Well, here goes.
It has been almost 6 weeks since I wrote the last blog because, for some reason, I stopped thinking that my opinion should be written down, which is absurd. I can write anything I feel like because it is my own private blog to myself. I am not a listed blogger.
So, my life has been a little bit strange all of a sudden. It's like there is no privacy where I am staying; everything is being observed. Jesus, I hope this is not true, but that is the feeling that I get sometimes. So, anyway, I am only in the process of enjoying my retirement. I work at my email just like I work at anything else. It is my private email account and I have a lengthly correspondance to take care of on a daily basis. Because it is mine, I view it as important to me.
So, anyway, I hope this a strong enough message.
On the issue of Iran and the nuclear non-proliferation, it seems like they, the Iranians, have not made up their mind of whether they want to co-operate or not. I think they will if they can do it on their terms which means they set their boundaries on the handing of WMD's, after all, they can be trusted, even if they are a Gov't that supports global terrorism. So, it says in the manual, if a party uses "nuclear blackmail" they are not to be trusted completely. I think Iran is engaging in some of this. Too bad because we thought we were getting some where. I think Achmadinejad feels that this is an issue that you "toy" around with, which is really bizarre. You can "toy" around with this so as to give the terrorist some time to build a little bomb too.
These are my thoughts for today.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009: Koh Samui, Thailand
Well, here goes.
I am a firm believer that President Obama needs to establish himself some more. He has to take some stands on certain issues and not back down from dirty opposition tactics. He does not have to tell us what they are exactly; but he should try and come up with some form of communication. I, myself, would pick 2 issues that are a Custer's last stand type thing. One of them is the settlements issue in the Middle East; and the other is the healthcare issue. If the Israelies refuse to halt all building of settlements, he needs to act in some way until they do halt the building. On health care, he needs to stick with his own self-chosen principles of reform that he want s and stick with them. My choice would the public option as the thing most important to the uninsured because this will come up with an affordable option. To reshuffle a bunch of insurance policies is not a health care reform even. Under the present system, only 28% of Americans are insured which is pretty pitiful. In all of the other democracies of the world, the whole population is insured. So, maybe we are not really a democracy; we are just the place where all of the money is but only for the moment. Maybe tomorrow, it will be somewhere else where all of the money is.
I, personnally, think Americans need to take being the world's best democracy much more seriously because some of the European countries are really gaining on us fast.
Just one more thought. I am reading a book by Nelson DeMille called "Up Country" where it discusses the possibility of a war with China in 20 years or less. To be quite honest, I think some of these Asian countries are already bartering for positions right now.
These are my thoughts for today.
I am a firm believer that President Obama needs to establish himself some more. He has to take some stands on certain issues and not back down from dirty opposition tactics. He does not have to tell us what they are exactly; but he should try and come up with some form of communication. I, myself, would pick 2 issues that are a Custer's last stand type thing. One of them is the settlements issue in the Middle East; and the other is the healthcare issue. If the Israelies refuse to halt all building of settlements, he needs to act in some way until they do halt the building. On health care, he needs to stick with his own self-chosen principles of reform that he want s and stick with them. My choice would the public option as the thing most important to the uninsured because this will come up with an affordable option. To reshuffle a bunch of insurance policies is not a health care reform even. Under the present system, only 28% of Americans are insured which is pretty pitiful. In all of the other democracies of the world, the whole population is insured. So, maybe we are not really a democracy; we are just the place where all of the money is but only for the moment. Maybe tomorrow, it will be somewhere else where all of the money is.
I, personnally, think Americans need to take being the world's best democracy much more seriously because some of the European countries are really gaining on us fast.
Just one more thought. I am reading a book by Nelson DeMille called "Up Country" where it discusses the possibility of a war with China in 20 years or less. To be quite honest, I think some of these Asian countries are already bartering for positions right now.
These are my thoughts for today.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, Aug. 28, 2009: Koh Samui, Thailand
Well, here goes.
Nobody is asking, but I am going to offer my opinion anyway about the controversy surrounding the abusive practices of the CIA during the Bush Administration. I think the Justice Department is acting, not only in good faith, but wisely. It seems that the CIA has never been able to get their act together vis-a-vis how most Americans feel about torture and abuse. Apparently, their creepy-crawly advances into our Government practices is not a good idea. It seems to me patently absurd that the CIA would seek to over-turn our Democratic principles so that they can do what they please in the recesses of dark torture and abuse. This has been a long-standing issue with this Agency, and seems to me like the message is fairly clear from the American people. Most of us do not want to be from a country that behaves like the torture and abuse pigmies of the world. These policies are from the darkside and so abviously loser policies. We are not losers; we are winners. And, by the way, Mr. Holder can be a winner too.
These are my thoughts for today.
Nobody is asking, but I am going to offer my opinion anyway about the controversy surrounding the abusive practices of the CIA during the Bush Administration. I think the Justice Department is acting, not only in good faith, but wisely. It seems that the CIA has never been able to get their act together vis-a-vis how most Americans feel about torture and abuse. Apparently, their creepy-crawly advances into our Government practices is not a good idea. It seems to me patently absurd that the CIA would seek to over-turn our Democratic principles so that they can do what they please in the recesses of dark torture and abuse. This has been a long-standing issue with this Agency, and seems to me like the message is fairly clear from the American people. Most of us do not want to be from a country that behaves like the torture and abuse pigmies of the world. These policies are from the darkside and so abviously loser policies. We are not losers; we are winners. And, by the way, Mr. Holder can be a winner too.
These are my thoughts for today.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009 Bang Po Beach, Thailand
Well here goes.
This is a continuation of the last blog.
Many thanks go to the Secretary of State and the State Dept. for standing by the endangered American citizen when gaining the release of the 2 journalists from the N. Korean gulag. Since that day of release the press has really gone to town saying that this act jeopardizes our political relationship with the N. Korean regime. EEEE Gods, what kind of a relationship can we possible have with the N. Korean Regime that is more important than saving these people's lives? N. Korea is an abusers' paradise where they can do whatever they want, especially the men; and they probably do. We do not know what may have happened to our citizens and we may never know, but they do appear fairly well intact. I, for one, stand by the principle that an endangered citizen being held in a foreign land should be a top priority because it demonstrates that we do take care of our citizens. It seems like many in the Press are all too willing to play pawn politics with "our" lives for "their" gain. If it is not good for the endangered person, it is not good. The pawn politics certainly sent a lot of missiles into the air and 1 detonated nuclear device under the earth. I think the politics of release is a much wiser way to go.
