Special Acknowledgment – President Jimmy Carter North Korea Visit

September 20, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The Nobel Peace Laureate, President Jimmy Carter is renowned for great accomplishments prominently the long lasting Peace Accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David during his Presidency and the magnificent work through the internationally acclaimed humanitarian organization – Habitat for Humanity providing relief to millions in many areas around the world.

As the founder of Habitat for Humanity, President Jimmy Carter has elevated the living standards and survival rate of the significant population across the globe.

President Jimmy Carter has voiced his legitimate concerns and demonstrated through actions the urgency to heed to rationality than ‘Super Power,’ mentality in foreign policy and environmental issues.

Recently, the former President visit to North Korea in releasing the innocent American citizen, 31 year old Aijalon Gomes from Boston, Massachusetts – is commendable and praiseworthy.

The victim was held prisoner and sentenced to eight years of hard labor in addition to being fined with $700,000 for trespassing and allegedly committing a “hostile act.”

President Jimmy Carter had not only been successful in the prisoner release but also reportedly sought peace message from Pyongyang.

The news excerpts are submitted below:
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Source: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-jimmy-carter-korea,0,7025298.story“>http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-jimmy-carter-korea,0,7025298.story – Thank you.

Former President Jimmy Carter Aids in North Korea release of American Man:

North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Carter’s departure, saying the ex-leader apologized for Gomes’ actions.

The pardon “to set free the illegal entrant is a manifestation of (North Korea’s) humanitarianism and peace-loving policy,” KCNA said.
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Source: http://www.necn.com/09/15/10/Jimmy-Carter-hopes-prisoner-release-can-/landing.html?blockID=311298&feedID=4207 – Thank you.

(NECN) – Former President Jimmy Carter says he hopes the recent release of a Boston man held prisoner in North Korea can move peace talks forward with the country.

Carter says North Korean officials invited him to travel to there to discuss the release of Aijalon Gomes.

He says it took five months to get the trip cleared by the White House to free Gomes, who was sentenced to paying $700,000 and 8 years of hard labor.

Carter says he believes Gomes was treated humanely while he was being held for 7 months.

During his speech at the Carter Center, the former president also revealed that during his meeting with North Korean authorities, they repeatedly told him that they were interested in pursuing peace talks with other countries.

“They were eager to have peace talks that would lead to de-nuclearization of the peninsula,” he says, “and a permanent peace treaty with the United States and South Korea to replace the cease-fire that’s existed ever since I was a young submarine officer.”

Carter says that North Korean officials told him to bring a message back to Washington that they were interested in giving up their nuclear capability if the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and China were willing to negotiate with them.
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Peace Prospect with North Korea – By Padmini Arhant

It’s clear from the Ex-President Jimmy Carter’s visit and presentation at the Carter Center that;

Earnest peace and diplomacy can prevail over belligerence restoring normal relations between Washington and regimes that are permanently secluded with a possible nuclear threat and war games.

There is enough evidence that the peace talks held since the former Republican President Ronald Reagan era until now has failed to focus on peaceful resolutions. The failure in all these peace discussions could be attributed to exhibiting the military might via missile capabilities rather than exploring the peace prospects through economic, trade relationships, social and cultural exchange as witnessed in February 2008 when the New York Philharmonic Orchestra visited North Korea displaying glimpse of hope in Washington-Pyongyang relationship.

When the olive branch is extended for a long lasting and meaningful peace treaty, it provides a unique opportunity for the leaderships engaged in the decades old peninsula peace talks to capitulate and move forward with the dialogue directed at de-nuclearization and political transformation.

Pyongyang’s message through President Jimmy Carter is phenomenal seeking conciliatory response from Washington. There is no reason to procrastinate on the promising peace summit likely to produce the desirable outcome considering the details outlined to President Jimmy Carter.

Any reluctance or delay from Washington and others to the historic meeting would categorically reveal the forces against peace and their real agenda.

People in North and South Korea along with Japan have endured the tensions with the United States struggling to obtain the reliable consensus from China in the quartet sessions held thus far.

North Korean officials’ statement breaks conventional barriers offering a new dimension for nuclear disarmament and further determination among Washington, Japan and South Korea could lead to a political freedom in the domestic front besides ending the standoff between the once united Korea.

The decision remains with Washington in seizing the moment to help the long suffering North Korean people from abject poverty, economic and social progress due to political isolation.

Peace in the Korean peninsula would be monumental permeating to other oppressed regions.

Declining the peace offer would be detrimental to the United States image and President Barack Obama campaign pledge for “Hope and Change.”

Moreover, any hesitation to clinch the deal would confirm the true commitment or the lack thereof by the concerned parties especially Washington.

Above all, it serves as a litmus test for Pyongyang to prove that the defined goals are genuine and the leadership is sincere in the long overdue peace agreement.

Default from any or all negotiating partners would be catastrophic for the people in the peninsula emphasizing the leaderships’ inability and weakness in delivering a positive result.

