Congressional Members For Re-Election

June 28, 2011

From: Padmini Arhant

To: Honorable. United States Congress Members Seeking Re-Election

When you are truly committed to serving the people in your constituency and across the nation without submitting to any pressure or incentives from forces against average citizens, then you have maintained an exemplary record.

Your opponents may target you with smear campaigns and distort information about you.

However, your actions will always speak louder than their words.

If you pledge to keep the lobbyists and federal contractors at bay by coordinating efforts with your congressional colleagues in legislation,

Then half the battle won for your electorate whom you represent in Congress.

The election campaign may not become contentious and hard to win if you do everything in your power as people’s representative to improve lives and move the nation forward.

The esteemed congressional members are reminded that the people hold the key to power in a democracy.

Even though the recent developments favoring the wealthiest contributors through Supreme Court decisions and legislative actions has undermined democratic system, citizens vote ultimately declares the result in a legitimate electoral process.

If victory is claimed undemocratically with the official selected rather than being elected to promote campaign financiers specific agendas the moral bearing squarely lies on the donors and recipients in their betrayal of the nation they are expected to serve with honesty and integrity.

The respective constituents on their part are kindly requested to exercise diligence and discernment when casting their ballots during election.

Please rally behind dedicated representatives with proven record on issues concerning all and national interest.

It is important to understand the incredible power people have in a democracy to determine the validity of their votes granting power to candidates as their democratically elected representatives to elevate living standards at home and alleviate human suffering around the world.

Besides protecting the environment – the only habitat for life that is constantly threatened with greed driven policies promoted by the relevant industry.

Please remember that grassroots support is a formidable challenger to the power at any time.

The latest congressional outcome has confirmed their effectiveness against monetary assistance flowing to the contenders during election campaign.

Citizens fight for their constitutional rights and any other issues ranging from economic, social, political and environment begins on the campaign trail and proceeds to the Capitol Hill where legislation is passed to become the law.

I urge you to stand up for democratic values especially eliminating special interests influence in any format in Capitol Hill that has eroded moral and ethical principles primarily to benefit the powerful at the vast majority’s despair and disadvantage.

Good Luck to Congress members for successful re-election to the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.

Thank you for your service to our great nation.

Best Wishes

Padmini Arhant

U.S. Troops Commitment in Afghanistan

June 27, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

In 2008 prior to leaving office, President George W. Bush had authorized 9,000 troops Brigade Combat team for Afghanistan and they were scheduled to join in January 2009.

After the new administration was sworn into office, in February and March 2009 President Barack Obama approved additional 21,000 troops deployment to Afghanistan for arrival in spring and summer of 2009.

The Presidential address on June 22, 2011 to the nation and the world on Afghanistan troop commitment was laid out claiming the 30,000 troops surge in 2010 will be gradually withdrawn beginning July 2011 with an estimated 10,000 to be pulled by the year end and the remaining of the 30,000 to return by 2012 summer.

Subsequent to possible 30,000 troop surge withdrawal the contingency comprises at least U.S. 100,000 and NATO as well as coalition combined approximately 50,000 troops.

In addition to Afghanistan national police, the Afghan security forces are over 100,000 per the Presidential statement and Department of Defense (DOD) account.

Notwithstanding the troops engaged in Afghan operation under OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) apart from Afghanistan are Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan…in the region and the periphery.

Further U.S intelligence and mercenary are involved on the ground in Pakistan as paramilitary forces to counteract the less than one hundred Al Qaeda members supposedly driven from Afghanistan to Pakistan following the decade old combat mission in the war torn country.

As for the Afghan Taliban – again the negligible number in comparison with the U.S. and NATO consolidated engagement are opposed to U.S. and NATO appointed government in Kabul and never found posing a threat to U.S and allies’ national security at any time.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai under U.S and NATO authority is in agreement to massive foreign troops presence extending beyond 2014 – a situation similar to Iraq with U.S. selected government led by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki creating local insurgency against foreign military occupation and the respective heads of the state perceived as the puppet figures for foreign power.

The latest killing of 5 U.S. soldiers in June 2011 and previously April 2011 declared the deadliest month in Iraq is suggestive of the sentiments prevalent among the factions against U.S. occupation in any format either combat or security personnel training.

