Iraq’s Election Results Favor Secular Government by leader Ayad Allawi
May 23, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
On May 16, 2010, Iraq’s electoral commission affirmation of a Sunni backed bloc led by the secular, Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi victory over the former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is a clear public mandate in the democratic election held on March 7, 2010.
Further, the election commission ruled out the voter fraud charges by the Shiite leader and the Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki after recount in the districts suspected of the alleged inaccuracy.
Hence, the new government with the Prime Minister Ayad Allawi to resume power in office is the electorates’ final decision in the prolonged electoral process that has contributed to sectarian violence due to partisanship sought by the homogenous Shiite party under the then Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
The political standoff by the previous administration refusing to accept the democratic will has claimed many innocent lives of the Shiites and Sunni population through militants’ orchestrated bombings and explosions until now.
People of Iraq deserve peace and normal existence in a secular society.
The new government representing the diverse political factions in the coalition is the electorates’ choice and the sooner the government is formed, the better for national security.
Any unnecessary delay would exacerbate the situation exploited currently by the militants and the terror network affiliated to Al-Qaida.
Besides, it would allow the timely U.S. troop withdrawal per agreement between the two nations.
And,
Save the United States from the economic liability attributed to the alarming national deficit since the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
Unified Iraq is the strength to overcome the prevalent political and social discord.
The people of Iraq could reach out to one another in recognition of the millions of lives lost on all sides and lead their country towards political stability, economic and social progress to benefit all.
Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s inclusive rather than exclusive coalition government is promising.
Perhaps, it could deliver the desirable outcome in liberating Iraq from cyclical violence.
Good Luck! And Best Wishes to the Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and the people of Iraq in their solidarity pledged to nation building.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Tragic Events
May 22, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families of the following events:
India – Air India plane crash in Mangalore, India on May 21, 2010 with more than 160 lives reported to have been lost and the few survivors seriously injured.
Afghanistan – Plane wreckage north of Kabul, from an Afghan commercial airliner with 44 people claimed to have succumbed to the fatal crash.
Insurgents attacks against NATO base in Afghanistan reportedly wounding coalition troops and civilian staff in the repeat assault on a major military installation.
Iraq – A Car bomb had killed 23 shoppers and wounded 50 in a crowded market in a Shiite town near Baghdad.
The loss of life from plane crash and the violent attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq are deeply regrettable.
Time is the best healer in overcoming grief and the victims memories remain as their legacy.
We pray for the departed souls to rest in peace and the injured for speedy recovery.
Iraq’s New Government – Imperative for National and Regional Stability
May 15, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Following the article titled “Iraq’s Political Stalemate – Solution to a Promising Future,” published on the website May 14, 2010,
The topic is continued to lay emphasis on the serious ramifications for a nation without the republic approved political power in office.
According to the latest reports, the Iraqi election results declare the secular Shiite leader – Ayad Allawi, the winner with strong Sunni and other minority party support for having secured the most parliament seats.
The former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s undemocratic stance by excluding the Sunnis and forming a coalition with religious Shiites to challenge the electoral outcome is worthy of condemnation.
Further, the election commission has confirmed in response to vote verification demand for inaccuracy that:
“A full recount in Baghdad province showed no fraud or major irregularities.”
Thus invalidating the ex- Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki’s claim against the winning party on voter fraud.
Meanwhile, the Sunnis concern about being eliminated from the coalition by the Maliki government and the repercussions are evident in the relentless violence orchestrated by the militants with a yet another bomb explosion outside a mosque South of Baghdad reportedly killing 20 people, in addition to the 119 people who died earlier last week.
Simultaneously, the reports cite the tragic 10 people deaths caused by a suicide bomber in the northern city of Tal Afar, near a soccer field.
Above all, Al-Qaida is wasting no time in exploiting the worst developments for a potential full-blown ‘sectarian warfare,’ attributed to political obstinacy displayed by the former Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki.
Al-Qaida’s network in Iraq operating under the name ‘Minister of War,’ is a by-product of the brewing tension arising from the illegitimate political power espousing partisan politics in a secular society.
The deliberate attempt to destabilize the political environment contributing to sectarian attacks is favorable to the militants, terror networks, occupiers and the political power seeking indefinite term in office despite the electoral defeat.
Therefore, it’s incumbent upon the vying candidate and the former Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki to honor the national election mandate and concede to the democratically elected winner, and secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi.
Democratic elections are meaningless if the losing party defy the electorates will and the transition in power deemed discretionary.
Iraqis have endured tyranny, persecution, endless death and destruction.
The people of Iraq regardless of religious sect deserve peace and political stability.
Iraqis must come together instead of rising against one another and exercise their power to restore democracy by granting the winner with most Parliament seats, the leader Ayad Allawi, the opportunity to assume office as the Prime Minister of Iraq effective immediately.
Throughout history, the civil movements have been responsible for changing the course of their country towards freedom, peace, social and economic progress.
Iraq is home to all citizens irrespective of the perceived differences among them. It’s important for both sides to renounce violence in thoughts, words and deeds in order to become trustworthy.
What they are struggling to achieve individually, they will accomplish collectively upon accepting one another as human beings and Iraqi first prior to any classification.
By staying united as Iraqi citizens, they can drive the forces causing indiscriminate chaos and carnage including the epidemic – political corruption.
Both Shiites and Sunnis need to put their grievances aside by moving forward with a common goal to make Iraq a shrine of peace, unity and prosperity.
Political uncertainty without a functional government is a major threat to national security.
The recently elected Iraqi officials are constitutionally bound to form a government and it’s been over two months past the elections, the democratically elected leader has not been sworn in officially.
Unfortunately, the status quo is not denounced in spite of the innocent Iraqi civilians targeted in the erupting sectarian conflict.
The electorate has spoken in the democratic electoral process with the secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi as the preferred head of the state.
Congratulations! To the Prime Minister of Iraq, Ayad Allawi and,
Wishing Success in the unified Iraq through fair Parliamentary representation to address the individual and common issues.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Iraq’s Political Stalemate and Solution to a Promising Future
May 14, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
It has been over two months for the parliamentary elections in Iraq and the nation is without a new government thus far.
Since there is no absolute majority winner, the political parties have been scrambling to form a coalition unsuccessfully.
The situation has created a void in the absence of ruling government allowing insurgency to re-emerge that claimed 119 civilian lives on Monday 10, 2010.
Further, the U.S. troop withdrawal with August 31 deadline and the complete pull out from Iraq by the end of 2011 is contingent on the political stability.
The military perspective is “to hold as many forces on the ground until the need to redeploy them.”
Even though, the security agreement between Iraq and the United States requires the U.S. exit by the end of 2011, that now appears to be improbable from the military officials’ statements.
If this is not a wake up call to the elected officials in Iraq, then nothing can revive democracy in the war torn nation.
The Iraqi election mandate was clearly in favor of a secular representation predominantly seeking an end to the sectarian violence that has crippled the economy and stifled the troop withdrawal.
Despite the secular Shiite leader Ayad Allawi being the front runner in the election with strong backing from the Sunnis and different political parties,
The Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s Shiite alliance with the religious Shiite and Iran is being pushed forward for a second term by those preventing peace to prevail in the country that has lost millions of innocent lives to incessant bombings and shootings.
Such undemocratic maneuvering is provoking the Sunni and other minorities causing immense frustration.
The anxiety is exploited by the militants responsible for the insurgency in 10 cities lately and the foreign troops to postpone departure.
Further, the Maliki government with strong Iranian support has failed to curb the earlier attacks allegedly influenced by Iran arguably polarizing the diverse society.
Iraqis were looking forward to a democratically elected government strong on the economy and national security.
Knowing the leadership that would bring the different political factions together rather than strengthening their own representation is likely to succeed in the national endeavor.
Similar expectations were prevalent among other Arab nations concerned about Iran’s ally – the Maliki government’s consecutive term de-legitimizing the Sunnis and others in the Shiite dominant Parliament.
Besides, the events replicating the political outcome in Afghanistan is evident in Iraq with the killings on the rise and the foreign troops presence extended indefinitely utilizing the political discord and social unrest as the reasons for the decision.
However, unlike Afghanistan, Iraqi election completed its process regardless of the routine electoral complaints for inaccuracy in certain districts, delivering the secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi as the front runner and the preferred choice.
Whenever the incumbent administration with the following traits:
In agreement with the foreign troops occupation,
Contributing to the political turmoil by rejecting the democratic results against the electorates will and determined to prolong its power,
That government has a bleak future.