These are my thoughts for today.
This is a continuation of the last blog.
Many thanks go to the Secretary of State and the State Dept. for standing by the endangered American citizen when gaining the release of the 2 journalists from the N. Korean gulag. Since that day of release the press has really gone to town saying that this act jeopardizes our political relationship with the N. Korean regime. EEEE Gods, what kind of a relationship can we possible have with the N. Korean Regime that is more important than saving these people's lives? N. Korea is an abusers' paradise where they can do whatever they want, especially the men; and they probably do. We do not know what may have happened to our citizens and we may never know, but they do appear fairly well intact. I, for one, stand by the principle that an endangered citizen being held in a foreign land should be a top priority because it demonstrates that we do take care of our citizens. It seems like many in the Press are all too willing to play pawn politics with "our" lives for "their" gain. If it is not good for the endangered person, it is not good. The pawn politics certainly sent a lot of missiles into the air and 1 detonated nuclear device under the earth. I think the politics of release is a much wiser way to go.
These are my thoughts for today.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009: Bang Po Beach, Thailand
Well, here goes.
Many thanks to President Clinton for his securing the release of the 2 journalists; and many thanks to those in the N. Korean Gov't who saw the wisdon of releasing the hostages and co-operating with the rest of the world. So, now people can, at least, be a little more pleased and hope upon hope that Aung San Syi Chi will also resceive mercies from her trial and be given the freedom that she so rightly deserves. She is a Burmese citizen and, because of her family history, has every right to stay in Myanmar. After all, she has been under house arrest in her own home because she won an election a long time ago but the results of that vote have never been implemented.
This release of the 2 journalists from N. Korea does, to some degree, change that country's political status in the world; I do not think that Kim-il-Sung will detonate a nuclear device but who can say what about all of those Generals who want to take over the country when he dies. This is the reason why it is not a good idea for a place like N. Korea to have nuclear weapons. It is a politically unstable place and puts the reat of the world in jeopardy. If it is only N. Korea that is at risk, while even this is morally wrong, it is a much different story that putting the whole world at risk.
So, now the State Department should try and see what they can do for all of those people who might benefit from some counsel who are locked up under circumstances that might not be the real story.
These are my thoughts for today.
Many thanks to President Clinton for his securing the release of the 2 journalists; and many thanks to those in the N. Korean Gov't who saw the wisdon of releasing the hostages and co-operating with the rest of the world. So, now people can, at least, be a little more pleased and hope upon hope that Aung San Syi Chi will also resceive mercies from her trial and be given the freedom that she so rightly deserves. She is a Burmese citizen and, because of her family history, has every right to stay in Myanmar. After all, she has been under house arrest in her own home because she won an election a long time ago but the results of that vote have never been implemented.
This release of the 2 journalists from N. Korea does, to some degree, change that country's political status in the world; I do not think that Kim-il-Sung will detonate a nuclear device but who can say what about all of those Generals who want to take over the country when he dies. This is the reason why it is not a good idea for a place like N. Korea to have nuclear weapons. It is a politically unstable place and puts the reat of the world in jeopardy. If it is only N. Korea that is at risk, while even this is morally wrong, it is a much different story that putting the whole world at risk.
So, now the State Department should try and see what they can do for all of those people who might benefit from some counsel who are locked up under circumstances that might not be the real story.
These are my thoughts for today.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009: Koh Samui, Thailand
Well, here goes to the dear blog,
It has been almost a month now that the 2 journalists are locked up in the N. Korean gulag without a word from the supposed "best government in the world" that locked them up. Instead, they have shot off a bunch of missiles in complete hostility to the United Nations. As far as I can tell, the 1 person who is really working away at this in Ban Ki-Moon, "Mr. Moon", as he is called. He got totally rejected in Myanmar and had to sit and talk with the "general", probably no big thrill there. It is totally shocking how the Asians have allowed their systems to be so totally co-opted by these crazy dictators that are running Myanmar and N. Korea. It is has deteriorated so badly that they are now able to do pretty much anything that will trump up the TV and make the rest of the world look like ducks and dogs waddling around and chasing the wrong tail. Of course, one has the right to ask why the ICC has not at least written some supbeonas for these people to come to account before the UN for their actions. But, nothing is happening not even Obama and Hillary are doing anything. I am well aware that the damocles sword hanging over the free world in a nuclear attack; so now we can assume that all of these belligerent nations are going to use their mightly morphin powers against, apparently Great Britain, India, S. Korea and Japan. These are the most exposed and vulnerable nations. At some point, I think that one of these wannabe powers will use their nuclear threat but not now. It is really imortant that Hillary and Obama come up with some creative counter-attack. That what I think. These are my thoughts for today.