These incidents serve as the pretext to extend occupation beyond the bilateral agreement to leave the country.

The identical policies in the two nations – Afghanistan and Iraq for both strategic and economic dominance has lost credibility with unconvincing withdrawals from combat position to preparing the Afghani and Iraqi security forces for national defense only contributes to draining U.S and allies’ treasury precipitating economic decline worldwide.

Meanwhile the quagmires are leading Afghanistan and Iraq to the point of no return on economic and political viability facilitating prolonged foreign military retention to curb cyclical violence.

The outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the former military command General David Petraeus emphasized on U.S. permanent base in Iraq with the possibility to continue having troops in the beleaguered nation.

Likewise Afghanistan is being maneuvered in that direction with the over reaching timetable lacking in definitive milestones.

With respect to the mounting economic burden on U.S and allies taxpayers funding the protracted warfare surrounding the ambiguous timeline for complete pull out  –

The cost factor has not been mentioned in the Presidential speech considering the relevance at any time particularly when the debate on raising the national debt ceiling is contentious resulting in the existing gridlock between the White House and the Republican members in the House and Senate.

Raw data on the expenditure incurred in the two wars thus far is reported to be a staggering $1.6 trillion and despite the projected drawdowns in the near and distant future the economic costs is expected to exceed over $2.6 trillion given the stated occupation until 2014 and thereafter

Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen quoted during congressional hearing on June 23, 2011 that Afghanistan war alone is costing U.S. taxpayers $10 billion per month.

Department of Defense (DOD) has increased baseline funding requirement by $8 billion in order to avoid the war fatigue stimulated fund reduction earlier secured through supplemental appropriation bill in Congress.

The operational costs pertaining to military personnel, training Afghan and Iraqi security forces, counter-terrorism using various methods from boots in ground to unmanned aerial attacks,

Not to mention the 15,000 troops in undisclosed location as classified operatives, constant replenishing of stockpiles, defense supplies and equipments…all falling under operation and maintenance category has direct impact on the fiscal year budget.

It is equally important to shed light on Afghanistan and Iraq economies stalled by systemic breakdowns in national governance emanating from weak administrations and disruptions attributed to foreign invasion related violence.

Hence the costs to restore military capability in Afghanistan and Iraq are currently met by the taxpayers of the participating nations.

Also not factored in the equation is the military aid to neighboring Pakistan bearing economic liabilities for U.S and incessant internal turmoil in Pakistan.

The Presidential statement affirmed the following principles that are unfortunately not adhered to on many issues.

“We’re a nation that brings our enemies to justice while adhering to the rule of law and respecting the rights of all our citizens.”

The alleged killing of Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan had no prior approval from the United States Congress or the sovereign Pakistan Parliament and the U.S. as well as global citizens request for credible evidence confirming the action ignored with the case closed asserting that Presidential discretionary powers exercised in this matter.

Additionally in terms of respecting the rights of citizens – the Patriot Act allowing government unlimited access to the public’s private life is anything but honoring the citizen’s rights.

“We protect our own freedom and prosperity by extending it to others. We stand not for empire, but for self-determination. That is why we have a stake in the democratic aspirations that are now washing across the Arab world.

We will support those revolutions with fidelity to our ideals, with the power of our example, and with an unwavering belief that all human beings deserve to live with freedom and dignity.”

The war torn nations – Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Bahrain with U.S and allies’ strong influence prove otherwise.

When innocents are being slaughtered and global security endangered, we don’t have to choose between standing idly by or acting on our own. Instead, we must rally international action, which we’re doing in Libya, where we do not have a single soldier on the ground, but are supporting allies in protecting the Libyan people and giving them the chance to determine their own destiny.”

Libyan current reality is testimony to economic aspirations overriding humanitarian cause.

The illegitimate government under Muammar Gaddafi leadership is indeed slaughtering and ordering mass murder of innocent civilians.

On United States watch the Libyan leader continues to remain in power with oppression accepted as the fact of life in the Arab world.

There is no urgency or necessity felt among U.S. and coalition to indict leader Muammar Gaddafi and family for war crimes in the International Court of Justice to enable people victory in Libya.

However, the U.S initiative in using International Court of Justice in 2010 against Lebanon brought down the democratically elected government demonstrating the U.S and allies selective pursuits for political, strategic and economic benefits.