Their focus is centered on remaining in office rather than resolving national issues.
With the lack of consensus during the self-appointed term, not much progress is anticipated in the legislative matter fomenting public disappointment and anger in all directions.
Any political power conspicuously inept at governance with the fragmented political structure in constant disapproval of legislations generates a leadership vacuum.
The dilemma is exemplified in Afghanistan and Iraq, the twenty first century battlegrounds with no end in sight, in the war on terror including the deepening political and national security crisis.
Iraq has tremendous potential to reverse its course due to the vast geographic and demographic advantages that exists.
Enriched in oil, there is enormous economic opportunity for nation reconstruction provided the political system be solidified with the multifaceted representation.
In addition, the Iraqi population is educated and suitably trained in the respective fields for the desirable GDP growth.
The perpetual carnage and destruction exacerbated with the political uncertainty has deprived them of a stunning economic performance.
The Shiite policy associating the present Sunni and other minorities with the inhumane past is detrimental to the country’s future. Injustice against one or the few affects the entire society.
It’s important to recognize one another as an Iraqi prior to any other denomination.
The vengeful act is counterproductive and benefits none.
National unity irrespective of the unique cultural and religious attributes could deal with any internal or external threats and the society thrives in harmony.
Consolidating the talents and resources accelerates the individual achievements reflected in the common goal.
Human beings across the globe share the basic aspirations – freedom, peace, secure jobs, good education, health care access and clean environment.
Anything beyond that is made possible with en masse creative and innovative ideas for greater good.
The Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s visit to Iran and the close ties with the Iranian regime, prominent for human rights abuse and regional threats is a major impediment for a credible majority rule in Iraq under this administration.
Subsequent to the Kurdish political activists execution in Iran on May 9, 2010,
The autonomous Kurdistan in the national politics might face legitimate opposition among their constituents demanding non-coordination with Prime Minister Maliki led Parliament.
Leaving the prospective Allawi administration as the only alternative – a coalition government per the Iraqi constitution.
Iraq is historically a secular nation. Therefore, it cannot afford to let one group be dominant over others as witnessed in the Shiite bloc headed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Sunni representation in the Parliament is essential to curtail domestic terrorism and enable peaceful existence for the people of Iraq.
Likewise, the Kurdish constitutional rights need to be acknowledged to the fullest extent in a real democracy.
The Kurdish impressive victory in Kurdistan and the disputed areas is well deserved, considering the persisting brutality against them in the Middle East.
Similarly, the secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi’s rainbow coalition is the ideal political option for the long-suffering people of Iraq.
Iraq is still experiencing relentless assaults after millions of lives sacrificed in the illegal invasion and occupation.
It’s in the best interest of the people – the Sunnis, the Shiites, the Kurds, the Assyrians and other minority groups to come together and govern Iraq in a democratic system with the secular leader, Ayad Allawi as the Prime Minister.
Without a shadow of doubt, the unified power would promote political stability and national security.
Once that being established, the economic prosperity is inevitable.
The skepticism by Sami Shorsh, the head of the Kurdistan alliance List, regarding the Kurdish rights at the national front is reasonable, based on the isolation.
At the same time, the Kurdistan President, Massoud Barzani emphasis on the Kurdish unity in national issues is prudent. For it would expedite the regional progress and reduce the state’s economic burden through solidarity.
The Shiite and Secular outreach to the Sunni representatives in the formation of the new government is paramount.
It would unequivocally settle the storm that has wreaked havoc in Iraq until today.
Obviously, the people of Iraq could no longer endure the agony and grief in the mass burials that has become the fact of life.
No race or society should be subject to the systemic elimination of the generation anymore.
The leaders in the majority and the minority party across Iraq are urged to put their differences aside and acknowledge one another as an Iraqi first by prioritizing the national development.
It’s obligatory on them to revive Mesopotamia’s once sophisticated civilization.
The people have the responsibility to confirm the new coalition government pledged to united Iraq and committed in their service to all citizens.
Secular Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi adequately satisfies the requirement and the coalition under his leadership is far more realistic and promising.
Iraq war and the continuous violence have erased the possibility of hope among the victims.
It’s time to honor those who lost their precious lives by blessing the living with a functional democracy.
On that optimistic note, Good Luck! To the people of Iraq awaiting,
The dawn of new era with long lasting peace and glory in abundance.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Welcome to a New Era!
April 12, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Dear Fellow Americans and Citizens of the World,
This morning a major decision was made to allow the smooth transition of Executive Power in the Oval Office.
It was done in order to move forward in achieving the domestic and international goals.
There are far too many challenges to deal with, here at home and abroad.
Beginning with politics, economics, health care, education, social issues, energy, environment, national and global security are the main issues.
In the United States, the economy and the health care legislation require fixing. There is an urgent need to expedite the job recovery and simultaneously revive the slow housing market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the March unemployment rate remained at 9.7 percent with the number of unemployed persons at 15.0 million.
Of this data, the long term unemployed appears to have increased by 414,000 over to 6.5 million. Further, in March alone 44.1 percent have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more.
This is a difficult situation for the American families and the economy.
Extending the unemployment benefits along with resurrecting the manufacturing base, energize the small business and retail outlets including tax incentives to corporations should provide a reasonable relief to the job market.
The housing market experiencing foreclosures and credit crunch require immediate attention with credit flow and effective strategies to reverse the trend.
Therefore, the American families can retain their home values and for most of them, it would be the loan adjustment programs allowing them to make affordable payments in order to stay in their homes.
Both job and housing markets are dependent on credit supply.
The financial sector is due for a financial reform with the re-enactment of Glass Steagall Act along with an independent consumer rights agency to monitor the home loans, credit card and other retail transactions.
Reducing national deficit and fiscal responsibility will be a primary objective.
A thorough review of the financial market is essential to implement the regulations to protect the consumer, investor and the taxpayer from any future bailouts.
Health care legislation will be amended to conform with the ‘Medicare for all,’ Single Payer System and the necessary reform for the private industry to coexist as detailed in the ‘Universal Health Care’ article recently.
Education will be reviewed to address the funding status in terms of salaries to attract highly qualified teaching staff, school supplies and better facilities, curriculum to assist K-12 students in becoming more competitive at the local and international level.
Focus on Science, Math, Arts, languages, sports will be a priority including programs for students with special needs.
College education fees revised for the students from low-income families and federal grants for research and development to the state run institutions with an investment value return.
Social issues would involve immigration, gay rights; focus on improving poorer neighborhoods and community services, early child centers and senior citizens services to be renewed with an identifiable revenue source to fund the programs.
Energy Policy – Clean renewable energy will be pursued – Solar, wind, hydro thermal notwithstanding bio fuel to supplement the varying demand.
Environment – The Mexico summit in 2010 is crucial for the global nations to accomplish the COP15 agenda and other environmental issues.
National and Global Security – Troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan along with military budget divestments to Peace Corps and diplomacy will precede the extraordinary military budget consumption.
The national and global security issues – A departure from the activities since 2000-2010 on torture, overseas rendition, Guantanamo bay etc. in compliance with the humanitarian law.
High value terror related sources would be verified and structured accordingly to meet with the national as well as international security.
Socio-economic investments in the regions susceptible to terror recruitment will replace the military expenditure.
Economic aid to Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Island nations will be promoted.
Foreign Policy:
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Treaty – Independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Palestine and Arab nations’ agreement on recognition of Israeli sovereignty and security. Freezing settlements and return of land to Palestine in the Palestinian territory.
Iran and North Korea – Strategic dialogues initiated with the governments. Efforts in outreaching the population of these countries by exchanging cultural, educational and travel activities would vastly improve the political situation.
Cuba – Dialogue and diplomacy with the Cuban government. Extending round trip travel for U.S. residents and the families in Cuba. Eliminate the trade embargo as it hurts the population more than the power.
Latin America – Democracy will always be favored over military regimes and repressive governments. Military base in these regions is to be withdrawn to ease tensions within borders.
Brazil – It’s an emerging economic power and a regional force in Latin America. There is hope and optimism in the relationship between the United States and Brazil.
Mexico – The drug related violence would be addressed by prohibiting the arms supply from the United States.
United Kingdom – The partner in the Afghan and Iraq war. The U.K and the U.S share a vision on many issues. Exchange intelligence information to safeguard global security and maintain the formidable unity between the two nations.
Russia – It is promising. U.S and Russia along with other nuclear powers should arrive at a consensus on complete nuclear disarmament.
Europe – Healthy relationship will continue and work together on economy, environment and energy policies.
