United States – State Sponsored Terrorism via TSA Institutionalized Racism

July 26, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

I, Padmini Arhant, representative divine mission, author and presenter padminiarhant.com have been writing and providing solutions to problems faced by people regardless of race, religion, creed and background from world over.

I wish to highlight on the prevalent discriminatory practice at the airports in the United States making travel anything but normal.

The issue is relevant and deserves attention along with intervention to end prejudice.

Accordingly I present the mater with appropriate recommendation.

My introduction to the world began in 2008 Presidential campaign and until today I am tirelessly and selflessly engaged without being paid a dime for service from anywhere i.e. taxpayers, corporate or magic tree bearing golden coins. 

In return for my service to humanity, there are many trading venom and expect honey.

The invasion of my home, life and privacy including family matter considered the political class business with intrusive surveillance and constant monitoring by those who should be on radar for their nefarious activities and scandalous track record as public figures thriving on taxpayers funded mansions, remuneration, perks and privileges enjoyed beyond the term in office.

Notwithstanding my identity, ideas, words, thoughts, style claimed as their own constituting criminality, plagiarism and piracy in willful involvement as imposters, wannabees and glory hogging opportunists.

I invested time, efforts and our lifetime savings in the 2008 Presidential election.

The contribution was  acknowledged in the form of hazardous Chemical trails sprayed over our roof on countless occasions affecting our pet with tumor who had to undergo major surgery last year.

In terms of travel experience – The harassment at the United States airports targeting specific race or ethnic traveler(s) i.e. racial profiling under the guise of national security is unconstitutional, illegal and confirms reality in the desperate measure to protect real perpetrators in the position of power and authority behind 9/11 attack and current sponsors of terrorism, radicalism, extremism, militancy and cannibalism.

The proponents procedures on scrutiny and humiliating body scan at the airports never subjected to objectionable, reproachable and offensive indulgence by TSA and abusive government agencies on taxpayer salary.  Hence there is insensitivity to abominable demeanor.

Due to serious infringement on individual rights and deliberate assault on character in public premise through pervasive body search tactics on selective individuals,

I, Padmini Arhant –  divine mission representative demand an apology from those exceeding limits in  their respective designations and the government of the United States of America.

I also seek termination of prejudicial incriminating practice using false pretext to criminalize honorable citizens for political reasons and bias reflecting on the sources irrational and irrefutable behavior.

The failure in this regard would have repercussions in epic proportion in accordance with divine agreement and natural law.

From:

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

Israel Palestine Peace Treaty

November 14, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

The fate of the two states solution is hanging in balance and the peace process has once again come to a screeching halt. Initially, there appeared to be momentum on both sides until the controversial yet credible issues surfaced and ignored by the parties in default.

The contentious issues are –

Freezing Jewish settlements in West Bank and East Jerusalem in its entirety.

Honoring the Gaza report compiled by the Head of the UN Fact Finding Mission, Justice Richard Goldstone, overwhelmingly approved by the U.N. Human Rights Council and the U.N. General Assembly recently.

However, the U.S. House of Representatives proactively rejected the international consensus with a majority vote and condemned the report as biased against Israel. In addition, the House of Congress seemingly solidified their support on this issue by urging the White House to follow suit.

The Congress initiative in this respect is extremely disappointing and unconstitutional as it does not represent the popular view. Furthermore, the humanitarians in Israel confirm that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal approach with the House members on this issue led to the sweeping vote suggesting the U.S. democracy is a puppet to Israeli Knesset.

Preceding these events, the White House reportedly pressured the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to abandon any action at the U.N.General Assembly pertaining to the Gaza war crimes. The Palestinian President’s compliance with the White House requirement had jeopardized his leadership as the head of the democratically elected government. Fearing backlash in the upcoming elections in January 2010, the PLO leader decided not to run for re-election creating confusion and opportunity for all in the fragmented Palestinian politics.

It’s important to shed light on the Goldstone report dismissal by the relevant authorities viz. Israel, the United States, Russia, China and others sharing the burden of disproportionate military engagement and activities in direct violation of the Geneva Convention. Essentially, the deliberate invalidation of the well-balanced and meticulous findings by the honorable justice, Richard Goldstone possessing the background semblance with Israel than Palestine merit hearing and appropriate action in the international court of law.

In the war crime investigations, the authorities in power particularly the permanent U.N. Security Council members are united in the vilification or exoneration of their adversaries and allies for self-absolution. In fact, the protocol renders the process redundant besides displaying the international court of justice as a judicial committee exclusively set up for the U.N. P5 Plus targeted nations against a universal mandate.

The status quo justify the urgency to expand the U.N. Security Council permanent membership enforceable only through the U.N. member nations’ concerted action. Alternatively, defiance by dishonoring the present U.N. Security Council proposals would produce the desired membership extension.

Since, both Israel and Hamas are implicated for the crimes against civilian population, the trial in the international court of law is mandatory and appropriate to begin a new chapter in the twenty first century. War related atrocities, genocides, ethnic cleansing is dominant in the contemporary era setting a dangerous precedence now and in the future. It further exemplifies that the privileged nations with powerful allies are above the law and exempt from heinous crimes against humanity under the guise of national security, a contrived political fallacy.

Other pertinent issue stalling the peace negotiations is the unacceptable acceleration of Jewish settlements in the West Bank claimed by the Israeli authorities as a ‘natural growth,’ neglecting the explicit assault on the intelligence of the international community. Jewish settlements in the clearly demarcated Palestinian territories i.e. the West Bank and East Jerusalem is by far the most explosive and a provocative political maneuver by Israel to prolong the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.

No matter, how the Jewish settlements representing the nuclear component in the peace strategy is circumvented, the civilian and armed forces’ indefinite establishment is an infringement on human rights and unequivocally qualifies as an invasion of a foreign land in the eyes of the universal law, if not the U.S. law.

Unless and until the Israeli government recognizes the abominable settlement activity with a unilateral commitment to cease occupation through complete withdrawal of settlers and the military base, the regional conflict will continue to fuel global terrorism predominantly affecting the nations complicit to the colonization.

Although, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet ministers visit to Washington seeking peace talks resumption is a refreshing change in the half a century old crisis, peace mediation premised on Israel’s terms and conditions is analogous to the test drive conducted on a one way street with a dead end.

Earlier this week, Europe commemorated the fall of Berlin Wall marking the twentieth anniversary, a historic moment for the people liberated from the iron fist rule under ‘Communism,’ that caused political oppression and economic depression. Accordingly, the occasion attracted the prominent political figures reminiscent of the post demolition.

Ironically, the world rejoiced the fall of the Berlin wall while being complacent to a similar wall constructed by Israel along the Jerusalem neighborhoods and the West Bank resurrecting the repressive environment.

Indeed, the modern democracies’ pride and prejudice shines through these celebrations.

Interestingly, Israel’s offer to contain the new settlement expansion with the on-going construction permits issued behind the scenes earned a compliment from the U.S. Secretary of State as ‘unprecedented’ gesture that also echoed the Israeli Prime Minister demanding the Palestinian side to refrain from pre-conditions in the peace discussion.

The bone of contention in the embattled Israeli-Palestinian dispute is the irrefutable Jewish settlements, the concrete wall and the systemic abuse of human rights denying freedom, dignity and respect to the Palestinian population correlative to the twentieth century holocaust, a dark age in human civilization.

Tolerating imperialism in the new millennium is nullifying democracy to human beings born to be free like other species in the animal kingdom.

On the Palestinian front, Hamas is benefiting from the political vacuum in Fatah governing the West Bank. The situation is likely to become the worst nightmare for Israel and the United States without Israel’s co-operation in the peace pact.

Given the limited resources and territories, the best hope for the Palestinian people is to unify and present a consolidated political, economic and social agenda through young leadership embracing democratic values, peace over terrorism strengthened by a strong vision and dynamic qualities to build the newly independent Palestine.