Notably Egypt, Yemen and Bahrain are favored against Syria though the citizens in all of these nations share common goals – freedom and democracy, economic, social and political prospects not to mention their experience with identical government crackdowns to quell dissent.

American dream in the twenty first century is compromised with rising deficit, deep economic recession, poor job market and growing inflation stemming from burgeoning costs in military expansion across the globe.

United States and coalition can no longer sustain the public wealth depletion since wars are now conducted on borrowed money saddling the present and future generations with enormous debt denying the average citizens the ability to attain their individual life ambitions.

Therefore procrastination in bringing troops home is imprudent and not learning from history i.e. Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos would be analogous to anticipating different results from failed methods.

Besides monetary obligations the ultimate price paid on warfare is sacrificing precious lives from all sides whether the victims are 18 and 19 year old combat soldiers or five to ninety year old civilian, the bloodshed until now and later to assist the defense industry profits renders life easily dispensable.

Human resources is an integral part of a nation’s capital and utilizing the core services constructively would increase productivity in a peaceful environment rather than pursuing persistent universal military installations to safeguard defense sector’s profitability.

With economies on the brink of collapse, it would be wise to focus on nation building in creating jobs, strengthening local manufacturing, improving domestic status on all fronts to provide for fair income distribution that could inevitably alleviate human suffering.

The war strategies from military command and Defense department to win public and congressional trust do not indicate clear exit motives from any location restricting peace emergence in the occupied territories.

When the simple maxim – live and let others live in peace is wholeheartedly practiced then peace, progress and prosperity will naturally pervade world over.

Human desires surpassing human wants endangering life and habitat is the fundamental problem in the contemporary era.

Protectionism in wealth accumulation at the global population despair and disadvantage in the globalized economy is yet another grim characteristic of personal gains primordial for some to thrive leaving the rest struggling to survive.

Power come into play with calculated tactics applied in targeted areas to absorb functionality accentuating vulnerability among people for self-promotion and specific agenda.

Global connectivity having become the convenient link – the opportunity for positive and negative aspects is explored and in some instances exploited exacerbating human plight and national welfare.

Peaceful protests seeking paradigm shift in political system throughout Middle East is a classic example where persecuted dissidents’ voices are being heard but global leaderships’ passiveness is restraining transformation from taking place.

Corporate and military dominance centered on territorial and assets acquisition at the vast majority’s detriment is predominantly responsible for the status quo.

As a result political upheavals are common for nations deprived of sovereignty with foreign rule dictating terms and conditions under the guise of spreading democracy and nation building.

Military aggression replaced with economic development, educational facilities, life saving projects such as clean drinking water, irrigational sources in the drought prone areas to improve farming, hospitals and last but not the least infrastructure investment would guarantee precipitous ending to unmitigated violence in the perpetual war zones.

Accordingly national efforts and achievements in this regard utilizing the disproportionate defense divestments and eliminating wasteful spending would not only revive economic growth but also contain fiscal woes in the escalating financial crisis.

Political will is quintessential to steer the nation forward in all frontiers.

Leaders and public officials as elected representatives exemplifying unequivocal pledge to serve the people and the country they govern by resisting influences from within and outside that is regressive would enhance national endowments setting the path towards bipartisanship crucial in recognizing the mutual ideas and concerns as necessary checks and balances to pass legislation affecting millions of lives at home and around the world.

Reverting to Afghanistan – the Afghan nationals deserve a new beginning free of foreign determination to elect, govern and chart the course for them with international assistance flowing to empower people in expediting the desirable outcome.

Afghanistan is at the crossroads to resurrect and rebuild the nation in rubbles to a peaceful vibrant economic center in Central Asia, fostering diplomatic and trade relationships with Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka…in the Indian sub-continent.

Military interventions and wars have diminished hopes and deteriorated economic conditions with overwhelming segments in the society living in abject poverty, poor literacy rates known to have hampered young girls and women’s rights forcing them to dependency often enduring social injustice in modern times.

Afghanistan has great potential to evolve and integrate with the millennium concept rich in diversity, innovations and inspirational accomplishments without having to disinherit the salient cultural heritage unique to every society.

Political emancipation and peaceful atmosphere is paramount in overcoming obstacles on the path to recovery.

