Libya – Leader Muammar Gaddafii’s Last Opportunity

May 1, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi reportedly lost his family members – sixth son Saif Al-Arab and three grand children in the latest NATO air strike.

Any loss of life is deeply regrettable and condolences are conveyed to the grieving family on the tragedies experienced by them.

However, the Libyan leader since uprising escalated unprecedented violence against own population leading to the status quo.

The shroud of sorrow on the Gaddafi family today were long endured by Libyan people under the leadership’s tyranny and oppression unleashed over four decades especially in recent response to citizens’ peaceful plea for Gaddafi government’s resignation in order to realize real political freedom.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and loyalists remain defiant and unwilling to honor the national will by stepping down from office despite the personal loss proving the individual priority i.e. to cling on to power regardless of massive bloodshed, chaos and destruction causing immense grief all around.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s desperate attempts to extend power under false propositions that were previously not fulfilled and unlikely to happen at present or in the future demonstrates the leadership seizing every available situation to self-advantage.

Such governance having failed to win the citizens’ trust and confidence can never prevail in prolonging power against national and international dissent or poignantly deliver the promise.

Therefore it is important for the leader Muammar Gaddafi and his family to accept reality by quitting from power and prepare to permanently leave Libya not forgetting the consequences of earlier refusal resulting in family deaths largely attributed to the leadership’s presumptuous decisions ignoring population plight.

As for the supporters – Gaddafi family and leadership have no gratitude and bound to be let down sharing similar outcome considering their attitude towards own family displayed in the obstinacy to move forward with the political agenda.

The unwavering loyalty to the violent regime rather than the people would accordingly deliver the end justifying the means.

The security personnel and others backing the regime are urged to pay serious attention to the unfolding events not sparing the offenders’ lives revealing the inescapable fact that violence begets violence and eye for an eye would only make the world go blind.

All those behind the embattled leadership crumbling from the helm to the bottom have no option but to lay down their arms and ammunition for the tide is turned against them.

Underestimating the developments would be naïve and rejecting the inevitable defeat is denial that could only expedite the regime’s expulsion.

Hence allowing wisdom to guide the moral engagement through immediate surrender by renouncing power and presence in the country could perhaps alleviate the regime’s burden on crimes against humanity.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and heir apparent notwithstanding the rest of the government have the unique opportunity to reconcile terms with the people in their acknowledgment of the Gaddafi era coming to conclusion.

It is a non-negotiable and unequivocal demand seeking the regime’s rapid exit from the nation with the accumulated wealth in their possession to be withheld for national investment.

The courageous Libyan people sacrifices will not be in vain with every life lost in the political struggle cherished as the beacon light for an independent and prosperous Libya.

Please do not lose hope with freedom on the horizon.

Best Wishes to the resilient Libyan revolution for a glorious victory in the political liberation.

Thank you

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Syria – Violence Against Pro-Democracy Movement

April 28, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Political uprisings throughout Middle East and North Africa reveal the common characteristics in the dictatorial regimes – brutal crackdown, eleventh hour false reform pledge to defuse uprising, characterize protesters as traitors when the profile fits the decadent rulers having held the population hostage for several decades.

Not to mention their subservience and loyalty to external sources with vested interests competing against the determined pro-democracy movement.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad inherited power from his father the former President Hafez al-Assad prolonging the dynasty rule since February 22, 1971.

Syria an ally of Iran, the adversary of Israel and Lebanon’s influential neighbor is confronted with people’s revolution currently sweeping across the region demanding the end to tyranny and oppression spanning over half a century.

Again the governments failure to recognize and acknowledge the public rejection of constitutional monarchy via dynastic governance, military coup and totalitarianism,

Notwithstanding the emergence to power through deception and exploitation of citizens’ trust revealed in broken promises are the reasons behind the prevalent political crisis causing trepidation among the corrupt and authoritarian regimes flagrantly backed by similar forces against meaningful democracy.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s violent measures directing armed security personnel and supporters to attack non-violent demonstrators that has claimed many innocent lives is yet another desperate strategy in following Iran, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia…but regrettably not learned from the consequences of such tactics in Egypt and Tunisia.

Anti-government rally in Syria being no different from events in other parts of Middle East is citizens’ revolt against authoritarianism primarily seeking the incumbent governments ouster in a non-negotiable and unequivocal term to facilitate the democratic system onset under republic rule.

The shadow government comprising nefarious representations successfully reins control over democratic and autocratic societies with relentless engagement in debilitating the rise of people power across the globe.

Accordingly the belligerent leaderships responsible for their own citizens’ deaths are divided in their allegiance to factions with synonymous traits and agenda targeting the people and policies favoring national interest.

For instance, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen and Bahrain leaderships protected as strategic allies for military operations while the nations with oil resources are safeguarded as key economic interests.

