get information to prevent more attacks like the 2001 suicide hijackings that targeted New York and Washington.
" ‘President Obama campaigned against it all across the country, and now he is making some choices that, in my mind, will, in fact, raise the risk to the American people of another attack,’ he said.
“Critics said the Bush administration's ‘alternative’ interrogation techniques amounted to the torture of prisoners in American custody, while the administration's warrantless surveillance program violated federal laws enacted after the Watergate scandal. Since taking office in January, Obama has announced plans to close the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to halt the military trials of suspected terrorists there, and to make CIA officers follow the Army field manual's rules on interrogations….”
***************
.... One wonders: is there a policy to investigate allegations of war crimes having been committed in the course of the war in Iraq? Maybe an investigation to see if criminal charges are warranted -- shudder -- against Cheney, Bush, and other officials for torture, treason, and war profiteering?
Remember that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to begin with? Remember the Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo black holes where alleged terrorists were detained without charges, for indefinite durations, and periodically and systematically tortured? Remember U.S. citizen-soldiers being cavalierly sent to war without proper armor and protective gear -- how can the Bush officials betray our own soldiers?
Remember Blackwater and Halliburton, Cheney's employers before he became vice-president, and how they flourished and cornered billion-dollar contracts in Iraq during the war? Aren't these enough to warrant charges of war crimes or at least to trigger further investigation of those apparently accountable? .... Just kidding =)
icy puddle
the squirrel jumps on
the sun
***************
CNN.com: "Cheney says Obama's policies 'raise the risk' of U.S. terror attack"“Former Vice President Dick Cheney on Sunday defended the Bush administration's economic record, the invasion of Iraq and the treatment of suspected terrorists, warning that reversing its anti-terrorism policies endangers Americans. In a wide-ranging interview with CNN's ‘State of the Union,’ Cheney said the harsh interrogations of suspects and the use of warrantless electronic surveillance were "absolutely essential" to get information to prevent more attacks like the 2001 suicide hijackings that targeted New York and Washington.
" ‘President Obama campaigned against it all across the country, and now he is making some choices that, in my mind, will, in fact, raise the risk to the American people of another attack,’ he said.
“Critics said the Bush administration's ‘alternative’ interrogation techniques amounted to the torture of prisoners in American custody, while the administration's warrantless surveillance program violated federal laws enacted after the Watergate scandal. Since taking office in January, Obama has announced plans to close the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to halt the military trials of suspected terrorists there, and to make CIA officers follow the Army field manual's rules on interrogations….”
***************
.... One wonders: is there a policy to investigate allegations of war crimes having been committed in the course of the war in Iraq? Maybe an investigation to see if criminal charges are warranted -- shudder -- against Cheney, Bush, and other officials for torture, treason, and war profiteering?
Remember that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to begin with? Remember the Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo black holes where alleged terrorists were detained without charges, for indefinite durations, and periodically and systematically tortured? Remember U.S. citizen-soldiers being cavalierly sent to war without proper armor and protective gear -- how can the Bush officials betray our own soldiers?
Remember Blackwater and Halliburton, Cheney's employers before he became vice-president, and how they flourished and cornered billion-dollar contracts in Iraq during the war? Aren't these enough to warrant charges of war crimes or at least to trigger further investigation of those apparently accountable? .... Just kidding =)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Haiku 031509
sequined gown
on old snow mounds
glinting ice
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: "Investors See a Glimmer and Shares Soar Worldwide"
"A few clues that the economy’s downward spiral might be slowing galvanized Wall Street on Thursday and sent the stock market soaring for the second time this week.
"Investors searching for relief from a relentless march of bad economic news found wisps of hope in developments that, not many months ago, would have been regarded as alarming. The news, by and large, was bad — just not quite as bad as feared….
"Less bad was good enough. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped 239.66 points, or 3.46 percent, to 7,170.06. The Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index leaped 29.38 points, or 4.07 percent, to 750.74. The Nasdaq composite index rose 54.46 points, or 3.97 percent, to 1,426.10.
"Since Monday, when the market fell to its lowest point in 12 years, indexes have soared roughly 10 percent, their best run since November…. A recovery is not around the corner, economists say, but there is a chance when it comes, the rebound will be fairly robust…."