Afghanistan is also faced with crippling corruption scandals at every step of the way and reversing the trend in this context would call for national awakening with grassroots support enforcing the code of conduct into effective law.

Optimism, steel resolve and national unity are the keys to success in the evolutionary process.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Greece Austerity Package

June 22, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Greece faced with fiscal challenges is considering further austerity measures targeting the mainstream population.

The decision has triggered public anger and frustration in disagreement with the government’s economic policy.

In an effort to comply with ECB, IMF and EU terms for the previous bailout euros 110 billion of which, financiers have conditionally withheld remaining euros 12 billion demanding the government to streamline spending cuts alongside tax hikes to avert potential default predicted to cause ripple effects among the euro zone nations.

Greece is also hoping to secure additional loan euros 100 billion to meet financial obligations with creditors while attempting to pass the austerity package worth euros 28 billion in Parliament

The Socialist government under familiar leadership of Prime Minister George Papandreou has been struggling to survive the worst financial crisis emanating from –

The hedge fund debacle combined with weak fiscal policy lacking in checks and balances,

Asset mismanagement, monetary and economic policies deficient in goals and preparedness with respect to the then looming global recession leading to prior administration failure exacerbated by the common corruption problem that has brought the Mediterranean country on the brink of economic collapse.

As a result the vulnerable demography in the society are forced to bear the brunt with workers in both public and private sector not paid for their service or labor over six to fifteen months.

Notwithstanding a vast majority bereft of job opportunities and economic growth… left at the government’s mercy for existence.

The dire situation is the culmination of complacency to deteriorating economic conditions, financial prudence and ethical efficacy debilitating national creditworthiness.

From the creditors perspective, caution exercised in lending to a nation perceived as fiscally irresponsible and therefore stipulations beyond economic viability is maintained despite the drastic constraints proved detrimental to the borrower and lender more likely precipitating the anticipated delinquency on loan repayment.

Although fiscal management is vital to emerge from the burgeoning economic meltdown, it is equally important to be diligent in protecting the mass being the workers, employees, consumers, taxpayers and the electorate determining the political fate in a democratic society.

Austerity aimed at the essential services and programs for citizens would be counterproductive.

Instead reviewing the national budget and eliminating wasteful expenditures like disproportionate defense appropriation with Greece being a NATO ally and trimming bureaucracy in the government portfolios could improve efficiency in the public sector.

Private sector could be invigorated with tax incentives to retain and create desperately required jobs.

Simultaneously closing tax loopholes with tax reform is yet another revenue source possibly reversing the rising national debt.

Investments to promote small-medium businesses are typically the desirable economic pursuits to expedite recovery.

Identifying redundant holdings and undertakings contributing to national deficit could ease the burden with divestments in job sector to increase productivity.

Agriculture, Industrial expansion utilizing innovative technology and focus on green jobs would immensely boost GDP enhancing exports in the global economy.

Hence every step towards alleviating public plight by restoring health, education, housing jobs and environment would guarantee exponential returns for any economy especially the nations dealing with fiscal woes need economic stimulus to revive the job market and consequently consumerism.

Human capital is a valuable resource instrumental in economic, social and political development.

The government efforts on austerity slashing critical programs that could deprive people from basic living standards are not in  national interest.

Greece is urged to implement robust economic policy built on political transparency and accountability effectively addressing corruption to reflect integrity and credibility in national affairs.

Parliament vote in Greece could perhaps follow a road map prioritizing citizens’ economic and social empowerment with precise immediate and long-term objectives consisting emergency plan through financial reserve held in future savings for foreseeable or unexpected events.

Hopefully the lenders IMF, EU and ECB would kindly approve the necessary funds to Greece on the premise to become solvent besides fiscally strong in the tough economic climate setting a precedence for others seeking financial rescue.

Wishing the people of Greece and Prime Minister George Papandreou success in nation building.

Best Wishes to European Union members in providing meaningful financial assistance to enable nations like Greece and others in similar strife to strive for rapid growth resumption.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

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Civil Rights Under Attack

June 14, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

The entities behind deaths and destruction on this planet upon being requested to pursue the path of peace in the Middle East and elsewhere have demonstrated their true colors through assault on fundamental democratic right – freedom of expression.