As for the core issues in the Israeli-Palestine Peace Treaty:

1. Complete withdrawal of Israeli settlers and the military base from all Palestinian territories including the occupied peripheral lands since 1967.

2. Palestine is to be internationally recognized as a sovereign nation with East Jerusalem as the Capital City for the independent state.

3. The policy depriving Palestinians the right to return to Israel would conversely apply to the Jewish settlers and Israeli citizens on the Palestinian land. Similar reciprocal apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insistence to identify Israel as the ‘Jewish’ state.

4. Palestinian and Arab nation’s reaffirmation of Israel as a sovereign nation in the Middle East along with a solemn oath to disavow violence in the form of suicide bombings, rocket firing and last but not the least any nuclear threats against Israel.

5. Economic aid to Palestine for reconstruction purpose.

6. United States and other economic powers pledge equal assistance to both Israel and Palestine to reflect fairness in the deal.

Finally, it’s imperative and incumbent on the United States to be an honest broker in implementing the Peace Treaty as stated above to restore credibility in resolving international problems.

Palestinian and Israeli children are entitled to a long lasting peace and a bright future. It’s time to set the differences aside and reconcile terms with reality that,

War has no winners whereas everyone is a winner in Peace.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Bush Stimulus Package

July 23, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

Presentation of Bush Stimulus Package details

From: Stimuls Package details – Thanks

Source: http://www.stimuluspackagedetails.com/bush.html

Bush Stimulus Packages

In 2008, the Bush Administration handed out a slew of economic stimulus packages.

Under President George Bush’s administration, the Federal government gave

$29 billion to bail out Bear Stearns,

$178 billion to American taxpayers in the form of economic stimulus checks,

$300 billion to bail out American homeowners,

$200 billion to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,

$150 billion to bailout AIG, and

$700 billion to bail out banks (TARP).

Total Bush Administration Bailout – $1.557 trillion dollars i.e. $1 trillion and $557 billion dollars.

Timelines Of The Bush Economic Stimulus Packages

Following is a timeline of the economic stimulus packages, in chronological order.

March 2008 – $29 Billion Stimulus Package – Wall Street Bailout

The Federal Reserve stepped in to prevent the collapse of Bear Stearns (one of the world’s largest investment banks and brokerage firms) by guaranteeing $29 billion worth of potential losses in its battered portfolio. This provided enough economic stimulus for JP Morgan Chase to take over the beleaguered firm.

May 2008 – $178 Billion Stimulus Package – Average American Bailout

The U.S. Treasury provided an economic stimulus package to American taxpayers in the form of $600 economic stimulus checks for individuals and $1,200 economic stimulus payments for couples.

That cost the government $100 billion, and they threw in another $68 billion in tax breaks for businesses, $8 billion to increase unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 39 weeks, and a $4 billion economic stimulus package to be doled out to states and local municipalities to buy and rehab foreclosed properties.

July 2008 – $300 Billion Stimulus Package – Homeowners Bailout

The Bush Administration committed $300 billion for 30-year fixed rate mortgages for at-risk borrowers, as well as tax credits for first-time homebuyers, who could be eligible to receive up to a $7,500 tax credit.

September 2008 – $200 Billion Stimulus Package – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Bailout

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (privately owned mortgage companies that are backed by the federal government) were about to fail, due to declining house prices and rising foreclosures.

The Bush Administration stepped in with a $200 billion economic stimulus package and placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and their $5 trillion in home loans in “temporary conservatorship,” to be supervised by the Federal Housing Finance AgeSeptember 2008 – $50 Billion Stimulus Package To Guarantee Money Market Funds

When the economic crisis reached a crescendo, Americans began to pull their money out of money market funds – historically considered to be the safest investment. To stop the bloodshed, the U.S. Treasury agreed to guarantee up to $50 billion, for up to a year.

September 2008 – $25 Billion Stimulus Package – Automakers Bailout

In an attempt to stave off bankruptcies for the “Big 3 automakers,” the Bush Administration gave General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler $25 billion in low-interest loans.

September – November 2008 – $150 Billion Stimulus Package – AIG Bailout

With the world’s largest insurance company in dire straits and 74 million clients at risk, the American government chipped in and gave AIG (American Insurance Group) $150 billion in a stimulus package that included: loans, purchase of toxic assets, and purchase of preferred shares.

October 2008 – $700 Billion Stimulus Package – Banks Bailout

The Bush Administration, under the umbrella of the U.S. Treasury, committed $700 billion in economic stimulus money under TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program). By many accounts, if this economic stimulus money hadn’t been injected, credit between banks would have frozen overnight, and not only the American economy, but also the global economy, would have seized up.

———————————————————————————————
Is The Economic Stimulus Package Working?

“Is the economic stimulus package working” seems to be the question on most people’s minds.

But which economic stimulus package are you talking about?

Bear Sterns was taken over by JP Morgan Chase, so maybe that $29 billion economic stimulus plan worked.

We all got our economic stimulus checks in 2008, but we didn’t necessarily put them back into the economy, so that $178 billion might not have been well-spent.

The $300 billion mortgage stimulus, “Hope For Homeowners,” awarded in July 2008 didn’t work very well either, because few people took an interest in the program. While proponents of this particular economic stimulus package estimated that 400,000 homeowners could be helped over a three-year period, in the first month, only 111 had applied.

The $200 billion economic stimulus handout to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage giants, stabilized them enough to prevent collapse.

The $50 billion economic stimulus to stabilize money market funds might have averted a disaster.

The $150 billion doled out to AIG, the insurance giant, prevented their closure, but must not have completely solved the problem since AIG came back for $30 billion more less than six months later, even as they were awarding $165 million in bonuses to their top executives.

The $25 billion given to the Big 3 automakers, Chrysler, Ford, and GM, allowed them to live to see another day, but they remain on the brink of disaster.

The $700 billion bank bailout, given in extreme haste in October 2008, might have kept the banks functioning, but no one really knows where that money went or what was done with it, so it’s hard to judge whether TARP is working.

$700 Billion Bush Stimulus

The $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program, (TARP), given out by the George Bush Administration in October 2008. No one can seem to track down any details on this. The money was given to banks with the goal that they would lend it to people. They didn’t seem to do that, but no accountability was written into the hastily concocted plan, which seems to have been concocted in a matter of days, in a “cocktail napkin” format.

And that was just the economic stimulus packages of 2008.

International News and Developments – Education under Attack in Australia

June 3, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

Prelude: The topic will touch base on the human rights violation and much more about the nation from “Down Under” – Australia.

The United States preoccupied in numerous important events unfolding by the hour, international community set their eyes on the much-anticipated speech from the U.S. President Barack Obama in Cairo, Egypt and,

Other industrialized nations engaged in criticizing China on the eve of Tiananmen Square anniversary; similar events involving the brutal racist attacks on Indian students lured to the Australian educational institutions could not compete effectively in the press and media coverage.

As a website committed towards issues generally isolated by the large focus groups in the media and press, a detailed analysis on the appalling incidents concerning Indian students systematically targeted for their ‘skin color’ in the new millennium, twenty first century is attention worthy.

Please stand by for the in-depth coverage on the topic presented shortly.

Meanwhile, please take a moment to review the You-Tube images of the incidents and the victims’ plight in the “socially-advanced” nation in southern hemisphere.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

National Security Act – Torture

May 6, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

Torture

The nation riddled with recent events pertaining to national security.  In the past few weeks, there have been vigorous debates and discussions on the release of the torture memos describing the torture tactics applied on the speculative terror suspects in Guantanamo Bay and those held in Bagram Prison, Afghanistan.