Therefore the interventions witnessed thus far – the procrastinated actions and deliberate miscalculations costing pro-democratic activists lives compounded with negotiations to extend regime power through heir apparent in Libya is a huge credibility factor undermining the revolutionaries’ victories in the respective nations.

Syria on the flip side falls in the same category due to the leadership alliance with Iran perceived to be the dominant player and the western allies’ regional foe despite the irrefutable commonalities between them – viz. submission to foreign powers and domestic repression.

Hence Iran’s guidance to Syria and the shadow government supported regimes resisting political transformation in the region is presumptuous for the revolutions commitment to prevail in the republic rule establishment can no longer be derailed through bloodshed and unscrupulous means.

The casualties suffered in the capital Damascus, central cities of Hama and Homs, coastal areas of Latakia and Banias, the northern cities of Raqqa and Idlib with the worst massacre in the southern province – Daraa confirm the governments’ irrational and inhumane approach to retain authority.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad renouncing power by stepping down from office immediately along with the loyalists departure to avoid further civilian deaths would prove the leadership’s genuine regard for Syria’s sovereignty.

Any leadership authorizing the use of live ammunitions against the population in the twenty first century is lost in the medieval times and,

Accepting the reality of violent era coming to conclusion with their dismissal from power by the people would perhaps lessen the burden on them in the inevitable judgment for crimes against humanity.

The brave patriots in Syria are commended for their steel resolve and perseverance to achieve political independence. The martyrs’ sacrifices will not be in vain with republic success on the horizon.

Good Luck! To the people of Syria for a glorious triumph in political liberation leading to social equality and economic prosperity.
‘
Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Yemen – GCC Deal and President Ali Abdullah Saleh Resignation

April 26, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

After months of street protests predominantly by the youth population and now with the rest of the nation behind the anti-government rally,

The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) brokered deal offers President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s resignation in 30 days and impunity from prosecution for any crimes.

It is a standard proposal from the embattled leaderships seen thus far in the Middle East and North African political uprisings.

Accordingly the demonstrators have strong doubts about the Yemeni President’s word on leaving office considering the broken promises earlier that has led to the regime extension over thirty-three years.

Furthermore President Ali Abdullah Saleh possible transfer of power to the Vice President Maj. Gen. Abd al-Rab Mansur al-Hadi (appointed by the President on October 3, 1994 – again over sixteen years in office),

Amid expressing inhibitions on several scenarios such as – potential military coup, insisting on transformation through ballot boxes and referendums – strategy that does not fit in with more than three decades of autocratic power and last but not the least,

Al Qaeda infiltration and Islamists from the Islah Party seizing power in the country on the brink of collapse.

First and foremost the incumbent President Saleh’s forecasts is actuality emanating from political oppression, economic depression and social repression under the present government.

Had the country been democratic with republic rule representing the entire nation, Al Qaeda, militarism and fundamentalism would have no place for the people would ensure that internal and external forces not seize their freedom, opportunities and equal status from them.

Therefore it is important for President Saleh to recognize the failures of his government since the existing problems in every frontier is aptly attributed to the decades old system centered on the political leadership and fewer party loyalists’ self-interest implemented in the agenda depleting national resources.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh can no longer convince the beleaguered nation desperately deserving a sea change in the political, economic and social environment benefitting all rather than the powerful and the affluent groups in the society.

Younger generation have dreams and aspirations to build their nation to conform to the twenty first century in every aspect.  The feat could not be accomplished with political independence denial.

President Saleh in the latest speech advised the youth to form a political party and challenge the ruling government in the election.

Although the belated suggestion to set up political party is motivating, the timing implies the political maneuver to let the quest for democracy dissipate with the expectation for situation reversal i.e. political governance under President Saleh.

Protesters anguish and mistrust against the GCC mediated offer is justified due to the key elements in the agreement viz. President Saleh departure from office delayed by 30 days and immunity granted to all those involved in violence against unarmed civilians reportedly claimed 130 lives until date.

People’s decision is clear in this regard seeking President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down immediately and not in 30 days.  The terms are non-negotiable and the wealth accumulated during the entire period to be retained for national investment and not personal acquisition.

The military in Yemen is urged to safeguard boundaries and territories in addition to citizens’ lives as opposed to aiming for political power,

Notwithstanding extending support to President Saleh government or any partisan groups threatening national security.

The fundamentalism cannot survive in the political evolution began through educated youth movement having attracted remaining citizens from across the country with the activists in southern city Taiz and capital Sana focused on modern society establishment in the post political freedom.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh honoring the republic will by renouncing power in entirety would be a dignified exit as the inevitable developments could neither be stalled nor stopped across the region and elsewhere.

No leadership could assert authority through use of force and insist on continuing in power despite the bloodshed and economic severity affecting the nation.