Comments posted on the website www.padminiarhant.com reflecting public view worldwide has been hacked and deleted by the forces in power confirming their insecurity heightened by intolerance to non-violence and peace.

The latest action is by no means a surprise considering the repeat attacks endured since the website commencement to educate and inform the global society on the diabolical agenda implemented under the guise of democracy and other political systems representing plutocracy.

It is well known that communication is targeted to suppress free flow of information to the extent when proposal to shut down Internet was drafted in 2009 setting a dangerous precedence to undermine democracy notwithstanding direct violation of the constitution.

Democracy is threatened when freedom of speech expressing concern over –

Innocent lives killed in illegal warfare,

Profiteering from arms supply at the cost of human lives,

Economic policies benefiting the privileged thereby creating the gulf between the rich and poor,

Social injustice from selective domestic and foreign policy in the so-called war on terror and last but not the least,

The energy sector detrimental ambitions to drill, mine…and pollute to the environment’s peril destroying the  only habitat for life,

Prohibited by aggressive tactics confirming the contemporary era to fascist draconian rule of law.

It is time for world citizens to wake up to reality and defend the individual rights that are increasingly denied under the auspice of maintaining new world order.

Such undemocratic interventions would only precipitate the inevitable decline of powers having wreaked havoc indiscriminately across the world.

The commitment to truth exposure by unveiling the masqueraded behind the scenes events remain steadfast and determined to prevail in the establishment of peace and justice.

Global visitors to the domain are requested to demonstrate solidarity and promote peace by sharing the information on the website.

With profound gratitude to all supporters for their encouraging comments the website is dedicated to serving humanity.

Your incredible support is appreciated.

The website is resolute in delivering the important message on non-violence, peace and unity on humanitarian values in addition to persevering environment protection.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

Arab Spring – Permeating Middle East Peace and Political Stability

June 12, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

The political uprising in Tunisia last December inspired pro-democracy movement across the Middle East.

Arab Spring denotes the long overdue political transformation granting freedom of expression – a fundamental right in every civil society, free and fair elections that guarantees participation of all political groups and social equality transcending gender notwithstanding socio-economic as well as educational status.

Political oppression over decades mired by human rights abuse has been prevalent up until now prompting fierce battle between government forces and civilians for democracy in Libya, Syria, Egypt, Bahrain and Yemen.

People in the Middle East and North Africa have valiantly protested against authoritarianism with many innocent lives sacrificed in the violent crackdown by political leaderships unwilling to relent to public call for their resignation.

The Contact Group meeting on Libya held in Abu Dhabi, UAE on June 9, 2011 is a phenomenal step towards expediting the dawn of democracy in the region.

More than 30 countries and many international organizations pledging support to rebuild Libya and offering humanitarian aid to the nations in political turmoil is welcome and signifies the general consensus on Middle East stability being vital for global security.

Thousands of lives saved through international intervention are praiseworthy.

However, the leaderships responsible for massacre are still in power and the ammunitions used in the brutal attacks against peaceful demonstrators were supplied by the powerful nations’ defense industry.

The outreach to political dissidents in the oppressed nations is undermined by arms supply to dictatorial governments thereby strengthening their defense against national movement.

Behind the scenes negotiations with autocratic powers and the heir apparent in Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and more prominently Libya has prolonged the crisis and emboldened the embattled leaderships to remain in power against republic will.

The simultaneous approach has created confusion and delayed imminent political transition contributing to further loss of life and economic damages that could be reversed through categorical denouncement and explicit action leading to the illegitimate governments’ termination in office.

Individual assessment of political situation in the Middle East could shed light on the problems and offer viable solutions to end misery paving the path for a new beginning with people governing national resources that would allow sovereignty to prevail over dynasty or totalitarian rule.

Tunisia – The origin of political awakening led by citizens quest to drive the nation towards political independence and sowing the seeds for democracy to blossom in the near future.

Political struggles are not without obstacles and the post conflict poses more challenges often becoming the litmus test for the revolution viability.

Tunisian election scheduled on July 24, 2011 is now postponed to October this year to facilitate better preparation considering the nation’s first experience at the polls.

The Contact group along with International Stabilization Response Team and UN assistance in this regard is poignant in terms of setting up system to produce the election media conduct code or technical aid prior to historic elections in Egypt and Tunisia…to promote smooth electoral process.