Japan – Strong economic ties and strategic partnership to resolve the North Korean nuclear and political standoff in the Korean peninsula.
South Korea – Warm friendly relations reflected in economic trade, political and cultural exchange.
China – Beijing has been conciliatory on the currency value adjustment. It’s enormously encouraging.
However, fair trade practices towards foreign corporations could enhance the bilateral economic prospects.
Human rights issues in China and Independence for Tibet will commence shortly as part of the planetary preparation to form free nations on earth. I look forward to Beijing leaders’ positive reaction.
India – Many opportunities are on the horizon. Economic, environment, nuclear disarmament, energy and educational ties could mutually benefit the two popular democracies. Regional security in the Indian sub-continent and the Indo-China border would be a dominant issue.
Nepal – The nation at the Himalayan foothill should form a democratic government and not desire a communist system even in a coalition as it had experienced the political unrest from it. Nepal is a tourist attraction for the American tourists.
Pakistan – Similar relationship with that of India. Transform warfare into peace through investments in economic, social and educational projects. Collaborate on eradicating terrorism and share resources for common security.
Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai’s administration has to disavow corruption and make the government more transparent. Peace with Taliban fighters willing to disarm is a good approach. It has to be a long-term commitment. Afghan government must start working on the economy and the infrastructure.
It’s understandable that it cannot make progress with the war on the Afghan soil. That’s why the troop withdrawal will be a priority beginning this year.
President Karzai should repeal the non-consensual consummation law against women and allocate funding for social advancement to uplift the women’s status. Nation building with international aid is the fundamental step towards progress.
Central Asia – Trade and economic cooperation in the region would be mutually beneficial.
Sri Lanka – The ethnic Tamil population and other minority groups deserve equal economic, educational and social rights particularly the political representation in the Sri Lankan Parliament.
Burma – Democracy is the preferred system by the Burmese population and the military junta should release the pro-democracy leader Ang Sang Suu Kyi for her participation in the national election. Burmese people have suffered long enough. It’s time for them to be free and lead the nation to the twenty first century.
Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam – The U.S relationship with all of these nations is solid and has a great potential to grow in many areas.
South Africa – An economic, cultural, environment and a peace partner with the United States. South Africa is the regional leader in Africa. There are lots to look forward to with the young democratic nation.
Rest of Africa – Renunciation of civil wars, military regimes and corruption is earmarked for the African nations. No more political instability and investments in conventional arms. Instead, African countries will be assisted to become the self-sufficient and economically vibrant region.
Middle East:
Saudi Arabia – Will continue to remain a strong ally of the United States.
The coalition government in Iraq with Sunni representation is important for the region. The United States and Saudi Arabia need to collaborate in helping Yemen economically that would alleviate the Yemeni plight and perhaps end the internal political turmoil. Moreover, the terror networks might find it hard to hire young recruits in a better economy.
Jordan – A great friend and an ally of the United States. The mutual aspiration to see a Palestinian state is imminent. Jordan’s economic and political partnership with the United States is poised for a continuous success.
Egypt – Is another vital representative and a key player in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
United States and Egypt go back a long way in the political remaking of the Middle East.
Like other nations, the people in Egypt yearn for freedom of expression and a free and fair election. Egypt could probably transcend the current system to enable the people rejoice their newfound liberty in the next election.
Iraq – Is unique like a phoenix. The latest general election dispute should be settled without any violence and the secular coalition government is the ideal political solution to bring peace to Iraq. United States troop withdrawal in 2010 would normalize the people’s existence in Iraq.
Syria and Lebanon – U.S. could have fresh diplomatic ties with both nations. At the same time, it’s best for Israel, Syria and Lebanon to reconcile the differences and aim for a peaceful beginning.
Peace is attainable with peace seekers perseverance.
UAE & Bahrain, Qatar and the Rest of the Middle East:
Economic ties and military cooperation with all of these nations are good. Much to anticipate in the long run.
Australia – The land of OZ is a beautiful country with common democratic principles. Environment, nuclear disarmament, renewable energy, trade and commerce create tremendous outcome for both U.S and Australia.
New Zealand – United States and New Zealand could become leading partners in green technology and explore other trade partnerships.
All other island nations across the globe – Each one of you are equally important and the United States will work with you to resolve the environmental threats you face in the rapidly changing climate. We should strive to reach an agreement during the Mexico summit in 2010. In addition, the U.S. will coordinate efforts in the economic, energy and all other fronts.
I welcome you all to a new era. I request that we put our differences aside and work together in harmony for a peaceful, brighter and prosperous world.
We must reject war for peace. Let there be freedom for all with none held against their will.
As the earth’s inhabitants, we have individual responsibility to preserve the habitat for eternal life.
We can make it possible collectively in appreciation of nature’s gift to humanity.
May God bless all and the Planet Earth.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
President of the United States
The Powerful Truth
April 12, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Ever since the health care legislation bill was analyzed and presented on this website, democracy has been suppressed by powerful forces represented in the highest office through false propaganda by media and press corps including the nation’s so-called liberal magazine against Truth.
The obituary for Truth published in the newspapers through innuendo against the evidence of its existence is oxymoron, if not unscrupulous.
Again, for the record – Truth is well, alive, and more determined than ever to prove the purity and sanctity of its element.
When one has nothing to hide and is honest, open and completely transparent – the vehemently opposed ethical practice in contemporary politics, the deadly carcinogens polluting the minds beyond salvation consider Truth as a major threat to their diabolical means.
Often those who judge others on the premise of disparaging information provided by those in Power against truthful dissent ought to turn inward and question their own morality prior to voluntarily reaching the lowest ebb in journalism and/or theatrical performance via skits and movies on the specific overseas vile television network.
Is news being reported to inform public or entertain them by transforming their magazine or program to a cheap tabloid and a desperate source of concocted lies to appease those in power with nuclear arsenal?
If it’s the latter, then it’s doomed to fail on complicity with authority’s flagrance allegation of debauchery against Truth.
Any honorable individual would confront the facts and take responsibility for their wrong doings rather than indulging in character assassination of Truth.
As for the alleged cover up in the health care scandal – any incident political and otherwise propagated in the selective nation’s so-called liberal magazine and the public funded network in the name of Free Speech,
The Bible – King James Version: John 1:47
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”
I present the unequivocal facts about my involvement going back to the political campaign of the candidate –
Senator Barack Hussein Obama and his spouse Michelle Obama.
a. 1608, William Shakespeare, King Lear, II, II, 102.
“I know, sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled you, in a plain accent.”
Beginning with my personal life, I was nurtured with the value to earn respect and not demand it.
My Principle – Rise to glory through your noble deeds that you can share with all.
Regarding the unsubstantiated allegation of debauchery – I wish to state that chastity and morality is revealed in the human conduct.
When the guilty accuses the truth finder of debauchery for exposing the factual Presidential scandal it’s a confirmation of the accuser’s personal experience.
My personal life is no longer personal and subject to the triviality of –
‘She is anyone’s guess and a fair game indeed.’
Accordingly, the self promoted moral guardians of the society consider their prerogative to target the woman who is a mother, sister, daughter…in family relations.
More importantly, a human being committed to the sanctity of spiritual call by accepting God’s will.
I bear none other than the Almighty God witness to this truth.
Never mind about the fact that she too has a family.
The passion, dedication, sacrifices made thus far for humanitarian issues is presumed a sheer exhibition on the world stage, despite enormous benefits to those responsible for the caricature.
Further on chastity and morality issue:
The irony is the purveyors of physical pleasure (the flesh trade) are denigrated by those contributing to the establishment.
What does one call trading human trust for profit and self-interest in today’s politics?
If morality and ethical norm is patented by those holding the power mantel, then it’s incumbent upon them to demonstrate through action.
After all, isn’t action believable than rhetoric?
Reverting to the political involvement that began in January through April 2008 – then September 2008- until March 2010.
I was approached by the candidate Senator Barack Obama via email, subsequent to my first time political donation in life – an amount $25.00.
From then onwards, I had repeat requests from then Senator Barack Obama, his spouse Michelle Obama and other prominent Democratic Party members to volunteer for the campaign and make regular donations.
The endless course literally led me to financial bankruptcy serving the beneficiaries not only in political gains but also material for mockery of my difficult monetary status.
The email requests were periodically published on the website including my responses.
I adopted the policy of transparency and accountability from day one of the Presidential election campaign and advocated vigorously in that regard.
On all issues pertaining to political, economic, social and environment matter, I emphasized on ethical efficacy conspicuously abandoned in the political capital, Washington D.C. where decisions concerning millions of lives across the globe are made.