It has been almost a month now that the 2 journalists are locked up in the N. Korean gulag without a word from the supposed "best government in the world" that locked them up. Instead, they have shot off a bunch of missiles in complete hostility to the United Nations. As far as I can tell, the 1 person who is really working away at this in Ban Ki-Moon, "Mr. Moon", as he is called. He got totally rejected in Myanmar and had to sit and talk with the "general", probably no big thrill there. It is totally shocking how the Asians have allowed their systems to be so totally co-opted by these crazy dictators that are running Myanmar and N. Korea. It is has deteriorated so badly that they are now able to do pretty much anything that will trump up the TV and make the rest of the world look like ducks and dogs waddling around and chasing the wrong tail. Of course, one has the right to ask why the ICC has not at least written some supbeonas for these people to come to account before the UN for their actions. But, nothing is happening not even Obama and Hillary are doing anything. I am well aware that the damocles sword hanging over the free world in a nuclear attack; so now we can assume that all of these belligerent nations are going to use their mightly morphin powers against, apparently Great Britain, India, S. Korea and Japan. These are the most exposed and vulnerable nations. At some point, I think that one of these wannabe powers will use their nuclear threat but not now. It is really imortant that Hillary and Obama come up with some creative counter-attack. That what I think. These are my thoughts for today.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009: Koh Samui, Thailand
Well here goes,
So, my dear Blog, why are these Asian countries so out-of-line when it comes to considerations of human suffering? These nations are anti-Buddhist nations, that is what I think. Now, we have a situation where 3 Asian women are thrown into prisons known to torture and rape so the Asian men behind the decisions can feel they are the mightly morphin powers of the world They are doing this so they can laugh and say how impotent the democracies are. As far as anybody can tell, these women are not guilty of any great crimes; they are innocent of any real wrongdoing. They are being completely victimized by these cruel Governments that apparently hate us. I, personally, think we need to do something. If these Governments have no respect for law and peace, they need to be castrated somehow. Mayabe they already are and that is why they walk around so pompous all of the time; these verdicts on these women is certainly alarming. The TV says that the N. Korean decision is because these women are "pawns" in their political process. So, what do we do for the pawns? N. Korea is not, technically, right now a "terrorist" nation, so we can negotiate; but, my feeling is that this will not get us what we want. It will get just another compromise. Well, my dear esteemed Mr President, what are we going to do?
These are my thoughts for today.
So, my dear Blog, why are these Asian countries so out-of-line when it comes to considerations of human suffering? These nations are anti-Buddhist nations, that is what I think. Now, we have a situation where 3 Asian women are thrown into prisons known to torture and rape so the Asian men behind the decisions can feel they are the mightly morphin powers of the world They are doing this so they can laugh and say how impotent the democracies are. As far as anybody can tell, these women are not guilty of any great crimes; they are innocent of any real wrongdoing. They are being completely victimized by these cruel Governments that apparently hate us. I, personally, think we need to do something. If these Governments have no respect for law and peace, they need to be castrated somehow. Mayabe they already are and that is why they walk around so pompous all of the time; these verdicts on these women is certainly alarming. The TV says that the N. Korean decision is because these women are "pawns" in their political process. So, what do we do for the pawns? N. Korea is not, technically, right now a "terrorist" nation, so we can negotiate; but, my feeling is that this will not get us what we want. It will get just another compromise. Well, my dear esteemed Mr President, what are we going to do?
These are my thoughts for today.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009: Koh Samui, Thailand
Well here goes,
I guess I am going to write a little bit about why the Congress needs to vote "yes" on the expanded Peace Corps budget. Not to be too much of an understatement, Peace Corps is the best spent money in the budget. These programs that go all over the world are bare bones so as a result the Peace Corps is not as successful as it should be. We should be able to say that our initiatives are a resounding success, but this is not the case. Some of the programs that are building and technology are most successful; the programs that work for social change are not nearly so successful. I say a partial reason for this is because the budget needs to be more generous; to show more conviction that it will be a success. I have come to the conclusion, that one of the reasons why some of the programs are lagging behind is because of all of the double messages. Oh yes, we love the Peace Corps, but lets try and get by with as little an expenditure as possible. With a bigger budget, the Peace Corps can put more class and conviction into the initiatives. This is just one reason why a vote "yes" is needed for the revised budget.
Of course, another reason is to expand some of the more successful programs into new countries or going back into old countries with a new found wealth. I think it is a good idea to try and grow the Peace Corps and this, again, is another way of showing conviction and commitment. I am not talking about the volunteer. The volunteer always just works with whatever is given them and tries to make a success out of it. It is the Congress that needs to come up with the more reasonable budget, one that adequately funds the programs in the field.
Of course, some people might say that having the Obama's in the White House is success enough; but I think this is just a beginning.
These are my thoughts for today.
I guess I am going to write a little bit about why the Congress needs to vote "yes" on the expanded Peace Corps budget. Not to be too much of an understatement, Peace Corps is the best spent money in the budget. These programs that go all over the world are bare bones so as a result the Peace Corps is not as successful as it should be. We should be able to say that our initiatives are a resounding success, but this is not the case. Some of the programs that are building and technology are most successful; the programs that work for social change are not nearly so successful. I say a partial reason for this is because the budget needs to be more generous; to show more conviction that it will be a success. I have come to the conclusion, that one of the reasons why some of the programs are lagging behind is because of all of the double messages. Oh yes, we love the Peace Corps, but lets try and get by with as little an expenditure as possible. With a bigger budget, the Peace Corps can put more class and conviction into the initiatives. This is just one reason why a vote "yes" is needed for the revised budget.
Of course, another reason is to expand some of the more successful programs into new countries or going back into old countries with a new found wealth. I think it is a good idea to try and grow the Peace Corps and this, again, is another way of showing conviction and commitment. I am not talking about the volunteer. The volunteer always just works with whatever is given them and tries to make a success out of it. It is the Congress that needs to come up with the more reasonable budget, one that adequately funds the programs in the field.
Of course, some people might say that having the Obama's in the White House is success enough; but I think this is just a beginning.
These are my thoughts for today.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009: Koh Samui, Thailand
Well, here goes.
North Korea has broken with the pac already. Today they exploded a large nuclear device underground and followed it up with a short range missile firing test. I am a little bit surprised that this UN Probablility Study is so accurate. I was just thinking the other day that we were really starting to test some of the nexus's and then North Korea goes and blows. I hope there are a large number of projections run especially focuing on Iran and N. Korea and who could their possible accomplices be? No big secret there; just a big secret to the believing world.
Just my little note for today.
North Korea has broken with the pac already. Today they exploded a large nuclear device underground and followed it up with a short range missile firing test. I am a little bit surprised that this UN Probablility Study is so accurate. I was just thinking the other day that we were really starting to test some of the nexus's and then North Korea goes and blows. I hope there are a large number of projections run especially focuing on Iran and N. Korea and who could their possible accomplices be? No big secret there; just a big secret to the believing world.
Just my little note for today.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009: Koh Samui, Thailand
Well, here goes.
I am no longer in Sihanoukville in Cambodia; now I am living on Koh Samui in Thailand because it seems so much more secure than Sihanoukville. This means to say that because the surroundings are peaceful on Koh Samui, I feel it is more secure. This is hardly any kind of an argument for security, but it is an observation.
