Back in Spring '01, I took The History of Modern Middle East under Dr. Donna Ryan at Gallaudet. Throughout the semester, I get to understand the ramifications of Islam, Arab world and its relationships with oil, Western Civilization and Israel as well as its struggles to live in peace with dignity and honor.
Dr. Ryan made it clear that sooner or later, the Islamic extremists would attempt to fan the Muslims' hatred of Americans because of its stubborn relationship with Israel, of its arrogant policies that favored the ruling classes over the masses through weapons and oil.
For example, the Shah of Iran was overthrown by the masses because the Shah was corrupted and oppressive -- the Americans were steadfast in supporting the Shah and his government. The Americans were quick to condemn the majority of Iranians to revolt against the corrupted government -- a classic hypocrisy on Americans' response, considering the fact that the Americans also revolted against the Britons in 18th century. It is as if we can revolt if we wanted to, but they can't. The result is that Iranians viewed us as the evil empire. Cannot blame them, really.
The Americans seemed to enjoy its hypocrisy by telling people how to live their lives but when it comes to them questioning back, Americans turned its back. Afghanistan enlisted the Americans to help out in battling the Soviet Union, and the Americans sent the CIA over there. But after the years of devastating war against the Soviet Union, Afghanistan finally expelled the Soviets. Afghanistan then turned to Americans for some help. Where were the Americans? They were nowhere to be found. Abandoned. They were abandoned. The seeds of hatred, resentment and frustration were born from that point.
Dr. Ryan explained things in a very broad picture of frustrations with Americans' policies in meddling with Middle East countries. One student, I do not recall her name, asked Dr. Ryan whether if she thinks someday, someone will kick our butts for what we did? Dr. Ryan smiled and said, "Of course, it shall happen. It will. But when?"
It was thought-provoking class. I enjoyed it tremendously. I still have 15 books based on Middle East countries, conflicts, Balkan states et al. Oh, yeah, I got an A with the course.
That was Spring '01. Four months later, the Islamic extremists enacted what Dr. Ryan prophesied all along, and they did it with a force that rattled the rest of the world by bringing the Twin Towers down. As I was watching the Twin Towers burning, I quickly reminisced what Dr. Ryan talked about this. It was inevitable. It was bound to happen. I wondered if people around me truly understood the ramifications that led up to this point?
Never mind the Patriot Act, never mind that we retaliated by overthrowing Taliban, never mind that we termed Iran, Iraq and North Korea as the Axis of Evil, never mind that Libya repented with us as of now, never mind the Iraqi occupation -- these things meant a lot of things or nothing to different peoples but the common ingredient among the masses in the region is that the vengeance has been exacted. They got what they wanted all along, that is to punish us for our actions toward them. They do not care if we waged wars against them and killed billions of people, they knew they already punched us in our face.
History is all around us -- schools, colleges, monuments, governments, museums, peoples, cultures, countries ... why do we have history? It was to remind us of our actions -- let it be a lesson for all of us, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
When GW Bush kept on ranting about preserving the freedom, don't fall for it. It is bullshit. I do not like Osama bin Laden for what he did. But to beat the enemy, one has to understand him, his thoughts and his actions. Read what he said:
Contrary to what [President George W.] Bush says and claims -- that we hate freedom --let him tell us then, "Why did we not attack Sweden?" It is known that those who hate freedom don't have souls with integrity, like the souls of those 19. May the mercy of God be upon them.
See? Even he's crazed loon, but he has a point. It is not about freedom. If it is the case, they'd attack Sweden. It is because we meddle in their affairs.
Now we need to improve ourselves in order to treat others better. But certainly not with GW Bush in the position -- he is simply delusional, indifferent to the ramifications of historical events up to now. Bush's tough position in Middle East will make it much worse than ever.