There are polarizing views regarding the release of these materials claiming the potential threat to national security including the CIA and FBI operatives’ difficulty in performing their duties to keep the country safe.  Those in favor of transparency welcome the Obama administration’s gesture subject to further course of action. Merely releasing the materials will not suffice considering the misuse of power and gross violation of humanitarian laws.

In addition, the subsequent argument on the possible prosecution of the individuals responsible for torture against the Geneva Convention contributing yet another dilemma in the definition of torture and accountability factor.  Obviously, the predecessors’ supporters vehemently oppose the entire action thus far – from revealing the information to investigation.

The Obama administration‘s ambiguity on the humanitarian issue perceived as the White House conspicuously avoiding ‘retribution’ smear and possible distraction from the legislative matters like the universal health care.   Meanwhile, concerned citizens intrigued by the extreme strategy implemented to justify the imminent danger hypothesis, a constant practice by the previous administration notably the successful fear-mongering tactic during and after the Iraq invasion and occupation.

A full disclosure of the interrogation techniques particularly the notorious water boarding , ill-treatment and the indefinite imprisonment of the ‘so-called suspects’ in these captive centers confirm the serious violation of International Code namely the rejection of GCIII and Habeas Corpus.

It is important to examine the exact interpretation of the International laws set up for guidance and ethical purpose.  Further, the enforcement of these laws is to ensure precisely the state/the authorities remain confined to the jurisdiction of power against unarmed human beings in detention.

Source: The Wikipedia.org (The Free encyclopedia) – Thanks

The Third Geneva Convention of 1949 (abbreviated GCIII or GPW) , one of the Geneva Conventions, is a treaty agreement that primarily concerns the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs), and also touched on other topics. It replaced the Geneva Convention (1929).

According to Article 3, Part 1, General Provisions referred to as ‘Convention in miniature,’

“Noncombatants, combatants who have laid down their arms, and combatants who are hors de combat (out of the fight) due to wounds, detention, or any other cause shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, including prohibition of outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment.

The passing of sentences must also be pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all the judicial guarantees, which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples.  Article 3’s protections exist even if one is not classified as a prisoner of war.”

Habeas corpus (IPA: /ˌheɪbiːæsˈkɔːpəs/) (Latin: You (shall) have the body[1]) is a legal action, or writ, through which a person can seek relief from the unlawful detention of him or herself, or of another person.  It protects the individual from harming him or herself, or from being harmed by the judicial system.  The writ of habeas corpus has historically been an important instrument for the safeguarding of individual freedom against arbitrary state action.

Simply put,

Habeas corpus, a legal action through which a person can seek relief from unlawful detention.

The due process for such petitions is not simply civil or criminal, because they incorporate the presumption of nonauthority.  The official who is the respondent has the burden to prove his authority to do or not do something.  Failing this, the court must decide for the petitioner, who may be any person, not just an interested party.  This differs from a motion in a civil process in which the movant must have standing, and bears the burden of proof.”

Here are some news articles detailing the torture on presumed ‘suspects’ held in captivity by the U.S authorities.

Warning: The following articles are graphic and may not be suitable for all.

“I Could Not Stop Screaming”

“The British newspaper Guardian (2/18/2005) reported that one Bagram prisoner, a Palestinian named Mustafa, was blindfolded, handcuffed, gagged, and forced to bend down over a table by three American soldiers.  He said, “They forcibly rammed a stick up my rectum… I could not stop screaming when this happened.”

In another case reported by the Guardian, a Jordanian prisoner, Wesam Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Deemawi, said that during a 40-day period at Bagram he was threatened with dogs, stripped and photographed “in shameful and obscene positions” and placed in a cage with a hook and a hanging rope.  He says he was hung from this hook, blindfolded, for two days.

Both men were freed from U.S. detention last year after being held at Bagram and Guantánamo.  Neither has been charged with anything by any government.

Dilawar, a 22-year-old Afghan taxi driver and farmer, was killed by U.S. torturers at Bagram in December 2002.  He had been beaten and chained by his wrists for four days. After his last torture session, Dilawar was chained back to the ceiling.  Several hours passed before a doctor saw him—by which time he was dead and already beginning to stiffen.

“An official of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission questioned –

“Are They Going to Vanish Forever?”

“The Americans are detaining people without any legal procedure. Prisoners do not have the opportunity to demonstrate their innocence.”

Despite the unprecedented human rights violations… translated barbaric in modern times, the defense for the authorities authorizing and executing the medieval customs against unarmed detainees charged guilty without due process is astonishing.  The world witnessed the pervasive prisoner abuse in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, Bagram, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay through explosive visuals, editorials, columns and interviews predominantly from the international sources and on-line mass media.

Incidentally, the torturers’ loyalists cry ‘foul’ against the latest revelation.  Even though, the international news organizations and human rights groups have been reporting these incidents all along per above articles.  Contrasting the detainees position, all those responsible for the unconscionable crime against humanity involving innocent victims in the witch-hunt for terror suspects, are also exempt from due process however, with the distinction of them proclaimed “Patriotic” in their utter disregard for International laws and human rights.

Clearly, the abuse of power in this context from the pyramid‘s apex to the base is symbolic in the embarrassing chapter of American history.  Ironically, the explanation for torture attributed to national defense while ignoring the brutality against other nationals and their families’ ordeal.

One might argue if it’s worth treading the retribution path rather than moving forward.  It’s possible to move forward if the past had no remnants of violation of the laws involving global citizens in prolonged detention specifically in the absence of any evidence or trials.  Similar treatment of American nationals would have created pandemonium at all levels.

Besides, such practices open the floodgates for misuse of power by future administrations notwithstanding other nations…currently witnessed in the treatment of American journalists imprisoned on allegedly espionage charges by Iran and North Korea.

Whenever there is excessive abuse of power, unequivocally democracy threatened aside from the Constitution made irrelevant.  Therefore, it’s incumbent on the people in a democracy to ensure that neither the state nor any authority is above the law in the land of justice.

Please stand by for more information and analysis on related topics.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Response to DCCC

April 16, 2009

Hon. Speaker of the House

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

430 South Capitol Street, SE

Washington DC 20003

April 4, 2009

Dear Madam Speaker,

It is an honor to receive your invitation to continue volunteering for the various issues highlighted in your letter.

Since I’m currently engaged in reviving my career, and attending to family interests placed on hold the entire past year due to my extensive involvement in the Presidential campaign 2008, there is an urgency to fulfill personal and financial commitments towards my young dependent family.

However, I will continue to serve humanity to the extent possible for the people at home and around the world.

I take this opportunity to wish you the best in your endeavors.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Padmini Arhant

Economic Recovery Plan (ERP)

February 3, 2009

It is obvious from the headlines and news editorials across the nation that the economy is in deep recession.

San Jose Mercury News January 31, 2009 – Thank you.

GDP plunges at 3.8%, worst slide in quarter century

Autos – Valley car sales hit 15-year low – and 2009 looks worse

Wall Street – Worst January ever as Dow drops 8.8% this month

Washington – bruising battle over stimulus, Obama acts to bolster labor

Mortgage crisis spreading to affluent areas.

Meanwhile – Exxon Mobil sets U.S. record; $45.2 billion annual profit.

World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland concludes that the world is dealing with financial crisis with no solutions.

——————————————————————————————————————–

Optimistic View

Despite such gloom and doom, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

A thorough review and analysis of the problems that primarily contributed to the current economic crisis is essential in understanding the fundamental cause of the present economic recession.

Then addressing each issue on priority basis including the failure of various stimulus packages by the previous administration must be an integral part of the remedial measures for the economic recovery.

It is common knowledge that the origin of the current recession stems from various sources,

1. Subprime mortgage crisis contributed to housing market decline.

2. The major components attributing to the decline in housing prices are foreclosures due to default homeowners and delinquencies in mortgage payments.

3. Financial institutions holding high-risk mortgage backed securities sought bailout of their insolvency with taxpayers’ generosity.