***************
And we thought:
.... which certainly makes a lot of baby boomers a bit more hopeful about their retirement funds -- and the future of their kids and grandchildren .... And with stress levels a bit lower, maybe they'll not need their erectile dysfunction meds as much.... =)
sequined gown
on old snow mounds
glinting ice
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: "Investors See a Glimmer and Shares Soar Worldwide"
"A few clues that the economy’s downward spiral might be slowing galvanized Wall Street on Thursday and sent the stock market soaring for the second time this week.
"Investors searching for relief from a relentless march of bad economic news found wisps of hope in developments that, not many months ago, would have been regarded as alarming. The news, by and large, was bad — just not quite as bad as feared….
"Less bad was good enough. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped 239.66 points, or 3.46 percent, to 7,170.06. The Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index leaped 29.38 points, or 4.07 percent, to 750.74. The Nasdaq composite index rose 54.46 points, or 3.97 percent, to 1,426.10.
"Since Monday, when the market fell to its lowest point in 12 years, indexes have soared roughly 10 percent, their best run since November…. A recovery is not around the corner, economists say, but there is a chance when it comes, the rebound will be fairly robust…."
***************
And we thought:
.... which certainly makes a lot of baby boomers a bit more hopeful about their retirement funds -- and the future of their kids and grandchildren .... And with stress levels a bit lower, maybe they'll not need their erectile dysfunction meds as much.... =)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Haiku 031409
bare trees
casting moon shadows
black and white movie
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "China's premier defends policies on Tibet, ignoring questions about massive security buildup"
"China's premier offered an unqualified defense Friday of his government's policies in Tibet, ignoring questions about a massive security buildup in the Himalayan region…. Thousands of police and paramilitary soldiers have been patrolling and manning checkpoints across Tibet and Tibetan-inhabited regions in western China in recent weeks, ready to head off any repeat of wide-scale anti-government demonstrations.
"Tensions have spiked ahead of two key anniversaries this week: the 50th anniversary of a failed Tibetan uprising that sent the Dalai Lama into exile and Saturday's one-year anniversary of violent anti-Chinese riots in Lhasa that sparked the largest protests in decades….
"Asked whether the massive security presence pointed to failings in Beijing's policies, Wen said: 'The situation in Tibet is on the whole peaceful and stable. The Tibetan people hope to work in peace and stability'…. "
***************
And we thought:
.... The Chinese premier also conveniently ignored questions about documented human rights violations against indigenous Tibetans. Is this the way to handle contradictions with other nationalities? "End the occupation! Free Tibet!"....
bare trees
casting moon shadows
black and white movie
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "China's premier defends policies on Tibet, ignoring questions about massive security buildup"
"China's premier offered an unqualified defense Friday of his government's policies in Tibet, ignoring questions about a massive security buildup in the Himalayan region…. Thousands of police and paramilitary soldiers have been patrolling and manning checkpoints across Tibet and Tibetan-inhabited regions in western China in recent weeks, ready to head off any repeat of wide-scale anti-government demonstrations.
"Tensions have spiked ahead of two key anniversaries this week: the 50th anniversary of a failed Tibetan uprising that sent the Dalai Lama into exile and Saturday's one-year anniversary of violent anti-Chinese riots in Lhasa that sparked the largest protests in decades….
"Asked whether the massive security presence pointed to failings in Beijing's policies, Wen said: 'The situation in Tibet is on the whole peaceful and stable. The Tibetan people hope to work in peace and stability'…. "
***************
And we thought:
.... The Chinese premier also conveniently ignored questions about documented human rights violations against indigenous Tibetans. Is this the way to handle contradictions with other nationalities? "End the occupation! Free Tibet!"....
Friday, March 13, 2009
Haiku 031309
rabbit tracks
to the spirea bush
winter meal
***************
Recently, we read the following:
An Associated Press RSS feed said: "Iraqi Who Threw Shoes at Bush Jailed for 3 Years"
"A court convicted an Iraqi journalist of assault Thursday for hurling his shoes at George W. Bush and sentenced him to three years in prison, prompting an outburst from his family and calls for his release from Iraqis who consider him an icon for a nation decimated by war.
"Muntadhar al-Zeidi, 30, defiantly shouted, 'Long Live Iraq!' when the sentence was imposed, according to defense lawyers…. Al-Zeidi's brazen act during a Dec. 14 press conference by Bush and al-Maliki in Baghdad's Green Zone turned the young reporter into a folk hero across the Arab world, where the former U.S. president is reviled for invading Iraq in 2003 and for other policies….