R-
Saturday, October 30, 2004
The Patriot Act: Anti-American
Right after the morning of September 11, 2001 which left Manhattan to deal with its horrors with the nation watching on all channels, including ESPN and Comedy Channel. Bush, after the series of meetings with the U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, proposed the Patriot Act to "protect the Americans" by permitting the government to do what is needed to stop the "terrorism" in the United States.
I can understand. Hell, I don't want another act of terrorism on my country ... ever again. Of course, it is extremely important that we combat the terrorists to ensure that the 9/11 situation will never happen again. But this law is simply wrong, inhumane and a disaster waiting to happen!
But the Patriot Act is John Ashcroft's orgasm. It is no secret that John Ashcroft is pro-Christian, criticized gays, suppressed lots of people who questioned his activities. With the Patriot Act, John Ashcroft reserved the power to do whatever he wanted. The Patriot Act itself goes against the basic principles of our constitution.
To go by each line is impossible since the Patriot Act itself is 347 pages long.
Basically, the Patriot Act authorized the government to monitor what kind of books we read, buy or even signed out of a library or a bookstore. It gives them the right to search our homes and businesses without prior notification, monitor our electronic communications and the worst of all, lock non-citizens to be locked up without charges on the decision of U.S. Attorney General.
Did you know that the government reserved the right to confiscate your property if you engaged in civil disobedience? Did you know that the Act permitted the FBI agents to investigate your background for any criminal matters without a reason? They reserve the right to snoop in and if you object, they will say: "The Patriot Act allowed me to do that."
There was an article in the Gay City News in New York not a long time ago. A gay man in his 50s from Provincetown, Massachusetts went to Montreal (or Toronto?) to visit his old friends and when he rode on the train back to the United States, the customs agent asked him for his identification et al. When the gay man provided the necessary information, few minutes later, the homophobic customs agent bellowed to the gay man in front of everyone, "Did you know that you were arrested in early 1980s for indecent exposure?"
The gay man already paid his dues to the society, but that does not matter to the agent. The gay man was not a terrorist nor an activist by any means, he was simply a man who wanked his dick when he was in early 30s. The agent reserved the powers, thanks to the Patriot Act, to humiliate and berate him on the spot. He filed a complaint, but his lawyers said that the chances to redeem himself is remote because the Patriot Act permitted that.
Did you know that the Patriot Act permitted the Attorney General to lock up the noncitizens for a long period of time without a trial? That is not all. The Attorney General reserved the right not to provide the detainees with counsel or even issue a statement to indicate that one is being detained? Not only that, even as a citizen of this country, if the Attorney General determined that you are a nuisance, he can use this provision to detain you without a counsel or a trial. Just like that. He can accuse you of this, that and there and refuse to provide proof, probably citing the "national security" to mute you of your liberties and rights.
Does this sound like the Gestapo during the Nazi Germany? First, they classified Jews as noncitizens, then swept Jews without trial or a statement. This time, it is not Jews or Americans, it's someone else.
You have to reason a little -- think of the future. If John Ashcroft or his office did not abuse the Act as of now (but he did, anyway), someone will. It is the way it is -- people will use anything to advance their powers. The Patriot Act is a bad omen, one that shall comes with a heavy price with our constitution, someday. Common sense and history indicates that it shall happen.
Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry and many others always believed that to be wary of our government is good for the nation, good for the country. So when you see something wrong, it is OK to object. But to Bush and Ashcroft, it is a threat to the national security. They can use this to make you disappear off the map if they wanted to.
That is the key: If.
R-
I can understand. Hell, I don't want another act of terrorism on my country ... ever again. Of course, it is extremely important that we combat the terrorists to ensure that the 9/11 situation will never happen again. But this law is simply wrong, inhumane and a disaster waiting to happen!
But the Patriot Act is John Ashcroft's orgasm. It is no secret that John Ashcroft is pro-Christian, criticized gays, suppressed lots of people who questioned his activities. With the Patriot Act, John Ashcroft reserved the power to do whatever he wanted. The Patriot Act itself goes against the basic principles of our constitution.