4. Banks and other financial institutions decided to stranglehold the credit market leading to liquidity freeze with an adverse effect on consumer based industry represented by small businesses, retail outlets, medium corporations and homeowners alike.

5. Small businesses, Retail industry and medium corporations as the foundations of the economic infrastructure could not survive or sustain growth in the absence of credit facilities blocked by the financial institutions.

6. As stated earlier on numerous occasions, the collapse of small businesses, retail industry and medium corporations have a domino effect on wholesale manufacturers ultimately owned by major corporations in any industry.

7. Hence, the layoffs triggered from the bottom of the economic pyramid spread across the aisle and all the way to the top affecting emerging and viable corporations in many sectors.

8. As a result, the unemployment rate went soaring up to 7.8% with most states reporting double digit in this respect.

9. The credit crunch combined with housing market crisis significantly hurt investor confidence and led to the selling frenzy of stocks and investments by short term and new investors in the stock market. In addition, the current static in the credit market and the general economy has forced average consumers to live off their investments and savings.

10. Despite, capital infusion through bailouts and consistent productivity by all industries, the dismal stock market performance is related to poor earnings from the sluggish consumer spending in the competitive market and globalized economy.

Therefore, Consumer spending is the catalyst for revival of the job sector and corporate growth with desired earnings eventually reflecting in the stock market performance.

———————————————————————————————————————

Primary Cause and Effect

Housing market crisis – Decline in housing prices due to Foreclosures, Delinquency in Mortgage Payments with no refinancing opportunities.

Liquidity freeze or Credit Crunch – Small businesses, Retail industry and Medium Corporations deprived of cash flow by banks and financial institutions declared bankruptcy and subsequently the manufacturing sectors as well as the large Corporations producing mass layoffs.

Inadequate Consumer spending – Because of rising unemployment and scarce financial resources with no access to home equity other than dwindling investments in savings and stock holdings.

Lack of Accountability and Transparency from previous bailouts – Wall Street bailout of $700 billion have not been followed through with Corporate executives rewarding themselves to a tune of $20 billion in extravagant bonuses and perks.

Inaction and dormant role by the Congressional Oversight Committee set up for overseeing the purpose of bailout i.e. activate lending to the deserving and qualified business sectors and homeowners has further exacerbated the credit crunch.

Alarming Deficit – Multi-trillion dollar deficit accumulated by the previous administration from excessive borrowings predominantly from China, Saudi Arabia and Japan precipitously diminished the dollar value in the international market.

GDP plunges because of trade imbalances and culmination of all of the above factors in the domestic front of the frail economy.

Financial Commitments – Funding two major wars in Iraq and Afghanistan exhausted the national treasury and reserves besides overshadowing the onset of economic recession at home.

Wasteful Spending – Some legislators’ penchant for pet projects aka pork barrel spending or earmarks to oblige excessive lobbying from campaign donors led to misappropriation of budget replacing funding for essential services benefiting children, disabled and mentally ill patients, senior citizens, veterans, youth population, retirees and all those at the bottom of the socio economic strata.

Ironically, budget is vigorously debated over matters that are counter-productive while ignoring the myopic view of issues…

Universal health care

Energy efficient programs

Overhauling of educational system particularly public schools, state and community colleges through adequate funding.

Effective environmental policies.

Investments in science and technology to advance research and development in the areas of stem cells, regenerative medicine and Genomics.

Creative Arts and learning with a broad perspective of cultural exchanges between nations.

Space exploration in search of knowledge and facts for humanitarian cause.

Channeling appropriation of funds towards Peace Corps to promote peace and diplomacy for national security as opposed to defense spending and proliferation of nuclear technology.

Veteran Affairs involving care and rehabilitation of combat forces during and post war period as well as extending housing, education and health care for their dependents.

Expansion of Sports and recreational activities for public schools and communities through federal funding to States as a measure to keep health care costs down.

An elaborate version will be presented on what federal and state governments can do for the citizens who are taxpayers, consumers and most importantly electorate in a democracy.

———————————————————————————————————————

Time for Action – Effective Strategies

Since the cause of the economic crises have been identified, it is time to address the problems with effective solutions i.e. strategies.

The nation desperately needs relief from the burgeoning crises:

Housing market crisis – Immediate measures required with a moratorium on foreclosures for two years supplemented with refinancing for default and delinquent mortgagees at the existing market rate or lower to adjust the deficiency in home value.

Liquidity Crisis or Credit Crunch – It is incumbent on the Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke along with Congress and the Congressional Oversight Committee to hold Wall Street accountable for the $700 billion taxpayers’ funds and demand they facilitate liquidity and honor the commitment to the taxpayers.

Failure to comply with the requirement should have implications such as sale of all those beneficiaries’ assets and financial instruments withheld as collateral during borrowing assuming the previous administration adhered to the regular lending practices particularly a bailout of this magnitude.

Corporations and legislators alike must be held accountable for their actions and inactions to demonstrate that no one is held above the law in the land of republic.

Consumer Spending President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package for $819 billion passed by Congress and now the proposed package worth $867 billion for Senate approval deserves attention and action.

As discussed above, consumer spending is vital and instrumental to stimulate economy.

Again, consumers as victims of mass layoffs, debilitating job market, volatile stock market, and declining housing market have nothing to rely upon for income normally used in purchase of goods and services.

The cash strapped economy has evolved into a stagnant quagmire with disastrous consequences. It is imperative to relieve the economy with necessary tools that are contained in President Obama’s stimulus package.

President Barack Obama has unveiled the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to revive the economy by easing the burden on consumers with debts, failing small businesses as well as Corporations in requirement of capital investment.

President Barack Obama during his weekly radio address acknowledged the urgency to get credit flowing again to families and businesses. The President further promised to help lower mortgage costs and extend loans to small businesses so they can create jobs.

The administration, the president said, would ensure that chief executives “are not draining funds that should be advancing our recovery,” and the assistance to the financial system would be accompanied by “unprecedented transparency, rigorous oversight and clear accountability, so taxpayers know how their money is being spent and whether it is achieving results.”

The President was empathetic towards homeowners, students and small businesses in need of loans but left to fend on their own while Banks have been extended a hand with a bailout.

There is obviously a stark contrast in the objectives between the stimulus package of last year and the current one by President Barack Obama.

According to an article by New York Times on this issue – “The previous administration’s The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was supposed to be used up to buy the banks’ troubled mortgage-related assets. But, the Bush administration’s Treasury Department shifted gears, using the program instead to shore up the banks by injecting them with capital.

But instead of being inspired to lend more, too many banks hoarded their new capital, critics of the financial industry say.”

President Obama is seriously committed towards alleviating the suffering of ordinary citizens with necessary tax breaks of $500 for individuals and $1000 per family and tax incentives to small businesses including corporations with limited resources.

The Obama administration’s economic stimulus package has specific targets to bolster the economy and welcome sharing of public concerns on issues related to jobs, business, mortgage situation…

Since the commencement of his Presidency, the President has pledged support for the victims of the worst economic crisis. It is apparent from the actions taken within short period of the President assuming office.

The new millennium has brought series of disasters on our nation with the economy hitting rock bottom. There are undeniable challenges ahead and it requires the entire nation to come together in resolving every crisis.

Even though, a new President was elected on the message of hope and change , it is the responsibility of every citizen and particularly the legislators as representatives of their constituents to act immediately in the approval of the proposed stimulus package.

Any procrastination will only lead to further deterioration of the worsening economy. It is not the time for partisan politics as the stakes are high with too many unfortunate events unfolding as time goes by.

The victims are none other than the electorate entrusting power to their legislators for action on normalization of job, stock and housing market.

——————————————————————————————————————–

Summary of Economic Recovery Plan

President Barack Obama’s stimulus package is essential to revive consumer spending, housing market, job market and corporate growth directly influencing stock market performance.

