Archive for April, 2006
by Peter Kopitz
The world has been experiencing record high oil prices for a while now. Is this a temporary 
phenomenon, or an issue we have to adopt to in the long term? After all, the oil price was a quarter of the current price just a few years ago. Sadly, the geopolitical and technical factors pushing the price higher and higher every month seem unlikely to disappear in the short term.
One of the major factor is the growing tensions between the US and Iran. Tehran’s main weapon is not its nuclear program, it is its oil market, which is the fourth biggest in the world. Not only would any more serious tensions disrupt output, furthermore could Iran block the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic weak point for oil exports. Any disruption would be hard to swallow, given that most oil producers are already working close to capacity.
Then there is also Nigeria, which has been experiencing increased tensions in the Niger Delta, resulting in a 80% deduction of the usual standard barrel-per-day exports.
Moreover, there are refining capacity shortfalls, as no new refineries have been built in Europe and the US over the past 30 years, and existing facilities are old an desperately need repair. In addition, most oil producers are finding it hard to meet the surge in demand, and spare capacity is very limited. Further demand growth from the US and China will also not put a damper on future demand, further complicating things.
Overall, it’s anybody’s guess what will happen in the short and long term, and there is no consensus on the future trend. But one thing is certain, oil is a commodity, and it will be more and more difficult in the future to meet the high demand for this black gold; so prices are not yet set to rebound to lower levels.
Peter Kopitz is currently living in Bangkok, Thailand after graduating with Honors from the University Of Chicago Graduate School Of Business with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He is actively involved in researching economic and political development in Thailand, focusing primarily on property development, security analysis and investment banking. Hawaii Home Loans | Honolulu Realtor | Hawaii Rentals
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Accuracy in Media is calling on the Washington Post and New York Times to return the Pulitzer Prizes they recently won for stories about the war on terrorism. AIM is also urging that Post Pulitzer winner Dana Priest resign from the paper for misleading the public about her "sources."
Priest’s main source for her prize-winning story on CIA "secret prisons" has been exposed as a John Kerry supporter in the agency and former Clinton aide who contributed financially to the Kerry presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee. That source, CIA officer Mary O. McCarthy, was fired after she acknowledged illegally leaking classified information to Priest and other journalists.
As noted by AIM editor Cliff Kincaid in his column on the scandal, posted on the AIM website, Priest had publicly denied that her sources for the story included critics of the Bush Administration from within the CIA.
What’s more, the Priest story has never been confirmed and the evidence indicates that the main essence of her story – that the CIA operated "secret prisons" abroad – is false.
Kincaid says the Pulitzer Prize given to the New York Times for the story about the NSA monitoring the international communications of al-Qaeda operatives here and abroad should be returned as well. He says the story was twisted in such a way as to suggest that ordinary Americans were at risk because of an illegal "domestic spying" program. There is absolutely no evidence that this is the case, he notes. The story, Kincaid suspects, was also based on CIA and other sources that were determined to undermine the foreign policy of the Bush Administration.
Accuracy in Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage.
To schedule an interview with AIM Editor Cliff Kincaid, contact Carisa Bergen at (202) 364-4401 ext. 110.
Rev. Peterson Says Politicians Selling Out Blacks for Hispanic Votes
LOS ANGELES – A black conservative minister and staunch immigration reform advocate Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson today denounced Sen. Ted Kennedy for comparing pro-illegal immigration rallies to civil rights marches for blacks half a century ago. The Massachusetts Democrat, who is a proponent of a Senate plan that would open the way to citizenship for illegals, said recent illegal immigration rallies are “reminiscent of the civil rights movement.”
Rev. Peterson said, “Ted Kennedy should be ashamed for comparing the civil rights struggles of blacks to that of illegal aliens. Black Americans are being driven out of their jobs and schools by the influx of illegals—while politicians like Kennedy sell them out for Hispanic votes.”
Thirty years ago, the Los Angeles Unified School District student population was 24% black and 32% Hispanic. Today, one in 10 students is black, and seven in 10 are Hispanic.
“These figures should be alarming to anyone who cares about black Americans. Unfortunately for blacks, politicians like Kennedy are more interested in the next election—and blacks are a small slice of the voting pie, while Hispanic numbers are exploding. Blacks must finally claim their birthright as Americans, and say ‘no’ to the further devastation of their workforce and communities by illegal aliens and their political accomplices,” said Rev. Peterson.
Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is the Founder and President of BOND (Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny), a nonprofit organization that for the past 16 years has been providing unique programs and services designed to help black men and their families
D.C. Watson
Recent polls are telling an interesting tale. A tale that reflects the results of the unacceptable behavior coming out of the Islamic world, and the results of Muslim militants wearing expensive suits, trotting around the Western world, attempting to subversively undercut the legal systems of democratic nations, aiming to persuade dimwitted politicians to pass hate speech laws, and playing the media for the fools that they are. All of this is geared toward one goal: The implementing of Islamic law around the world.
Simultaneously, they are playing a bogus race card against people who refuse to buy into what they’re peddling: That all they want is to peacefully co-exist with all of us, but are the poor, oppressed victims of "Islamophobia." Slowly but surely, however, Americans are becoming increasingly aware of this game.
The tale continues with the same Muslim militants reading poll results that indicate a public relations nightmare for them, as the perception of Islam continues to plummet. Again, because Americans are on to their game.
Here are some suggestions for all of you Mohammedans that may help you with your dilemma of having a public image that’s in the dumper:
Learn about, and respect the sacrifices that have been made by American citizens and American soldiers throughout the past 230 years that made the United States of America the wonderful country that it is, and kept it that way.
“(The Jewish state was) a creation of the Jewish community of New York and London … For me, the Jewish state of Palestine is a missing star in the American flag. You are the head of the snake for me. If I want to destroy the Jewish state of Palestine, I have to destroy you." – Zacarias Moussaoui
by Sharon Hughes
The American people have heard so many conflicting stories about the attitudes of the Iraqi people towards America, as well as our soldiers’ attitudes about the war effort, that reporting such stories has become a battleground in and of itself.
There is no doubt that negative feedback about the war is emphasized by the mainstream media which, while accusing legislators of politicizing the war, in fact are as guilty, if not more, of doing the same. Case in point: Cindy Sheehan. Who would argue that the air and print time given to this anti- war poster-mom of the left wasn’t exhaustive? Yet hardly a mention has been given to the Blue Star Moms and others who have also lost sons in the war, and have something to say, but from a different point of view than Sheehan. Let’s not forget, the media made Cindy Sheehan.
The headlines of major print media, especially online where articles are grouped by topic, could be enough to make the less informed think we are losing the war, that the effort and sacrifice paid already by our troops have been in vain. However, when you read the stories themselves, very often there’s little substance to support the headline accusations, once you get past the spin.
That’s why I like to read and hear it from the Iraqi people, our soldiers, and others who are not interested in politicizing the war.
Such as Franklin Raff who reported in his article, "Media treachery in Iraq exposed!" for WorldNetDaily, about the Iraqi officer of significant rank who asked:
"Why do you people not tell our story? Why do you not say what is going on? Why do you come to our country and see what is happening, you see the schools and the hospitals and you see the markets and you eat with Sunni and Shia soldiers – everybody eats together, everybody works together –you see that Saddam is gone forever and we are free to speak and complain. You see we are working and eating together and fighting together – Sunni and Shia – you see what we are building here, you see the votes we make as one people. Then you say to the world about a great war and horrible things and how we are all killing each other? We are not animals! We are Iraqis. Look around you! Look!"
And Officer Dan Maher of the New York Police Department, who recently spent a year helping to train an Iraqi police force. He took a tape recorder with him to record his experience, and NPR radio recently interviewed him, also playing short clips of what he captured on tape, which you can hear HERE. He tells his experience straight, just like it is. And many others have and are doing the same, but their voices are rarely heard.
I’ve interviewed several soldiers, officers and journalists who have been in Iraq, on my show since the war began and they all echo Dan Maher’s attitude.
No one wants to go to war, except aggressors who want to dominate the world. Not soldiers. Not officers. Not presidents. Not Americans. Not our allies. Not any civilized people or freedom-loving country. Nevertheless, when the safety of the people is at risk, both imminent and in the foreseeable future, the brave and understanding are willing to enter the fray when necessary.