To go by each line is impossible since the Patriot Act itself is 347 pages long.
Basically, the Patriot Act authorized the government to monitor what kind of books we read, buy or even signed out of a library or a bookstore. It gives them the right to search our homes and businesses without prior notification, monitor our electronic communications and the worst of all, lock non-citizens to be locked up without charges on the decision of U.S. Attorney General.
Did you know that the government reserved the right to confiscate your property if you engaged in civil disobedience? Did you know that the Act permitted the FBI agents to investigate your background for any criminal matters without a reason? They reserve the right to snoop in and if you object, they will say: "The Patriot Act allowed me to do that."
There was an article in the Gay City News in New York not a long time ago. A gay man in his 50s from Provincetown, Massachusetts went to Montreal (or Toronto?) to visit his old friends and when he rode on the train back to the United States, the customs agent asked him for his identification et al. When the gay man provided the necessary information, few minutes later, the homophobic customs agent bellowed to the gay man in front of everyone, "Did you know that you were arrested in early 1980s for indecent exposure?"
The gay man already paid his dues to the society, but that does not matter to the agent. The gay man was not a terrorist nor an activist by any means, he was simply a man who wanked his dick when he was in early 30s. The agent reserved the powers, thanks to the Patriot Act, to humiliate and berate him on the spot. He filed a complaint, but his lawyers said that the chances to redeem himself is remote because the Patriot Act permitted that.
Did you know that the Patriot Act permitted the Attorney General to lock up the noncitizens for a long period of time without a trial? That is not all. The Attorney General reserved the right not to provide the detainees with counsel or even issue a statement to indicate that one is being detained? Not only that, even as a citizen of this country, if the Attorney General determined that you are a nuisance, he can use this provision to detain you without a counsel or a trial. Just like that. He can accuse you of this, that and there and refuse to provide proof, probably citing the "national security" to mute you of your liberties and rights.
Does this sound like the Gestapo during the Nazi Germany? First, they classified Jews as noncitizens, then swept Jews without trial or a statement. This time, it is not Jews or Americans, it's someone else.
You have to reason a little -- think of the future. If John Ashcroft or his office did not abuse the Act as of now (but he did, anyway), someone will. It is the way it is -- people will use anything to advance their powers. The Patriot Act is a bad omen, one that shall comes with a heavy price with our constitution, someday. Common sense and history indicates that it shall happen.
Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry and many others always believed that to be wary of our government is good for the nation, good for the country. So when you see something wrong, it is OK to object. But to Bush and Ashcroft, it is a threat to the national security. They can use this to make you disappear off the map if they wanted to.
That is the key: If.
R-
That Old Lady at The Fireplace
When I left the District last week on Sunday, I realized that I went to DC without going to The Fireplace to say "hi" to the old lady who bartends in the bar. I felt bad. I like her very much. She's tough old cookie but lovable as hell. She reminded me of my Hrandma. Toby, is she still there? I felt stupid for not stopping by The Fireplace!!
Three women in my family celebrated their birthdays in October -- my mother and two sisters.
I'm up next in November. 9th. Will be 31.
I wrote down the list of "hopeful" gifts from friends to see whether if their gifts will match with mine -- of course, I did not show them the list. I just want to compare.
But I did address few months ago on the blog that I wanted something else. Very vital.
Oh, Happy Halloween. I'll head out to Ridloff/Traina's Halloween Party tonight and bum around a little. How was the High Heel Race in DC? I missed that event! Always loved these brave men running up the street in high heels. I'd love to see Jason Lamberton do that ... Lambykins, let's wage a bet. If Bush lost the election, you must participate in the High Heels Race '05.
Had a haircut, bought new tennis shoes. And walked down the street. Saw a mother pushing a stroller onto the street, the mother standing behind the stroller, trying to look left -- I was thinking ... are we that idiots? Are mothers supposed to protect babies but why do the mothers push the babies onto the street first before the mothers did? Such an illogical move, if you ask me. But that is us, the Americans!
