Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to fight the “the wrong-headed ideas, bureaucratic nonsense and destructive culture” that led to riots across England earlier this month. David Cameron said a sense of personal responsibility had been eroded over many years by a welfare system that reduces incentive to work and “the twisting and misrepresentation of human rights.”
“The former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair responded saying the “muddled-head analysis” of the riots risks producing the wrong policy prescriptions. He dismissed the argument that Britain is in the grip of a “moral decline,” saying that problems lie with individuals and communities rather than society as a whole.
Critics of the Cameron Conservative coalition government argue that they want to introduce policies to reverse the welfare system.
Geoffrey Wheatcroft, a British journalist and author wrote:
"For the left, and for liberal papers like Guardian, the culprit was the Tory-led government and its “cuts,” the program of rigorous reduction in public spending in response to unprecedented public debt. But it’s hard to see what effect these cuts can really have made in the little more than 15 months since the coalition government took office under David Cameron.
A more telling (if not quite logical) response is the good old tu quoque: look who’s talking. How can the poor be condemned for looting household goods while bankers and financiers have been looting from the public on a far vaster scale than any teenage gangsta could dream of? This is a variant of Brecht’s “What is the crime of robbing a bank compared with the crime of owning one?” and it must be admitted that in the age of AIG, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and Madoff, most of us have our Brechtian moments. And all of us here bridle when anyone is upbraided for greed and dishonesty by our Members of Parliament, who turn out to have been pilfering the taxpayer for years with their fraudulent expenses. "
The state has to punish those who break the law- whether they are looters on the street or greedy officials who robbed public finance or made money out of decisions which have had a profoundly damaging impact on innocent people.
The IPPR, the Institute for Public Policy Research, - the UK’s leading progressive thinktank gives an analysis of the ideological differences and outlines the case of the present coalition government's assault to cut the universal benefits and services.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Bill Clinton goes Vegan
Bill Clinton's love for hamburgers, steaks, and french fries has become legendary.
Former President Clinton now considers himself a vegan. He's dropped more than 20 pounds, and he says he's healthier than ever. His dramatic dietary transformation took almost two decades and came about only after he underwent two separate heart procedures and with some advice from a trusted doctor.
Clinton then decided to make profound changes in the way he eats.
"I essentially concluded that I had played Russian roulette," Clinton said, "because even though I had changed my diet some and cut down on the caloric total of my ingestion and cut back on much of the cholesterol in the food I was eating, I still -- without any scientific basis to support what I did -- was taking in a lot of extra cholesterol without knowing if my body would produce enough of the enzyme to support it, and clearly it didn't or I wouldn't have had that blockage. So that's when I made a decision to really change."
The former president now says he consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs, almost no oil.
"I like the vegetables, the fruits, the beans, the stuff I eat now," Clinton told CNN's Dr.Gupta.
The former president's goal is to avoid any food that could damage his blood vessels. His dietary guides are Ornish and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr., who directs the cardiovascular prevention and reversal program at The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Both doctors have concluded that a plant-based diet can prevent and, in some cases, actually reverse heart disease.
The full report from CNN
Former President Clinton now considers himself a vegan. He's dropped more than 20 pounds, and he says he's healthier than ever. His dramatic dietary transformation took almost two decades and came about only after he underwent two separate heart procedures and with some advice from a trusted doctor.
Clinton then decided to make profound changes in the way he eats.
"I essentially concluded that I had played Russian roulette," Clinton said, "because even though I had changed my diet some and cut down on the caloric total of my ingestion and cut back on much of the cholesterol in the food I was eating, I still -- without any scientific basis to support what I did -- was taking in a lot of extra cholesterol without knowing if my body would produce enough of the enzyme to support it, and clearly it didn't or I wouldn't have had that blockage. So that's when I made a decision to really change."
The former president now says he consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs, almost no oil.
"I like the vegetables, the fruits, the beans, the stuff I eat now," Clinton told CNN's Dr.Gupta.
The former president's goal is to avoid any food that could damage his blood vessels. His dietary guides are Ornish and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr., who directs the cardiovascular prevention and reversal program at The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Both doctors have concluded that a plant-based diet can prevent and, in some cases, actually reverse heart disease.
The full report from CNN
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Indian High Court Judge Impeached for Corruption
Fighting corruption in India has been a monumental task.
BBC correspondent Soutik Bishwas explores the question. "Is India serious about fighting corruption? Going by some striking data put together by the country's respected, independent watchdog PRS Legislative Research, it doesn't appear so.
India's government officials charged with corruption can be prosecuted only after an approval by the federal or state government. However, by simply sitting on requests from prosecuting agencies, governments can easily slow down prosecutions or make sure that the offenders are never prosecuted."
The revolution in communication – with the 24×7 news channels and instant information sharing on the Internet has liberated content from the control of media houses and governments. The power of civil movements led by activists like Anna Hazare whose hunger strike is turning out to be a hunger fest. In the world's largest democracy, action against political and bureaucratic corruption is painfully slow.
India's upper house of parliament- the Rajya Sabha impeached a High Court justice on corruption charges on Thursday, against a backdrop of mass anti-graft protests across the country.