Because it has been such a long time that I have not written my blog, I am going to start by saying that attitudes towards "globalism" and how that "global" power maintains peace and security is a better way to judge reliability than the previous model established by the Bush Administration and taken for granted as being correct. Now everbody is free to come to their own conclusions on the security frameworks of a "globalized" world. It is all too apparent that trade has been the first victim and global tourism the second victim in this financial fallout. Of course, everybody expected trade to crash, but few realized the role that global tourism is playing. With the routing of global tourism, some of the cash availability changed dramatically and contributed to the the onslaught of the financial crisis. Global tourism possibility has no connection whatsoever to the machinations of the market, but the cash that it generates apparently plays a significant role. This is just for consideration.
Now, I am going to make a list of things that I want to offer an opinion on because I think we are moving out of Phase One and into Phase Two for this ten year period of extremely hazardous conditions. So far, things are really holding well except for North Korea and Iran and, of course, the baffling behavior of the British Parliamentarians. The cell that the FBI discovered in New York yesterday is going to be charged with seeking to use WMD's, which is a first.
Here's the list:
1. Pakistan
2. Pakistan and India
3. Using nuclear threats as a way of getting ahead in the world.
4. North Korea
5. North Korea and S. Korea
6. China
7. Are China's perceptual problems deliberate or accidental.
8. The Dalai Lama
9. Aung San Sui Kyi
10.Taking control away from the Burmes Generals.
This seems to a nexus of sorts for this part of the world. This provides unlimited opportunity for some of these powers to never have to "co-operate" with the rest of the world on matters of peace and security. Of course, this seems like the great "taboo" area that nobody wants to talk about. I, personally, think the only way you can get at what is going on in some of these countries is by creating a list of "super security risks" and putting all of these nations on that list.
I think the USA State Department is quite capable of handling this "situation".
This is the beginning for today.
I am no longer in Sihanoukville in Cambodia; now I am living on Koh Samui in Thailand because it seems so much more secure than Sihanoukville. This means to say that because the surroundings are peaceful on Koh Samui, I feel it is more secure. This is hardly any kind of an argument for security, but it is an observation.
Because it has been such a long time that I have not written my blog, I am going to start by saying that attitudes towards "globalism" and how that "global" power maintains peace and security is a better way to judge reliability than the previous model established by the Bush Administration and taken for granted as being correct. Now everbody is free to come to their own conclusions on the security frameworks of a "globalized" world. It is all too apparent that trade has been the first victim and global tourism the second victim in this financial fallout. Of course, everybody expected trade to crash, but few realized the role that global tourism is playing. With the routing of global tourism, some of the cash availability changed dramatically and contributed to the the onslaught of the financial crisis. Global tourism possibility has no connection whatsoever to the machinations of the market, but the cash that it generates apparently plays a significant role. This is just for consideration.
Now, I am going to make a list of things that I want to offer an opinion on because I think we are moving out of Phase One and into Phase Two for this ten year period of extremely hazardous conditions. So far, things are really holding well except for North Korea and Iran and, of course, the baffling behavior of the British Parliamentarians. The cell that the FBI discovered in New York yesterday is going to be charged with seeking to use WMD's, which is a first.
Here's the list:
1. Pakistan
2. Pakistan and India
3. Using nuclear threats as a way of getting ahead in the world.
4. North Korea
5. North Korea and S. Korea
6. China
7. Are China's perceptual problems deliberate or accidental.
8. The Dalai Lama
9. Aung San Sui Kyi
10.Taking control away from the Burmes Generals.
This seems to a nexus of sorts for this part of the world. This provides unlimited opportunity for some of these powers to never have to "co-operate" with the rest of the world on matters of peace and security. Of course, this seems like the great "taboo" area that nobody wants to talk about. I, personally, think the only way you can get at what is going on in some of these countries is by creating a list of "super security risks" and putting all of these nations on that list.
I think the USA State Department is quite capable of handling this "situation".
This is the beginning for today.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009: Kuching, Sarawak
Well, here goes.
I don't know yet if I have established a new principle in determining whether or not a nation is a security risk if it is not interested in global issues of Peace and Security. This might certainly help to refocus attention under a new rubric: "global". This also goes much beyond the current heading of "nations supporting terrorism" that pose the security risk and makes every nation technically eligible to be a security risk.
I also just want to mention that I have been watching the G20 Summit in London and am very impressed at Medvedev, the Russian leader and his proposal to engage in talks aimed at reduction of nuclear armaments. He
has now moved to establish himself on his own terms apart from Putin. With this proposal, Russia is no longer " problematic" but is now "major co-operator" on issues of Peace and Security. This does not necessarily mean that all of the difficulties with Georgia have just disappeared; it means that the Russians want to work things out diplomatically. If they actually do go through a phase of reduction of nuclear arms, we, the world citizens, are the winners. We may not be winning very much in this global recession so far; but we are winning in this security battle.
These are my thoughts for today.
I don't know yet if I have established a new principle in determining whether or not a nation is a security risk if it is not interested in global issues of Peace and Security. This might certainly help to refocus attention under a new rubric: "global". This also goes much beyond the current heading of "nations supporting terrorism" that pose the security risk and makes every nation technically eligible to be a security risk.
I also just want to mention that I have been watching the G20 Summit in London and am very impressed at Medvedev, the Russian leader and his proposal to engage in talks aimed at reduction of nuclear armaments. He
has now moved to establish himself on his own terms apart from Putin. With this proposal, Russia is no longer " problematic" but is now "major co-operator" on issues of Peace and Security. This does not necessarily mean that all of the difficulties with Georgia have just disappeared; it means that the Russians want to work things out diplomatically. If they actually do go through a phase of reduction of nuclear arms, we, the world citizens, are the winners. We may not be winning very much in this global recession so far; but we are winning in this security battle.
These are my thoughts for today.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009: Kuching, Sarawak
Well, here goes.