President Jimmy Carter as an excellent peace emissary for the United States has once again brought the wonderful gift to humanity awaiting spontaneous acknowledgment from Washington.

Hopefully, President Barack Obama along with the remaining leaders in the quartet would enable success through fruitful negotiations and grant eternal peace to the people in the peninsula.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant


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Cuba – New Economic Model

September 19, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The island nation is in the process of shifting towards an economic model to rescue the state from the employment burden across the public sector.

State’s overwhelming expansion in all areas of the economy is forcing the government to change course in an effort to salvage the sagging public enterprises into private industry.

The combined woes of political sanctions, global economic crisis and natural disasters have produced massive revenue losses for the socialist system struggling to maintain the infrastructure.

As a result, Cuba has reportedly decided to lay off 500,000 state employees by March 2011 and promoting the private entrepreneurial opportunities by issuing business licenses to its population in a limited measure.

Such economic strategy is a wise move for Cuba and could potentially ease the pressure off the government funded organizations that are becoming unaffordable.

The underground economy that managed the private businesses in the state controlled environment is apparently being considered for legal recognition.

Again the consideration is a positive step that would guarantee state revenue through taxes and necessary fees besides facilitating free flow of goods and services not only within the island but across Latin America.

In terms of public education, health care, subsidized food and housing – Cuba could adhere to universal public education and health care alongside private developments in these areas forging a competitive market with enhanced services focused on research and innovation attracting the higher income groups upon the private sector growth.

With respect to subsidized food and housing – the state could perhaps reduce the percentage to the optimum based on means test for families with little or no income to address poverty and let the remaining population assist the market economy.

That way there is tremendous access for small businesses in the food supply enabling the wholesale and the medium to large size corporations to emerge in the long term.

Activating the manufacturing side is equally important for it would absorb the massive workforce expected to be without jobs following the state retrenchment.

The private markets cannot surface overnight without the adequately funded and regulated financial sector which in turn might require IMF and World Bank monetary assistance to expedite the transition.

Initially the federal authorities could divert the savings from the half a million workforce wages to the community banks for private sector lending and earn interest on the borrowings, thereby converting the state liability to income.

Cuba with a much better supply demand prognosis has a greater ability to implement the changes and prepare the Federal Reserve along with the Treasury to monitor the hybrid economic activities.

The questions are raised on Cuba’s capacity to import the essential resources and technology for the proposed transformation by March 2011 and relevantly the state’s action plan on the immediate income surge from the private economy boosting middle and higher earnings categories in the society.

Importing necessary items could be made possible by approaching current trade partners and the industrialized nations like the United States, Germany… have unique advantage in being the supplier especially with the higher end equipment and machinery contributing to the overall benefits in creating and retaining manufacturing jobs in their respective domain.

Obviously ending the economic trade sanctions would serve the international purpose.

Adjusting to the inevitable income hierarchy post economic model could be effectively addressed through a progressive tax structure that protects the lower income and the middle class while the wealthier groups offered tax incentives for domestic investments preventing tax evasions.

Cuba would prosper through reconciliation with reality in accepting the private enterprises
role and build the national economy with a harmonious balance between the state and free market owned assets.

Except for the regular public services, health care and education under state management – the vast areas of the economy are best run by the private industry delivering the people with quality products and services at a market price.

Any concerns about the capitalism risk experienced in the developed economies is legitimate and could be avoided with appropriate regulations comprising checks and balances for smooth operation.

In other matter, Cuba released seven dissidents in July 2010 and vowed to free the 52 political prisoners recently. These actions are praiseworthy and promising in improving human rights record which is significant to win the trust and confidence among the majority in the international community disappointed with the state human rights violation.

President Barack Obama pledge to lift travel ban allowing Cuban Americans and others to travel to Cuba is an optimistic beginning in the U.S – Cuban relationship for the policy would revive the flat travel industry with many dependent livelihoods.

Cuba is gradually heading towards the direction desirable by not only its people but also the global citizens. Similar initiatives in the political dimension would be highly beneficial now for Cuba considering the economic urgency and the trade sanctions posing obstacles for imports to mobilize privatization.

Nevertheless, it’s a refreshing start and there is hope for the Caribbean nation to make progress in every aspect.

As long as there is political determination to evolve and embrace the new possibilities then sky is the limit.

Best Wishes to the wonderful Cuban population for a bright future.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Secure Your Future by Electing Progressives in the Fall Election 2010

September 16, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Democrats, Independents and disappointed Republicans – Please extend your support and contribute to the following candidates’ campaigns.

Please remember your future and the national interest is dependent upon your representation in Washington D.C.

Please ensure your economic prosperity and civil liberty by casting your votes earlier for the Progressive Democrats and restore Washington.