As reported in India Times, In a first, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday impeached Calcutta high court judge Justice Soumitra Sen on charges of corruption. Justice Sen could go down in history as the first judge to be removed if Lok Sabha gives its consent next week to the motion for his impeachment.
This is first time a sitting judge was found guilty by parliament's upper house of 'misappropriating' large sums of public funds in an abuse of his position as a justice of the Kolkata High Court.
BBC correspondent Soutik Bishwas explores the question. "Is India serious about fighting corruption? Going by some striking data put together by the country's respected, independent watchdog PRS Legislative Research, it doesn't appear so.
India's government officials charged with corruption can be prosecuted only after an approval by the federal or state government. However, by simply sitting on requests from prosecuting agencies, governments can easily slow down prosecutions or make sure that the offenders are never prosecuted."
The revolution in communication – with the 24×7 news channels and instant information sharing on the Internet has liberated content from the control of media houses and governments. The power of civil movements led by activists like Anna Hazare whose hunger strike is turning out to be a hunger fest. In the world's largest democracy, action against political and bureaucratic corruption is painfully slow.
India's upper house of parliament- the Rajya Sabha impeached a High Court justice on corruption charges on Thursday, against a backdrop of mass anti-graft protests across the country.
As reported in India Times, In a first, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday impeached Calcutta high court judge Justice Soumitra Sen on charges of corruption. Justice Sen could go down in history as the first judge to be removed if Lok Sabha gives its consent next week to the motion for his impeachment.
This is first time a sitting judge was found guilty by parliament's upper house of 'misappropriating' large sums of public funds in an abuse of his position as a justice of the Kolkata High Court.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Do Beggars Reflect the Plight of the Poor?
The picture on Haveeru yesterday shows a line of people, who assemble in Male' for the month of Ramadan hoping to increase their begging income. This is a very sensitive issue. Most of them are elderly persons. Regardless of whether one agrees with their behaviour or not, they deserve sympathy. That is the goodness in human decency. Most of them may have raised families and contributed to society. In their sunset years, this is a very sad state for them.
While their individual difficulties are not known, nothing suggests that they do it do to sustain a serious drug habit- a deadly addiction widespread in our country. Also it appears that the social welfare monthly payment of rf 2000 for seniors above 65 may not be adequate to sustain a decent living.
Their families, the community and the government will have to step up to help these people in a more effective manner. Government can develop various skills programmes, just like the 'second chance programme' recently introduced, to help these people take up meaningful work that can pay them adequate compensation. That increases their self esteem and gives a sense of pride in belonging to a community. Stronger family bonds will need to be maintained to avoid people having to resort to begging as a means for survival or as a profession to earn money.
While their individual difficulties are not known, nothing suggests that they do it do to sustain a serious drug habit- a deadly addiction widespread in our country. Also it appears that the social welfare monthly payment of rf 2000 for seniors above 65 may not be adequate to sustain a decent living.
Their families, the community and the government will have to step up to help these people in a more effective manner. Government can develop various skills programmes, just like the 'second chance programme' recently introduced, to help these people take up meaningful work that can pay them adequate compensation. That increases their self esteem and gives a sense of pride in belonging to a community. Stronger family bonds will need to be maintained to avoid people having to resort to begging as a means for survival or as a profession to earn money.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
An Economic Storm Ahead
That's the warning given by World Bank chief Robert Zoellick about the global economy on Saturday in Australia.
Zoellick said the eurozone's sovereign debt issues were more troubling than the "medium and long-term" problems which saw the United States downgraded by Standard and Poor's last week, sending global markets into panic.
"We are in the early moments of a new and different storm, it's not the same as 2008," said Zoellick, referring to the global financial crisis.
More of this article here.
Zoellick said the eurozone's sovereign debt issues were more troubling than the "medium and long-term" problems which saw the United States downgraded by Standard and Poor's last week, sending global markets into panic.
"We are in the early moments of a new and different storm, it's not the same as 2008," said Zoellick, referring to the global financial crisis.
More of this article here.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Gangs and Looters to Blame
Britain has begun to pick up the pieces of the violent anarchy that took hold of their cities. Terrified communities experienced unprecedented scenes of mob violence, with homes and businesses going up in flames. Senseless looting and theft carried out mostly by young people with no specific demands defies logic and every social value. An 11-year-old girl is among the 1,500 arrested in four days of rioting and violence in Britain, police said Thursday.
Britain is an advanced nation and has a strong tradition of welfare culture. Prime Minister David Cameroon cut short his vacation and recalled parliament from recess. Looking for the root cause of the mayhem, the prime minister told the parliament: "There are pockets of our society that are not just broken but, frankly, sick. For me, the root cause of this mindless selfishness is the same thing that I have spoken about for years. It is a complete lack of responsibility in parts of our society, people allowed to feel that the world owes something, that their rights outweigh their responsibilities, and that their actions do not have consequences."
As reported in VOA News, Geography Professor Chris Hamnett, of King’s College, lives in North London, not far from some of the worst rioting. He said:
"Essentially, what we've seen is rioting for fun and profit. This is not people expressing their anger against an oppressive state," said Hamnett. This is people thinking it would be nice to get a slice of the action.”
In other words, the looters set fire to buildings just to see how it looked like. It seems these youth live in a different world from law abiding citizens. They have no regard for other people's property. It is repulsive to see criminals robbing from and injured person while lying on the road needing help.