I am in this place, Kuching, Sarawak, only because I was a Peace Corps Volunteer here in the 60's and left suddenly because my father had died unexpectedly and suddenly of either cardiac arrest or an aneurism in the left brain area. I had not seen him for such a long time because of being away at college and then in the Peace Corps Malaysia VII. When I left Kuching and my Group with the Peace Corps, I felt like I had not had the chance to come to closure emotionally. This is a major problem in my life, being pulled out of countries and programs without being able to come to closure on certain issues. Now, in my retirement, I am hoping to be able to do this, to bring to closure on these issues. This will expand my own freedom of choice that has been so severly damaged in my life time.
This place is definitely not for me and I fully understand that now. I don't have to listen to a mind that prattles away endlessly of bullshit that is of no significance for me but a huge waste of time. I have gained much respect for both the Indian and Buddhist (Mahayana)doctrines of stilling the mind through self choice and exercise. Now, when I go back to Nepal or Cambodia or Thailand, I will have a clean slate and a silenced mind. Now, my mind will start to prattle away at something else, but at least I am prepared and understand the insignificance of it all.
In the beginning, I did an assessment where I stated that Malaysia is a "drop out" nation, and, yes, I hold to that. This is a state that exists for itself; it is not interested in "global" issues of peace and security. I even asked some people in Kuching, who agreed with me. Does this mean that Malaysia is a security risk? This is a very good question. Malaysia is a largely middle class society with a lot of material wealth but no depth of community. Many sub-sets of minorities that live peacefully side-by-side because they are allowed to continue certain cultural practices to keep each little community together. This is so different from Florida. Everybody considers each other to be "American" or "Floridian", but not "Hispanic Floridian" or "retiree Floridian" or "worker Floridian". This is not answering the question of whether or not Malaysia is a security risk.
If a society is not interested in global issues of peace and security, I guess it is a risk.
These are my thoughts for today.
I am in this place, Kuching, Sarawak, only because I was a Peace Corps Volunteer here in the 60's and left suddenly because my father had died unexpectedly and suddenly of either cardiac arrest or an aneurism in the left brain area. I had not seen him for such a long time because of being away at college and then in the Peace Corps Malaysia VII. When I left Kuching and my Group with the Peace Corps, I felt like I had not had the chance to come to closure emotionally. This is a major problem in my life, being pulled out of countries and programs without being able to come to closure on certain issues. Now, in my retirement, I am hoping to be able to do this, to bring to closure on these issues. This will expand my own freedom of choice that has been so severly damaged in my life time.
This place is definitely not for me and I fully understand that now. I don't have to listen to a mind that prattles away endlessly of bullshit that is of no significance for me but a huge waste of time. I have gained much respect for both the Indian and Buddhist (Mahayana)doctrines of stilling the mind through self choice and exercise. Now, when I go back to Nepal or Cambodia or Thailand, I will have a clean slate and a silenced mind. Now, my mind will start to prattle away at something else, but at least I am prepared and understand the insignificance of it all.
In the beginning, I did an assessment where I stated that Malaysia is a "drop out" nation, and, yes, I hold to that. This is a state that exists for itself; it is not interested in "global" issues of peace and security. I even asked some people in Kuching, who agreed with me. Does this mean that Malaysia is a security risk? This is a very good question. Malaysia is a largely middle class society with a lot of material wealth but no depth of community. Many sub-sets of minorities that live peacefully side-by-side because they are allowed to continue certain cultural practices to keep each little community together. This is so different from Florida. Everybody considers each other to be "American" or "Floridian", but not "Hispanic Floridian" or "retiree Floridian" or "worker Floridian". This is not answering the question of whether or not Malaysia is a security risk.
If a society is not interested in global issues of peace and security, I guess it is a risk.
These are my thoughts for today.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Well, here goes.
This is the last blog from Sihanoukville, Cambodia. I arrived in this place about 9 months ago and started reading all of the available books on the Genocide. So, a goodly portion of this time was spent in reading, but not all of it. Sihanoukville is a good place to read these books on Cambodia; much better than Phnom Penh. I say this because it is kind of removed from the mainstream of daily Cambodian life that is sort of over-charged with unresolved feelings. So, I kind of sat in my place and read these books.
I also came out with this series of security assessments after the election of Barack Obama. With Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, there is hope that certain security risks linked to WMD's can be clamped down so that the "ëxtremely hazardous" prognosis can be contained to some degree.
For example, the financial crisis has been moving along pretty quickly without any bombs going off so far. This is excellent. However, hidden in this crisis is the potential for the bomb to go off somewhere. Look at the Pakistani terrorist attacks on Mumbai and the Sri Lankan Cricket Team. These have been extremely successful attacks, but contained to the Indian/Pakistani area. Very good for the world; not so very good for India. Pakistan is another matter. I don't think they have the ability to contain the terrorism in their borders, which is why it is exploding all around. This makes the Taliban look in control and becomes a perfect propaganda tool for them too.
Obama, on the other hand, seems to look fairly confident about how things are going for us which could mean that we are coping much better than expected. This is excellent again.
These are my thoughts for today.
This is the last blog from Sihanoukville, Cambodia. I arrived in this place about 9 months ago and started reading all of the available books on the Genocide. So, a goodly portion of this time was spent in reading, but not all of it. Sihanoukville is a good place to read these books on Cambodia; much better than Phnom Penh. I say this because it is kind of removed from the mainstream of daily Cambodian life that is sort of over-charged with unresolved feelings. So, I kind of sat in my place and read these books.
I also came out with this series of security assessments after the election of Barack Obama. With Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, there is hope that certain security risks linked to WMD's can be clamped down so that the "ëxtremely hazardous" prognosis can be contained to some degree.
For example, the financial crisis has been moving along pretty quickly without any bombs going off so far. This is excellent. However, hidden in this crisis is the potential for the bomb to go off somewhere. Look at the Pakistani terrorist attacks on Mumbai and the Sri Lankan Cricket Team. These have been extremely successful attacks, but contained to the Indian/Pakistani area. Very good for the world; not so very good for India. Pakistan is another matter. I don't think they have the ability to contain the terrorism in their borders, which is why it is exploding all around. This makes the Taliban look in control and becomes a perfect propaganda tool for them too.
Obama, on the other hand, seems to look fairly confident about how things are going for us which could mean that we are coping much better than expected. This is excellent again.