I routinely submitted the communication with all political entities via World Wide Web for public view and understanding of the issues that are imperative to global community.
All my ideas, suggestions and strategies were presented on the web site and were addressed to the authorities for implementation.
However, they were selectively neglected on both domestic and international issues. The ones that were adopted like the economic stimulus and the job bill assumed the administration’s titles.
I deplored the pork barrel or earmark spending in the stimulus bill through the blogpost upon identifying the items in the news report.
Any communication from the President of the United States and the Democratic Party were strictly related to campaign donations, rallying for the candidates and complaints about the opposition attacks.
The communication was published on the website and available for public review.
I unsubscribed to the email from the President Barack Obama, the administration and the campaign in early October 2009.
The reason being, it had only instructions to energize the public on health care, energy legislation asking constituents to contact their local representatives without providing any details on the bill.
I learned about the components from the news report published in my local newspaper, on-line news publications and television broadcast.
My communication was always relayed through the website, for which there was no response.
I was not privy to the White House and/or the Congress members’ dealings and discussions with any interest groups in Wall Street, Washington and elsewhere.
My information source on legislative matter and the political affairs was solely through local and international news reports available in print and public news media.
As stated earlier, I was never hired by the White House, the Democratic Party, corporations, any groups or agencies intimately or remotely affiliated or associated to political members or authorities in Washington, Wall Street or anywhere in the World.
I was constantly approached for mandatory service without pay as the political aide by the Obama campaign and then the administration in getting the Democrats elected to Congress and never briefed or detailed on the nature of any developments on the legislations or administration’s policies.
I worked since January 2008 and until now without any payments or benefits.
Now, there are false rumors about me claiming unemployment benefit, which is absurd and completely distorted. I’ve never been on any unemployment benefit.
At the same time floating the fictitious narrative on me as super wealthy to drown any other candidate.
A Super wealthy collecting unemployment benefit alongside! Obviously, they were attributing own practice to feel better.
Then the comedy satire insinuating bipolar disease, acute mental illness and the continuous slander thereafter to show their loyalty to political class is nothing more than own mirror reflection.
Perhaps, the notion is that Brown Foreigners are not supposed to eat. They don’t need a home and maintain a modest existence by being able to pay their utility bills, transportation needs, and provide for their family.
My explicit request to President Barack Obama on my precise role in the administration or the Democratic Party following the influx of donation reminders had no response to that until date.
I regularly clarified my position with President Barack Obama in 2009 and 2010 through the website, that I was unwilling to be a cheerleader of policies against public interest and refused to be an attack dog for the administration at any time.
I had no previous knowledge about the distant period setting and the health bill negotiations between the White House and their special interest allies.
It was also published on the website and obtainable if required.
I was treated as the political campaigner for the Democratic Party and not an administration or Congress member. They sought help with the political election in 2010 to boost public support for President Barack Obama.
There is political smear from the critics, more interested in the investigation of my openness instead of channeling their resources towards the Bilderberg secret meeting attended by Presidential candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain in 2008 that I unveiled on my website for public awareness and fearlessly dissented the authorities’ decisions on many issues including the troops increase in Afghanistan.
If I were to allegedly cover up on the health care or any other issue manufactured by the White House,
Why would I become the victim of violent threats by the authority in power?
Why would they insist that I should quit being inquisitive and even nick named me Snoop Dog in their parlance?
I questioned the then candidate Barack Obama on flip-flopping of issues during the political campaign and after the administration assuming power in the White House.
For switching from Single Payer System to private health care for profit.
Defaulting on campaign finance at the crucial moment of the Presidential election.
Casting his vote on FISA in 2008. Patriot act and the discriminatory policy in 2009.
Torture, detention, overseas rendition, troop withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, altering the 9/11 terrorists federal trial to a military jurisdiction, the continuation of the predecessor, the former President George W. Bush’s policy.
Collecting public donations while claiming that there were no special interests’ contributions to his campaign, when the funds were flowing from Goldman Sachs, AIG, health industry and others – the figures that I published on the website much to the administration’s anger.
The administration and the State Department blocked the EU unilateral declaration under Sweden’s Presidency that embraced my policy on Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was scheduled in November 2009. The people in both states were prepared and unbeknown the news vanished.
Similarly, in the Honduran crisis, the military coup leader agreed to step down and allow the former President Manuel Zelaya to remain in office until the national election in November 2009. The prospect was extinguished with the administration not inclined to intervene.
The materials with visual content were published on the website to this effect.
Haiti – the recommendation on the exiled leader Jean Bertrand Aristide’s return to his country was ignored.
Challenged on the environmental policies that was contradictory to the pledge made on the campaign trail. I called the COP15 summit a failure in the absence of real achievement.
In the 2008 Pennsylvania Primary election – I expressed my objection earlier on about Senator Obama’s approval to spend an estimated 11 million dollars on the television advertisement against his formidable opponent Senator Hillary Clinton while they declined to pay the foot soldiers $10 an hour for going door-to-door campaign. Most of them were African Americans eager to serve in the contentious primary that he lost to his democratic contender.
Lately, I responded to the Washington Post’s article by Richard Cohen on,
“Obama Policy unappreciated by the right and the left,” where I indicated that showering praise on the inadequate or failed policy would qualify as cronyism and exacerbate the corrupt political system.
I was issued a warning and a remark ‘She does not follow rules and creates her own that does not bode well with the authority.’ i.e. the international incognito clique running the gamut via proxies and puppet governments worldwide.
Because of my strong position on ethics and morality, I was abruptly eliminated from the campaign in March 2008 after ensuring the Democratic Party nomination in the primary election victories.
Perhaps, the critics’ selective memory may not serve them well.
I launched a campaign through my earlier website and endorsed the former Vice President Al Gore for President in May 2008. Furthermore, in an unprecedented gesture, I selected the Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold as the Vice Presidential candidate on the ticket.
It was in protest of the dramatic shift in Senator Obama’s policies visible after clinching the Democratic Party nomination. My rejection of the international Presidential candidate Barack Obama infuriated many of his ardent supporters, who have now become my cynics.
I was called a traitor even though the Senator’s policies did not synchronize with the base.
After the arrival of the Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican candidates gained momentum in the general election and so did the communication from the candidate Barack Obama, his spouse Michelle Obama (for whom I was non-existent during the Gala Democratic Party Nomination) and the Obama campaign.
The flurry of emails and snail mail asking me to get back in the campaign was superfluous.
They managed to persuade the Vice President Al Gore to email me and send a letter in that regard, which was also published on the website.
Somehow, the alleged ‘character’ of the woman they have misportrayed now didn’t seem to matter then, when they were aspiring their dreams.
Is it political expediency or cutthroat politics to borrow the term recently used by them?
My communication medium from the start has been the website to keep the public informed on the direct engagement with the power in Washington throughout the election and up until now.
Unlike the then candidate Barack Obama’s surrogate and spouse Michelle Obama, reportedly dictated the The View show hosts on the permissible questions that debarred the co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck from straying in the contrived conversation.
The press media also confirmed on the restrictions imposed by the Obama campaign that prohibited many reporters and anchors from asking relevant questions with the candidate and the talking heads.
The prevalent censorship on free speech and the Nuclear Policy signed with Russia on April 9, 2010 – especially the overtone against the non signatories of NPT and reservations to use nuclear weapons is extremely disturbing and deserves scrutiny.
There were verbal attacks against me on the delay in rebuking the administration on the health care legislation scandal.
It’s easier to view the situation from one’s own perspective.
According to the news media, certain African American legislators were in the process of creating a preventive measure to grant immunity to Obama Presidency against impeachment following the inauguration.
Besides, it was necessary to be mindful of the repercussions such as the racial discord, two wars and the stock market in the aggressive removal of the President of the United States, found guilty of treason.
Therefore, the systematic procedure was to hold the elected official to the highest office accountable to the people, who have been betrayed in the national legislation that was bound to impact millions of lives.
Hence, soon after I exposed the unethical bargain with the health insurance industry,
I waited for the explanation from the President of the United States and the Congress leaders who shared the recognition as the victorious team of historic health care reform.
I ask the Press Corps and the media,
Why are you not pursuing those members in this matter, who are the signatories to this legislation?
Isn’t Congress leaders and other legislators’ responsibility to review the content prior to casting their vote?
I was never presented with the details of the bill, until the report from the New York Times, which none of the critics, who are attacking me bothered to analyze and bring it to public attention.