The breakdown of the traditional family unit has made it difficult for many single parents to provide the love and discipline children need growing up. These children grow up believing they can do whatever they wish to do without any consequence. This is the result of physical and emotional chaos at dysfunctional homes. On top of the chaos from broken homes, when governments are unwilling or when they fail to take stern action against drug traffickers, drug abusers and criminals gangs who thrive on such chaos- the result is in the words of prime minister David Cameroon, pockets of not just broken but sick society.
A social segment of this first world economy has gone morally bankrupt.
Britain is an advanced nation and has a strong tradition of welfare culture. Prime Minister David Cameroon cut short his vacation and recalled parliament from recess. Looking for the root cause of the mayhem, the prime minister told the parliament: "There are pockets of our society that are not just broken but, frankly, sick. For me, the root cause of this mindless selfishness is the same thing that I have spoken about for years. It is a complete lack of responsibility in parts of our society, people allowed to feel that the world owes something, that their rights outweigh their responsibilities, and that their actions do not have consequences."
As reported in VOA News, Geography Professor Chris Hamnett, of King’s College, lives in North London, not far from some of the worst rioting. He said:
"Essentially, what we've seen is rioting for fun and profit. This is not people expressing their anger against an oppressive state," said Hamnett. This is people thinking it would be nice to get a slice of the action.”
In other words, the looters set fire to buildings just to see how it looked like. It seems these youth live in a different world from law abiding citizens. They have no regard for other people's property. It is repulsive to see criminals robbing from and injured person while lying on the road needing help.
The breakdown of the traditional family unit has made it difficult for many single parents to provide the love and discipline children need growing up. These children grow up believing they can do whatever they wish to do without any consequence. This is the result of physical and emotional chaos at dysfunctional homes. On top of the chaos from broken homes, when governments are unwilling or when they fail to take stern action against drug traffickers, drug abusers and criminals gangs who thrive on such chaos- the result is in the words of prime minister David Cameroon, pockets of not just broken but sick society.
A social segment of this first world economy has gone morally bankrupt.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Burning with Rage in Britain
A peaceful protest that was staged in Tottenham Saturday by supporters of Mark Duggan, who was shot and killed last week, has now blown into a violent rampage of looting and burning across several cities.
Across the Atlantic in 1992, a similar situation of violence broke out in Los Angeles, in the case of the excessive force used by police on the African American Rodney King.
In each incident, violence that shocked these cities broke out just from the starting point of a single incident. Social media- facebook, twitter and instant communication of the Internet helped flame the passions and gather people.
The use of social media helped to gather and rally people in Egypt, ushered in the Arab Spring and brought down Husni Mubarak's dictatorship of 30 years.
In a commentary about the rioting in Britain, the Christian Science Monitor writes:
'Whether it is rooted in the ills of urban poverty (20 percent or more unemployment among youths 16-24) or represents simple criminal lawlessness is just one of the soul-searching debates now under way. Like many nations Britain has undertaken austerity measures that will cut welfare payments and thousands of government jobs in coming years. Job prospects for most urban youths are bleak.
Two girls who took part in the rioting Monday night boasted to a BBC journalist that they were showing police and “the rich” that “we can do what we want.”
As is often the case with urban riots, the poor neighborhoods themselves are taking the worst hit. “Tottenham [where Mr. Duggan died] didn’t have much, now [it’s] got a lot less,” said a British journalist who lives in that mixed-race neighborhood.
The rioting also provides yet another referendum on social media. Hooded and masked vandals are using social networks – Twitter and Facebook but especially Blackberry messages, which can’t be traced by police – to coordinate looting of a street. They then are tipped off by message if police are about to arrive and they vanish.
But honest Britons have been using social media for good, too. The Twitter hashtag #PrayForLondon asks people to “Please Pray for the protection of lives and properties in London, and Peace in the UK.” And #riotcleanup has become a rallying point for those who want to help. It has motivated people to take to the streets with trash bags and brooms to tidy up the mess the looters leave behind. '
Across the Atlantic in 1992, a similar situation of violence broke out in Los Angeles, in the case of the excessive force used by police on the African American Rodney King.
In each incident, violence that shocked these cities broke out just from the starting point of a single incident. Social media- facebook, twitter and instant communication of the Internet helped flame the passions and gather people.
The use of social media helped to gather and rally people in Egypt, ushered in the Arab Spring and brought down Husni Mubarak's dictatorship of 30 years.
In a commentary about the rioting in Britain, the Christian Science Monitor writes:
'Whether it is rooted in the ills of urban poverty (20 percent or more unemployment among youths 16-24) or represents simple criminal lawlessness is just one of the soul-searching debates now under way. Like many nations Britain has undertaken austerity measures that will cut welfare payments and thousands of government jobs in coming years. Job prospects for most urban youths are bleak.
Two girls who took part in the rioting Monday night boasted to a BBC journalist that they were showing police and “the rich” that “we can do what we want.”
As is often the case with urban riots, the poor neighborhoods themselves are taking the worst hit. “Tottenham [where Mr. Duggan died] didn’t have much, now [it’s] got a lot less,” said a British journalist who lives in that mixed-race neighborhood.