These are my thoughts for today.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Well, here goes.
I have got to hand it to Sec. of State Hillary and President Obama, both showed reasonable concern about the human rights reaction to the Secretary's trip to China. It seems that this is a country that absolutely has to live in a fantasy world of "Ï am only what I want you to perceive that I am". So much for what is actually going on. Then, the State Dept. 2008 Report on Human Rights Worldwide came out and it is really good. It tells it like it is and does not play politics with human rights, which is a good way to go. China has always played politics with people's human rights, especially the Tibetan issues. This report pointed out quite clearly that these Chinese people really live on another planet from us and on that planet there are no human rights.
Then, I am going to put my two cents in about the Tribunal Trials. It seems that there is reasonable concern over the fact that there are apparently some 192 Top Administrators of Concentration Camps/Torture Centers under the Khymer Rouge that are not a part of the Crimes Against Humanity Tribunal. One has every right to ask "why". This issue is raising a lot of flags in a lot of places and I think it behooves the players to the trail to deal with the issue is an open and transparent fashion. Not a single name of these other 192 has ever been released to the public to my knowledge.
More later.
I have got to hand it to Sec. of State Hillary and President Obama, both showed reasonable concern about the human rights reaction to the Secretary's trip to China. It seems that this is a country that absolutely has to live in a fantasy world of "Ï am only what I want you to perceive that I am". So much for what is actually going on. Then, the State Dept. 2008 Report on Human Rights Worldwide came out and it is really good. It tells it like it is and does not play politics with human rights, which is a good way to go. China has always played politics with people's human rights, especially the Tibetan issues. This report pointed out quite clearly that these Chinese people really live on another planet from us and on that planet there are no human rights.
Then, I am going to put my two cents in about the Tribunal Trials. It seems that there is reasonable concern over the fact that there are apparently some 192 Top Administrators of Concentration Camps/Torture Centers under the Khymer Rouge that are not a part of the Crimes Against Humanity Tribunal. One has every right to ask "why". This issue is raising a lot of flags in a lot of places and I think it behooves the players to the trail to deal with the issue is an open and transparent fashion. Not a single name of these other 192 has ever been released to the public to my knowledge.
More later.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, Feb. 23, 2009: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Well, here goes.
First of all, I would like to thank the King of Thailand for his kindness extended to the Australian writer who accidentally stepped on cultural feet. I think this will go pretty far with travellers to
rekindle some faith and trust in the Thai authorities. A country's tourism can really go into the ditch if a traveller thinks the country authorities are unfair, unjust, cruel or whimsical. People didn't pack to travel to some of these countries only to find themselves in fairly dangerous, unpredictable situations.
Now, unfortunately, our Foreign Policy is not going to change one whit. America is going to continue to be a non-plus country with no real taste for integrity and values. So far, Obama, is really off to a rough and uneventful start; no magic here, just the same old stuff. How unfortunate to continue to be a broken record.
These are my thoughts for today.
First of all, I would like to thank the King of Thailand for his kindness extended to the Australian writer who accidentally stepped on cultural feet. I think this will go pretty far with travellers to
rekindle some faith and trust in the Thai authorities. A country's tourism can really go into the ditch if a traveller thinks the country authorities are unfair, unjust, cruel or whimsical. People didn't pack to travel to some of these countries only to find themselves in fairly dangerous, unpredictable situations.
Now, unfortunately, our Foreign Policy is not going to change one whit. America is going to continue to be a non-plus country with no real taste for integrity and values. So far, Obama, is really off to a rough and uneventful start; no magic here, just the same old stuff. How unfortunate to continue to be a broken record.
These are my thoughts for today.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thoughts To My Blog, Feb. 14, 2009: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Well here goes.
Things are really swirling around pretty fast and furious all of a sudden. Now, what does this mean. I think my advice to Hillary is for her to try and change some of the focus of our Foreign Policy. This would go a long way to making America a SuperPower again. Right now we a like a whale that has been beached and has lost its sonar. I support all of the measures to get the economy up and running again, but I hope President Obama would want so to look deeper than just at a jobs re-market. This financial crisis does not seen to be understood by anybody, other than to say, the market has fizzled and there is a lot less trading going on. I think the analysts need to look deeper into the situation to find out some of the who's and what's of banking lending that backfired so bad. There has to be some real people activity here that can explain what caused the dynamics to explode the way they did.
Of course, a person like myself thinks there much be some security issues that are a part of it, but what security issues they might be is mum's the word. Now Hillary, this is a real issue to get a handle on.
These are my thoughts for today.
Things are really swirling around pretty fast and furious all of a sudden. Now, what does this mean. I think my advice to Hillary is for her to try and change some of the focus of our Foreign Policy. This would go a long way to making America a SuperPower again. Right now we a like a whale that has been beached and has lost its sonar. I support all of the measures to get the economy up and running again, but I hope President Obama would want so to look deeper than just at a jobs re-market. This financial crisis does not seen to be understood by anybody, other than to say, the market has fizzled and there is a lot less trading going on. I think the analysts need to look deeper into the situation to find out some of the who's and what's of banking lending that backfired so bad. There has to be some real people activity here that can explain what caused the dynamics to explode the way they did.
Of course, a person like myself thinks there much be some security issues that are a part of it, but what security issues they might be is mum's the word. Now Hillary, this is a real issue to get a handle on.
These are my thoughts for today.
Thoughts to a friend in Ft. Myers, FL.
So, Obama is really a good person after all. No President was ever anywhere near Ft. Myers when I was living there. So, he comes there right off in his Presidency, just to show everybody that the comeback is going to need help from Floridians. I'm sure you know the Florida Real Estate market has problems. But Obama was there to look into jobs from contracts. And, I suspect that there are some influential people that asked him to come visit right off. Far out!
About Asia and the coming years. Both Thailand and Cambodia are infected with a kind of invective that is not good. Thailand is not a very nice country and is showing no signs of wanting to become better behaved. They like it like it is and, of course, tourists were 1 of the big money earners for the Thai economy; making global tourists look fairly dumb. I have not been to Thailand and cancelled an excellent deal on an apartment because of Thai attitudes. Cambodia is another question entirely. The Chinese Cambodians really push their weight around to all the other Cambodians. I suspect the Khymer Rouge were heavily financed by the Chinese Cambodians. So, they are right back to their old dead ideas that they can play it anyway they want and still come out being loved by us. Not so. McGee. For my money, I would not play up to these kind of attitudes. I think it is better to have a relationship based on sounder values than manipulation and coercion.