It is important to ensure that pork barrel spending does not find its way in this stimulus package during deliberation by reluctant policymakers.

Economic recovery is inevitable with discipline, determination and drive –

To eliminate or minimize costs proven liabilities.

Strategic planning and monitoring through rigorous oversight.

Implementation of effective policies with guaranteed results.

Targeting problems with efficient programs.

Restoration and preservation of jobs through investments benefiting the workforce.

Reviewing tax structures to create incentives for business sectors dealing with liquidity crisis.

At the same time closing any gaps or loopholes for tax evasions by corporations and legislators.

Relieving homeowners with appropriate measures as suggested above.

Reform of institutions lacking in ethics and moral conduct.

Enforcement of law and order with consequences for non-compliance regardless of hierarchy.

Conscientious effort to reduce deficit by restraining overseas borrowing and commitment towards domestic economic growth within a specified timeframe.

Pursuit of common goals and objectives via collective action is important reflecting every individual’s desire to succeed in all endeavors.

Our nation provided opportunities, prosperity and happiness during economic boom and now it is the moment for all citizens to collaborate and help our newly elected President Barack Obama execute the tasks required for speedy economic recovery.

The fate of our nation is hanging in balance from the monumental crises and legislators in the Senate have an awesome responsibility to move forward and approve the economic stimulus package proposed by President Barack Obama to avert more calamities.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

We need to fix our economy

January 30, 2009

President Obama and his administration are trying to address this serious economic crisis at home.

It takes the entire nation to get involved in the rescue operation.

Let us come together and do everything possible to revive the economy.

Please standby for some important guidelines and suggestions for economic recovery on www.padminiarhant.com.

Also, focus on resolving California’s budget crisis will be presented on the website shortly.

Meanwhile, please follow through the request from President Obama’s administration to create awareness and collective effort required to survive the crisis.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

———————————————————————————–

Last year, America lost 2.6 million jobs. This week, some of our biggest companies announced plans to cut tens of thousands more.

The economic crisis is deepening, but President Obama and members of Congress have proposed a recovery plan that will put more than 3 million Americans back to work.

You can learn more about how the plan will help your community by organizing an Economic Recovery House Meeting.

Join thousands of people across the country who are coming together to watch a special video about the recovery plan. Invite your friends and neighbors to watch the video with you and have a conversation about your community’s economic situation.

The economic crisis can seem overwhelming and complex, but you can help the people you know connect the recovery plan to their lives and learn more about why it’s so important.

Sign up to host an Economic Recovery House Meeting the weekend of Friday, February 6th.

The President’s plan passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. But if it’s going to move forward, we need to avoid the usual partisan games.

That’s why supporters are opening their homes to talk with neighbors and friends about how the plan will work — and what it means for their community.

The video will outline the basics of the plan and how it will impact working families. It will also include answers to questions from folks across the country. Invite your friends and family to watch the video, discuss the plan, and help build support for it.

Don’t worry if you’ve never hosted a house meeting before — we’ll make sure you have everything you need to make it a success.

Take the first step right now by signing up to host an Economic Recovery House Meeting:

http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryhost

Time and again, you’ve demonstrated your commitment to change. Now you can help America move in an important new direction.

Please forward this email to your friends and family, and encourage them to get involved as well.

Thank you for your hard work,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Conflict of Interest

January 28, 2009

Secretary of State

By Padmini Arhant

Secretary of State position has been filled and the appointee, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has assumed office.

Did the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate pay any attention to the substantial facts and evidences provided by citizens and news editorials on this matter as well as other cabinet post appointments?

Apparently not and that appears to be the interesting focus for concerned electorate.

—————————————————————————————————-

Bill Clinton made millions from foreign sources

By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer Matthew Lee, Associated Press Writer – 35 mins ago 01/27/09

WASHINGTON – Former President Bill Clinton earned nearly $6 million in speaking fees last year, almost all of it from foreign companies, according to financial documents filed by his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton .

The documents obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press show that $4.6 million of the former president’s reported $5.7 million in 2008 honoraria came from foreign sources, including Kuwait’s national bank , other firms and groups in Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia , Mexico and Portugal and a Hong Kong-based company that spent $100,000 on federal lobbying last year.

Executives at many of the firms that paid honoraria to Bill Clinton have also donated large amounts of money to the Clinton Foundation , according to documents it released last year as part of an agreement with Congress on Hillary Clinton’s nomination as secretary of state.

That agreement was aimed at preventing the appearance of any conflict of interest between the ex-president’s charitable organization and his wife’s new job as the United States’ top diplomat.

In addition to Bill Clinton’s income from speaking fees, Hillary Clinton reported joint holdings of between $6.1 million and $30.3 million in a blind trust as well as cash, insurance and retirement accounts worth between $1 million and $5.2 million.
Hillary Clinton made between $50,000 and $100,000 in royalties from her 2003 memoir "Living History."

Bill Clinton earned between $100,000 and $1 million in royalties for his 2004 autobiography "My Life," the documents show. The Clintons reported no liabilities.

All senior officials in the Obama administration are required to complete a detailed disclosure of their personal finances, including spouse and children, which is updated yearly.

The two men selected to serve as Hillary Clinton’s deputy secretaries of state, Jacob Lew and James Steinberg , also filed financial disclosure forms.

Lew, a former Clinton administration official who recently headed Citigroup’s Alternative Investments unit, reported 2008 salary income of just over $1 million along with numerous investments, including between $50,000 and $100,000 in State of Israel bonds .
Steinberg, another former Clinton administration official who recently was a professor at the University of Texas, reported receiving $35,000 in 2008 for foreign speaking engagements, including three before Japanese media firms and one before the Confederation of Indian Industries in New Delhi.

The most Bill Clinton got from a foreign source was $1.25 million for appearing at five events sponsored by the Toronto-based Power Within Inc., a company that puts on motivational and training programs around North America , according to Hillary Clinton’s submission.

For one Power Within speech alone, delivered in Edmonton in June 2008, Clinton was paid $525,000, the most for any single event that year. For one event, he got $200,000 and for three others he received $175,000 each, the documents show.

The Hong Kong firm, Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Holdings, paid Clinton a $300,000 honorarium on Dec. 4, 2008. Twenty five days later, on Dec. 29, a man listed as the company’s chief financial officer, Jack Xi Deng, made a $25,000 cash donation to the Virginia gubernatorial campaign of Clinton confidant Terry McAuliffe , according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the Hong Kong firm paid at least $100,000 in 2008 to lobbyists on immigration issues.

The other foreign honoraria Bill Clinton received in 2008 are:
$450,000 from AWD Holding AG , a German-based international financial services company.

$350,000 from the state-owned National Bank of Kuwait . The Kuwaiti government donated between $1 million and $5 million to the Clinton Foundation , according to the foundation’s disclosure.

$300,000 from Value Grupo Financiero SA de CV, a Mexico -based financial holding company , whose chief executive officer , Carlos Bremer Gutierrez, is one of the Clinton Foundation’s leading donors. Gutierrez donated between $250,001 to $500,000 to the foundation, according to foundation’s documents.

$250,000 from Germany’s Media Control Gmbh, which bills itself as the world’s leading provider of entertainment data and was founded by Karlheinz Koegel, who contributed $100,001 to $250,000 to the Clinton foundation.

$200,000 from Malaysia’s Petra Equities Management on behalf of the Sekhar Foundation run by Malaysian multimillionaire Vinod Sekhar who donated between $25,001 and $50,000 to the Clinton Foundation, according to its documents.

In addition to the foreign earnings,

Bill Clinton made just over $1 million from domestic speaking engagements, including $250,000 from MSG Entertainment , $225,000 from the National Association of Home Care and Hospice, $200,000 from the United Nations Association , $175,000 from the ING North America Insurance Corp., $125,000 from the Rodman and Renshaw Capital Group and $100,000 from the Hollywood Radio and Television Society.