The rioting also provides yet another referendum on social media. Hooded and masked vandals are using social networks – Twitter and Facebook but especially Blackberry messages, which can’t be traced by police – to coordinate looting of a street. They then are tipped off by message if police are about to arrive and they vanish.
But honest Britons have been using social media for good, too. The Twitter hashtag #PrayForLondon asks people to “Please Pray for the protection of lives and properties in London, and Peace in the UK.” And #riotcleanup has become a rallying point for those who want to help. It has motivated people to take to the streets with trash bags and brooms to tidy up the mess the looters leave behind. '
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Sri Lanka's first Islamic bank: Amana Bank
Amãna Bank, Sri Lanka’s first licensed commercial bank to operate fully under the principles of Islamic banking, opened for business last week.
Amãna Bank will be offering a range of financial products and services including Current Accounts, Savings Accounts, Children’s Savings Account, Term Investment Accounts, Home Financing, SME Banking, Corporate Banking, Trade Services and Treasury Services.
Link: Sunday Times
Amãna Bank will be offering a range of financial products and services including Current Accounts, Savings Accounts, Children’s Savings Account, Term Investment Accounts, Home Financing, SME Banking, Corporate Banking, Trade Services and Treasury Services.
Link: Sunday Times
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Mubarak's trial: A Victory for Democracy
A CNN Global public square report on this stunning humiliation for the the former president who was Egypt's military dictator for nearly 30 years.
The sight of Egypt's one-time most powerful man brought on a hospital bed into defendants' cage, made of iron bars and metal mesh was quite a spectacle. With him in the cage were his nine co-defendants, including his two sons — one-time heir apparent Gamal and wealthy businessman Alaa — his former interior minister Habib el-Adly, and six top former police officials.
There is no doubt that these proceedings will be closely watched by the Arab world where there is no tradition of democracy.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Two Party-System is Making America Ungovernable
The American model of democracy shows alarming levels of polarisation between the two main political parties.
All government is a compromise, in that it is adopted or created for the purpose of harmonizing the interests of the individual with the interests of the group. The types of government are numerous, varying with the character of the group, and with the particular conditions under which it exists. But we know of no government which is perfect: all have shortcomings, some very serious, others less so. There is nothing to be gained, therefore, by debating whether or not American government is imperfect.
Is this any way to run a democracy
America prides itself on being the oldest continuous democracy in the world. But criticisms of the America system are widespread. Our system is tailored to narrow interests and wealthy elites. Our two parties lock out alternative voices. Our voting procedures discourage participation and lead to unrepresentative outcomes. Is this really the best way to run a democracy?
What is so good about democracy? Ken thinks democracy is the most moral form of government. Is the democracy in the United States working well? Our representatives and senators make most decisions without popular input. John claims California has much more interaction between the people and the government. Is this a good thing? Ken introduces Josh Ober, professor at Princeton. What are the best arguments for democracy? Ober thinks that democracy requires an assumption of equality to get started. John asks what is wrong with a government ruled by a group of experts? Ober counters saying that the experts are not guaranteed to be beneficent. One of the benefits of democracy is that people will try to work out their differences. What about issues on which people cannot agree, such as abortion?
Do we have too much democracy in the US? What is allowable as to restrictions on individual freedoms and right in a democracy? If the entire population has one common religion, governing becomes easier. Isn't that good? Would a parliamentary democracy be better than the current form of democracy in the US? Ober doubts that a parliamentary system would solve the problems of American democracy. What role is there between education and democracy? Ober warns against using education as a ticket to voting. What is the relationship between media communication and democracy? Ober thinks that one-way communication will damage democracy. Many institutions that were put in place to aid the fledgling American democracy have now gotten large and unwieldy. Are these institutions to blame for the problems here?
How can we improve our democracy? Ober says that we should push the decision-making mechanism as close to local government as we can. Ken thinks that we need a national level government to assure equality across the country. Does the electoral college diminish the democratic process? Is our two-party system limiting to democracy? Ober worries that small parties tend to be extremist. In ancient Greece, political parties were not viewed as favorable. Do we need them today?
The two party-system is up for debate in America.
Last week's Intelligence Squared debate
All government is a compromise, in that it is adopted or created for the purpose of harmonizing the interests of the individual with the interests of the group. The types of government are numerous, varying with the character of the group, and with the particular conditions under which it exists. But we know of no government which is perfect: all have shortcomings, some very serious, others less so. There is nothing to be gained, therefore, by debating whether or not American government is imperfect.
Is this any way to run a democracy
America prides itself on being the oldest continuous democracy in the world. But criticisms of the America system are widespread. Our system is tailored to narrow interests and wealthy elites. Our two parties lock out alternative voices. Our voting procedures discourage participation and lead to unrepresentative outcomes. Is this really the best way to run a democracy?
What is so good about democracy? Ken thinks democracy is the most moral form of government. Is the democracy in the United States working well? Our representatives and senators make most decisions without popular input. John claims California has much more interaction between the people and the government. Is this a good thing? Ken introduces Josh Ober, professor at Princeton. What are the best arguments for democracy? Ober thinks that democracy requires an assumption of equality to get started. John asks what is wrong with a government ruled by a group of experts? Ober counters saying that the experts are not guaranteed to be beneficent. One of the benefits of democracy is that people will try to work out their differences. What about issues on which people cannot agree, such as abortion?