So much for their investigative journalism in the liberal frontier.
The President then conveniently sent me a letter in the usual manner – glorify privately and vilify publicly.
There was no request from the President to share with the public, I still went ahead and published the content to honor democracy.
Subsequently, there is no remorse or acknowledgment from the President of the United States, elected to the office to protect the republic interest.
Up until such time, I was a mere blogger to indefinitely campaign for elections.
If my word was the rule of law,
Why was my plea prior to the final health care vote, to modify the legislation to universal health care in the letter published on the website to President Barack Obama discarded?
After them being caught in the act of ethical compromise that I detected on my volition, I was bullied with death threats and implicated as an accomplice to turn the tide against me, the public watchdog all along.
Any domestic and global policy submission through the web site was initiated exclusively due to my commitment to the higher calling to serve humanity.
When there is divine intervention the integrity is measured by the solemn oath to serve the people not just in the United States but also across the globe and I’m expected to deliver the humanitarian goals determined by the Supreme cosmic force.
Unlike the tradition in contemporary politics, there is neither carte blanche nor financial gains in humanitarian service. The rules cannot be circumvented for the appointee’s agenda.
Whatever is being organized, it’s in coherence with universal convergence for a new beginning and a bright future.
I hope this would put the derogatory demagoguery to rest. If it doesn’t then it would be to the offenders’ downfall caused by their recalcitrant behavior.
People in glass houses should not cast stones at others.
The content is in reference to the events unfolding at present.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Afghan War after Troops Increase
April 1, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
The latest on Afghan war after adding more troops to the nine-year-old battle, a contentious debate that was dominant last year.
Associated Press – Sunday, March 28, 2010.
By Sebastian Abbot – Thank you.
“Troop deaths rise in Afghanistan – Numbers soaring as U.S. adds soldiers
Kabul – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum.
Those deaths have been accompanied by a dramatic spike in the number of wounded, with injuries more than tripling in the first two months of the year and trending in the same direction based on the latest available data for March.
U.S. officials have warned that casualties are likely to rise further as the Pentagon completes its deployment of 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan and sets its sight on the Taliban’s home base of Kandahar province, where a major operation is expected in the coming months.
“We must steel ourselves, no matter how successful we are on any given day, for harder days yet to come,” Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a briefing last month.
In total, 57 U.S. soldiers were killed here during the first two months of 2010 compared with 28 in January and February of last year, an increase of more than 100 percent, according to Pentagon figures compiled by the Associated Press.
At least 20 American service members have been killed so far in March.
The steady rise in combat deaths has generated less public reaction in the United States than the spike in casualties in the summer and fall, which undermined public support in the United States for the mission here.
Fighting typically tapers off in Afghanistan during the winter but peaks in the summer.”
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War Strategy Assessment – By Padmini Arhant
The troops increase to Afghanistan was a national debate last year with mixed reaction from all sources.
It’s important to emphasize that there wasn’t an overwhelming public support to the additional troops deployment in Afghanistan.
There were many reasons for the lack luster response.
Among them, the most relevant ones being:
The U.S. and allies’ nomination of President Hamid Karzai as the head of the government for second term defied the Afghan people’s will.
Notwithstanding, the international outrage on the fraudulent general election that led to the opponent, DR. Abdullah Abdullah’s withdrawal from the election.
Another factor is the U.S. occupancy in Afghanistan approaching a decade and the constantly changing ‘purpose’ behind the mission remains intriguing until now.
After much deliberation, President Barack Obama decided to approve the request from the defense high command and argued, “It’s not an easy decision to do so.”
Indeed, pledging the troops’ lives to succeed in the targeted goals is never a simple action.
However, a prolonged war provides enough evidence to consider winding up the operation or at least minimize the troop level by supplementing with diplomacy and peaceful negotiations.
Peace and diplomacy could have prevailed with a democratically elected government. It was thwarted by the U.S. endorsement of an unpopular candidate.
Further, the explanation for more troops involved the U.S and NATO efforts to restore political stability in Afghanistan and terminate the Taliban/Al-Qaida activities.
The irony is, the Afghanistan political situation under the U.S. backed Karzai government shows no improvement in governance, despite the incumbent Afghan President being the U.S. foreign policy designates’ choice.
Similarly, the shift in the U.S. and Afghan government’s strategy towards Taliban insurgents appears to be a new approach to win the militants on their side with cash payments and abandoning the poppy fields eradication – the main source of income for the Taliban forces.
An action that is widely criticized by the human rights groups against narcotics in Afghanistan.
As predicted, the tension between the Karzai government and the U.S. administration has surfaced confirming the mistrust in the relationship.
While the political stalemate between the authorities in Kabul and Washington persists, the mounting U.S. casualties in the Afghan war cannot be ignored.
Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and Iraq is no longer a choice but an immediate requirement to end the procrastinated occupation in foreign lands.
Divestment from wars to social and economic development in these regions must begin to reflect the sincere commitment to bring hope and opportunity in a society deprived of normal existence for decades.
Substituting the combat troops with Peace Corps eliminates the tragic loss of lives on all sides.
In addition, the peaceful atmosphere would deter terror recruitment and foster an environment for the youth as well as others to build their nations towards a positive direction.
Now is the time for the U.S. authorities in the White House, Pentagon and the State department to relinquish failed policies that is proved a liability claiming precious lives and contributing to the rising deficit.
War leads to grief, revenge and destruction.
Whereas, peace is an eternal bliss.
I convey my condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and pray for the early recovery of the wounded brave hearts.
Your sacrifice makes freedom possible for all.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
The Iraqi Parliamentary Elections – 2010
March 14, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
After prolonged war and foreign troops still on the ground, the Iraqi population went to the polls on March 7, 2010.
Despite explosions in and around Baghdad and elsewhere, the election marks a great period for the Iraqi population.
Like most democratic elections, the Iraqi electoral process is faced with the ballot counting errors and fraud allegations.
Nevertheless, it’s a unique opportunity for the Iraqi people to embrace democracy having been persecuted previously,
Followed by an on-going war that has forced the government to deal with the anti-war insurgency within the country,
Instead of remaining focused on the economy.
Even though, the Iraqi election commission has not confirmed victory to the incumbent Prime Minister Nouri-Al-Maliki due to the incomplete election results, the possibility of a majority rule appears to be bleak.
Leaving the current administration with the only alternative – a coalition government per the Iraqi constitution.
Iraq is historically a secular nation. Therefore, it cannot afford to let one group be dominant over others like now.
It’s essential for Sunni representation in the Parliament to curtail domestic terrorism and allow the Iraqi people to experience democracy via peaceful existence.
Likewise, the Kurdish constitutional rights must be acknowledged to reflect real democracy.
The Kurdish impressive victory in Kurdistan and the disputed areas is well deserved, considering the brutality against them in the past.
Similarly, the formidable opposition led by the leader, Ayad Alawi gaining momentum in the five Northern provinces signifies the rainbow coalition as the ideal political option for the long-suffering people of Iraq.
Iraq has been through a horrifying period with millions of innocent lives sacrificed up until now.
It’s in the best interest of the people – the Sunnis, the Shiites, the Kurds, the Assyrians and other minority groups to come together and govern Iraq in a democratic system.
Without a shadow of doubt, such approach would not only promote the desirable political stability but also provide economic prosperity and national security.
The concerns expressed by Sami Shorsh, the head of the Kurdistan alliance List, regarding the Kurdish rights at the national front is legitimate, based on the isolation recently.
At the same time, I concur with the Kurdistan President, Massoud Barzani urging the Kurdish unity on national issues. For it would expedite the regional progress and reduce the economic burden through solidarity.
I reiterate the importance on the Shiite and Secular outreach to the Sunni representatives in the formation of the new government.
It would unequivocally settle the storm that has wreaked havoc in Iraq thus far.
I urge all leaders in the ruling majority and the minority across Iraq to put their differences aside and acknowledge one another as an Iraqi first and rebuild the once sophisticated civilization of Mesopotamia.
At last, the life sacrificed by the Iraqi men, women and children in all these years is being honored with blessings on the living.
Congratulations! to the Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani and the Kurdish population on the recent legislative poll.
On that optimistic note, I wish the people of Iraq,
The dawn of new era with long lasting peace and glory in abundance.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Reflection on the World Economic Forum – Davos, Switzerland
February 19, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
The World Economic Forum on January 27 – 31, 2010, at Davos, Switzerland contemplated the global economic crises.
Speakers from the large consortium expressed their thoughts and hope or the lack thereof about the global economic prospects at the annual meeting.