"Many Iraqis interviewed after the verdict believed the sentence was too harsh and that al-Zeidi was a hero for standing up to the American president. Supporters defended his act as a political statement in Arab culture, where throwing shoes at someone is considered an especially serious insult…."
***************
And we thought:
.... Despite the jail sentence, the Iraqi journalist -- a folk hero to many -- remains defiant in his stance: against the continued occupation of his country (Is it for democracy or oil?) and against so-called atrocities committed even on Iraqi civilans during the Bush-Cheney administration ....
rabbit tracks
to the spirea bush
winter meal
***************
Recently, we read the following:
An Associated Press RSS feed said: "Iraqi Who Threw Shoes at Bush Jailed for 3 Years"
"A court convicted an Iraqi journalist of assault Thursday for hurling his shoes at George W. Bush and sentenced him to three years in prison, prompting an outburst from his family and calls for his release from Iraqis who consider him an icon for a nation decimated by war.
"Muntadhar al-Zeidi, 30, defiantly shouted, 'Long Live Iraq!' when the sentence was imposed, according to defense lawyers…. Al-Zeidi's brazen act during a Dec. 14 press conference by Bush and al-Maliki in Baghdad's Green Zone turned the young reporter into a folk hero across the Arab world, where the former U.S. president is reviled for invading Iraq in 2003 and for other policies….
"Many Iraqis interviewed after the verdict believed the sentence was too harsh and that al-Zeidi was a hero for standing up to the American president. Supporters defended his act as a political statement in Arab culture, where throwing shoes at someone is considered an especially serious insult…."
***************
And we thought:
.... Despite the jail sentence, the Iraqi journalist -- a folk hero to many -- remains defiant in his stance: against the continued occupation of his country (Is it for democracy or oil?) and against so-called atrocities committed even on Iraqi civilans during the Bush-Cheney administration ....
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Haiku 031209
squirrels play tag
on the snowy yard
an unmade bed
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "Vatican Made Errors in Holocaust Denial Case"
"Pope Benedict XVI has made an unusual public acknowledgement of Vatican mistakes and turmoil in his church over an outreach to ultraconservatives that led to his lifting the excommunication of a Holocaust-denying bishop...."
***************
And we thought:
.... a Holocaust-denying bishop who remains an unrepentant old fart -- and clerico-fascist, to boot.
Was there really a mistake? How could the pope, renowned as a scholar, be so careless as to miss asking the pertinent questions? Or did someone just happen to spill the beans? And this is now damage control?
squirrels play tag
on the snowy yard
an unmade bed
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Associated Press: "Vatican Made Errors in Holocaust Denial Case"
"Pope Benedict XVI has made an unusual public acknowledgement of Vatican mistakes and turmoil in his church over an outreach to ultraconservatives that led to his lifting the excommunication of a Holocaust-denying bishop...."
***************
And we thought:
.... a Holocaust-denying bishop who remains an unrepentant old fart -- and clerico-fascist, to boot.
Was there really a mistake? How could the pope, renowned as a scholar, be so careless as to miss asking the pertinent questions? Or did someone just happen to spill the beans? And this is now damage control?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Haiku 031109
on black ice
a coat of light snow
old chessboard
***************
Recently, we read the following:
One bright cold morning, the Jakarta Post reported: "China pillories US over Tibet, extends travel ban" by Audra Ang (AP)
"China pilloried the Dalai Lama on Wednesday and criticized the United States for suggesting Beijing talk to the exiled Tibetan leader, as authorities further tightened security to prevent unrest during a volatile anniversary period...."
***************
And we thought:
.... China's statements just becloud "the issue of China's occupation of Tibet and the Tibetans' struggle for national liberation". They becloud, too, the rest of this day for human rights advocates and supporters of a free Tibet....
on black ice
a coat of light snow
old chessboard
***************
Recently, we read the following:
One bright cold morning, the Jakarta Post reported: "China pillories US over Tibet, extends travel ban" by Audra Ang (AP)
"China pilloried the Dalai Lama on Wednesday and criticized the United States for suggesting Beijing talk to the exiled Tibetan leader, as authorities further tightened security to prevent unrest during a volatile anniversary period...."