Do we have too much democracy in the US? What is allowable as to restrictions on individual freedoms and right in a democracy? If the entire population has one common religion, governing becomes easier. Isn't that good? Would a parliamentary democracy be better than the current form of democracy in the US? Ober doubts that a parliamentary system would solve the problems of American democracy. What role is there between education and democracy? Ober warns against using education as a ticket to voting. What is the relationship between media communication and democracy? Ober thinks that one-way communication will damage democracy. Many institutions that were put in place to aid the fledgling American democracy have now gotten large and unwieldy. Are these institutions to blame for the problems here?
How can we improve our democracy? Ober says that we should push the decision-making mechanism as close to local government as we can. Ken thinks that we need a national level government to assure equality across the country. Does the electoral college diminish the democratic process? Is our two-party system limiting to democracy? Ober worries that small parties tend to be extremist. In ancient Greece, political parties were not viewed as favorable. Do we need them today?
The two party-system is up for debate in America.
Last week's Intelligence Squared debate
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Fixing the Greed of Capitalism
Unfettered greed arising out of the free market capitalistic system is at its worst as we have seen in recent times. Bernie Madoff, a former chairman of the US NASDAQ stock market operated the biggest PONZI scheme, the biggest investment scandal in history. He has swindled thousands of investors of US$ 65 billion. On June 29, 2009, he was sentenced to 150 years in prison, the maximum allowed under the US law.
The 2008 United States financial crisis led to global financial meltdown which evoked fears of another Great Depression like in the 1930s. In this most recent financial crisis that started in the the US, Investment banks and commercial banks lent trillions of dollars for housing purchases to borrowers ill-equipped to repay when the housing prices crashed. There was no 'invisible hand' espoused by Adam Smith to maintain a fair and just order in the market. The driving force of the present free market model - at least in the US is Milton Friedman's theory that business corporations are only to make profit and greed is part of the equation.
With the emerging economies of China, India and Brazil fast catching up with the developed world, there is growing pressure for a new economic world order. Can the Western liberal free market capitalism co-exist with the economic styles of the emerging economies?
Below is an interesting discussion in Davos 2011, on the future of the Business Enterprise. Now we are going back to the roots of business that Adam Smith would have envisaged. Once again business leaders have raised the issue- social responsibility of business corporations is critical to rein in the corporate greed. Business needs to create more than just one value-i.e.,profit for the shareholders.
The new mantra for developing countries that need the assistance of the world financial institutions like the IMF seems to be: public/private sector partnership.
The 2008 United States financial crisis led to global financial meltdown which evoked fears of another Great Depression like in the 1930s. In this most recent financial crisis that started in the the US, Investment banks and commercial banks lent trillions of dollars for housing purchases to borrowers ill-equipped to repay when the housing prices crashed. There was no 'invisible hand' espoused by Adam Smith to maintain a fair and just order in the market. The driving force of the present free market model - at least in the US is Milton Friedman's theory that business corporations are only to make profit and greed is part of the equation.
With the emerging economies of China, India and Brazil fast catching up with the developed world, there is growing pressure for a new economic world order. Can the Western liberal free market capitalism co-exist with the economic styles of the emerging economies?
Below is an interesting discussion in Davos 2011, on the future of the Business Enterprise. Now we are going back to the roots of business that Adam Smith would have envisaged. Once again business leaders have raised the issue- social responsibility of business corporations is critical to rein in the corporate greed. Business needs to create more than just one value-i.e.,profit for the shareholders.
The new mantra for developing countries that need the assistance of the world financial institutions like the IMF seems to be: public/private sector partnership.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Hate Speech does have Tragic Consequences
All too often, we hear about gun violence in the United States of America.
The American nation is shocked in horror yet again. Today, a lone gunman opened fire in front of a supermarket called Safeway in the Arizona city of Tuscon. The gunman killed six people (including a nine-year-old girl) and wounded a United States Congresswoman.
It is not clear why the gunman went on this terrifying rampage.
But whatever his reasons, the local sheriff - who is coordinating the investigation with the FBI - believes it is time for America to do some soul-searching.
Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, speaking about Arizona: (Link)
"When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous. And, unfortunately, Arizona I think has become sort of the capital. We have become the Mecca for prejudice and bigotry.
"It's not unusual for all public officials to get threats constantly, myself included. And that's the sad thing of what's going on in America. Pretty soon, we're not going to be able to find reasonable, decent people who are willing to subject themselves to serve in public office."
He later added:
DUPNIK: Let me just say one thing, because people tend to poo-poo this business about all the vitriol that we hear inflaming the American public by people who make a living off of doing that. That may be free speech. But it's not without consequences."
Freedom of speech is a sacred right guaranteed by the First amendment of the US constitution.
For countries that follow this model of the freedom of speech, should hate speech be criminalised in order to deter such horrible crimes?
The American nation is shocked in horror yet again. Today, a lone gunman opened fire in front of a supermarket called Safeway in the Arizona city of Tuscon. The gunman killed six people (including a nine-year-old girl) and wounded a United States Congresswoman.
It is not clear why the gunman went on this terrifying rampage.