Voting is a constitutional right and gateway to your personal progress. Please begin voting now for the following candidates dedicated to improve your life and spread the word around by visiting Democracy for America or DFA at the address provided below.

www.democracyforamerica.com

Your cooperation and enthusiasm is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

The Progressives’ national service is detailed in the DFA endorsement section.

Please help them win a landslide victory in their respective states.

You are invited to contribute and volunteer for their campaign.

Senator Barbara Boxer – (D) California – www.barabaraboxer.com

Further please donate and vote for the Democrats listed in DFA website.

Courtesy: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/current-endorsements – Thank you.
Home » Current Endorsements

Democracy for America | PO Box 1717 | Burlington, VT 05402
Phone: 802-651-3200 | Fax: 802-651-3299

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Congressional Elections 2010 – Prognosis

September 15, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The recent primaries indicate a strong surge among the Republican base compared to the Democrats and the independent voters.

There is urgency for the Democrats and the independents to get back into action similar to the tidal wave witnessed in 2008 to accomplish their goals.

Grievances on some issues among both groups are justified. However, they cannot be addressed without effective representation in the House and the Senate. Abstinence or the eleventh hour effort could only lead to more frustration allowing the conservative blockade to continue.

Both democrats and independents need candidates with high quality performance reflecting solid commitment to the people and environment. Candidates willing to stand up to the entities against public and national interest from corporate affair to military warfare, the two predominant factors contributing to the alarming national deficit and myriad of social-economic disparities deserve voter approval.

The Republican members are not the choice whether they are tea party candidate or establishment nominee for they represent the big industries and not the average citizens. It is confirmed in the ‘Nay’ votes on legislation concerning the economy and host of other issues since January 2009.

Likewise, the democratic establishment instrumental in opposing single payer system or public option in health care reform, closing loopholes in finance legislation and swaying to the energy behemoths’ call to adhere to fossil fuel, nuclear energy despite the misgivings and horrific mining accidents in the United States and around the world,

Last but not the least against troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere – owe valid explanation to the democratic base and independents for rejecting their voices in all these issues.

Democrats have struggled with legislative process in both Houses of Congress, more in the Senate than the House, even while being a majority in 2009 as seen during the contentious health care bill and economic issues.

It’s paramount for the industry, union or any special interest backed candidates to be transparent and clarify their true representations on all things related to the American electorate in addition to providing legitimate reasons for not demonstrating them in action.

The voters have an obligation to identify their requirements and choose the candidate with proven record or having demonstrated the will to challenge the forces undermining democracy on all issues.

Essentially pragmatism over ideology enhanced by inclusive rather than divisive positions would yield bipartisan solutions to the problems confronting the nation.

Republican legislators have absolved themselves from constitutional duty to work with the Democrat majority in legislative matter throughout Obama Presidency letting partisanship prevail in life threatening issues such as jobless benefit extension, small business lending and 9/11 rescue workers health care assistance.

Unfortunately, the persisting Republican opposition on legislation to benefit average Americans fails to recognize the social and economic cost ultimately affecting all in the interdependent society with the irony being the national deficit used as a pretext in this context.

Democrats, independents and disenchanted republicans have a great opportunity to come together this election in electing the officials pledging allegiance to the American people and not the oligarchy responsible for the Washington status quo.

The electability criteria in consistent with the constitutional oath is the real test for the new contenders and the incumbents alike.

They could precisely be the following:

Disavow partisanship, declining special interests influence and,

Above all maintain ethical standards through accountability with corruption in politics being a worldwide epidemic denying progress to a substantial population living in abject poverty and lifelong miseries.

Honesty and integrity determines human character, yet it’s not an integral element in the quest for public office.

In fact, the systemic abuse of power is the fundamental cause of the contemporary social and economic inequality.

American electorates hold the power to implement these changes in Washington through the electoral process that could restore the broken system and renew the tarnished image.

Voting is no longer an option but an absolute necessity to rescue the nation from the repeat catastrophe experienced at the dawn of twenty first century under President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

Besides, voting is a constitutional right granted to citizens in a democracy to protect their civil liberties and freedom from internal or external threats.

American electorates have awesome responsibility to elect the hard working, diligent and trustworthy officials not only to represent them in the United States but also the fellow citizens across the globe.

Congressional decisions made in Washington impact the approximate 6.5 billion people destiny.

Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the massive voter turnout in November 2010 or earlier in states like Ohio facilitating mail-in ballots.

First time voters may register in their local districts and join the other electorates to cast their votes on or before the election date provided it is permissible.

Democrats, independents and disillusioned republicans – please contribute to
Democracy for America (DFA) dedicated to the positive change in Washington and across the United States at:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com

Also, Please help Senator Barbara Boxer in raising $200,000 by September 18, 2010 for media fund. It’s a daunting task. Nonetheless, the Senator’s campaign is grassroots funded unlike her opponent Carly Fiorina – financed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce apart from the contestant’s personal campaign investment.