————————————————————————————————————-

Voice of Concern:  By Padmini Arhant

I suppose,  now it must be clear to America why despite the impressive combined earnings by the then Senator and now newly appointed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s request for personal donation was not met .

The impression might be what could possibly a small, diminutive, frail and fragile individual’s support or the lack thereof do to powerful nominations and subsequent confirmation.

It was already proven during the election when several requests and demands were placed for endorsement of the Presidential candidates.

Otherwise, would any ordinary citizen be sought after relentlessly by the candidates for endorsement in a high profile and vigorously contested political battle?

Further, Supreme force representative’s subservient manner should not be translated as an inferior or a weak personality in any shape due to intimacy with natural phenomenon.

Regardless, the stark contrast between the powerful on earth and those representing the power of the universe is,

The latter are courageous in speaking the truth and standing up for justice and peace wherever and whenever it applies.

History is testimony that Prophets and messengers were subject to incredible endurance tests including death for some as in the case of Lord Jesus Christ.

In the ancient era, Prophets and Messiahs had to prove their identity and worthiness by performing wonders or miracles.

It ranged from bearing the cross and resurrection to life and possessing witnesses for the ability to walk on water.

Now, in the new millennium the expectation of the virtuous could still be to exhibit magic moments by spitting fire, moving mountains and relevantly excavation of economy from deep recession heading towards Great Depression.

Such expectations by those considering themselves extraordinary are not surprising.

In fact, up until recently the utterance of God and any discussions related to the highest grace was argued as undemocratic by calling for elimination of such discourse in public square.

Anyone challenging the might of the mortals is frequently dismissed as a questionable character and their concerns for humanity invalidated through defiance per recent demonstration of Cabinet posts confirmation.

All those bound by ethics and compliance of common law in a democracy rejecting the plea with presentation of facts and evidences against Hillary Clinton’s confirmation as well as other appointees are in denial of the highest authority.

Hence, the comment during the Radio talk show  on “Free Palestine” about public displays of prayers and worships as meaningless because of selective embracing of God by political figures.

Thus, forcing one to arrive at a conclusion that even “Almighty God” is a fair game in politics.

It goes to prove that Cabinet posts in any administration could be picked and chosen by the privileged members of a political party and some outsiders through virtue of their association with previous administrations leaving no opportunities for the deserving aspirants outside the circle in the so-called democracy.

Then why bother wasting  taxpayers’ dollars with senate hearing and confirmation process if the purpose is meant to be a mere formality?

With foreign governments and sources donating to Clinton foundation and honorarium for his speeches, should American electorate consider such generosity by these entities an act of pure benevolence for humanity and not have Clintons reciprocate in return?

Alternatively, are these donors so magnanimous that they are involved in a great humanitarian effort whilst ignoring the plight of the population in their own backyard?
Washington was to be changed and shaken up to give way to new political system.

Is shuffling the cabinet posts among the group consisting of those demanding party favors a fair selection process?

Does democracy really have a chance when Power is still the dominant force crushing the will of the republic?

The lawmakers awestruck by candidates despite controversial background  moved forward to fill positions in fulfillment of their obligations and responsibilities with no regard for due process.

New administration was sworn in with the pledge to America to change Washington corroded with corruption, cronyism and power politics into new era guided by the constitution and democratic values.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Promising "a new era of openness in our country," President Obama signed executive orders Wednesday relating to ethics guidelines for staff members of his administration.

"Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency," Obama said.

Has there been a breach of constitutional law in the Cabinet post appointments?

It is worth examining, as it appears to be the case according to some concerned citizens who are also legal experts in the constitutional law.

————————————————————————————————————-

Source: http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2008/11/25/is-hillary-clinton-unconstitutional/ –

Thank you.

Is Hillary Clinton Unconstitutional?

Posted by Ilya Shapiro,  Previous: There’s No Change Here
It appears that there may be genuine constitutional problems with her expected nomination.  To wit, Article I, section 6, clause 2 reads:

Via http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/tocs/a1_6_2.html

Article 1, Section 6, Clause 2

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

That is, under this “Emoluments Clause,” members of Congress are expressly forbidden to take any appointed position within the government which was created or whose pay has been increased during their current term in office.

Now, a January 2008 executive order, promulgated in accordance with a statute from the 1990s that addressed cost of living adjustments for certain federal officials, raised the Secretary of State’s salary, thus constitutionally prohibiting any then-serving senator who remains in office from taking charge of Foggy Bottom. (Sen. Clinton’s current term began in January 2007 and expires in January 2013.)

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Source: http://volokh.com/posts/1227548910.shtml

Hillary Clinton and the Emoluments Clause:

There’s been talk about whether Sen. Hillary Clinton is disqualified from a position as Secretary of State by the Emoluments Clause:

Adam Bonin’s Daily Kos blog has a bit more on this, but the short version is that a Jan. 2008 executive order, promulgated pursuant to a 1990s cost of living adjustment statute, raised the salary of the Secretary of State, so the Emoluments Clause question is in play.

I very recently read an article by John O’Connor on the subject, The Emoluments Clause: An Anti-Federalist Intruder in a Federalist Constitution, 24 Hofstra L. Rev. 89 (1995), so I asked him what he thought.
Here’s his answer (some paragraph breaks added); please note that I have some comments at the end of this post that express a somewhat different view:

It seems to me that there are two questions regarding whether the Emoluments Clause to the U.S. Constitution (Art. I, § 6, cl. 2) renders Senator Hillary Clinton constitutionally ineligible for appointment as Secretary of State:

(1) whether Senator Clinton is now ineligible for appointment; and

(2) if Senator Clinton is ineligible for appointment, whether that ineligibility may be cured by the so-called “Saxbe Fix,” whereby the Secretary of State’s salary is reduced to the salary in effect before Senator Clinton’s current Senate term began.

I think it is beyond dispute that Senator Clinton is currently ineligible for appointment as secretary of State. I also believe that the better construction of the Emoluments Clause is that the “Saxbe Fix” does not remove this ineligibility.

The Saxbe Fix got its name because the Nixon administration sought to eliminate Senator William Saxbe’s ineligibility for appointment as Attorney General by reducing the salary of that office to the level that existed before Senator Saxbe’s appointment.

The Emoluments Clause provides that “[n]o Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time.”

As I understand it, 5 U.S.C. § 5303 provides for an automatic annual increase in certain federal salaries, including the salary of the Secretary of State, unless the President certifies that an increase in salaries is inappropriate.

The salary of the Secretary of State has increased during Senator Clinton’s current Senate term, which does not end until 2012.

Therefore, under a straightforward application of the Emoluments Clause, Senator Clinton is ineligible for appointment as Secretary of State because the emoluments of that office “have been encreased” during Senator Clinton’s current Senate term, and this disability continues until the end of “the time for which [she] was elected, or until January 2013.

I do not believe it affects the analysis that the salary increase occurred as a result of an Executive Order or that the statute creating these quasi-automatic salary increases was enacted prior to Senator Clinton’s current term.

By its plain language, the Emoluments Clause applies when the office’s salary “shall have been encreased,” without regard to exactly how it was increased.

Indeed, an early proposed draft of the clause included language limiting it to an increase of emoluments “by the legislature of the U[nited] States,” and was later revised to encompass any increase in emoluments.

It is worth noting that several Framers thought, without much explication, that the clause was too lax as initially drafted. The clause also does not require that a Senator or Representative have voted for the increase.

This focus [on] a past act of increasing emoluments, rather than on the emoluments existing at the time of appointment suggests to me that the clause’s best reading is that an act of increasing emoluments renders members of Congress ineligible for appointment [to] the office until their respective congressional terms end.