***************
And we thought:
.... China's statements just becloud "the issue of China's occupation of Tibet and the Tibetans' struggle for national liberation". They becloud, too, the rest of this day for human rights advocates and supporters of a free Tibet....
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Haiku 031009
driving rain
on sooty ice --
more brown grass
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Minneapolis Star Tribune: "After a week of testimony and evidence, Franken's lawyers satisfied they made their case"
"The long-running Senate election trial is about to reach another milestone. DFLer Al Franken expects to call his final witnesses today, and his lawyers are proclaiming they are confident that they will have proved their case.
" 'We feel good about how our case went, feel good about how we came in leading, and we think we have put into evidence a strong case,' lead lawyer Marc Elias said Tuesday. 'We're not there yet ... but we're ending what has been a very long post-election process.' ...."
***************
And we thought:
.... to which Norm Coleman thumbs his nose, in the guise of picking .... Just kidding ....
Seriously, though, Coleman should be taking his own advice -- the one he gave to Franken the night when he thought he won the election against the DFL senatorial candidate. "Concede and move on," Coleman chided Franken back in November.
But if Coleman is going to be true to his nature, one expects this former-DFLer-turned-Republican to have already laid out plans for this post-election contest to go as far as the U.S. Supreme Court. Minnesota isn't going to have its second Senator for another few months. One gets a strong sense that it's his way of getting back at Minnesotans. The way people see it -- this is how much he disrespects Minnesota. This is how selfish he is. Mr. Coleman should prove his critics wrong....
driving rain
on sooty ice --
more brown grass
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Minneapolis Star Tribune: "After a week of testimony and evidence, Franken's lawyers satisfied they made their case"
"The long-running Senate election trial is about to reach another milestone. DFLer Al Franken expects to call his final witnesses today, and his lawyers are proclaiming they are confident that they will have proved their case.
" 'We feel good about how our case went, feel good about how we came in leading, and we think we have put into evidence a strong case,' lead lawyer Marc Elias said Tuesday. 'We're not there yet ... but we're ending what has been a very long post-election process.' ...."
***************
And we thought:
.... to which Norm Coleman thumbs his nose, in the guise of picking .... Just kidding ....
Seriously, though, Coleman should be taking his own advice -- the one he gave to Franken the night when he thought he won the election against the DFL senatorial candidate. "Concede and move on," Coleman chided Franken back in November.
But if Coleman is going to be true to his nature, one expects this former-DFLer-turned-Republican to have already laid out plans for this post-election contest to go as far as the U.S. Supreme Court. Minnesota isn't going to have its second Senator for another few months. One gets a strong sense that it's his way of getting back at Minnesotans. The way people see it -- this is how much he disrespects Minnesota. This is how selfish he is. Mr. Coleman should prove his critics wrong....
Monday, March 9, 2009
Haiku 030909
winter dawn --
the faint sun shines on
peeking buds
Photo by R. Venkatesan
***************
Recently, we saw:
CNN.com: "Worst year for jobs since '45"
"....A sobering U.S. Labor Department jobs report Friday showed the economy lost 524,000 jobs in December and 1.9 million in the year's final four months, after the credit crisis began in September...."
***************
And we thought:
... while Merrill Lynch -- outrageously -- hands out bonuses to its executives and officers who should have received pink slips instead. When did the edict pass that failed governance should be rewarded? ....
winter dawn --
the faint sun shines on
peeking buds
Photo by R. Venkatesan
***************
Recently, we saw:
CNN.com: "Worst year for jobs since '45"
"....A sobering U.S. Labor Department jobs report Friday showed the economy lost 524,000 jobs in December and 1.9 million in the year's final four months, after the credit crisis began in September...."
***************
And we thought:
... while Merrill Lynch -- outrageously -- hands out bonuses to its executives and officers who should have received pink slips instead. When did the edict pass that failed governance should be rewarded? ....
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
In sum*
1.
We had read, in sum:
"We are part of a whole--
the whole being Nature
the part being Man.
And we're Nature's putative avant-garde."
2.
Yet -- men have caused both
wealth and privation
freedom and repression
social order and anarchy.
Men have also caused
famine and plenty
dams and drought
both certitude and doubt.
War and peace.
3.
The most evolved part of Nature?
We needed to be reminded occasionally,
of the protracted process of change--
among men, as in Nature.
Meanwhile, we continue to wash our hands
with the blood of our brothers and sisters.
*Chapter 1, Fractured Memories
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