Please visit www.barbaraboxer.com for your affordable and generous donations.

Most importantly, please secure your future and the dependents prospects by casting your vote as early as possible.

Please rally America via email, texting or visiting DFA to energize voters.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant
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Midterm Election 2010 – An Opportunity to Rebuild the Great Nation

September 13, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Midterm Election 2010 is an opportunity to rebuild the great nation – the United States of America.

From the latest developments it’s clear that Washington is broken and desperately requires citizens’ involvement in governance to restore the renowned American values that remains the basis in attracting many across the globe.

United States is resilient, resourceful and admirably courageous in dealing with any crisis.

It is evident in this great nation’s history for it has weathered the fierce storms and survived even the “Great Depression.”

The people representing the stars and stripes have come forward as one nation and contributed their unique skills in building the United States as the economic engine and a model democracy.

United States is the beacon of light for the entire world and the leadership will continue to provide the necessary guidance to those seeking political, economic and social progress in their domain.

The fall election is crucial to implement the changes that Washington has been deprived due to partisanship and special interests dominance in the legislation.

The political majority and the minority that prioritizes public interest and delivers the campaign promise are worth re-electing.

It predominantly rests with the American electorate in their choice of candidates as their representatives in Washington.

The combined forces such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce influencing the Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited cash flow in the election campaign together with the political architects determined to distract the electorate through distortion and negative attacks render the democratic elections irrelevant.

Whenever a candidate with no established record or substantive policies to move the nation forward is dependent upon the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and smear campaign, that candidate is unequivocally pledged to the sources behind them and not their constituents.

Their name might be on the ballot but only in theory for the real candidates are the big industries devising the policy and the strategists with the political ideology.

Voter discernment in electing the candidates with proven record and service against those without solutions to any problems could make the desirable change possible.

Congressional Democrats in the House and the Senate have worked extremely hard and are committed to improve the American lives. The selective few Republican members share the credit for their bipartisanship that enabled the recent reforms.

The policies related to ongoing wars contributing to the brave armed forces’ death toll and, the national deficit from the disproportionate defense expenditure with no accountability and transparency have been largely accepted without subjecting the claims to due process.

Public concern and views are disregarded and democracy undermined through propaganda subverting facts to promote the specific agenda.

The abuse of power with little or no respect for the constitutional law and democracy, reckless decisions that led to a bankrupt economy, chaos, death and destruction are minor details as compared to the serious ramifications on the office of Presidency – setting a dangerous precedence for history to repeat itself citing the predecessor’s exemption from law in the land of justice.

Ignoring the warnings on 9/11 attacks and conspicuously neglecting the constitutional duty to protect American lives is a colossal Presidential failure.

Above all, granting immunity to the status is rejecting the constitution set up to safeguard the national interest and the democratic principles that guarantees equal justice.

Accordingly, the nation particularly the United States Congress is obligatory to the 9/11 victims and their families in initiating a thorough investigation in public view with appropriate findings against all those implicated regardless of stature.

Democracy is threatened when the lawmakers become the lawbreakers and decline action against unethical conduct exemplifying discriminatory practice with law being applicable only to the law abiding ordinary citizens but not the powerful absconding the law.

These are truly the trying times for democracy and their representatives in presenting unwavering justice to preserve national security and the rule of law reflecting the fact that no one is above the law.

Massive voter turnout exceeding the 2008 statistics is paramount to overhaul Washington.

Please vote for the democrats so that they can cast their vote in return on legislation addressing the average citizens’ plight.

At the same time, the Republican members have invariably cast ‘Nay’ votes on ‘regular citizens’ issues while some of their colleagues choose abstinence to facilitate special interests victory.

Voting is the basic right denied to a significant population in some parts of the world and the citizens in a democratic society have tremendous chance to reshape the political landscape.

Hence ‘rally America’ to the midterm elections is an important call for all citizens.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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The Mystery behind Osama Bin Laden and MIC (Military Industrial Complex) Mission

September 11, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Today the nation and the world remembers the victims of the earth shattering attack on American soil nine years ago.

September 11 created fears, mistrust and global anxiety followed by terrorism in other parts of the world.

Besides death and destruction in the United States and worldwide, it also became the premise to launch an illegal invasion in Iraq, prolong the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan with expansion in other Islamic countries like Yemen, Sudan and Somalia.

The persisting warfare in Islamic nations foment fundamentalism enabling recruits for the
terror networks. It’s a vicious cycle with no end in sight.

Further it deprives the impoverished population from the economic and social development due to corrupt inefficient governments placed by the powerful democracies such as the United States as seen in Afghanistan and now pursued in Iraq through ill recommendations made against the democratic will.

Where the political solutions are achievable, procrastination and undemocratic choices are
preferred leading to chaos and perpetual political turmoil facilitating smooth operation for Al-Qaeda and splinter terror networks thereby promoting continuous warfare.