It is essential for the citizens in Tunisia and elsewhere to form a united front in rebuilding their nation and work together towards common goals i.e. economic progress and social equality reflected in political representation.

Egypt – The Supreme Council of Egypt Army subsequent to Mubarak regime dismissal is yet to lift emergency rule, probe human rights violation, Tahrir Square political activists persecution such as virginity tests for women and men subjected to electrocution…

Replicating the predecessor undemocratic civil rights suppression confirms emulation rather than elimination of tyranny.

Although Egypt’s national election is due in September 2011, the current developments under the military government are a direct assault on democratic reform and calls for the swift transfer of power to civil society.

Failure to adhere to democratic principles is extending Mubarak rule by proxy.

Egypt Army assumed power on U.S and allies watch to curb the rise of western feared fundamentalism against local sentiments on external influence predominantly responsible for long lasting dictatorships in the region.

The Contact Group efforts translated into results in keeping the army at bay exclusively for national defense not governance in Egypt and alike would prove the real commitment to establish democracy in the Middle East and North Africa.

Libya – The recognition of Transitional National Council as the Libyan population’s legitimate representative is a progressive measure and the Contact Group members’ assurance to maintain relief emphasize the Council’s legitimacy in implementing the desirable change that is inclusive, transparent and in coherence with the twenty first century concept.

None of these aspirations are feasible unless the Gaddafi government is removed from power and the perpetrators of war crimes brought to justice to prevent recurring atrocity against humanity.

The recent killing of 28 freedom fighters during Gaddafi loyalists’ incursion near Misrata, North Western Libya reinforces the requirement to disarm the regime in possession of disproportionate artillery stockpiles.

Again reiterating the earlier statement on arms supply to undemocratic elements, the economic and political pressure by the Contact Group can be effective only when the chain link on weapons delivery to the government forces are broken and confiscated in order to contain violence used thus far to combat national resistance.

The leading international powers’ military strategy to arm the revolutionaries instead of disarming the belligerent government security personnel has converted the initial non-violent dissent into armed retaliation in Libya and Yemen…

Again the real beneficiaries are the defense industry or the military industrial complex profiteering from arms distribution to all sides at the enormous expense of precious lives.

Therefore it is incumbent upon the governments to cease weapons dispatch and substitute them with economic development.

The decision at G8 meeting in Deauville France in May 2011 with every G8 country prepared to open its market to nations committed to meaningful reform underpinned by clear conditions is noteworthy.

Nonetheless the G8 nations reciprocal investment in the countries heading towards democratic structure is equally imperative to develop the domestic economy.

Trade relationships, social and cultural exchange between nations are mutually rewarding and nurture economic growth alongside improving strategic partnerships.

The western governments hold the key to liberation in the Middle East and North Africa since the heads of the state in Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia…were all considered allies and approved for various political and economic reasons regardless of their governance track record.

It is a unique moment for the western powers to disavow relation with unsavory leaderships and unequivocally engage in the power transfer to the people without further bloodshed and destruction.

Syria – President Bashar Al Assad obsession with power came to light in the escalated violence forcing his own people to flee their homeland across the borders as refugees.

The leaderships’ cumulative response throughout Middle East towards public demand for republic rule has been similar i.e. excessive force and killing of their population they have enslaved over several years.

Power is honorable when lives are saved, protected and uplifted not the contrary per the status quo.

Syrian state collapse is a possibility in the treacherous trail by the Assad government eager to stay in power but unwilling to surrender in national interest.

Syrian population resolve and resilience will enable their political dreams to come into fruition.

The dictatorial governments downfall is a matter of time for they can no longer continue with the genocide carried out to expand their term in office indefinitely.

Yemen – Sharing the traits with counterparts in Syria and Libya – The politically and physically wounded President Ali Abdullah Saleh is another example of autocracy losing grip on power.

Yemeni President was never acknowledged as the leader and rejected by the people given the President’s self-appointment to power exacerbated with brutality in the latest political upheaval.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh survived the political storm with the U.S and allies backing in the so-called war on terror.

The President has no credibility and would be better poised to step down from office with dignity in the wake of national demonstration urging Saleh administration to leave avoiding the unarmed civilian sacrifice.

Bahrain – The reaction to political evolution is no different from the regional events.