The government resistance to political dissent only exacerbates the crisis facilitating stalemate serving none especially the defiant authorities in power for history is testimony in the past and recent times that velvet, jasmine and lotus revolutions have prevailed in ending decadent rule setting a precedence in synonymous cause.

Yemeni citizens are commended for the courage and patience in their effort to political liberation.  The determination to succeed is evident in their relentless pursuit for democracy.  Staying on course to achieve the goal is quintessential in the political struggle.

Every individual pledged to restoring sovereignty is a formidable opponent to the authorities and the martyrs’ sacrifice will not be in vain.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh term in office is effectively over and clinging on to position against people consent is anything but democratic.

Acknowledgment of reality is the peaceful and viable solution to the ongoing political standoff between the deposed leadership and the people.

Best Wishes to the people in Yemen for a resounding victory in political emancipation leading to social progress and economic prosperity.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

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Dalit Representation in the LokPal Panel

April 23, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

The statement from the Lokpal committee undecided member Mr. Santosh Hegde on dalit representation that-

“Lokpal panel is five men panel with no room for such representation.  Such request made to derail Lokpal bill” is precisely required to be transcended with their inclusion in the highly politicized national cause.

Lokpal panel claimed to be premised on Mahatma Gandhi’s principles yet disenfranchising the society’s specific segment – the dalits unequivocally supported by Mahatma Gandhi in the crusade for social reform is contradictory to Gandhian philosophy of inclusiveness rather than exclusivity.

Further the committee need not be strictly restricted to five members considering the representation of a secular diverse society in every aspect.

The female member absence in the committee pronounces the gender alienation and therefore the recommendation of Mrs. Kiran Bedi, a dedicated social activist with relevant knowledge in the matter was made to reflect the contemporary society.

It is important for all concerned parties to prioritize national interest and set aside the personal and political differences for greater good.

The unique opportunity is available to exemplify the individual commitment to national service without heeding to distractions from sources against the phenomenal step to renew the image of a country that was established in moral and ethical governance.

Again it is earnestly hoped that Lokpal bill will be passed with overwhelming approval in the Parliament to begin a new chapter in history for the world’s largest democracy.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

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India – Anti-Corruption Bill By Indian Civil Society

April 22, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Indian politics is not different from the rest of the world on issues like public dissatisfaction with bureaucracy, corruption and political scandals.

In fact politics without corruption is analogous to fish on the land with the permeating odor affecting the surroundings upon contact.

Indian society has been long dealing with corruption from top down in public and private sector.  The nation has developed immunity to the virus resistant to both prevention and cure.

India’s independence movement began with sentiments contained on the surface and underneath simmering frustration on the bondage endured in homeland from foreign oppression.

If not for the strong and courageous leadership of the nation’s founding father – Mahatma Gandhi and several committed freedom fighters,

Indian history would perhaps be similar to the nations struggling for political liberty in the twenty first century.

Subsequently complacency to corruption, nepotism and cronyism predominantly contributed to the status quo – tax evasions, embezzlement, money hoarded in Swiss bank accounts and tax havens, complicity to atrocity against humanity,

Notwithstanding systemic abuse of power benefitting the powerful, affluent and influential in the society with demography at the lower economic strata marginalized including lagging investments in infrastructure and green technology.

As previously mentioned, no political faction is “Sanctus Stephanus Protomartyr” given the erupting political scandals.

The prolonged investigations and judicial process are still underway with prime suspects committing suicide or fleeing town to avoid trials against them.

Invariably all political parties and governments slighted the citizens’ voices against corruption and requests to address the issue over four decades leading to the recent hunger strike by a seventy two year old citizen Anna Hazare – reportedly Mahatma Gandhi follower, a former soldier in the Indian Army then a community organizer and later became a social activist.

The senior citizen Anna Hazare claimed to have written to Prime Minister DR. Man Mohan Singh and the ruling Congress Party President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi earlier this year on the worsening corruption situation.  Mr. Anna Hazare confirmed there was no response from either political leader to the plea.

Mr. Anna Hazare launched his fasting in mid-April that soon galvanized into national rally demanding government attention to the overwhelming corruption charges and allegations against ruling as well as opposition political parties at the central and state levels.

Indian citizens gathered in large numbers seeking a committee with members representing the civil society and the legislators from the government to draft a bill against corruption through robust measures to curb the epidemic stalling progress in many frontiers,

Besides tarnishing the image of a great nation poised to lead the world in the most challenging era.

The government’s agitation in accepting the civil society proposition on the committee with fair representation on both sides was evident in the developments involving the panelists nominated by Mr. Anna Hazare.

If the government approach was to adopt a high moral ground in exemplifying the important legislation’s ethical efficacy then it would have been appropriate to begin with their members – the four prominent cabinet ministers as eminent legal minds albeit not without political baggage in their respective domain.