Summarizing the summit issues:
The general focus has been:
The economic recession.
The financial crisis and the need for financial reform.
U.S economy, the dollar, the deficits and the gridlock in Washington due to Special Interests’ control of Congress.
Skepticism on the EURO currency strength and concerns regarding European market from the economic struggles in Greece, Spain, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, Latvia to name a few further exacerbated by the majority euro members surpassing the 3percent budget deficit cap, a criteria for the euro currency usage.
ECB (European Central Bank) role in easing the liquidity crisis.
UK urging banks to assume responsibility – i.e. resume credit to the frail economy.
National Debt from bailouts – A common symptom shared by the major global economies.
Emerging Markets’ potential in stimulating economic growth through international mergers and acquisitions.
Corporate leadership in risk undertaking, growth sustainability and resisting or embracing reform.
Technological impact on business and adapting social networking concept to promote global agenda.
Google – China controversy on hackers and censorship.
Green Technology and consensus on the climate change policy.
Humanitarian issues related to natural resources such as water scarcity, inadequate food supply in fighting hunger, poverty and disease worldwide.
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Economic Synopsis – By Padmini Arhant
Global economic recession – The general agreement is:
The massive capital interjection with public money in the private sector particularly the finance and the auto industry in the United States was essential in the year 2008 and 2009 to avert a major catastrophe – a full blown depression.
Following that, the bailed out bankers have supporters and cynicists to defend or vilify the mega rewards via executive bonuses amid severe financial meltdown mostly attributed to the current economic crisis.
Another contentious issue related to the financial sector is:
Should governments continue to bailout banks under the banner?
“Too Big to Fail.”
Regardless, it’s clear from the recent experience that a serious financial reform is no longer an option but a necessity to counteract risk undertaking in the financial market.
Moreover, the finance industry being the vehicle for the economic growth, it cannot resist regulations due to the uninsured public funds management by the private sector.
Evidently, the real estate slump exacerbated the liquidity crisis in the global economies viz. Iceland (nicknamed as the “subprime economy”) Ireland, Spain and not sparing the once booming commercial real estate capital – Dubai, UAE,
Leaving the United States not unique in the burgeoning residential and commercial real estate decline.
In terms of stimulating the economic growth, industrialized nations and the emerging markets face a common dilemma – stimulus packages, bailouts and the rising national debt.
Government stimulus programs target specific industries in the domestic economy with the green technology touted as the promising field.
Unequivocally, the green technology should be promoted by all nations big and small besides infrastructure projects and reviving the manufacturing industry.
However, the stimulus activity is bound to create national debt from the budget deficit because of sluggish GDP and the negative current account balance for import-oriented economies like the United States.
U.S Economy:
Although, the multi-trillion dollar deficit has not drastically affected the U.S credit rating as the investor confidence in the U.S market is not lost,
The status quo cannot prolong with the persisting Republican members’ opposition against tax hikes to protect self-interest and special interest.
Notwithstanding their blockade in the financial, health care and energy sector reform.
Therefore, the American electorate must be careful prior to swinging their support to the Republican members in Congress.
The ideologues were responsible for bringing America on its knees under the disastrous Bush-Cheney administration.
Now, the same republican members are determined to stay on the course to debilitate the U.S economy with an utter disregard for the ‘average’ Americans.
While comparing the economies in the stimulus funding, it’s clear that the nations investing in the domestic economy like China, Japan, India, Brazil… have survived the worst crisis through quasi participation.
Private sector project with public capital infusion is seemingly a viable economic strategy to reduce unemployment and curb public outcry over increasing national debt.
It’s attention worthy that President Barack Obama has similarly approached the economic woes with the SBA loans to boost small businesses, tax credits to the corporations and the green sector only to be browbeaten by the “fiscal conservatives” in name only on both sides of the aisle.
Again, something to remember about the so-called “fiscal conservatives” successful derailment of economic progress.
So far, the opposition policy in every national issue is “Penny wise and Pound foolish.”
Not to mention their conduct exemplified in the tarnished U.S image at WEF with,
Communist China scorn democracy by citing the Special Interests’ dominance in American politics.
The statement is not far-fetched except for scapegoating democracy against totalitarianism.
United States should adopt big and bold economic actions to contain the high unemployment and that would be:
Job creation in the infrastructure projects, innovate the manufacturing sector with technology alongside revolutionizing industrial growth on eco-friendly foundation.
Energizing the small businesses and retail industry is equally important to enhance the per capita income, an appropriate inclusion in the economic progress measurement rather than reliance on GDP growth alone.
United States is rich in resources in every aspect with an advantage of being the pioneer across the economic spectrum.
The rumor about United States weak economic status and attempts to denigrate the U.S dollar as the international currency is nothing but smear tactics by the competitors vying for the leading role in the world economy.
What the investors should bear in mind is the U.S economy’s resilience to rebound in the face of worst economic and political crisis and history is testimony to that effect.
In addition, the democratic system is a positive factor in attracting investments within and offshore.
European Economy:
The EU and the ECB (European Central Bank) proposals are pragmatic in many ways.
ECB intervention to pull the European financial markets from the liquidity crisis would facilitate the anticipated credit flow in the union.
Economic setbacks in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Latvia and last but certainly not the least Iceland are significant and cannot be abandoned for it might reach a crescendo irrespective of the trade volume.
Accordingly, the conditional offer from Germany and France to bailout Greece is vital to protect the EU economic interest with Greece being the union member.
The leadership in the Mediterranean nation under the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is capable of salvaging the dire economic situation.
When the reckless banking sector was bailed out for speculative trading, otherwise gambling of public investments,
The Greek economy with labor capital, entrepreneurial exuberance and political stability deserves EU / IMF /World Bank assistance to survive the economic turmoil.
It would be detrimental to hinder the borrowing opportunity for Greece and other ailing economies predominantly due to the regional impact.
At the same time, Greece and Iceland should be transparent with facts and display fiscal responsibility to the international monetary oversight for creditworthiness.
United Kingdom is right on target in demanding the financial sector to resume credit to the frail economy.
U.K has been forceful in urging the much-required global financial regulations even though not surprisingly, the conservative political faction is against it.
France – Recommendation on the long overdue closing of corporate tax havens is a step in the right direction.
In fact, the rule of thumb for the global economies dealing with budget deficits is to:
Eliminate redundant expenditure
Differ or limit discretionary spending
Scale back unaffordable commitments like wars, conventional stockpiles and nuclear proliferation not barring extravagant agenda like moon travel more for prominence than purpose.
Revision of tariffs and taxation laws to expand the revenue horizon.
It’s imperative to consider tax increases and close tax evasion loopholes through tax havens.
Spending freeze with tax cuts and synonymously tax increases with skyrocketing expenditure would be oxymoron at any given time.
Emerging Markets viz. BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China):
The salient feature in the group is their ability to focus and invest entirely on the domestic economy.
Unlike the United States and NATO, none of the four nations is currently engaged in active warfare though; cross border tension is permanent with contingent defense forces on the periphery.
Still, the four nations ‘combined defense spending falls short of the exponentially escalating U.S military expenditure appropriated for –
Two overt wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
A proxy war in Yemen with drones and fighter planes provided to the Yemeni forces,
Over and above the U.S military base situated nationally and overseas.
Poignantly China more than Russia is engaged in the lucrative arms race to Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, North Korea, war torn Africa – Darfur in Sudan, Congo, Somalia, Guinea, Rwanda…
Yet, not competitive enough to the United States in this respect and confirmed by:
The New York Times article By THOM SHANKER – Thank you.
Published: September 6, 2009
Despite Slump, U.S. Role as Top Arms Supplier Grows
“Despite a recession that knocked down global arms sales last year, the United States expanded its role as the world’s leading weapons supplier, increasing its share to more than two-thirds of all foreign armaments deals, according to a new Congressional study.”
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Economic Synopsis – By Padmini Arhant
BRIC countries impressive performance is expected to continue with the investor confidence higher in these regions than Europe.
Their view on the U.S domestic job creation as isolationism or protectionism do not bode well since the BRIC nations have adapted the domestic investment policy to expedite economic revival.
The irony is the characterization of the United States and Europe adhering to similar strategies as ‘protectionism.’
It’s noteworthy that Brazil, India and China have benefited from globalization with transnational ventures in their shores.
Such anomalies beckon paradigm shift in the globalization concept among the emerging markets.
Some U.S corporations as the global operators echo the sentiments much to the displaced domestic workforce anguish and disappointment.