In addition, one of the central theses of my law review article on the subject is that the purpose of the Emoluments Clause is disserved by the Saxbe Fix.

The records of the federal constitutional convention indicate two purposes underlying the Emoluments Clause:

(1) general anti-corruption, whereby Congress might conspire with the President to create offices, or to give existing offices exorbitant salaries, with the understanding that a Member of Congress would be appointed to the office; and

(2) limiting the size, importance, and reach of the federal bureaucracy.

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Republic Action:  By Padmini Arhant

It is important for the people of the Republic to awaken and ensure that elected representatives honor commitments towards their constituents and the nation  by respecting the constitutional law and abide by the common rules and regulations meant for all regardless of societal hierarchy.

Indeed, it is a huge disappointment that electorate is relevant only during the electoral process.

Once the ballots are cast and power entrusted to the lawmakers as the people representatives, the abuse of power is a reflex action with a tendency to discount and dismiss the will of democracy particularly during federal appointments and other legislative matters.

Any functional democracy requires that apart from transparency and accountability, the office of Presidency and Congress act with entire integrity in recruitments by not violating the trust of the people and the constitution governing the nation.

Additionally,  rather than personal choices for various cabinet posts contributing to ethical issues, the real change in Washington would be depicted if the cabinet posts were advertised for direct public appointments reflecting the acknowledgement of talent and caliber among the eligible electorate.

Is it too late to review the appointments that have already taken place?

Action is anytime better than inaction to confirm the power of democracy.

Shouldn’t we all know now from the past eight years’ legacy?

The voice of America is the only legitimate force that can bring about any Positive Change in every citizen’s life.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

P.S. Please review the insightful presentation “Secretary of State Nomination” on www.padminiarhant.com  for complete comprehension.

Conflict of Interest

January 28, 2009

Secretary of State

By Padmini Arhant

Secretary of State position has been filled and the appointee, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has assumed office.

Did the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate pay any attention to the substantial facts and evidences provided by citizens and news editorials on this matter as well as other cabinet post appointments?

Apparently not and that appears to be the interesting focus for concerned electorate.

——————————————————–

Bill Clinton made millions from foreign sources

By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer Matthew Lee, Associated Press Writer – 35 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Former President Bill Clinton earned nearly $6 million in speaking fees last year, almost all of it from foreign companies, according to financial documents filed by his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton .

The documents obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press show that $4.6 million of the former president’s reported $5.7 million in 2008 honoraria came from foreign sources, including Kuwait’s national bank , other firms and groups in Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia , Mexico and Portugal and a Hong Kong-based company that spent $100,000 on federal lobbying last year.

Executives at many of the firms that paid honoraria to Bill Clinton have also donated large amounts of money to the Clinton Foundation , according to documents it released last year as part of an agreement with Congress on Hillary Clinton’s nomination as secretary of state.

That agreement was aimed at preventing the appearance of any conflict of interest between the ex-president’s charitable organization and his wife’s new job as the United States’ top diplomat.

In addition to Bill Clinton’s income from speaking fees, Hillary Clinton reported joint holdings of between $6.1 million and $30.3 million in a blind trust as well as cash, insurance and retirement accounts worth between $1 million and $5.2 million.
Hillary Clinton made between $50,000 and $100,000 in royalties from her 2003 memoir "Living History."

Bill Clinton earned between $100,000 and $1 million in royalties for his 2004 autobiography "My Life," the documents show. The Clintons reported no liabilities.

All senior officials in the Obama administration are required to complete a detailed disclosure of their personal finances, including spouse and children, which is updated yearly.

The two men selected to serve as Hillary Clinton’s deputy secretaries of state, Jacob Lew and James Steinberg , also filed financial disclosure forms.

Lew, a former Clinton administration official who recently headed Citigroup’s Alternative Investments unit, reported 2008 salary income of just over $1 million along with numerous investments, including between $50,000 and $100,000 in State of Israel bonds .
Steinberg, another former Clinton administration official who recently was a professor at the University of Texas, reported receiving $35,000 in 2008 for foreign speaking engagements, including three before Japanese media firms and one before the Confederation of Indian Industries in New Delhi.

The most Bill Clinton got from a foreign source was $1.25 million for appearing at five events sponsored by the Toronto-based Power Within Inc., a company that puts on motivational and training programs around North America , according to Hillary Clinton’s submission.

For one Power Within speech alone, delivered in Edmonton in June 2008, Clinton was paid $525,000, the most for any single event that year. For one event, he got $200,000 and for three others he received $175,000 each, the documents show.

The Hong Kong firm, Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Holdings, paid Clinton a $300,000 honorarium on Dec. 4, 2008. Twenty five days later, on Dec. 29, a man listed as the company’s chief financial officer, Jack Xi Deng, made a $25,000 cash donation to the Virginia gubernatorial campaign of Clinton confidant Terry McAuliffe , according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the Hong Kong firm paid at least $100,000 in 2008 to lobbyists on immigration issues.

The other foreign honoraria Bill Clinton received in 2008 are:
$450,000 from AWD Holding AG , a German-based international financial services company.

$350,000 from the state-owned National Bank of Kuwait . The Kuwaiti government donated between $1 million and $5 million to the Clinton Foundation , according to the foundation’s disclosure.

$300,000 from Value Grupo Financiero SA de CV, a Mexico -based financial holding company , whose chief executive officer , Carlos Bremer Gutierrez, is one of the Clinton Foundation’s leading donors. Gutierrez donated between $250,001 to $500,000 to the foundation, according to foundation’s documents.

$250,000 from Germany’s Media Control Gmbh, which bills itself as the world’s leading provider of entertainment data and was founded by Karlheinz Koegel, who contributed $100,001 to $250,000 to the Clinton foundation.

$200,000 from Malaysia’s Petra Equities Management on behalf of the Sekhar Foundation run by Malaysian multimillionaire Vinod Sekhar who donated between $25,001 and $50,000 to the Clinton Foundation, according to its documents.

In addition to the foreign earnings,

Bill Clinton made just over $1 million from domestic speaking engagements, including $250,000 from MSG Entertainment , $225,000 from the National Association of Home Care and Hospice, $200,000 from the United Nations Association , $175,000 from the ING North America Insurance Corp., $125,000 from the Rodman and Renshaw Capital Group and $100,000 from the Hollywood Radio and Television Society.

———————————————————————————————————————

Voice of Concern: By Padmini Arhant

I suppose, now it must be clear to America why despite the impressive combined earnings by the then Senator and now newly appointed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s request for personal donation was not met .

The impression might be what could possibly a small, diminutive, frail and fragile individual’s support or the lack thereof do to powerful nominations and subsequent confirmation.

It was already proven during the election when several requests and demands were placed for endorsement of the Presidential candidates.

Otherwise, would any ordinary citizen be sought after relentlessly for endorsement in a high profile and vigorously contested political battle by the contestants?

Further, Supreme force representative’s subservient manner should not be translated as an inferior or a weak personality in any shape due to intimacy with natural phenomenon.

Regardless, the stark contrast between the powerful on earth and those representing the power of the universe is,

The latter are courageous in speaking the truth and standing up for justice and peace wherever and whenever it applies.

History is testimony that Prophets and messengers were subject to incredible endurance tests including death for some as in the case of Lord Jesus Christ.

In the ancient era, Prophets and Messiahs had to prove their identity and worthiness by performing wonders or miracles.

It ranged from bearing the cross and resurrection to life and possessing witnesses for the ability to walk on water.

Now, in the new millennium the expectation of the virtuous could still be to exhibit magic moments by spitting fire, moving mountains and relevantly excavation of economy from deep recession heading towards Great Depression.

Such expectations by those considering themselves extraordinary are not surprising.

In fact, up until recently the utterance of God and any discussions related to the highest grace was argued as undemocratic by calling for elimination of such discourse in public square.