Congress Party has been inundated with numerous allegations from 2G-Spectrum scam, Commonwealth Games Funds misappropriation, bribery charges during vote of confidence in 2008 to the direct implications of the political alliance with DMK and the Chief Minister Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu.

Notwithstanding the corruption cases dropped against the Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi in the Bofors Scandal by the Congress led government in 2009 and,

Closure of CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe in the criminal investigation against Mr. Quattrocchi per the Delhi High Court decision in March 2011 concluded after 250 crores Indian Rupees approximately $50 million expenditure in 25 years producing no result.

Likewise on the opposition front, the BJP protection to the Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa alleged dealings and the CM’s defiance in every respect reveals the impunity granted to members across the political spectrum.

The Congress Party President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s letter to Mr. Anna Hazare clarifying the disdain for smear campaign against the civil society panel,

Amid the Congress Party General Secretary Digvijaya Singh and the potential coalition partner Amar Singh relentless attacks against Lokpal committee members proved contradictory to the national party position rendering Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s statements disingenuous based on the reality.

It is well known that politics is served with selective memory and made obvious in Mr. Digvijaya Singh’s analogy of the Congress government’s former Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Mr. A. Raja – currently held in prison on 2G-Spectrum scandal in the remark against Lokpal committee representatives Mr. Shanti Bhusan and family.

Mr. Anna Hazare began the honorable mission against anti-corruption on the beleaguered victims behalf comprising the vast national majority.

The committee members notably Mr. Shanti Bhushan and his son Prashant Bhushan were nominated by Mr. Anna Hazare despite reservations within the support network on possible nepotism assertions from the groups against the bill.

Furthermore Mr. Anna Hazare previously insisted upon retaining the Bhushans for their legal expertise in parallel to the government’s delegates in the committee.

Now in the wake of controversies emanating from the incumbent party members and government officials’ concerted efforts against civil society panel,

Mr. Anna Hazare is reported to have distanced from his nominees Mr. Shanti Bhusan and Mr. Prashant Bhushan.

Since the legislation concerns the society posing imminent threat to the moral fabric of the nation known for noble Kings and in modern times the patriotic statesmen allegiance to truth, honesty and integrity,

It would be in national interest to select Lokpal (civil society) committee members subject to meeting the specific criteria on legal background i.e. specializing in ethical framework for the society at large combined with legislative procedures and constitutional law.

Mr. Shanti Bhushan and Mr. Prashant Bhushan could relieve the committee from their involvement and let the civil society proceed with the selection of the necessary emissaries in drafting the historic bill.

Social activists Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi deserve participation in the committee considering their knowledge, familiarity with social plight, dedication and unflinching determination to prevail in the national cause.

It is equally crucial to invite representation from the segments deemed outcasts viz. the dalits in the society.

The non-discriminatory bill aptly reflecting the compliance requirement regardless of political, economic and social stature with legal consequences is paramount to deter corruption and other prevalent crimes related to unethical conduct and immoral dealings costing taxpayers apart from draining national treasury.

Due diligence is necessary to ensure loopholes free legislation to prevent circumvention by authorities at the helm to the bottom.

India could set precedence in passing the monumental legislation and successfully implement the law for national good.

Congress Party and the government through finance minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee pledged to introduce the bill during the monsoon session and the conciliatory exchange is welcome.

The initial acknowledgment of the corrosive elements in the system is a refreshing start and devising methods for systematic elimination required to promote effective legislation.

Although democracy is vibrant with myriad views and opinions on the public matter, the objections from the government’s surrogates characterizing the civil society locally known as Lokpal as ‘anarchists’ and,

The spokespersons interpreting the citizens’ call for government reaction after waiting over forty three years as ‘impatience’ clearly demonstrates the polarity between the mainstream and the political establishment.

The apprehensions on civil society presenting the agenda is ironic in a democracy with the constitution set up to represent the government of the people, by the people and for the people – the recognition ominously missing in the present environment.

When the privileged and the political class could safeguard their prospects through active and passive input in the Parliamentary actions, it is rather prejudicial to question the ordinary citizens’ synonymous rights especially them experiencing the brunt of the widespread corruption in the society.

The government and the members against the anti-corruption bill are urged to refrain from mud slinging witnessed up until now for negativities hurt those harboring than the ones aimed at in the karmic and pragmatic sense.

It is sincerely hoped that the civil society would exercise sound reasoning and judgment in choosing the committee legal experts and the government on their part offer cooperation in constructing a formidable legislation and deliver the promise to eradicate corruption.

Upholding transparency and accountability is a key factor with a unique opportunity for the government to utilize the event by allowing the committee meeting to take place in public view via live broadcast.

Good Luck! To civil society and political leaderships in the social as well as political reform victory.

Thank you.

 

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Planned Parenthood, Medicare and Medicaid – The Average Americans’ Life Support

April 17, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

The 2012 budget disagreement in the Hill continues with the Republican majority in the House having passed the proposal to cut $4.4 trillion deficits over the next decade.