As a result, the warring factions are forced to commit to enormous defense expenditure that is currently advocated by the high profile cabinet appointees in the U.S. State and Defense departments.

There are lot of questions that are being asked by the mainstream public and media only to be ignored or misled on various issues.

Where is Osama Bin Laden?

Will the U.S. and NATO ever find the terror mastermind having been groomed as a Mujahideen by the CIA against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan ?

Why did the then Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld along with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney make an unconscionable decision against capturing Osama Bin Laden in Tora Bora on December 14, 2001 upon the U.S. armed personnel order request?

The details confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations committee in 2009 through the media without any appetite for investigation.

While the spiritual leaders of different religions are placed in spotlight with visuals from 2001 replayed to refresh the audience memory stirring anti-racial and religious sentiments, the architects behind the massive relentless warfare claiming millions of civilian lives and thousands of young men and women in uniform until now – are granted permanent immunity with no accountability or transparency in the decade old military operation.

The increasing public interest arising from war fatigue and economic downturn deserves truthful response on the continuation of Bush-Cheney administration policy in the Afghan war,

Iraq political choice resembling Afghanistan in 2009 i.e. allowing the unpopular polarizing incumbent Prime Minister Nouri-Al-Maliki to remain in power despite existing insurgency on the ground leaning towards sectarian violence and most disturbingly the leader’s strong ties with Iran – a position that is detrimental to U.S. strong ally Israel and the economic partner Saudi Arabia.

Notwithstanding the strategic threats in the Middle East region from such proposals.

Similarly, in matter related to torture, renditions, Guantanamo Bay prisoners – the highly criticized Bush doctrine is yet to be phased out. It was reflected in the Justice department reluctance to probe the Bush-Cheney legal counsel on torture techniques or the federal prosecutors firing implicating the former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Reverting to Afghanistan war, according to the latest CIA report there are meager 100 Al-Qaeda members left in the Pakistan territory. The Afghan war was initially presented as retaliation to September 11 attacks in addition to involving Osama Bin Laden, Al-Zawahiri and the Taliban leader Mullah Omar apprehension.

It is past nine years for the Afghan war with several thousand U.S. and NATO casualties at a staggering economic cost and yet the reasons for the ongoing conflict has not changed.

Even now the hunt for Osama Bin Laden is claimed to be in progress.

In fact, Osama Bin Laden will never be found because the terror mastermind has been long dead as per the statement from the Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during her exclusive interview with the renowned and reputable British Television Host Sir David Frost.

Pictures are worth a thousand words. The interview is presented below in the website’s featured video.

The controversy surrounding the Lower Manhattan Interfaith center demanding the funding source for the construction is contentious.

Perhaps, those individuals seeking funding details from Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf who has volunteered to share the entire information with the American public, could shed light on the visual content included in the featured video about the ex-President George W. Bush family ties with Osama Bin Laden family and the administration handing over the oval office to the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar.

All of which leads to the missed opportunity and conscientious negligence on 9/11 attack warnings.

Poignantly raising the questions about 9/11.

Business is conducted as usual. Life goes on with death toll rising in the killing fields as warfare is declared no longer a public affair.

Power is powerless when the defenseless are left to fend for themselves with truth becoming inconvenient in contemporary politics.

Democracy is meaningful when the government of the people is run by the people and for the people.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Australian Federal Elections 2010

September 8, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Australia – Welcomes the first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard after the political stalemate Down Under yielded victory to the ruling Labor Party in coalition with Green Party Independent members to form a government.

The Australian federal election held on August 21, 2010 produced a hung parliament with the incumbent Labor party and the opposition Liberal party (conservatives in political ideology) winning 72 seats short of 76 required in the 150 seats House of Representatives elected to the Parliament.

Australian Green Party as the name suggests is renowned for environmental cause and increasingly becoming prominent in Australian politics dominant with two major parties i.e. Labor, the Democrats equivalent and the Liberal being the conservatives.

The two independent members’ conditional alignment with the Labor Party was reportedly related to climate change legislation and expansion of the fastest and sophisticated Internet broadband networks in the country.

Green Party proposals in the environmental and technological fronts are praiseworthy.

However, there is a greater need for the environmental groups and their legislators to review Australia’s role as the leading coal exporter to China and a competitive bidder in uranium supply to India – the two emerging economic powers with a huge energy demand could be encouraged to abandon fossil fuel and nuclear power for clean renewable energy sources.

Planet sustenance is dependent upon collective environmental goals. The industrialized nations have better opportunities and resources to promote clean energy options on their shores and abroad.

Although each nation bears individual responsibility in protecting the environment, their economic outlook on trading fossil fuel and nuclear technology would render the domestic efforts redundant.

Tsunami in the Indian Ocean could directly affect Western Australia sharing the coastal region with South East Asia. An environmental disaster in one part of the planet could be potentially devastating for the rest of the inhabitants.