In Amsterdam, it is normal to leave the baby in a stroller outside while a mother enters to buy a coffee and eat a bagel.
We are that crazy. Hell, the world is.
R-
Three women in my family celebrated their birthdays in October -- my mother and two sisters.
I'm up next in November. 9th. Will be 31.
I wrote down the list of "hopeful" gifts from friends to see whether if their gifts will match with mine -- of course, I did not show them the list. I just want to compare.
But I did address few months ago on the blog that I wanted something else. Very vital.
Oh, Happy Halloween. I'll head out to Ridloff/Traina's Halloween Party tonight and bum around a little. How was the High Heel Race in DC? I missed that event! Always loved these brave men running up the street in high heels. I'd love to see Jason Lamberton do that ... Lambykins, let's wage a bet. If Bush lost the election, you must participate in the High Heels Race '05.
Had a haircut, bought new tennis shoes. And walked down the street. Saw a mother pushing a stroller onto the street, the mother standing behind the stroller, trying to look left -- I was thinking ... are we that idiots? Are mothers supposed to protect babies but why do the mothers push the babies onto the street first before the mothers did? Such an illogical move, if you ask me. But that is us, the Americans!
In Amsterdam, it is normal to leave the baby in a stroller outside while a mother enters to buy a coffee and eat a bagel.
We are that crazy. Hell, the world is.
R-
Friday, October 29, 2004
Few Quotes To Smile Today
Saw this at a local bar recently:
"Raped (again!!!) without a fucking dinner today!"
"Dear Dotti: If I don't drive drunk, how am I supposed to get to work?"
And last, I just read this, this made me laugh. Enjoy this.
Cheers,
R-
"Raped (again!!!) without a fucking dinner today!"
"Dear Dotti: If I don't drive drunk, how am I supposed to get to work?"
And last, I just read this, this made me laugh. Enjoy this.
Cheers,
R-
The So-Called Freedom Shit
I shall repeat what I said before -- my rights are not my privileges. My rights are my rights. I was born in this country, therefore I do not get my rights by a privilege. It is my right by birthright.
Ever since the 9/11 Demise, Bush cried for freedom. Then he cited the national security by promoting the Patriot Act which eroded our rights, trampled others' rights. He also chose the different words to describe the prisoners of war, Enemy Combatants to avoid the international laws -- prompting the cronies to degrade, defile and crush their dignity.
Is that the American way? No, it is not. It is supposed to be the truth, justice and freedom for all. Not manipulative, lying and stripping others of their rights. Yes, 9/11 happened for a reason. Now we must learn from it in order to make sure that it will never happen. How? By attacking back? Nah, it does not work. It shall make things worse than ever. Trust me.
Oh, Bill O'Reilly just settled the sexual harassment lawsuit. It goes to prove that he did harass her. Typical male chauvinist pig.
Oh, Chamique Holdsclaw is depressed. Boohoo, so was I. And I'm doing OK.
Republicans annoy me these days -- I hadn't met a person who came to my face and said, "I am Republican". Of course, they are afraid. Because I'd crush 'em literally and figuratively.
R-
Ever since the 9/11 Demise, Bush cried for freedom. Then he cited the national security by promoting the Patriot Act which eroded our rights, trampled others' rights. He also chose the different words to describe the prisoners of war, Enemy Combatants to avoid the international laws -- prompting the cronies to degrade, defile and crush their dignity.
Is that the American way? No, it is not. It is supposed to be the truth, justice and freedom for all. Not manipulative, lying and stripping others of their rights. Yes, 9/11 happened for a reason. Now we must learn from it in order to make sure that it will never happen. How? By attacking back? Nah, it does not work. It shall make things worse than ever. Trust me.
Oh, Bill O'Reilly just settled the sexual harassment lawsuit. It goes to prove that he did harass her. Typical male chauvinist pig.