Medicare and Medicaid along with funding for the Title X program that provides millions of vulnerable women with family planning, cancer screening and other vital preventative services is currently targeted in the attempt to display fiscal responsibility.

The intention to reduce deficit by $4.4 trillion is praiseworthy but again not at the ordinary citizens’ plight as they are already marginalized in the political system run by the empire representing the tax evading corporations and,

The military industrial complex determined to prolong occupations in Afghanistan and Iraq…with the recent report on Iraq revealing the plan for permanent U.S and coalition troops deployment in the oil rich nation.

Likewise the White House position on raising the debt limit ceiling to accommodate disproportionate military spending through expansive operations in Islamic countries for strategic and economic interests alongside complicity with corporations exporting American taxpayers funded jobs exemplified in the appointment of such corporation to lead the White House Council on Jobs and competitiveness is contradictory to the stated objective.

If the House Speaker John Boehner and the White House were to slash the alarming defense expenditure with troops withdrawal from the nations in the process of being declared indefinite battle zones and,

Pledge towards tax reform evidently favoring corporations like General Electric with the removal of the CEO Jeffrey Immelt from the controversial post in acknowledgment of public petition seeking the GE CEO resignation,

Then the legislative and the executive branches’ crusade could perhaps benefit the mainstream rather than the corporate donors with the base covered in all three government branches.

The cooperation between the Republican members and the White House last year during the Bush tax cuts extension legislation contributing to rising deficit and,

Now the similarities in the debt escalation by the Republican House representatives’ action depriving women, children, veterans and seniors from health care with Medicare and Medicaid elimination,

While the White House calling for higher debt caps inevitably burden the lower and middle income families considering their mutual allegiance to special interests reflected in the generous tax exemptions to the super rich and corporate financiers.

Congressional members opposed to women’s health particularly in their determination to defund Planned Parenthood are alienating the women electorate for ideological reasons and precisely not the change desired by the demography at the lower economic strata.

Reiterating the fact that such polarization within society undermines sovereignty with serious political repercussions for the women’s health opponents and the party.

The real commitment from the White House and the Republican lawmakers would come to light upon prioritizing people over the conglomerate controlling the economic management, foreign policy and warfare.

Thus far the status quo confirms the Bush-Cheney legacy continuation in honoring Bush tax cuts extension, Osama Bin Laden mystery unresolved for perpetual warfare, foreign policy enabling dictatorships to prevail through behind the scenes negotiations with their descendants allowing stalemate against revolutions victory in the people led political uprising in Middle East and North Africa –

Such developments epitomize the corporate and military industrial complex governance overriding democracy.

Therefore the funding restraint on the citizens’ life support – Planned Parenthood, Medicare and Medicaid proves the individual members and leaderships’ misplaced efforts on debt reduction.

Instead the legislative and executive branch consensus on tax revenues successfully circumvented by the corporations and substantial military spending in the sprawling operations around the world should be the bone of contention to signify functional democracy.

With tax payments from corporations obviously not received due to inherent loopholes and deficiencies besides winding up military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq alone would resolve the burgeoning deficit crisis.

Unfortunately the solidarity between the executive and legislative branch in this regard is successfully secured by the corporate sponsors – the perennial winners in the declining democratic system.

Public dissent against Congressional and White House ties with Wall Street at main street peril is necessary to bring about the hope and change reviving republic rule in a democracy.

Failure to heed to citizens’ plea to alleviate and not exacerbate their suffering would be termination of their term in office – as witnessed in 2008 and 2010 elections.

It would be unwise to under estimate electorates’ disappointment in the ‘more of the same’ iimplemented as the promised change.

Hence the incumbent administration and legislative members’ campaign promise delivery to the people without deflecting from the required course is paramount for national progress.

Power is effective in the empowerment of powerless and not aiding the established powerful forces in the shadow government.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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United States – Budget Deal Prevents Government Shutdown

April 9, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Congressional members under the leaderships of the House Speaker John Boehner, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid and minority leader Mitch McConnell passed the budget providing federal funding to last until Thursday April 14, 2011 that averted the government shut down.

The stopgap measure allows government functionality and further time to complete the required tasks i.e. federal funding for the remaining year and the fiscal year 2012 budget approval.

Budget deal is claimed to have achieved $78 billion savings against deficit reduction without social issues holding up the legislation and the political gridlock serving none except news discussion.

As stated earlier the debt reduction is necessary but not at the vulnerable population expense.

The other areas consuming significant proportion of spending with negative returns are to be targeted rather than aiming at life saving programs and essential investments guaranteed to boost economic growth in the immediate and long term future.

The negotiation methods leading to a general consensus on the budget could be emulated in the coming week to avoid any delay or threats to government operation.

The elected representatives to public office bear greater responsibility to diligently engage in meaningful debates and reconcile the differences for a desirable outcome in legislative matter.