Australian economic performance despite global recession is impressive. The GDP growth at 3.3% with 5.3% unemployment in July is a boost for the Labor government and now the political mandate for further progress across the economic and social spectrum will determine the coalition strength.

Congratulations and Best Wishes! To Prime Minister Julia Gillard of the Labor Party and the coalition partners for a successful term and a bright future to all Australians.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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2010 Elections – The Balance of Power

September 6, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

With less than eight weeks for the mid-term elections, the speculations are the GOP will claim the House and the House majority leader will be John Boehner. Similarly, the speculators believe the GOP has a slim chance of taking over the U.S. Senate.

In view of the optimistic Republican forecast as potential majority House members it’s essential to review the GOP plans for the nation.

Currently, the GOP mantra is the economy they successfully transformed into near ‘Great Depression,’ during their majority rule in the House and Senate under the Republican administration of the former President George W. Bush and the Vice President Dick Cheney.

The Republicans might fervently argue that the Democrats controlled the House and the Senate since 2006.

Although it’s a valid argument, the Republican members always gain control over legislation regardless of them being the majority or the minority due to their allegiance to the special interests devising the bills in Capitol Hill.

Moreover, the former President George W. Bush vowed to veto the bills passed by the Congressional Democrats on every issue and the veto record exemplifies the oath.

Per the leading conservative talk show host complimenting on the previous Republican administration – “President George W. Bush was not the lame duck for the agendas were pushed against the Democrats will.”

The comment is accurate in that respect – prominently the Iraq war, financial deregulation, blank check to Wall Street and tax exemptions to the wealthy by letting the middle class America disappear with the lower income families in poverty were all the Republican achievements that drove the surplus economy into skyrocketing deficit mostly blown away in the illegal warfare.

The GOP economic plan is none and their winning strategy in the coming elections,

According to Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2010 – By David Wessel – Thank you.

“Republican rhetoric offers little help. To the quiet discomfort of a few GOP politicians and several who advise Republicans on economics, this year’s campaign, so far, has little of the substance that accompanied the 1994 Republican renaissance with then-House leader Newt Gingrich’s “Contract with America.

The only sure thing is that if President Barack Obama is for it, Republicans are against it.

Comments by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell a few weeks ago are typical:

If a bill doesn’t kill jobs or make it harder to create them, they’re not interested. It’s time for a different approach.”

This may be smart politics. Why be specific and give the other side a target, when you’re winning by riding a wave of voter frustration: Don’t like the Obama economy? Vote for us.

The closest Republicans come to a public economic agenda are speeches by their House leader, John Boehner, who promises more detail later this month to blunt Democratic efforts to paint Republicans as the “Party of No.”

For now, a few themes are evident.

One is that the spending-heavy Obama is a failure, often extrapolated into arguing that government spending is inherently bad.

“The common logic among Washington Democrats is that government spending creates jobs when that money is used to build a hiking trail or a playground,” Mr. Boehner said, disapprovingly, during an Aug. 24 speech in Cleveland.

Adds GOP Rep. Paul Ryan: “We are not Keynesians. We don’t believe in demand-side stimulus. We’re going to stop the spending spree.”

That’s easier to promise than do. Even spending foes, once in office, tend to spend.

“Prior to the Democrats’ takeover of the Congress and the White House in 2008, the Republicans ushered in the largest expansion of federal spending since the heydays of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society in the 1960s,” says Alaska’s Joe Miller, who beat incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the Republican primary.

“You’re going to have a whole bunch of people coming here who aren’t going to want to vote for any spending bill—maybe defense? Maybe not?—to fund the government,” predicts Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman. That could force GOP leaders to rely on Democratic votes for spending bills to keep the government running, hardly a recipe for curbing spending.

The leadership’s avowed interest in promoting free-trade pacts, for instance, may not be shared by the populist Republicans who are winning primaries.

The absence of a coherent Republican agenda reflects more than the usual lack of consensus. The gap between current congressional leaders and tea-party activists is huge.”

——————————————————————————————————
GOP Economic Plan Overview – By Padmini Arhant

There is no economic plan upon Rep. John Boehner assuming House leadership and likewise in the Senate.

Except for extending the 2000 – 2008 President Bush and Vice President Cheney’s failed economic policy.

1. Renewing all the Bush tax cuts is a top GOP priority.

2. Business friendly tax cuts enabling massive Wall Street CEO Bonuses.

3. A big corporate tax overhaul that cuts rates now – Inevitably depriving revenue for the nation, besides widening the national deficit to an alarming proportion – precedence set by the Republican administration with unique expertise in this regard.

Ironically, it’s also the GOP’s main criticism against President Barack Obama even though the President has diligently set up bipartisan committee on deficit control.

4. Promoting free trade pacts – outsourcing 90% American jobs overseas enlarging the unemployment indefinitely and facilitating,

5. Small businesses, Retail and Wholesale industry collapse from the lack of consumer spending.

On the contrary, the Congressional House Democrats under the efficient and result oriented Speaker Nancy Pelosi passed the following legislation – swiftly and favorably to all Americans including the Small Businesses and Corporations to promote job growth.