Anyone challenging the might of the mortals is frequently dismissed as a questionable character and their concerns for humanity invalidated through defiance per recent demonstration of Cabinet posts confirmation.

All those bound by ethics and compliance of common law in a democracy rejecting the plea with presentation of facts and evidences against Hillary Clinton’s confirmation as well as other appointees are in denial of the highest authority.

Hence, the comment during the Radio talk show on “Free Palestine” about public displays of prayers and worships as meaningless because of selective embracing of God by political figures.

Thus, forcing one to arrive at a conclusion that even “Almighty God” is a fair game in politics.

It goes to prove that Cabinet posts in any administration could be picked and chosen by the privileged members of a political party and some outsiders through virtue of their association with previous administrations leaving no opportunities for the deserving aspirants outside the circle in the so-called democracy.

Then why bother wasting taxpayers’ dollars with senate hearing and confirmation process if the purpose is meant to be a mere formality?

With foreign governments and sources donating to Clinton foundation and honorarium for his speeches, should American electorate consider such generosity by these entities an act of pure benevolence for humanity and not have Clintons reciprocate in return?

Alternatively, are these donors so magnanimous that they are involved in a great humanitarian effort whilst ignoring the plight of the population in their own backyard?

Washington was to be changed and shaken up to give way to new political system.

Is shuffling the cabinet posts among the group consisting of those demanding party favors a fair selection process?

Does democracy really have a chance when Power is still the dominant force crushing the will of the republic?

The lawmakers awestruck by candidates despite controversial background moved forward to fill positions in fulfillment of their obligations and responsibilities with no regard for due process.

New administration was sworn in with the pledge to America to change Washington corroded with corruption, cronyism and power politics into new era guided by the constitution and democratic values.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Promising "a new era of openness in our country," President Obama signed executive orders Wednesday relating to ethics guidelines for staff members of his administration.

"Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency," Obama said.

Has there been a breach of constitutional law in the Cabinet post appointments?

It is worth examining, as it appears to be the case according to some concerned citizens who are also legal experts in the constitutional law.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Source: http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2008/11/25/is-hillary-clinton-unconstitutional/ – Thank you.

Is Hillary Clinton Unconstitutional?

Posted by Ilya Shapiro , Previous: There’s No Change Here

It appears that there may be genuine constitutional problems with her expected nomination.  To wit, Article I, section 6, clause 2 reads:

Via http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/tocs/a1_6_2.html

Article 1, Section 6, Clause 2

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

That is, under this “Emoluments Clause,” members of Congress are expressly forbidden to take any appointed position within the government which was created or whose pay has been increased during their current term in office.

Now, a January 2008 executive order, promulgated in accordance with a statute from the 1990s that addressed cost of living adjustments for certain federal officials, raised the Secretary of State’s salary, thus constitutionally prohibiting any then-serving senator who remains in office from taking charge of Foggy Bottom. (Sen. Clinton’s current term began in January 2007 and expires in January 2013.)

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Source: http://volokh.com/posts/1227548910.shtml – Thank you.

Hillary Clinton and the Emoluments Clause:

There’s been talk about whether Sen. Hillary Clinton is disqualified from a position as Secretary of State by the Emoluments Clause:

Adam Bonin’s Daily Kos blog has a bit more on this, but the short version is that a Jan. 2008 executive order , promulgated pursuant to a 1990s cost of living adjustment statute, raised the salary of the Secretary of State, so the Emoluments Clause question is in play.

I very recently read an article by John O’Connor on the subject, The Emoluments Clause: An Anti-Federalist Intruder in a Federalist Constitution , 24 Hofstra L. Rev. 89 (1995) , so I asked him what he thought.

Here’s his answer (some paragraph breaks added); please note that I have some comments at the end of this post that express a somewhat different view:

It seems to me that there are two questions regarding whether the Emoluments Clause to the U.S. Constitution (Art. I, § 6, cl. 2) renders Senator Hillary Clinton constitutionally ineligible for appointment as Secretary of State:

(1) whether Senator Clinton is now ineligible for appointment; and

(2) if Senator Clinton is ineligible for appointment, whether that ineligibility may be cured by the so-called “Saxbe Fix,” whereby the Secretary of State’s salary is reduced to the salary in effect before Senator Clinton’s current Senate term began.

I think it is beyond dispute that Senator Clinton is currently ineligible for appointment as secretary of State. I also believe that the better construction of the Emoluments Clause is that the “Saxbe Fix” does not remove this ineligibility.

The Saxbe Fix got its name because the Nixon administration sought to eliminate Senator William Saxbe’s ineligibility for appointment as Attorney General by reducing the salary of that office to the level that existed before Senator Saxbe’s appointment.

The Emoluments Clause provides that “[n]o Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time.”

As I understand it, 5 U.S.C. § 5303 provides for an automatic annual increase in certain federal salaries, including the salary of the Secretary of State, unless the President certifies that an increase in salaries is inappropriate.

The salary of the Secretary of State has increased during Senator Clinton’s current Senate term, which does not end until 2012.

Therefore, under a straightforward application of the Emoluments Clause, Senator Clinton is ineligible for appointment as Secretary of State because the emoluments of that office “have been encreased” during Senator Clinton’s current Senate term, and this disability continues until the end of “the time for which [she] was elected, or until January 2013.

I do not believe it affects the analysis that the salary increase occurred as a result of an Executive Order or that the statute creating these quasi-automatic salary increases was enacted prior to Senator Clinton’s current term.

By its plain language, the Emoluments Clause applies when the office’s salary “shall have been encreased,” without regard to exactly how it was increased.

Indeed, an early proposed draft of the clause included language limiting it to an increase of emoluments “by the legislature of the U[nited] States,” and was later revised to encompass any increase in emoluments.

It is worth noting that several Framers thought, without much explication, that the clause was too lax as initially drafted. The clause also does not require that a Senator or Representative have voted for the increase.

This focus [on] a past act of increasing emoluments, rather than on the emoluments existing at the time of appointment suggests to me that the clause’s best reading is that an act of increasing emoluments renders members of Congress ineligible for appointment [to] the office until their respective congressional terms end.

In addition, one of the central theses of my law review article on the subject is that the purpose of the Emoluments Clause is disserved by the Saxbe Fix.

The records of the federal constitutional convention indicate two purposes underlying the Emoluments Clause:

(1) general anti-corruption, whereby Congress might conspire with the President to create offices, or to give existing offices exorbitant salaries, with the understanding that a Member of Congress would be appointed to the office; and

(2) limiting the size, importance, and reach of the federal bureaucracy.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Republic Action: By Padmini Arhant

It is important for the people of the Republic to awaken and ensure that elected representatives honor commitments towards their constituents and the nation by respecting the constitutional law and abide by the common rules and regulations meant for all regardless of societal hierarchy.

Indeed, it is a huge disappointment that electorate is relevant only during the electoral process.

Once the ballots are cast and power entrusted to the lawmakers as the people representatives, the abuse of power is a reflex action with a tendency to discount and dismiss the will of democracy particularly during federal appointments and other legislative matters.

Any functional democracy requires that apart from transparency and accountability, the office of Presidency and Congress act with entire integrity in recruitments by not violating the trust of the people and the constitution governing the nation.

Additionally, rather than personal choices for various cabinet posts contributing to ethical issues, the real change in Washington would be depicted if the cabinet posts were advertised for direct public appointments reflecting the acknowledgement of talent and caliber among the eligible electorate.

Is it too late to review the appointments that have already taken place?

Action is anytime better than inaction to confirm the power of democracy.

Shouldn’t we all know now from the past eight years’ legacy?

The voice of America is the only legitimate force that can bring about any Positive Change in every citizen’s life.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

P.S. Please review the insightful presentation “Secretary of State Nomination” on www.padminiarhant.com for complete comprehension.

Next Page »