There have always been, and always will be, the bullies of the world who will not stop, unless they are stopped. That’s why war is a reality. And that’s why the great majority of us, who stay at home while our troops defend us, are so grateful for their effort on our behalf. That’s why "supporting our troops" fighting the war on terror is alive and well.
Oh, I know I’ll get a ton of mail for saying these things from those who disagree. But I comfort myself with the knowledge that the vast majority of Americans wish there was no such thing as war, but understand the consequences of not standing up to the bullies of the world. If you can say anything about America, you can say this…we will not be beaten in the school yard of the world.
To those who think my comments are ridiculous, let me ask you, what do you think then of 9/ll terrorist, Zacarias Moussaoui’s statements in court on Thursday, April 13th, 2006, in answer to Prosecutor Rob Spencer’s questioning? …
Spencer: "So you would be happy to see 9/11 again?"
Moussaoui: "Every day until we get you. I’m glad there was pain, and I wish there will be more pain."
Spencer: "So, you have no regret, no remorse?"
Moussaoui: "No regret, no remorse. We have an obligation to be the superpower. You have to be subdued."
Is war a seamless operation? No. Is the war in Iraq running smoothly? What does that mean? War is hell! But, in the midst of it all, because of the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers, much good is happening to defend us at home and to extend freedom in countries that have not known freedom.
Who is telling the truth about the war in Iraq? Those who don’t have an axe to grind. Those who are saying it like it is…like it really is.
© Sharon Hughes 2006
Sharon Hughes is President of The Center for Changing Worldviews and a radio talk show host heard on KDIA AM1640 in San Francisco, RIGHTALK.com, and online at Oneplace.com. Her column appears in many recognized news sites in addition to the ConservativeVoice, most recently FRONTPAGEMAG, and she writes analysis for the international blog Publius Pundit and the Media Research Center’s NewsBusters.org. For further information visit Changing Worldviews www.changingworldviews.com,
WOMANTalk www.womantalk.us, and Sharon’s Blog changingworldviews.blogspot.com .Contact: sharon@changingworldviews.com.
BIN LADEN’S "STATE OF JIHAD" SPEECH
Sunday, April 23, Bin Laden in a televised speech on al Jazeera accused the United States of waging a war against Islam by supporting Israel and not financially assisting the Hamas government. His 20 minute speech was broadcasted almost continuously for 24 hours.
The marching orders proclaimed by Bin Laden as compiled by the Counter Terrorism Blog:
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A long attack on the Cartoons crisis: Blood is needed to cleanse the matter.
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There is a Western war on Muslims and Islam.
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Western policy towards Hamas proves this aggression.
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The United Nations is an infidel and criminal institution.
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There is a Western-infidel aggression against Muslim Sudan. The Black southerners are bandits and the Darfur Blacks are agents of the infidels.
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Iraq’s Jihad is to stop future US military bases.
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A cultural invasion is underway: Arab TVs are to be stopped, Muslim liberals to be killed.
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France is to be punished for the female Hijab affair.
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Bosnia’s Muslims were not salvaged by the West.
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The independence of East Timor is a defeat to the Muslims.
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India and the Hindus are the enemies in Kashmir.
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Pakistan’s Musharraf is to be killed.
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Russia must be punished.
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Salman Rushdie is not to be forgotten.
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The masses in the infidel lands think like their leaders. Their public (enemies) is responsible.
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Calls for Dialogue with the West are to be rejected.
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Do not trust the “traitors” including Muftis and moderate clerics.
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King Abdallah of Saudi Arabia ignores world realities.
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(Western) civilization is attacking ours.
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It is of the duty of all members of the Umma to offer everything for Jihad, including their lives.
For the complete speech in both English and Arabic go to Alazeera.net
It is not easy or magic to produce a democracy in a country that does not know the true meaning of the word or ever experienced what democracy is all about. This is true for Iraq.
By: Slater Bakhtavar
We as Americans possess an ingrained cultural impatience that is a source of both our greatness and many of our ills. The latter example is how this impatience is unfortunately commanding our view of democracy’s prospects in Iraq . Our antsy outlook is unfortunate, as history has proven that the evolution of modern democracies require patience and perseverance. After the devastation of World War II it took Germany and Japan many years to evolve into modern democracies with powerhouse economies. As late as ten years after the establishment of a democratic government in Germany Sigmund Neumann wrote “National socialism may be dead. … yet democracy has failed to fill the spiritual vacuum.” Still, historical realists knew that the evolution of a modern democratic nation required endurance and long term sacrifice. They also knew that every nation will have an independent form of democratic government different from the Republic of the United States.