Oh, Chamique Holdsclaw is depressed. Boohoo, so was I. And I'm doing OK.
Republicans annoy me these days -- I hadn't met a person who came to my face and said, "I am Republican". Of course, they are afraid. Because I'd crush 'em literally and figuratively.
R-
Oh, Ambulance Was Invented For ...
An interesting information from the book I am reading ...
R-
* * *
Q. When did the first ambulance take to the streets of New York?
A. The first ambulance was seen on the streets in 1867, but it was for horses. Two years before, a wealthy New Yorker named Henry Bergh chartered the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Bergh, nicknamed the Great Meddler by newspaper reporters because of his confrontational style, was particularly horrified by the cruelty he saw directed at working horses, the primary beasts of burden at the time. Toward that end, the ASPCA created a horse-drawn ambulance in 1867 to treat wounded animals who would otherwise be left on the street to die.
Two years later, Bellevue Hospital introduced the city's first ambulance for humans. Each vehicle was equipped with a stretcher, splints, bandages, tourniquets, handcuffs, a straitjacket and a quart of brandy. Today the ASPCA is a nationwide organization. While it now treats mainly domesticated animals, its roots are not forgotten; the official seal of the organization depicts an angel rising up to protect a fallen horse about to be struck.
R-
* * *
Q. When did the first ambulance take to the streets of New York?
A. The first ambulance was seen on the streets in 1867, but it was for horses. Two years before, a wealthy New Yorker named Henry Bergh chartered the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Bergh, nicknamed the Great Meddler by newspaper reporters because of his confrontational style, was particularly horrified by the cruelty he saw directed at working horses, the primary beasts of burden at the time. Toward that end, the ASPCA created a horse-drawn ambulance in 1867 to treat wounded animals who would otherwise be left on the street to die.
Two years later, Bellevue Hospital introduced the city's first ambulance for humans. Each vehicle was equipped with a stretcher, splints, bandages, tourniquets, handcuffs, a straitjacket and a quart of brandy. Today the ASPCA is a nationwide organization. While it now treats mainly domesticated animals, its roots are not forgotten; the official seal of the organization depicts an angel rising up to protect a fallen horse about to be struck.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Lambykins, Republicans Are Cowards
There are a pattern where Republicans always roared but sent the poor people to do the fights for them.
When they subjected themselves to the debate, they whined and demanded the rules to ensure that they will not be embarrassed by any means or even pinpointed by others who trampled their arguments.
When Bush had the inauguration parade, he said that the protesters had the right to protest. But behind the scene, he schemed with the city and secret services to block the protesters from protesting at the parade.
When Republicans decided to have a national convention in New York, the groups wanted to criticize by protesting at Madison Square Garden and at Central Park's The Mall, the Republicans schemed with Mike Bloomberg to keep the protesters away from the sight of Republicans.
And I just read Mike McConnell's blog and I wanted to respond to some of his flawed comments, he blocked us except for his "group".
A sign of common cowardice at its best. Hiding behind your wealth, computer monitor and secret services may be the best weapon you ever had in your lifetime.
A fuckin' coward.
R-
When they subjected themselves to the debate, they whined and demanded the rules to ensure that they will not be embarrassed by any means or even pinpointed by others who trampled their arguments.
When Bush had the inauguration parade, he said that the protesters had the right to protest. But behind the scene, he schemed with the city and secret services to block the protesters from protesting at the parade.
When Republicans decided to have a national convention in New York, the groups wanted to criticize by protesting at Madison Square Garden and at Central Park's The Mall, the Republicans schemed with Mike Bloomberg to keep the protesters away from the sight of Republicans.
And I just read Mike McConnell's blog and I wanted to respond to some of his flawed comments, he blocked us except for his "group".
A sign of common cowardice at its best. Hiding behind your wealth, computer monitor and secret services may be the best weapon you ever had in your lifetime.
A fuckin' coward.
R-
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