But whatever his reasons, the local sheriff - who is coordinating the investigation with the FBI - believes it is time for America to do some soul-searching.
Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, speaking about Arizona: (Link)
"When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous. And, unfortunately, Arizona I think has become sort of the capital. We have become the Mecca for prejudice and bigotry.
"It's not unusual for all public officials to get threats constantly, myself included. And that's the sad thing of what's going on in America. Pretty soon, we're not going to be able to find reasonable, decent people who are willing to subject themselves to serve in public office."
He later added:
DUPNIK: Let me just say one thing, because people tend to poo-poo this business about all the vitriol that we hear inflaming the American public by people who make a living off of doing that. That may be free speech. But it's not without consequences."
Freedom of speech is a sacred right guaranteed by the First amendment of the US constitution.
For countries that follow this model of the freedom of speech, should hate speech be criminalised in order to deter such horrible crimes?
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Cycle of failure breeds youth violence
What causes youth to turn to violence? Is it due due to the neglect of parents? Is it due to the system of education? Is it due to peer pressure? Is it due to the failure of society to stop violence from breeding more violence?
Glenn Lim who is a youth specialist consultant and adjunct lecturer preparing for his Doctorate in Criminology, as well as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador (Asean) and Singapore Youth Award 2005 winner explores the subject of gang violence in Singapore in an article on Today Online.
Glenn Lim who is a youth specialist consultant and adjunct lecturer preparing for his Doctorate in Criminology, as well as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador (Asean) and Singapore Youth Award 2005 winner explores the subject of gang violence in Singapore in an article on Today Online.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Gandhi's Seven Deadly Sins
Mahatma Gandhi said that seven things will destroy a society. (Link)
1)Wealth without work
2)Pleasure without conscience
3)Knowledge without character
4)Commerce (business) without morality (ethics)
5)Science without humanity
6)Religion without sacrifice
7)Politics without principle
All of these conditions are evident in the social and political fabric of our society today.
Now we have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We have the separation of powers and we have independent institutions, still in the early stages of the democratic process. With the new found freedoms our society is on the brink of anarchy.
What is the price to pay for a free society?
Parents can no longer raise their children with sound values. Illegal drugs and violence have become rampant in our society. Personal morality is in a state of flux, with social pressures causing individuals to define "good" and "bad" as they deem fit. This is having a profound negative effect on our culture regarding the individual character development of our younger generation.
Now we want security and freedom from fear. We want a civil society to live in. We need the enforcement of law and order. We want our elected officials and politicians to be honourable in their words and conduct.
That would be a good starting point to restore honour into our community.
1)Wealth without work
2)Pleasure without conscience
3)Knowledge without character
4)Commerce (business) without morality (ethics)
5)Science without humanity
6)Religion without sacrifice
7)Politics without principle
All of these conditions are evident in the social and political fabric of our society today.
Now we have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We have the separation of powers and we have independent institutions, still in the early stages of the democratic process. With the new found freedoms our society is on the brink of anarchy.
What is the price to pay for a free society?
Parents can no longer raise their children with sound values. Illegal drugs and violence have become rampant in our society. Personal morality is in a state of flux, with social pressures causing individuals to define "good" and "bad" as they deem fit. This is having a profound negative effect on our culture regarding the individual character development of our younger generation.
Now we want security and freedom from fear. We want a civil society to live in. We need the enforcement of law and order. We want our elected officials and politicians to be honourable in their words and conduct.
That would be a good starting point to restore honour into our community.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Saudi clerics battle over fatwas
Saudi's ultra-conservatives hold on to old views as Islamic progressives push for modern fatwas.
"Clerics have opened up a pitched battle in Saudi Arabia over who can issue fatwas, or religious edicts, as hardline and progressive religious scholars, judges and clerics have taken the fight public.
Much of the fight in the past week has focused on a fatwa endorsing music issued by Adel al-Kalbani, a Riyadh cleric famed as the first black imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Kalbani, popular for his soulful baritone delivery of Koranic readings, said he found nothing in Islamic scripture that makes music "haram", or forbidden.
But, aside from some folk music, public music performance is banned in Saudi Arabia, and some ultra-conservatives say it is forbidden even in the home.
"There is no clear text or ruling in Islam that singing and music are haram," Kalbani said.
Also in recent weeks, a much more senior cleric, Sheikh Abdul Mohsen al-Obeikan, raised hackles with two of his opinions.
First, he endorsed the idea that a grown man could be considered like a son of a woman if she breast-feeds him.
The issue is seen by some as a way of getting around the Saudi religious ban on mixing by unrelated men and women.
It brought ridicule and condemnation from women activists and Saudi critics around the world.
But Obeikan, a top advisor in the court of King Abdullah, who is believed to be supportive of less severe rules in his kingdom, also angered ultra-conservatives when he said the compulsory midday and mid-afternoon prayer sessions could be combined to help worshippers skirt the intense heat of summer.
While the choice is allowed for individuals in certain circumstances, conservatives say such a broad ruling for everyone is wrong.
The comments by Obeikan and Kalbani brought rebukes from top-level clerics in a debate that has erupted into freewheeling public discussions in the media and on the Internet. " More of this article on Middle East Online
"Clerics have opened up a pitched battle in Saudi Arabia over who can issue fatwas, or religious edicts, as hardline and progressive religious scholars, judges and clerics have taken the fight public.