It’s true that the situation in Iraq isn’t perfect, but it’s also not a miserable failure on the brink of civil war. The prospect of a civil war is not implausible, but it’s certainly not imminent. Under the worst circumstances even if a civil war were to transpire it would be a part of the evolutionary process that would have to be resolved by the Iraqis. We shouldn’t forget that it cost our own nation over six hundred thousand lives and a multitude of other struggles to consummate our modern democratic Republic. Yet many expect a country formed in the 1920’s and ruled by uncivilized dictators to form a modern democratic government without flaw or struggle.
WASHINGTON, DC – Reacting to news that White House press secretary Scott McClellan is resigning, AIM editor Cliff Kincaid said today that obnoxious members of the White House press corps such as David Gregory of NBC News and columnist Helen Thomas should leave as well. In fact, AIM is currently conducting a postcard campaign to McClellan, telling him:
"When NBC News reporter David Gregory called you a ‘jerk,’ millions of Americans realized how rude and obnoxious the White House press corps can be. You maintained your cool while Gregory engaged in what John Gizzi of Human Events called classless behavior and bad manners. Like a student who acts up in class and has to be punished by the teacher, we suggest that you move people like Gregory to the back of the press room — or out of the room entirely — when they make a spectacle of themselves or engage in an unbecoming feeding frenzy. The American people would salute you!"
Kincaid said he hopes McClellan’s replacement will get tough with the White House press corps and put an end to their bad manners and obnoxious behavior. "Rude reporters should get the boot," Kincaid said.
Accuracy In Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage.
To schedule an interview with AIM Editor Cliff Kincaid, contact Carisa Bergen at (202) 364-4401 ext. 110.
Source: http://www.aim.org/
Thomas S. Garlinghouse
Conservatives have long advocated the importance of strong families and deplored efforts, by 
socialists, feminists, and government bureaucrats, to weaken familial ties. Indeed, for many conservatives, the family—the traditional, “nuclear” family—is the fundamental cornerstone of society, an absolutely indispensable form of social organization. As John Mueller of the Family Research Council, a conservative advocacy group, has argued, “the basic social unit of society is the family-based household.” Similarly, former secretary of education William Bennett has written, “the nuclear family, defined as a monogamous married couple living with their children, is vital to civilization’s success.”
Leftists, by contrast, have long taken a decidedly jaundiced view of the traditional family. To them, a household consisting of an adult male and female—united in matrimony—and their offspring is an antiquated, repressive institution standing in the way of constructing a “better,” more egalitarian world.
The famous 19th century socialist Robert Owen included the family, along with marriage and private property, in his “triumvirate of evil,” which, he asserted, has “cursed the world ever since the creation of man.” He advocated the public care of children at his utopian community “New Harmony” in Posey County, Indiana. The family, Owen declared, must give way to the “scientific” association of from five hundred to two thousand people. By association, Owen meant that children ought to be transferred from parental to institutionalized care. This was a task heartily embraced by one of Owen’s chief “lieutenants,” William Maclure. He developed a Spartan system of education for the children of “New Harmony,” which consisted of divorcing children from their parents and placing them in communal living arrangements.
A few words of truth by Ali Sina, of http://www.faithfreedom.org. We must heed his warnings.
We are facing a barbarian but a determined enemy. We must not only know our enemy, but we must also know our own weaknesses. It is through our weaknesses that our enemy can win.
It is my firm conviction that the West has major faults that if not amended it would not be able to withstand the onslaught of Islam. Every person who has converted to Islam has stated that the reason was his or her disgust of the immorality of the western society. Morality and family values are the topics that the Islamist propagandists use to put their toe in the door. Whether you like it or not the western society is losing its traditional values and because of that it is weakening. This is a major fault that could make the West succumb to Islam. Therefore I believe talking about family, morality and traditional western values should be the core of our war against Islam. This is a war. In war you need not just a sword but also a shield. We must recognize and cover our vulnerabilities. If you disagree with the premise of this article, please click on the comment and make yourself heard.