Ref: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/d?d111:0:./list/bss/d111HR.lst:

1. H.R.1: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – keeping 750,000 and more Americans employed with a significant rise in the immediate future upon complete investment.

2. H.R.2 : Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

3. H.R.11: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 – Guarantees equal pay for women that were denied by the Conservative Supreme Court votes followed by the Republican Senate coherence to the equal rights denial to women. The bill was passed through Democrats votes.

4. H.R.12: Paycheck Fairness Act – Subsequent to Republican Senate ‘Nay’ votes for equal pay to women, the matter was introduced through a new bill and passed with the Democrats votes.

5. H.R.13: TEACH for Our Future Act of 2009 – Focused on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness. Referred to the Subcommittee related to Higher Education…

6. H.R.14: Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 – Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

7. H.R.78: Stop Mortgage Fraud Act – Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee Hearings Held.

8. H.R.83: Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

9. H.R.84: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act – Latest Major Action: 3/25/2010 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

10. H.R.74: Financial Oversight Commission Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

11. H.R.58: Green Schools Act – Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

12. . H.R.52: Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

13. H.R.49: American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act – Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

14. H.R.47: Expand and Preserve Home Ownership through Counseling Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

15. H.R.46: Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

16. H.R.43: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

17. H.R.21: Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act – Latest Major Action: 6/18/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

18. H.R.16: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction of State and local general sales taxes – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

19. H.R.15: National Health Insurance Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

20. Economic bills to stimulate job growth, Financial Reform, Health Care law, Unemployment Benefits extension and energy bill are the hallmark of Speaker Nancy Pelosi leadership.

Together with the extremely hardworking Democrat legislators alongside selective few Republican members votes made the historic legislation possible.

The choices are clear. American jobs, economy, education, health care, environment and energy independence are the Democrats priority.

Whereas the Republican leadership under John Boehner is clueless evidenced in the Wall Street Journal report and the minority leader’s interviews.

Why would the American electorate reject a bright future with Democrats under the leaderships of Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the House, Senate Democrats majority and President Barack Obama?

When they are all constantly engaged in improving American lives.

Quoting from the cited Wall Street Journal report –

“Many Republicans are running on “anger.” That may win the election; it’s hard to turn into a legislative agenda.”

Further, the Republican election winning strategy is to create a wedge between the solid Democrats working towards economic recovery and social progress. Usually it’s premised on distortion, false propaganda and negative attacks considering there is no specific economic or other proposals from them to move the nation forward.

GOP might have won in the past on divide and rule, polarization tactics. However, disregarding the reality on their track record that will be clarified and presented loud and clear to protect the American electorate from being misled in the coming weeks nearing election – is underestimating voter decision power.

After all, actions speak louder than rhetoric.

American voters’ prospects are assured under Democrats rule in the House, Senate and the White House.

The Republican action thus far has been protesting every legislation – particularly the jobs bill, economic revival such as unemployment extension, tax credits for consumer spending, payroll tax exemption to small businesses and corporations, $30 billion to community banks for small business lending…and,

Importantly they were against Wall Street reform and everything to do with national interest.

Republican candidates are hopeful in November 2010 to win the elections through their relentless support to Wall Street and the special interests’ campaign financing.

Unlike the Democrats accomplishments and future commitments towards American families and businesses that confirm their candidacy.

Please safeguard and secure your own, your family and the next generation’s prosperity by granting the Democrats a super majority status in the House and the Senate.

It’s well known that the Republican balance of power consistently produce “Washington gridlock,” – rewarding the special interests at the average American plight.

Allowing that to happen would be devastating for the national and global economy with slow and steady growth.

Notwithstanding history repeating itself reminiscent to 2000 – 2008 – President Bush and Vice President Cheney era.

Please visit the websites – www.dcccc.org, www.dscc.org. www.dnc.org and www.dga.org with your generous and affordable donations to help all Democratic contenders win the congressional election in November 2010.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under United States | Leave a Comment 

Peace Dawns on Palestine and Israel – Two States Solution

September 2, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

There is potential for a breakthrough in the ongoing Palestinian and Israeli meeting in Washington D.C.

The issue has received worldwide attention with several mediation attempts by the U.S. Presidents, European leaders and humanitarians from different nations in the past six decades.

People on both sides have suffered enormous casualties –

The rocket firing, suicide bombings including the recent killing of the Jewish settlers in Hebron, West Bank and,

On the other side – The military intervention with heavy artillery shelling against the Palestinians in Gaza, while the West Bank and East Jerusalem citizens denied normal existence through check posts, strong defense presence and above all the contentious settlement expansion in the Palestinian territories.

These actions inflicting pain and agony on each other are deeply regrettable with innocent civilians being the victims in the quagmire.