India is different. They seem to like the experience of democracy so will be really pushed around if China every tries to control everything. China has always been determined to kill any western ideas that come to Asia. Will they go after India and the democratic institutions there? They will go after the institutions but I don'tknow how successful they will be. The American Ambassadors are reallyimportant to this process.
About Asia and the coming years. Both Thailand and Cambodia are infected with a kind of invective that is not good. Thailand is not a very nice country and is showing no signs of wanting to become better behaved. They like it like it is and, of course, tourists were 1 of the big money earners for the Thai economy; making global tourists look fairly dumb. I have not been to Thailand and cancelled an excellent deal on an apartment because of Thai attitudes. Cambodia is another question entirely. The Chinese Cambodians really push their weight around to all the other Cambodians. I suspect the Khymer Rouge were heavily financed by the Chinese Cambodians. So, they are right back to their old dead ideas that they can play it anyway they want and still come out being loved by us. Not so. McGee. For my money, I would not play up to these kind of attitudes. I think it is better to have a relationship based on sounder values than manipulation and coercion.
India is different. They seem to like the experience of democracy so will be really pushed around if China every tries to control everything. China has always been determined to kill any western ideas that come to Asia. Will they go after India and the democratic institutions there? They will go after the institutions but I don'tknow how successful they will be. The American Ambassadors are reallyimportant to this process.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, Jan 15, 2009: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Well, here goes.
I am going to stick by my ideas about what is going on in the Middle East. The Security Council Resolutions are being completely ignored on both sides which means that Hamas and the Israelis want to go to war and are perfectly willing to spend everybody else's money doing it. So, how absurd, but why not just cut off funding for both sides and go back to living like honest human beings? Let the gun runners finance the war; they, too, would soon go broke trying to keep up with the expenditures. So, what happens to somebody like myself; what kind of power do I have over my own karmas and rights? What ability do I have to be involved in policies that are carried out in my name? Of course, for most of the world, most of the legions of people do not have any say or power over the events that are going on in the world. Their own live's have been whittled down to paying the bills, finding food and keeping your house. It seems to me the only people who are bogged down in the Gaza War are the Arabs and the Israeli's and us, the Americans, because we pay the Israeli's bill. I don't support what is going on in Gaza by way of the humanitarian crisis with the killing of women and children, the bombing of UN Offices, the denial of access to medical care, the denial of access to basic food supplies. They say this is being done to the Palestinians because they support Hamas. The Palestinians seem to be being exploited by Hamas so they can carry on their glorious jihad and the Israelis and the Americans are against the Palestinians because of Hamas. It seems like none of the parties to the war are really being hit; it seems like the Palestinians, who are not a party to the war, are suffering severe causualties. So, like I said before, it is missiles away from both sides because they don't have to give a damn about who is actually being killed and maimed.
The Israelis do not care about world opinion, so they do as the please; right now we seem to have a voiceless America where only a few CNN and BBC journalists voice their opinions over the TV. I still contend that this is an extremely hazardous situation because people are living beyond the borders of the law. They are lawless. Our chances of a long term survival in this situation is quite doubtful.
I also watched Hillary Clinton's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I support her but I think she will be a rubber stamp for certain forces in her constituency.
So, she is starting out her term as Secretary of State on an extremely down note.
These are my thoughts for today.
I am going to stick by my ideas about what is going on in the Middle East. The Security Council Resolutions are being completely ignored on both sides which means that Hamas and the Israelis want to go to war and are perfectly willing to spend everybody else's money doing it. So, how absurd, but why not just cut off funding for both sides and go back to living like honest human beings? Let the gun runners finance the war; they, too, would soon go broke trying to keep up with the expenditures. So, what happens to somebody like myself; what kind of power do I have over my own karmas and rights? What ability do I have to be involved in policies that are carried out in my name? Of course, for most of the world, most of the legions of people do not have any say or power over the events that are going on in the world. Their own live's have been whittled down to paying the bills, finding food and keeping your house. It seems to me the only people who are bogged down in the Gaza War are the Arabs and the Israeli's and us, the Americans, because we pay the Israeli's bill. I don't support what is going on in Gaza by way of the humanitarian crisis with the killing of women and children, the bombing of UN Offices, the denial of access to medical care, the denial of access to basic food supplies. They say this is being done to the Palestinians because they support Hamas. The Palestinians seem to be being exploited by Hamas so they can carry on their glorious jihad and the Israelis and the Americans are against the Palestinians because of Hamas. It seems like none of the parties to the war are really being hit; it seems like the Palestinians, who are not a party to the war, are suffering severe causualties. So, like I said before, it is missiles away from both sides because they don't have to give a damn about who is actually being killed and maimed.
The Israelis do not care about world opinion, so they do as the please; right now we seem to have a voiceless America where only a few CNN and BBC journalists voice their opinions over the TV. I still contend that this is an extremely hazardous situation because people are living beyond the borders of the law. They are lawless. Our chances of a long term survival in this situation is quite doubtful.
I also watched Hillary Clinton's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I support her but I think she will be a rubber stamp for certain forces in her constituency.
So, she is starting out her term as Secretary of State on an extremely down note.
These are my thoughts for today.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday, Jan.8th, 2009: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Well, here goes.
The Security Council voted for an immediate cease fire in the Gaza Strip which means to me that Ban ki-Moon is quite confident that there are no WMD's in Gaza City, the most densely populated city in the world. So, the Israeli's should reign in their hostilities and realize that they are more paranoid than accurate vis-a-vis WMD's. Without a doubt, actions such as in the War of 2006 in Lebanon and War of 2008 in Gaza against the Hezbollah and Hamas are ostensibility against "terrorist" organizations that are traffiking in WMD's. If this should turn out to be a complete paranoid fantasy and the wars are more about making the Palestinians hysterical and traumatized, we have a dangerous, extremely hazardous war going on with no real reason. Besides, the financial crisis will be weathered only because the price of oil is way down. We are actually in the process of becoming a poverty stricken world; but we are still acting like there is money aplenty to take care of everything. To be sure, if we overspend while in the process of becoming poverty stricken, the "free market" will not be able price products and commodities so it is profitable and pays all of the bills at the same time. This is an extremely hazardous financial situation.