Again disagreements for political reasons are detrimental to national interest with an inevitable electoral backlash common in a democracy.

Identifying the unreasonable and unaffordable causes effectively benefitting all could facilitate better environment in public policy engagement.

Although every elected official is inclined to serve their respective constituency and political party,

The national legislation especially fiscal management is always contentious and requires rationality as well as balanced approach resisting political appeasement for universal benefit.

Every American is part of the society. Therefore health, education, jobs, housing and environment problems experienced as individuals or communities has ripple effects.

Poignantly denying funding for Planned Parenthood involved in women’s health care and wellness contributes to the national health care costs overriding deficit containment.

The Republican lawmakers and conservative democrats opposed to Title 10 related to funding for Planned Parenthood are requested to focus on the wide range of health benefits received by women in lower income category that otherwise could deprive them from healthy living standards not to mention the economic liabilities exceeding the fund provision for preventive care.

Such unnecessary opposition is deflective from the objective to reduce national debt.

Besides the political position could generate gender bias perception usually reflected in the electoral outcome.

Change promised on the campaign trail could be realized upon cooperation, acknowledgment of issues in the broader sense and sincere commitment to serve the people and nation at large.

Working in harmony could alleviate partisanship attributed to legislation failure.

Adopting a strategy to exchange ideas and recommendations at various levels to improve American lives while leaving behind the political ideology found in the legislation blockade would enhance performance and fix the broken system in Washington.

Nonetheless the renewed teamwork displayed in the budget agreement is commendable.

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, The White House Staff, Congressional leaderships and members’ perseverance in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Hopefully similar actions will prevail in the week ahead becoming the new resolution rejecting obsolete practices in Washington politics.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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United States – Budget Impasse and Possible Government Shutdown

April 7, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

United States is confronted with many contentious issues.

The disagreement on federal spending, funding for the rest of this year, the deficit, and the FY 2012 budget constitutes the highlight of the political standoff.

There is no doubt that deficit is a major concern not only for the elected officials but also the mainstream taxpayers especially the average citizens forced with tax burden and drastic spending cuts directly affecting vital programs such as health, education and environment protection.

Republican members have always maintained that balancing a budget means targeting essential services to the vulnerable members i.e. children health, youth population dependent on educational grants, senior citizens and veteran affairs without due consideration for the reverse impact on the net output.

Meanwhile, the tax breaks to the wealthiest including estate tax exemption passed during the Bush tax cuts extension in 2010 combined with disproportionate defense expenditure on the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan which were never even budgeted prior to engagement are contradictory to their objective in containing deficit.

The White House fiscal year 2012 budget and the 2011 federal spending is also based on drastic cuts in domestic discretionary spending expected to cause significant pain in states with budget crisis.

Again the Pentagon spending and corporate tax evasions have not drawn the White House and the conservatives’ attention in the crucial debate.

Otherwise – General Electric, America’s largest corporation having made ($14.2B) $14,200,000,000 in profits last year paid $0 in taxes — that’s right, zero dollars in taxes.

Further GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt ensured his compensation doubled and then diligently concentrated on imposing severe concessions in wages and benefits against 15,000 workers.

Ironically Jeffrey Immelt is the Chair of President Barack Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness – the coveted status for any Corporate Executive to be in the realm of policy making at the executive branch.

People grievance in this regard is justified – Mr. Immelt assisted his company to evade taxes on its mega profits and subsequent to securing personal compensation double has been pursuing the workers to accept pay cuts – signifying the culture in the corporate dominant political systems.

Citizens petition seeking CEO Jeffrey Immelt to step down and President Barack Obama for Mr. Immelt’s resignation is yet to be obliged much to public frustration.

CEO Jeffrey Immelt position as the Chair of the White House council is evidently in conflict of interest and therefore honoring citizens’ call to quit from the controversial post would be a dignified decision in a democratic setting.

Perhaps the lawmakers’ favoring austerity on the middle and low income America could review their overwhelming generosity in tax breaks facilitating certain corporations and the super rich executives to defraud the current taxation law.

Congressional Democrats particularly the progressives being the only hope for average Americans are hamstrung in their efforts to prevent the intense attacks against the working class.

Social security – the guaranteed safety net for the baby boomers and retirees is another misplaced political maneuver in the fiscal mismanagement.

The latest stopgap measure passed in the House by Republican majority providing a mere week funding instead of the remaining year reflects the lack of seriousness to perform the services pledged on the campaign trail.

Balanced approach and clear rationale is required to overcome the political gridlock contributing to possible government shutdown likely to exacerbate the situation rather than resolving for national benefit.

Congressional members from both parties are urged to set aside their respective political differences and earnestly involve in fruitful discussions to exemplify their commitment to the American electorate.