After years of unsuccessful negotiations, Palestinian and Israeli authorities’ willingness to recognize the two states solution is encouraging.

Although there are justified grievances on the prevalent attacks and disruption in daily life, the mainstream population in the respective states desire peaceful co-existence with mutual respect for sovereignty and national security.

In fact, the forces in opposition to peace are essentially against their own people and the nation they represent. The parallel provocation through violence and settlements promotes the proponents’ personal ideology and hinder the pragmatic course for peace.

Palestinians have been seeking independence for more than half a century and were not effectively led by the PLO in the initial phase due to the ‘intifadas,’ premised on ‘armed struggle,’ rather than peace and diplomacy. However, it was acknowledged later and now vigorously pursued by Fatah in the West Bank under Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and President Mahmoud Abbas leaderships.

On the Israeli side, the political leaderships’ earnest decisions for reconciliation thwarted by the hard liners’ overwhelming influence to embrace aggression and expand settlements that is proved detrimental largely affecting Israel’s image and credibility as a viable peace partner.

The violent retaliations became the bedrock for terrorism and enabled the peace opponents to gain political power in Gaza. As a result the beleaguered Gazans are currently held hostage in the political dilemma.

Considering the preconditions on both sides, the issues deserve fair evaluation.

Palestinian expectations apart from an independent state is predominantly focused on settlement freeze, Israeli troop withdrawal, border demarcation, Palestinian expatriates’ right to return and East Jerusalem as the state capital.

It’s in Israel’s best interest to accommodate the Palestinian requests and relinquish the territories held since 1967. Israel can then invest the resources for national growth and the armed personnel to safeguard its own borders.

Further, Israeli policies on the Palestinians right to return and Jewish settlements in West Bank, East Jerusalem would ultimately impact the settlers as the inevitable minorities given the evolving demography.

For instance, the documented population figure for 2005 in Golan Heights was 38,900 (in the Israeli-occupied part) 79,000 (in the Syrian- controlled part) and likely to be exponentially higher in 2010.

Even the one state proposal through settlement occupation would render Israeli citizens the minority status in the near future for similar reasons.

Therefore, Israel’s sovereignty and the majority rights are intact in Israel’s land prior to 1967 invasion.

With respect to Gaza, Israel’s concerns are understandable. Again the stark contrast in economic progress between West Bank at an impressive 11% growth in the last quarter and the lack luster Gaza economy under Hamas would lead the Gaza residents to a political transformation in the upcoming elections.

Palestinians in Gaza could democratically bring about the change for their own economic prosperity and political freedom. The choice is clear for them to renounce the militant statehood under Hamas and adopt the Fayyad-Abbas governance prospering on the democratic principles by maintaining peaceful relationship with Israel.

Israel’s sovereignty and security is the major factor – peace with independent Palestine would guarantee the global assurance in that regard. International support broadens the horizon for Israel in strengthening political and economic ties with nations other than the United States viz. Turkey, Arab neighbors and other democracies disappointed with the latest developments in Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Any threats to Israel or Palestine would constitute a regional security issue with an appropriate global response.

The coalition members in the Israeli political system might challenge the initiatives as seen earlier.

Israel upon reflection would realize that living in peace is bliss compared to the eternal warfare and the lingering insecurity over the piece of land that has caused immense misery all around.

Not to mention the generational decline particularly the youth population – Israel and Palestine’s hope for a new beginning.

What belongs to Israel will remain with Israel and likewise for Palestine i.e. West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, the Palestinian state capital. Extending the same strategy on Golan heights with Syria would place Israel in a favorable situation as a thriving democracy that honors legitimacy in territorial disputes.

Israel and Palestine can foster a good relationship built on trust and ability to set their differences aside for a long lasting peace and security.

There is tremendous opportunity to exchange resources facilitating trade and commerce between free Palestine and democratic Israel.

People in Israel and Palestine have endured traumatic experience from the conflict. It’s time to move forward and let peace dawn on the region with a pledge to a bright future for all.

Good Luck and Best Wishes to President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leaderships – President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, President Hosni Mubarak and King Abdullah for a successful peace process.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | 2 Comments 

Presidential Address on Iraq Troop Withdrawal

September 1, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The decision on Iraq is poignant in the domestic front. The Iraq war investments could be directed towards our economic goals as it’s the legitimate priority for the struggling American families.

President’s speech was well poised on the importance of the Iraqi government formation that represents the secular society, precisely the electoral mandate delivered by the Iraqis in March 2010.

Iraqi security is the lingering concern among the citizens and the international community.

Again, political stability and governance that guarantees progress and protection to the entire nation would succeed against any threats within or outside the boundary.

Hopefully, the incumbent Iraqi administration would soon concede to the democratic choice favoring the all inclusive political party led by the former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and allow national diversity to prevail.

President Barack Obama – Thank you for keeping your campaign promise to the American electorate.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | 1 Comment 

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