The powerful economic and military ally in Saudi Arabia and United States respectively has been instrumental in sustaining violence against the citizens.

Needlessly the kingdom’s dominant maneuvering is a temporary escapade imitating the neighboring rulers’ tactics eventually resulting in inevitable expulsion from power.

Refusal to accept the new millennium generation determination to replace autocracy, theocracy and plutocracy with functional democracy is delusional at the least and individually detrimental as exemplified in the present and past testimony.

The current trend pursuing confrontation under the guise of patriotism is politically misleading and economically devastating serving only the foreign authorities’ selective agenda.

As for the western powers declaration to democratize Middle East and North Africa the mission is noble and perhaps urgent attention drawn to independent Palestine State with West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem officially designated as Palestinian territories not barring illegal settlements and occupation would reaffirm the genuine motive behind solemn solidarity.

People in the Middle East and North Africa have endured immense suffering and denied normal existence.

The extraordinary courage exhibited in taking their grievances to the streets non-violently is bound for remarkable victory concluding the repressive era.

Freedom is in the air and the permeating Arab Spring promises pleasant fragrance in the environment – political rights and economic prosperity in the society.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

June 1, 2011

 

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to your message

From: United States Senator Dianne Feinstein

To:        Padmini Arhant

Dear  Ms. Arhant,

I received your letter expressing your support for fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you know, when Congress enacted IDEA in 1975, it authorized the Federal Government to contribute up to 40 percent of the cost associated with educating students with disabilities.

This commitment was to ensure that the nearly six million students with special needs receive the same quality of education as their peers without overburdening local school districts.

To date, this commitment has never been fully funded. During fiscal year 2010, $11.5 billion was provided to states for special education, roughly 17 percent of the total cost.

In fiscal year 2009, the Federal Government provided 34 percent of the cost of special education with additional funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

This was the closest the government has ever come to matching the 40 percent commitment. As states cut back on education budgets, local school districts have been forced to cut some of their services or raise taxes to pay for the special education services they are mandated to provide.

I share your concern that school districts may be overburdened by the costs of special education.

During the 111th Congress, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced the “IDEA Full Funding Act,” which would have fulfilled the commitment to fully fund IDEA over an eight-year period.

That bill did not get passed before Congress adjourned, so it will need to be reintroduced to be considered in the 112th Congress. Ensuring that all students receive a quality education is a priority of mine, and it is helpful for me to hear your views on this issue.

As Congress considers the reauthorization of IDEA, please be assured that I will work with my colleagues to find responsible and cost-effective ways to provide school districts with adequate special education funding.

Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office.

Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website, Feinstein.senate.gov.  You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list. Click here to sign up. Feel free to checkout my YouTube Page

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From:  Padmini Arhant

To:  U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

Honorable. Senator Dianne Feinstein

Dear Senator Feinstein,

Your update in response to my petition on IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) funding is much appreciated.

There is no doubt that fiscal budgets’ priorities are misplaced with education, health and essential services marginalized over wasteful spending.

As stated in your letter, I concur with you in entirety on this issue that –

IDEA Full Funding Act introduced by Senator Tom Harkin requires reintroduction in the 112th Congress.

Again I would go further on this matter to request Congressional members on both sides of the aisle to not only reconsider but also stamp their approval without any procrastination to prove their commitment to American families.

Federal funding towards vital programs such as IDEA providing equal opportunity to significant population with special needs is prudent investment that guarantees quality education resulting in brighter future for all.

It is reassuring to learn about congressional initiative to reauthorize IDEA and your dedication along with other esteemed members cooperation would expedite the passage of this important Act.

School districts are faced with a dilemma in the mandatory compliance not backed with adequate federal or state funding forcing them to streamline overheads, which means credentialed and skilled educators are no longer affordable.

Other undesirable alternatives are eliminating core services that could potentially transform life for talented students qualifying under IDEA including others seeking basic to advanced assistance.

Investments in education and health for citizens across the social, economic and political spectrum are monumental for national progress.

It can no longer be categorized as discretionary spending especially with definitive returns on these crucial programs directly benefiting the economy and the general society.

I extend my support to issues related to enhancing American lives and humanity at large.

Thank you for your solidarity and look forward to successful IDEA enactment.

With Best Wishes,

Padmini Arhant