Representatives are elected to run the government efficiently and not dedicate to the closure for political appeasement.

Besides the House Speaker John Boehner in the tearful moment upon being elected the Republican leader declared the victory as the strong message from the American people to “change course.”

It is poignant to remind the esteemed Speaker John Boehner on the promises made at the emotional hour.

Republican Congressman John Boehner’s statements were:

“The people’s priorities will be our priorities. The people’s agenda will be our agenda.

This is our Pledge to America; this is our pledge to you!

Let’s start right now by recognizing this is not a time for celebration. This is a time to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We can celebrate when small businesses are creating jobs again.”

The status quo could be attributed to politics served more with rhetoric than actions and as for changing direction – it is worth travelling down memory lane when the then Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich successfully led the Government shut down under the former Democratic President Bill Clinton.

Experimenting old ways for new results might yield self-satisfaction and in this instance to national detriment.

However prolonging the stalemate only confirms the reluctance to ‘Change’ despite the relevance in political stagnancy.

Promoting inaction is not the solution to the burgeoning problem and,

Political leaderships arriving at a consensus through middle ground without marginalizing those struggling to make ends meet or the demography striving hard to revive the economy is instrumental in leading the nation forward.

Spending cuts are vital in the areas that are redundant and destructive to humanity like incessant warfare as well as incentives to energy behemoths indulging in environmental damage.

Contrarily the spending reductions are invariably focused on life saving and prospective investments.

Hence the two substantial avenues to address the federal spending, balancing the budget and deficit control – essentially fiscal responsibility are:

Containing military expenditure with a definitive exit strategy on Iraq, Afghanistan and military bases around the world.

Tax reform to close tax evasion loopholes and tax structure review for fair assessments.

Additionally eliminating wasteful spending i.e. earmarks with the exception of infrastructure improvement in the congressional districts or uplifting social standards producing business and community growth opportunities benefitting all are viable for a meaningful breakthrough in the budget dispute.

It is time to deliver and not deliberate on the government functionality through collective reconciliation of the fiscal matter.

Hopefully all parties will rise to the occasion by recognizing their individual obligation to public and national service without alienating the issues for political purpose.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Message to Iman Al-Obeidi – Beacon Light of Libya

April 6, 2011

From: Padmini Arhant

Dear Iman Al-Obeidi,

Your courage and love for your country is witnessed with great admiration not to mention the attention around the world.

Please remember – your plight along with thousands of martyrs to free Libya will not be in vain.

Your ordeal is shared among the compassionate fellow humans across the globe and those responsible for innocent civilians suffering will be brought to justice.

More poignantly they will be ousted from power regardless of their maneuver to prolong oppression.

Injustice endured by you and other patriots serve as testimony to tolerance reflected in complacency and complicity to a large extent revealed in the latest developments.

Otherwise the request to shut down the communication media used by Muammar Gaddafi and servitudes for false propaganda would not have been slighted combined with expediting arrest warrant for trial in the International Criminal Court dismissed as ‘not interested in prosecution.’

Such reactions suggestive of the strong alliance between the so-called democratic powers and dictatorships for economic interests.

However the same actions were diligently carried out in toppling the democratic government in Lebanon demonstrating the U.S and allies’ discriminatory foreign policy.

People power can no longer be suppressed throughout the world on a wide range of issues.

As stated on numerous occasions – the governments run by the global empire are on the brink of collapse adversely affecting the dictatorial powers relying on false assurance.

Therefore the leaderships in the Middle East and elsewhere are reminded to refrain from use of violence and abuse against pro-democracy movement in the respective nations.

Furthermore they are also advised not to under estimate the revolutions’ resolve to prevail in the quest for political freedom and fairness in the society.

Muammar Gaddafi and loyalists too have daughters, sisters, wives and mother in their lives.

Yet the inhumane treatment of Iman Al-Obeidi and several young captives confirm the lack of respect for life particularly women targeted as inferior and vulnerable members by the tyrannical force and their supporters.

Iman Al-Obeidi and all other hostages’ immediate and unconditional release ending in family reunion are paramount to avert cataclysmic events for the authoritarian powers and descendants.

The Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and family departure is quintessential to represent the meaningful political transformation and the western powers’ have an opportunity to prove their commitment in this regard beginning with Iman Al-Obeidi and many victims release from Gaddafi aides’ custody.

Hence the government under Muammar Gaddafi leadership has less than twenty-four hours to free the honorable daughter of Libya Iman Al-Obeidi and every other citizen held in detention.

Failure to act including external interventions as occurred previously would exacerbate the political crisis and the imminent fall of the defiant authorities.

Iman Al-Obeidi and other persecuted citizens are requested to remain strong for you will not only see the daylight,

Indeed cherished as the beacon light in Libyan liberation cause.

Peace to you and your family with a bright future on the horizon.

Thank you.

Best Regards

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Libya – The End Game

April 4, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Middle East uprisings are evolving into prolonged violent crackdowns.

Libya has been in the center stage allowing the dictatorship to negotiate with the western democratic powers.

The reports on events such as secret talks between the heir apparent Saif al-Islam Gaddafi aides and U.K. foreign ministry on the Libyan leadership substitution rather than regime change with people choice is the fundamental cause for the frustration witnessed in the regional demonstrations.

Further, the defectors and the next of kin from the declining dictatorial powers viz. Libya and Egypt are granted asylum in the United Kingdom revealing the strong relationship maintained with the unpopular leaderships.

The United States refusal to recognize the National Transitional Council in Benghazi, Libya based on “We don’t know who they are,” is a weak and disingenuous argument considering –

The White House admission of CIA operatives on the ground along with MI5 surveillance of not only the Libyan opposition but also the entire pro-democracy movement in the region.

Despite rigorous monitoring the United States and United Kingdom might refute information about the people represented revolutions,

Nonetheless the ordinary citizens from all walks of life in these societies have risked their lives to openly plead through western media for recognition.

The world witnessed their ally Muammar Gaddafi and the clan brutality in the genocide against civilians and army personnel rejecting the shoot at sight order confirming the leaderships’ true characteristics and utter disregard for life in general.

Libyan massacre through aerial bombings and ground assault since political unrest epitomizes Muammar Gaddafi and the descendants’ ruthlessness to remain in power with the oligarchy complicity in the decadent power survival.

Muammar Gaddafi and the dynasty having exemplified unparalleled monstrosity arguably is the ultimate threat to humanity compared with any groups suspected by the western powers in their procrastination to legitimize the republic appointed National Transitional Council awaiting opportunity to lead the revolution.

It is clearly indicative of the irony in the leading western democracies – the United States and the United Kingdom willingness to conduct meetings with the regime while the revolutionary council members are sidelined exacerbating the citizens’ plight in the forty-two years of oppression.

In the combat zone, the recent casualties suffered from NATO attack against Libyan opposition position impending investigation is yet another compounding factor generating a perception of misplaced coalition with the regime more emboldened from the setbacks on the population front.

The dictatorships defiance to reconcile terms with reality and the hope of being salvaged by the powerful liaison will not come to fruition due to the imminent regime collapse evident in the fractured government under Muammar Gaddafi.

Besides the global empire allies in Libya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan…attention to the developments in the democratic systems is vital to realize the people power impact on the prominent leaderships defeated in the respective political actions viz.

Canada – The government led by the Prime Minister Stephen Harper brought down by no-confidence vote in the Parliament on March 26, 2011 with opposition strengthening ties to remove the failed leadership from power.

Germany – The German Chancellor Angela Merkel was delivered a humiliating loss in a poignant regional election on March 27, 2011 over nuclear policy reviving the Green party resurgence.

These are phenomenal evolutions in the inevitable new beginning on the horizon.

Attempts to evade or circumvent the long overdue political transformation would precipitate the natural course resulting in the rapid expulsion of forces responsible for the status quo.

Hence the authoritarian leaderships relying on the influential alliance to suppress the public demand for the cessation of power are reminded to acknowledge the revolutions resolve to implement the desirable change through republic governance.

The dynasties and demagoguery era is nearing end with the meaningful democracy pledged to national interest unlike the prevalent self and special interest succeeding in republic empowerment.

Again the reforms offered in the wake of mass protest are unauthentic considering the exchanges within the establishment.

People involved in seeking political freedom are requested not to relent and accept superficial or hypothetical proposals meant to benefit the puppet governments run by the international nexus organization.

Libya and other oppressive leaderships using violence against own people cannot sustain power irrespective of the western efforts to extend the political crises by default predominantly for economic and strategic advantages in the oil rich nations.

Any genuine resolution to Libyan warfare would comprise legitimizing the citizens’ council thereby denouncing the existing autocracy and expediting Muammar Gaddafi, family and associates’ departure.

On the contrary the deliberations and discreet dialogues with the preferred nominee Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi implicated for Libyan bloodshed confirms the western democratic powers’ paradoxical maneuver.

Striking deals with repressive regimes involved in the slaughter is anything but democratic.

The hypocritical stance in providing refuge and recourse to belligerent leaderships sharing identical traits with terror masterminds especially in killing innocent civilians is noteworthy.

Muammar Gaddafi and the loyalists never had credibility among the people persecuted over several decades.

Launching successors from Gaddafi family or the cabinet would be resistance to real democracy by the democratic powers lacking in transparency and accountability on the domestic and foreign policy contributing to human suffering.

Libyan revolution persistence in the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi is necessary for true liberation and honoring martyrdom across the nation to free Libya.

Wishing the people of Libya triumph over tyranny.

Peace, progress and prosperity to Libyan patriots.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, International Politics | Leave a Comment 

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