I am also going to talk just briefly about the illusions that the modern world has about Asia.
Just a little bit about some of my tallies here in Asia. The list of non-conforming, undemocratic regimes is: Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, N. Korea, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The list of conforming, democratic countries is: India, S. Korea, Thailand, Philipines. The drop-out countries are: Brunei, Bhutan and Malaysia. The dominating power in the region is China, a system that is not transparent, allows no freedom of thought or religion, has no labor rights and who has exercised rigid, authoritrian control over a billion + people. This is a region of the world in deep trouble.
These are my thoughts for today.
The Security Council voted for an immediate cease fire in the Gaza Strip which means to me that Ban ki-Moon is quite confident that there are no WMD's in Gaza City, the most densely populated city in the world. So, the Israeli's should reign in their hostilities and realize that they are more paranoid than accurate vis-a-vis WMD's. Without a doubt, actions such as in the War of 2006 in Lebanon and War of 2008 in Gaza against the Hezbollah and Hamas are ostensibility against "terrorist" organizations that are traffiking in WMD's. If this should turn out to be a complete paranoid fantasy and the wars are more about making the Palestinians hysterical and traumatized, we have a dangerous, extremely hazardous war going on with no real reason. Besides, the financial crisis will be weathered only because the price of oil is way down. We are actually in the process of becoming a poverty stricken world; but we are still acting like there is money aplenty to take care of everything. To be sure, if we overspend while in the process of becoming poverty stricken, the "free market" will not be able price products and commodities so it is profitable and pays all of the bills at the same time. This is an extremely hazardous financial situation.
I am also going to talk just briefly about the illusions that the modern world has about Asia.
Just a little bit about some of my tallies here in Asia. The list of non-conforming, undemocratic regimes is: Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, N. Korea, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The list of conforming, democratic countries is: India, S. Korea, Thailand, Philipines. The drop-out countries are: Brunei, Bhutan and Malaysia. The dominating power in the region is China, a system that is not transparent, allows no freedom of thought or religion, has no labor rights and who has exercised rigid, authoritrian control over a billion + people. This is a region of the world in deep trouble.
These are my thoughts for today.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Dec. 6, 2008: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Well, here goes.
I think I will continue to talk about what "extremely hazardous" means now, today. Of course, I think that the Israeli's do not trust the Gazans at all and think they are trying to traffick some WMD materials. So, if this should be the case, they will be sitting in Gaza City for a very long time. It would be wise for the Arabs to come up with some kind of transparency plan for the Gaza strip, so the Israelis know there is no trafficking going on. I do think it is fair to place the onus of no trust on the Arabs because of terrorism, which openly advocates the extermination of Israel. Well, the only way you exterminate something is with a WMD. I think Mr. Ahmedhinajad should think real seriously about going transparent himself and assure the world that there are no WMD's in Iran either. Unless some of these basics can be met, the Israeli's can pretty much call all of the shots for their own self-defense. I think if Hillary sticks pretty much to establishing these transparency guidelines, she will do an excellent job.
And, by the way, Karen J. Coates, author of "Cambodia Now" says that Cambodia is a breeding ground for terrorists. I believe I said in a blog a long time ago that all of these "fringe" countries would be breeding grounds which is what makes this time "extremely hazardous".
So, a little about my plans for 2009.
I have an apartment in Bangkok, so I think I will spend most of the year there if I can get the Residence Visa. I will try and paint or do some graphics again because the apartment if perfect for some kind of studio. It is on the 7th Floor with floor to ceiling window walls overlooking the Chao Phraya River and downtown Bangkok. Maybe it will be good for some contemplation too.
Then, it has been suggested that I consider moving to a meditation community in Durango, Mexico. The land and homes are very affordable so I am giving it serious consideration. Then I would spend 6 months in Mexico and 6 months on the road. Of course, I am not going to get into any kind philosophical speculation what this can possibly mean; but it would be like a quantum leap to another reality for me. The community seems really low key and flexible too.
These are my thoughts for today.
I think I will continue to talk about what "extremely hazardous" means now, today. Of course, I think that the Israeli's do not trust the Gazans at all and think they are trying to traffick some WMD materials. So, if this should be the case, they will be sitting in Gaza City for a very long time. It would be wise for the Arabs to come up with some kind of transparency plan for the Gaza strip, so the Israelis know there is no trafficking going on. I do think it is fair to place the onus of no trust on the Arabs because of terrorism, which openly advocates the extermination of Israel. Well, the only way you exterminate something is with a WMD. I think Mr. Ahmedhinajad should think real seriously about going transparent himself and assure the world that there are no WMD's in Iran either. Unless some of these basics can be met, the Israeli's can pretty much call all of the shots for their own self-defense. I think if Hillary sticks pretty much to establishing these transparency guidelines, she will do an excellent job.
And, by the way, Karen J. Coates, author of "Cambodia Now" says that Cambodia is a breeding ground for terrorists. I believe I said in a blog a long time ago that all of these "fringe" countries would be breeding grounds which is what makes this time "extremely hazardous".
So, a little about my plans for 2009.
I have an apartment in Bangkok, so I think I will spend most of the year there if I can get the Residence Visa. I will try and paint or do some graphics again because the apartment if perfect for some kind of studio. It is on the 7th Floor with floor to ceiling window walls overlooking the Chao Phraya River and downtown Bangkok. Maybe it will be good for some contemplation too.
Then, it has been suggested that I consider moving to a meditation community in Durango, Mexico. The land and homes are very affordable so I am giving it serious consideration. Then I would spend 6 months in Mexico and 6 months on the road. Of course, I am not going to get into any kind philosophical speculation what this can possibly mean; but it would be like a quantum leap to another reality for me. The community seems really low key and flexible too.
These are my thoughts for today.
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