They remain oblivious to the facts that the United States being the largest consumer base and a major importer is struggling to contain high unemployment, fragile housing market and credit crunch in the financial sector.
U.S economic recovery is paramount for the global economic stability.
Optimize Technological Applications:
World society is more digitalized than before and technology embedded industry maximize efficient output. Incorporating technology in every imaginable field is the cornerstone for the present and future generation.
Green Technology and Climate Change Policy:
Industrialized countries along with developing nations are grappling to arrive at a consensus on climate change policy.
Fortunately there is tremendous enthusiasm towards green technology and the economic powers are reluctant to make the swift transition by renouncing fossil fuel and nuclear power to natural sources like solar, wind and hydrothermal energy.
The main problem lies with the profit guiding politics by the energy behemoths obstructing the fossil fuel and nuclear technology abandonment against all natural elements for energy production.
Life survival and sustenance on the planet is dependent upon clean air, water and food chain maintenance, not achievable without an aggressive climate change policy.
Hybrid policy targeting carbon emissions through carbon tax and cap & trade is the viable solution from the economic and political standpoint, other than possibly winning bipartisanship in the climate bill legislation in the United States.
Humanitarian Issues:
Water scarcity and inadequate food supply is the global challenge confronting humanity.
Emerging markets favoring globalization have a primary responsibility in addressing the plight of the vast majority in their domain rather than exclusively focused on GDP growth.
The population in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East cannot be ignored by the affluent nations and their $100 billion commitment in economic aid during the G20 meeting reflects meagerness and not eagerness to alleviate suffering on the planet.
Poverty being the reality, the global community can provide to the needy by reining in on personal greed.
Communal development against concentrated growth guarantees a bright future for humanity.
Global progress and prosperity begins with economic equality, social justice and political freedom.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Obama Presidency – State of the Union Address
January 27, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
On the eve of the first State of the Union Address by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, the media frenzy with opinions and speculations preceding the important event is not uncommon.
President Barack Obama is scheduled to address the nation and the rest of the world about the administration’s efforts and achievements in the past twelve months and the commitments moving forward.
The past week political and legal outcome has created anxiety and genuine concern among the people and some lawmakers in Congress.
Although, the political consultant based in Washington D.C. echoing the ‘K’ street sentiment by presenting oxymoron analogies would like this development downplayed, the truth of the matter is the high court decision embolden the prevalent corporate dominance and enhance the opportunity for the legislators to either remain or return to power regardless of their detrimental performance in public service.
Assailing the facts as ‘hyperventilation,’ a spin that undermines democracy when the elections are swift boated with the Corporations, Unions and religious institutions’ influence, is rather naïve if not ignorant.
Amid dismal forecasting of the Obama Presidency, the rationality beckons a fair analysis of the Obama administration’s accomplishments and errors since their election to the White House.
President Barack Obama was sworn into the office on January 20, 2009.
State of the Economy:
The former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney administration left the White House on January 19, 2009:
United States FEDERAL BUDGET – WIKIPEDIA, THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_budget
Deficit and Debt Increases 2001-2009 … to a total debt of $10.6 trillion as of January 2009. …
For the first time in FY 2008, the U.S. added $1 trillion to the national debt. …
Then bipartisan Congress approved taxpayer spending on two simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by allocating $1.05 trillion up until September 30, 2010.
Source: http://costofwar.com/
Total cost of wars since 2001 until date – $954 billion and rising
Spending on Iraq war – $704 billion and Afghanistan war – $250 billion
In addition, the Bush-Cheney administration Wall Street bailout that included insurance giant AIG, Mortgage lender Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, major banks and the auto industry in 2008.
Reference: www.padminiarhant.com under Business Category, Date – July 23, 2009
Title –Bush Stimulus Package
Total – $1.557 trillion i.e. $1 trillion and 557 billion dollars.
Source: The United States Labor Department
Unemployment Rate in January 2009 – 7.6 percent with 11.6 million Americans out of work.
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Reality Check: By Padmini Arhant
With that being the actual state of affairs, the Obama administration initiative towards jumpstarting the economy was passing a stimulus package to benefit the average Americans and the small businesses worst hit in the economic recession that started in 2002 but acknowledged by the republican members and the Bush administration in December 2007.
Economic Stimulus: $787 billion Passed in February 2009 without any vote from the Senate and a single vote from the House of representative among the Republican minority.
Having previously voted for the Wall Street bailout to AIG and the TARP fund under Bush administration in 2008, the republican members refrained from assisting the American workers and families in the Obama stimulus package in 2009.
Obama Administration Stimulus Funding:
$787 billion economic stimulus package for job creation and tax cuts to help average American workers, families and small businesses.
$275 billion mortgage stimulus program aimed at saving troubled homeowners from foreclosure.
$30 billion bail out to AIG (in addition to the $150 billion Bush administration bailout to the insurance giant in 2008) to avert the conglomerate collapse.
$1 trillion “toxic asset” buyout program designed to get under-water assets off the U.S. banks balance sheets and facilitate the credit flow in the market to help small businesses, first home buyers, home owners refinancing as wells as the medium corporations in retaining jobs.
At the end of March 2009, the Obama Administration gave automakers General Motors and Chrysler another $22 billion in low-interest loans to protect the manufacturing jobs.
In June, the Obama Administration gave General Motors another $30 billion to help them steer through bankruptcy.
Total Obama Stimulus Package – $2.1 trillion dollars – $2 trillion and $144 billion dollars, of that $1 trillion relates to “toxic asset’ program.
It’s noteworthy that the subprime and hedge fund activities accompanied by various Wall Street speculative gambling happened on Bush-Cheney administration and the republican majority watch i.e. 2000-2006 and the recession had already been well under way, even though they refused to take responsibility.
2000 – 2006 the republican members controlled all three branches of the government.
The legislative i.e. both the House and the Senate, The executive, a.k.a. The White House and the judiciary branch.
During that time, the Bush-Cheney Presidency was preoccupied with the wild adventure in Iraq that commenced in 2003 under the pretext of WMD, the weapons of mass destruction that turned out to be Work of Mass Deception.
Again, the Bush-Cheney administration and the republican members were focused on the Halliburton, the oilfield service corporation and its subsidiary, the Kellogg Corporation’s prosperity by neglecting the U.S economy and the brewing global financial crisis.
When the same republican Congress and the Bush administration decided to accept the financial debacle and the economic crisis in December 2007, it’s a year after the democrats gained majority in the House of Congress with the selective news network and the republican members blaming the democrats for the economic crisis.
Shifting attention to the year 2009 -2010, the Obama administration and the democratic Congress passed the necessary legislations to stimulate the economy and devoted much of their time towards the historic health care reform.
President Obama and Democrat Congress Accomplishments:
Economy –
– Salvaged the global financial markets from the brink of collapse,
– Extended unemployment benefits to help families survive the massive layoffs,
– federal tax credits to first home buyers that decelerated the crumbling housing market,
– Stimulus funding generated jobs for the veterans and the green technology projects.
Education and Arts:
Provided College Students relief by shifting the unaffordable student loan payments from the private industry to non-profit organizations.
$787 billion Stimulus Package included –
Federal funding to boost K-12 education supplementing the state budget crisis across the nation.
Federal funding to preserve arts and cultural science.
Health Care Legislation – A phenomenal feat by the democrats in the Congress and the White House, despite the existing resistance from the health care industry to block the legislation.
Poignantly, the milestones in the health care legislation reached without any republican votes in the Senate and again may be with an exception of a single vote from the House of representative.
Average Americans across the nation shared their harrowing experiences from the health care industry abuses and pleaded with their representatives for a universal Medicare and save American lives – approximately 45,000 dying every year due to denial and the lack of health insurance.
Besides, the members of both political parties were well informed on the burgeoning health care costs contributing to the national deficit, an issue that has been squarely attributed to the democrats by the republican members while forgetting their own legacy to the American taxpayers, the accumulated $10.6 trillion, the wars, bailouts…cited above.
Energy and Environment:
The Copenhagen summit in December 2009 is a huge disappointment.
Nevertheless, there is an opportunity in the remaining term to accomplish the desirable goals.
President Barack Obama’s domestic environmental actions surpass the expectations in the first year.
Source: Environmental Policy – San Jose Mercury News, January 19, 2010 – By Paul Rogers
“The economy, war and health care are dominating discussions about what he has or hasn’t accomplished.
Yet with little notice from the public, Obama has been steadily rewriting a major area of American policy – the environment – from global warming to gas mileage rules, logging to endangered species.