Much of the fight in the past week has focused on a fatwa endorsing music issued by Adel al-Kalbani, a Riyadh cleric famed as the first black imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Kalbani, popular for his soulful baritone delivery of Koranic readings, said he found nothing in Islamic scripture that makes music "haram", or forbidden.
But, aside from some folk music, public music performance is banned in Saudi Arabia, and some ultra-conservatives say it is forbidden even in the home.
"There is no clear text or ruling in Islam that singing and music are haram," Kalbani said.
Also in recent weeks, a much more senior cleric, Sheikh Abdul Mohsen al-Obeikan, raised hackles with two of his opinions.
First, he endorsed the idea that a grown man could be considered like a son of a woman if she breast-feeds him.
The issue is seen by some as a way of getting around the Saudi religious ban on mixing by unrelated men and women.
It brought ridicule and condemnation from women activists and Saudi critics around the world.
But Obeikan, a top advisor in the court of King Abdullah, who is believed to be supportive of less severe rules in his kingdom, also angered ultra-conservatives when he said the compulsory midday and mid-afternoon prayer sessions could be combined to help worshippers skirt the intense heat of summer.
While the choice is allowed for individuals in certain circumstances, conservatives say such a broad ruling for everyone is wrong.
The comments by Obeikan and Kalbani brought rebukes from top-level clerics in a debate that has erupted into freewheeling public discussions in the media and on the Internet. " More of this article on Middle East Online
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Back to basics: Going on Naked Foot
What a better way to celebrate the barefoot walking and running of our ancestors than by going barefoot?
Is this barefooting another fitness craze?
Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman has done the research. He suggests that the bare human foot is better able to withstand the impact of running than fancy cushioned sneakers can. He has already converted to barefoot running. Listen to him on the video.
Another study which appeared in the journal Nature, describes the mechanics of running barefoot, or with minimal footwear, and how it can actually help prevent injury.
Many people think modern running shoes are necessary in order to run safely and comfortably, but they were invented only in the 1970s. Before then, running shoes were just simple running flats that had little cushioning, no arch support, and no built-up heel. Humans were running for millions of years, apparently safely, in thin sandals, or in no shoes at all. The research indicates that they may have been able to do so by forefoot or midfoot striking.
There was a time when barefoot walking was considered to be immodest and was frowned upon by people. Not any longer. In the ultra modern age we live in, this situation has changed. Although barefoot walking is still more commonly seen in the poorer countries, the barefoot craze has hit the developed countries too. Today, there is a complete society, called 'Society of Barefoot', dedicated to the cause of walking barefoot.
In Singapore, Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Barclays has organised a 5 km Barefoot Charity Walk, "Bare Your Sole 2010 on 5 June 2010" to build lives, homes and fight poverty.
Barefoot walking has come full circle. What goes around comes around and the human beings seem to be turning to its roots.
Link Home Barefoot Walking
Is this barefooting another fitness craze?
Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman has done the research. He suggests that the bare human foot is better able to withstand the impact of running than fancy cushioned sneakers can. He has already converted to barefoot running. Listen to him on the video.
Another study which appeared in the journal Nature, describes the mechanics of running barefoot, or with minimal footwear, and how it can actually help prevent injury.
Many people think modern running shoes are necessary in order to run safely and comfortably, but they were invented only in the 1970s. Before then, running shoes were just simple running flats that had little cushioning, no arch support, and no built-up heel. Humans were running for millions of years, apparently safely, in thin sandals, or in no shoes at all. The research indicates that they may have been able to do so by forefoot or midfoot striking.
There was a time when barefoot walking was considered to be immodest and was frowned upon by people. Not any longer. In the ultra modern age we live in, this situation has changed. Although barefoot walking is still more commonly seen in the poorer countries, the barefoot craze has hit the developed countries too. Today, there is a complete society, called 'Society of Barefoot', dedicated to the cause of walking barefoot.
In Singapore, Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Barclays has organised a 5 km Barefoot Charity Walk, "Bare Your Sole 2010 on 5 June 2010" to build lives, homes and fight poverty.
Barefoot walking has come full circle. What goes around comes around and the human beings seem to be turning to its roots.
Link Home Barefoot Walking
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
A Gripping Love Saga
There is a feeding frenzy in the celebrity-hungry media of India and Pakistan over the Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Malik who is set to marry Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza next week.
Shoaib Malik is facing an investigation in his fiancee's home country over allegations he harassed a woman who has claimed to be his wife, police said Monday.
Malik is currently in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad for his wedding to Mirza. Police commissioner A.K. Khan told CNN that officials have launched a probe into a complaint filed on behalf of Ayesha Siddiqui, who is Indian.
Siddiqui has accused Malik of "harassment, cheating and criminal intimidation," Khan said. Immigration authorities will be alerted to the investigation, as Malik is a foreigner, he said. Officials have taken a statement from the former Pakistan captain, police said.
Siddiqui claims Malik married her by telephone eight years ago and is seeking a divorce. Malik maintains he was deceived and the marriage is invalid, saying the agreement was based on a series of photos sent to him -- photos he claims were not of Siddiqui.
Malik and Mirza, in a joint news conference Monday in Hyderabad, said their April 15 wedding will be held as scheduled. Malik vowed to cooperate fully with Indian investigators and said he would stay in India until the probe is complete. (Link)
Shoaib Malik is facing an investigation in his fiancee's home country over allegations he harassed a woman who has claimed to be his wife, police said Monday.
Malik is currently in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad for his wedding to Mirza. Police commissioner A.K. Khan told CNN that officials have launched a probe into a complaint filed on behalf of Ayesha Siddiqui, who is Indian.
Siddiqui has accused Malik of "harassment, cheating and criminal intimidation," Khan said. Immigration authorities will be alerted to the investigation, as Malik is a foreigner, he said. Officials have taken a statement from the former Pakistan captain, police said.
Siddiqui claims Malik married her by telephone eight years ago and is seeking a divorce. Malik maintains he was deceived and the marriage is invalid, saying the agreement was based on a series of photos sent to him -- photos he claims were not of Siddiqui.
Malik and Mirza, in a joint news conference Monday in Hyderabad, said their April 15 wedding will be held as scheduled. Malik vowed to cooperate fully with Indian investigators and said he would stay in India until the probe is complete. (Link)
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech
Maldives has embraced freedom of speech as espoused by the democracies of the western Europe and the United States of America. For the citizens of these countries, this type of democracy- the liberal democratic model requires effective guarantees of freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, petition and of equality before the law.
The First Amendment of the United States constitution prohibits the government from regulating the content of speech, subject to a few recognized exceptions such as defamation and incitement to riot. Even in cases where speech encourages illegal violence, instances of incitement qualify as criminal only if the threat of violence is imminent. In Canada, Europe and other countries, hate speech is, outside the law, any communication which disparages a person or a group on the basis of some characteristic such as race or sexual orientation. In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group.
In Maldives, those who pushed for the multi-party system for political governance did so because of the popular revulsion against the previous all-encompassing domination by the same government that remained in power for 30 years.
Now we have political parties and we do have freedom of speech. Political parties and their politicians are the catalytic agents that make democracies workable.
The two main political parties in Maldives, the ruling MDP and the opposition DRP and their allies disagree about nearly every issue, just for the sake of disagreement. The parliament is in gridlock and no beneficial work gets done. It polarizes the public who are supporters of these political parties. As we saw recently, the country was on the verge of erupting into violence consequent to the fist fighting inside the parliament. Cynics claim that every speech, every vote, every single thing these politicians do is for the sake of political posturing to help them get elected the next term, or help their party motives.
Journalists of the free media have an important responsibility to educate the public about various issues from all sides, using logic, reason and analysis to determine the different points of view. The public can then make informed decisions about the policies of the different political parties. The opposition political party should compete by offering better ideas and solutions rather than just becoming the party of saying 'no' to everything that the government does.
Maldives needs to find a way stop the the hate speech mostly driven by politics between the political parties. One way to do this is by the enforcement of legislation against hate speech. Our members of the parliament in the interest of the public good need to legislate to determine the acceptable boundaries of free speech. Also what kinds of speech should be considered out of bounds subject to prosecution.
Read this article "When free speech means hate speech" to understand how bad this situation is in the United States of America. There are hate-mongers both on the left and the right of the political divide in America who make a living by spewing hatred in the name of free speech.
The First Amendment of the United States constitution prohibits the government from regulating the content of speech, subject to a few recognized exceptions such as defamation and incitement to riot. Even in cases where speech encourages illegal violence, instances of incitement qualify as criminal only if the threat of violence is imminent. In Canada, Europe and other countries, hate speech is, outside the law, any communication which disparages a person or a group on the basis of some characteristic such as race or sexual orientation. In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group.
In Maldives, those who pushed for the multi-party system for political governance did so because of the popular revulsion against the previous all-encompassing domination by the same government that remained in power for 30 years.
Now we have political parties and we do have freedom of speech. Political parties and their politicians are the catalytic agents that make democracies workable.
The two main political parties in Maldives, the ruling MDP and the opposition DRP and their allies disagree about nearly every issue, just for the sake of disagreement. The parliament is in gridlock and no beneficial work gets done. It polarizes the public who are supporters of these political parties. As we saw recently, the country was on the verge of erupting into violence consequent to the fist fighting inside the parliament. Cynics claim that every speech, every vote, every single thing these politicians do is for the sake of political posturing to help them get elected the next term, or help their party motives.
Journalists of the free media have an important responsibility to educate the public about various issues from all sides, using logic, reason and analysis to determine the different points of view. The public can then make informed decisions about the policies of the different political parties. The opposition political party should compete by offering better ideas and solutions rather than just becoming the party of saying 'no' to everything that the government does.
Maldives needs to find a way stop the the hate speech mostly driven by politics between the political parties. One way to do this is by the enforcement of legislation against hate speech. Our members of the parliament in the interest of the public good need to legislate to determine the acceptable boundaries of free speech. Also what kinds of speech should be considered out of bounds subject to prosecution.
Read this article "When free speech means hate speech" to understand how bad this situation is in the United States of America. There are hate-mongers both on the left and the right of the political divide in America who make a living by spewing hatred in the name of free speech.
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