Many of his initiatives have particular impact on California.
Obama on the Environment:
Increased gas mileage standards for cars and light trucks 40 percent, to 35 mpg by 2016.
Signed a bill establishing 2.1 million new acres of federally protected wilderness, the largest such bill since President Bill Clinton signed the Desert Protection Act in 1994.
The bill bans logging, mining and road building on federal forests and deserts in nine states, including portions of Joshua tree and Sequoia national parks and ancient bristlecone pine forests in the eastern Sierra.
Announced tougher new national smog standards from the EPA this month i.e. January 2010.
Issued EPA rules requiring large U.S. ships to cut soot emissions by 85 percent.
Blocked Bush administration rules on offshore drilling and endangered species protections.
Begun a process in December in which the Environmental Protection Agency will, for the first time, restrict the amount of greenhouse gases industry can release.
Directed more than $50 billion in funding and tax credits for renewable energy projects.
“This is by far the best first year on the environment of any president in history, including Teddy Roosevelt,” said Carl Pope, national executive director of the Sierra Club, in San Francisco.
“Most presidents have done their best environmental work late in their term. This is very very strong opening.”
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Democratic Congress and White House Administration errors requiring correction:
Domestic Policy: By Padmini Arhant
Passing legislations in the partisan atmosphere is a daunting task in itself.
Both the White House and the democratic Congress have not been meticulous in the policy implementations such as,
Banks bailout approval without any stipulations.
Oversight and accountability on the stimulus funding slighted by the financial industry.
Failure to reserve actions against banks’ non-compliance in easing the liquidity crisis and the housing market revival.
Resisting pork barrel or earmarks in the stimulus funding to negate the opposition and the selective media hypocrisy.
Recruiting the faulty economic team otherwise known as the Wall Street oligarchy –
The Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the economic adviser Larry Summers and now backing the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke for a second term, much against the main street protest is a tremendous political liability.
Further, the team members were the head of the respective institutions that led the economy to a near free fall and arguably viewed by the general public as the lobbyists for the financial sector.
Job creation and protection – It’s been slow irrespective of the stimulus programs and is the primary cause for losing the recent elections.
It could be recovered by offering tax cuts to deserving corporations preserving jobs as opposed to exporting jobs overseas.
Incentivizing manufacturing sector by reviewing trade and commerce law.
Embracing protectionism over globalization is necessary to promote domestic jobs, thereby confirming the White House and Congress priority for the American people over the overseas financier, China.
Regulations and reform in the finance, health care and energy sector is paramount for the present survival and future growth.
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Foreign Policy: By Padmini Arhant
Haiti disaster fund $100 million by the administration is commendable but news reports regarding the U.S military presence overwhelming the rescue and relief operation was alarming.
Remarkable improvement in the U.S. and Russian relationship particularly in the dialogue related to conventional stockpiles and nuclear arsenal reduction treaty.
The 64th U.N General Assembly session in September 2009 – Smart approach to discuss nuclear non-proliferation even though nuclear disarmament is the ideal path towards global peace and security.
G-20 meeting in April and September 2009 was a success and progress dependent on pending U.S financial reform.
April 2009 – $1 Trillion Stimulus Package – G-20 World Leaders Stimulus
The leaders of the 20 most powerful countries in the world (representing 85% of global economic production) convened in London and agreed to $1 trillion in economic stimulus funds, as well as tighter global financial regulations.
Environmental – COP15, Copenhagen Summit – A failure.
There is hope to realize the environmental scope in the 2010 and future global summits. The environmental pursuit must begin with the U.S climate bill legislation to gain credibility in the international forum.
Domestic issues like economy, health care, debates surrounding the troops increase in Afghanistan and national security have consumed most part of the 2009 and overshadowed the prominent world crises.
Pakistan – Financial aid to advance socio-economic development is a positive step as long as the funds are invested to alleviate the population plight and educate the children in the rural and urban areas. Drone attacks have caused many civilian casualties justifiably triggering anger and frustration among the local victims.
Military aid and the deployment of the private mercenary viz. The Blackwater a.k.a.Xe Services LLC and alike to eliminate the terror networks is a contentious issue to be discussed in length later.
India and Pakistan – The United States’ position to disassociate from the talks reveals political expediency.
Iranian crackdown of the democracy movement and defiance in the nuclear program – A cautious reaction and response by the United States arousing passion among the allies and the adversaries.
Worsening Israeli and Palestinian conflict – Jewish settlements, blockade and occupation continue to derail peace prospects and fomented by the United States adherence to the prior administration’s foreign policy.
The controversial three-dimensional wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen via military and intelligence intervention will be elaborated in the later segments.
Containing the saber rattling – North Korea launching missiles, a tradition maintained since the former Bush-Cheney administration. Multilateral talks are vital to curb North Korean President Kim Jong Il’s erratic behavior.
Postponing the meeting with his Holiness Dalai Lama and accepting illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet as part of China in an effort to appease the major creditor – A diplomatic trend serving none and blatantly condones oppression, a diametric stance for the world’s first democracy.
Honduran Military Coup – A setback reflecting the flagrant U.S foreign policy towards Latin America complicated by the republican members’ rendezvous with the military coup leader Roberto Micheletti.
Darfur Genocide – President Obama’s interference was refreshing and requires intense pressure on the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to end the massacre entirely.
Burma – The Burmese junta extending the pro-democracy leader, Aung san suu kyi’s house arrest and exploiting the forthcoming election with false declaration to release the leader by November 2010 is bound to attract international interest.
Unrest in Sub-Saharan Africa – Guinea – The U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appropriately condemned the violence and the message should resonate in other parts of the world for the United States to be received as the reliable negotiator in peace process.
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Performance Assessment and Future Role: By Padmini Arhant
President Barack Obama and the democratic Congress have demonstrated leadership in dealing with the humongous challenges inherited from the previous administration on the economy, war, national security and neglected issues pertaining to human life i.e. health care and environment.
Regrettably, the White House and the democrat Congress have not utilized the political capital earned from the historic election and the weaning public support especially among the independent voters stems from the promised ‘Change,’ not being delivered with Wall Street reining control over Washington and the substantial bailouts not producing the anticipated economic recovery.
Other factors like transparency and accountability are perceived to be in coherence with the earlier administration’s discreet policy, avoiding the free press and media, thus providing fodder for the critics.
In foreign policy and war on terror – The administration policy is viewed as Bush-Cheney policy in the international main street specifically in the most vulnerable regions of the world.
President Barack Obama seeking bipartisanship with a cabinet offer to the Republican Senator, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire to serve as the U.S Commerce Secretary was turned down.
Similarly, the White House invitation to the republican members for their input in the economic stimulus went stone deaf with criticisms volleyed against the President and the democrats for the economic stimulus package.
The President and the democrats’ bipartisan outreach have been futile, for they are doomed either way among the republican members who can’t find any common ground to agree upon any proposal.
In light of the status quo, the Congress members are obligatory to the American electorate rather than their colleagues in the House and the Senate or the Wall Street.
Creating jobs and restoring confidence among the consumers, investors and taxpayers is the inevitable victory against any form of opposition.
Negative attacks and distortions will persist. Maintaining a strong disposition and determination to succeed are the key characteristics when facing obstacles on the path.
Moving diligently with the legislations on financial reform, health care with a public option and concentrating on the climate bill will prove the inherent courage in the Presidency and Congress members to fight for the people and the nation.
Ultimately, in a democracy the power lies with the people as voters, consumers, taxpayers and shareholders.
Among the members in the society – Effectively, it’s better for different groups supporting a common cause to pool resources and present them as one voice against any powerful force during the elections and legislations.
For instance, the various environmental organizations should consolidate ideas and act together to defeat the industrial threat to the planet.
Likewise, the average citizens should join together as a resilient force to represent democracy during elections, and rally behind the President and the party that is dedicated to the public and not the private or personal interest.
The United States has a unique opportunity to rebound in all aspects and emerge from the present crises under the leadership of President Barack Obama and the democratic Congress.
People have endured and overcome many upheavals in the ‘Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, the United States.
President Barack Obama brought hope to many in this country and around the world in 2008.
People are the only ones who can bring about the ‘Change,’ they desire by electing the officials and the President who are willing to undertake political risks and protect the people’s rights in a democracy.
“Yes We Can,” did it in 2008 and “Yes We Will,” should elect the doers, the democrats to office in 2010 to complete the work began in 2009, the economy and health care…
I wish President Barack Obama and Congress members of both parties success in the legislative matter concerning “We the People.”
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant