SOTOMAYOR, WHITE MEN & GOOD DECISIONS
Sotomayor, White Men & Good Decisions
FACT OR FICTION
President Obama has picked Sonja Sotomayor to be replace David Souter who as indicated he will be retiring at the end of this Supreme Court session. Ms. Sotomayor will make history as President Obama has made history. She will be the first Latina American to sit on the United States Supreme Court as President Obama is the first person of color to sit in the White’s House. Isn’t it amazing that in 2009 some 400 years after Columbus discovered India, that turned out to be what is not called North America that there are still positions in government and business that people of color have never held? More so than not, the people of color were, and are not achieving this positions because of racism based basically on the decisions of white males. White males have shown over and over again that they believe the more cherished position of power in America should be held by them and them alone. Now that these racist barriers are being broken these same white males have the nerve to call Ms. Sotomayor a racist, or reverse racist if you are listening to Rush Limbaugh. Why?
Ms Sotomayor “speaking at Berkeley's law school in 2001 at a conference about race and gender, she said, "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." That statement is not racist, it is a fact. Let’s check the record. Because Columbus thought he was India when he landed on the shores of North America he called the people that he found here “Indians.” These so-called Indians fed Columbus and his band of white males. To my understanding there was a couple of Africans that made this trip also but were in control of navigating the boats but had no control over the mission. White men in return conquered the indigenous people’s land, almost annihilated the people, and those that weren’t annihilated were and are forced to live on reservations. I know, the Supreme Court didn’t exist when this happened but the point being made is; was this a good decision made by white males? Let me go on.
Once the country is established by white males at the expense of the indigenous people these same white males decided to go to Africa to get her people, and enslave them. This inhuman bondage by white men was upheld as legal by the United States Supreme Court. The court even went so far as to say that it took five Black people to equal three white people. The court in essence decided it was the law that Black people were subhuman to white people. Hummm. All white males were sitting on the Supreme Court. Would you call that a good decision by white males? This is not a racist, or reverse racist making this up. These are the facts!
It was decided by white males, on the Supreme Court, that only white males would be allowed to vote in this land wrenched from the indigenous people who helped the ancestors of these white males to survive.
A white male decided to go into Iraq and kill tens of thousands of Iraqis and thousand of American soldiers under false pretenses. These same white males decided to torture detainees which is clearly against the laws and moral standards of this great nation. They even got a Black female, Condeleeza Rice, to go along with these poor decisions of white males. She was going along with the flow. George W. Bush, Richard Cheney, some call him Dick, Donald Rumsfeld, et al has ruined the international image of America. And now some of these strongest republicans such as, Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchannan, Sean Hannity, etc. are calling Judge Sotomayor a racist because she says that she could make better decisions than was made by white males. Well for me that is a no-brainer. I believe a poodle could be trained to make better decisions that what history shows white males have made. What trips me out is that the head of the republican party, Michael Steele, a Black man, would eventually buy into this nonsense. I say eventually, because initially in late May Steele was advising republicans to back off of these accusations. However, in early June his song had changed. I am going to make one more point and I am through.
One of the many reasons that Michael Steele was chosen to lead the republican party was to try and offset Black people’s support for the democratic party. The thinking was that if Black people saw a Black face as the republican head then some black people would consider switching support. Repulican strategist calculate that if they can get ten per cent of Black support from the democrats then this will be enough to win all major elections for the republican party. This strategy goes to show that the white males running the republican party do not understand Black people. Yes we have race pride. And we like to support our own. But just being Black is not enough for most Black people to support another Black person. Old Rush tried to say this was the case with Colon Powell. He wouldn’t accept General Powell’s analysis that he supported then Barack Obama for President because he was the best candidate, and because he was concerned with the direction and demeanor of the republican party. Noooo. According to Rush that couldn’t have been General Powell’s logic. According to Rush, General Powell supported then Barack Obama strictly because he was Black.
Let me give you republican strategist some advise. You are selling Black people short. We are more sophisticated than what you are given us credit. A black face with poor policies will not get the bulk of Black people’s support. Calling Judge Sotomayor a racist will help you keep that old white male conservative support but it will not garner you support for any other demographic. There is a wind of change occurring in this country. This past presidential election saw all demographics except for old white males to be in support of the change. You are trying to put a Black face on old policies. The Bible says you can’t put new wine in old wineskins. Michael Steele is definitely something new, but you won’t let him take you in a new direction. Your reluctance to keep up with the change is causing you to run the risk of becoming an old historic relic. In fact, if you don’t change then you will cause the rise of a viable third party. You can either get with the change or get caught up in the change’s currents. Your position is really harming the very fabric of America. It is a poor strategy to say if I can win then I will go on a search and destroy mission. That only weakens the country. I run a consultant business. For the right price I will give you some good advice. Judge Sotomayor’s statement is not racist. It is a statement of fact. I can help you make better decisions. Keep reading this blog. Thank you for listening to AjabuSpeaks.
Rev. Ajabu
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"Let us keep before us the fact that, almost without exception, every race or nation that has ever got upon its feet has done so through struggle and trial and persecution; and that out of this very resistance to wrong, out of the struggle against odds, they have gained strength, self-confidence, and experience which they could not have gained in any other way."
Booker T. Washington
President Obama suggests that Ms. Sotomayor could have chosen wiser words. Mr. Washington's words were wiser. No race or gender has a lock on virtue. It is true, however, that struggles can result in strength.
Amen!
Excellent, your best ever!
Thanks,
Rev. Ajabu-
What a pile this was. Blacks have been fooled by the Democratic Party for years- look at where it's got you. Zip. Have you missed me?
Jayson
The Supreme Court (all one race and gender) overruled the courts in the south that sent the Cherokees, no matter their education and "civilized ways, packing west on the trail of death - but President Andy Jackson (guess what race and gender) said, "How many soldiers do they (the Supreme Court) have?" And he sent them on to their death.
Rev.
#1 We do not need any S. Court Judges who have any Social Agenda, including a reverse Racist agenda. She is clear and has an angry agenda of so called " Pay-back.
Her job is not to change the Constitution, Social code or behavior, but to INTERPRET THE CONSTITUTION
As written.
She has proven that is not her intention.
She has been reversed many times because she does not know of follow the law. Her record is there... Read it. If she judges you she will see your value, but express an need to ample an example of your past. She has an agenda.... Payback
#2 Obama clearly stated., "" I want to see her climb those marble steps and do Justice""
A study of his childhood, Affiliation with Rev. Wright and violation of actions outside of his powers provided by the Constitution have already proven the "" Content of his Character "" Dr. King he is not !
Why would he hang with Bill Ayers ?
His own Party has pointed out many of his lies.
#3 The end of this Republic, economically will provide you and me with a reversal but pain like we have never known it. This may be our end. This is not a beginning but the exercise of a plan to control and over tax.
#4 As a black GM worker stated it, ""I voted for Obama and he took my job away but gave millions to the evil union who elected him."". GM has been directed give millions of your dollars to unions and Fiat by the failed direction of both Bush and Obama. A plan to support thug Unions who contribute money to DC.
.
If you believe slavery fails in God's plan, Why back a fascist?
. Republicans and Democrats will also follow the path to live in hell for their lies and being a part of a theatrical ""ONE PARTY"" system. They have started the aggressive violence against us and God will punish them harshly.
#5 Republicans and Democrats have exploited both of us and all peoples. They have overtaxed the richest nation in the world and have created a bloated bunch of Liars and thieves. You have seen them at the Statehouse and in D.C.
States are supposed to give what power we want to give to the Feds. Do you believe that to be the State of our Nation now?
Do you see States Rights and our will and voices carried to the Fed's as a demand of our will to direct their actions in our behalf ?? We both know what you think... You too are worried.
#7. Remember, the Dutch went to Africa and talked Chiefs of villages to sell our people to be sent to the outer world as Slaves.
6% of white Plantation owners had slaves. DC ahs about 90% of all people as Slaves... You and Me.
The Thugs said, Vote for me and I will give you no more than welfare and false hope, and I will not provide the opportunity of a good education, or tell you the truth...only false hope and exploitation. We need to lie to you and make you give up.
Well meaning Americans are still working to help all children but now DC is insuring more control, toil, poverty and higher taxes.
We are all living in Slavery Now. Evil is here and all around us.
The State Controlled Press Lies and you know that is true. Do not let the common lies lead your intellect. You saw it at The Statehouse and the same is in DC.
The power will be in the hands of the people when the Government shrinks, people have family structure through God's morality and someone stops the stealing.
Socialism and fascism does not work. They run out of other peoples money...Yours and mine.
Pray for peace and prepare for war. Live Free or Die !
God is the Power.. Man is failing.
Government treats as the fools we have become .
Jim
Brother Ajabu,
Amen! Brother, you have hit the nail on the head. The radical fringe of America, just one step this side of violence, has been calling our sister everything but a child of God since her nomination.
Unwittingly, they have further marginalized themselves as representatives of the real America by alienating both women and Latinos. Once that fact was brought to their attention, the harsh rhetoric calmed down.
Do not be misled. The original radical charges of racism reflect their true beliefs. Ladies and gentlement, American racism is alive and well.
Keep up the good work and speak truth to power, my brother.
Wes
Hello, Mmoja,
Keep talking, brother. You've hit the hot (and correct) button from my point of view that's white, female, been around enough to see the history and harms articulated in your letter. The white right male establishment bellows as a threatened and dying elephant.
Thank God for Obama's leading and yet more change to lead America and the world in a course correction. He really knows how to use his intellect and community organizing skills with a positive vision!
Sister in faith,
Dawn (Conservative Christian):
Are you saying that oppression is necessary for people to learn some good lessons? Wow! I am just asking. It just seems to me that there are better instruction methods in order for a people to learn. Opression is not the only teacher of some lessons. Booker T. is right. No race or gender has a lock on virtue. However, what about the converse. Does history point to a particular race or gender when it comes to perpetrating the world's oppression? Let's see; slavery, caused by white men; annihilation of indigenous people in North America, caused by white men; aparthied in South Africa, cause by white men; colonialism on the African continent, caused by white men; establishing Israel at the expense of the Palestinians, couldn't have happened without the support of white men; death and destruction in Iraq, caused by white men; Sadaam Hussein, installed by white men; and the list goes on. What other demograqhic has produced a historical record like this? Then members of this same demographic wants to call Judge Sotomayor a racist because she recognizes their record. Hummm. Something is wrong with these white men.
Tony,
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Jayson,
He's baaaack! Welcome. I would agree to some extent. Blacks could have been treated better by Democrats. However, most Blacks would see the alternative as a worse decision. That is what I am trying to tell you. Black people are not as unsophisticated as Rush Limbaugh would have the world to believe by his comments concerning Colin Powell. We truly look for the best option. Right now, in the minds of Blacks, it is obvious that the democratic option is the best option. This perception will not change by white men calling a Latina woman a racist because she states facts about white men. This strategy that is embraced by so many republicans is a death wish. Y'all need help. My prices are very high, but I can help you. I would do so because your becoming more humane, and less arrogant would be best for all of America. You must understand that I am neither Democrat nor Republican. I am Christian. As a Christian, it is my job to help those who have fallen in a ditch. White males such as Ruch Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchannan, etc have led the republican party to the ditch. You have the blind leading the blind. If you are to see you got to open your eyes. Trying to be conservative and conserve white priviledge will keep you in the ditch. Marshall, and other blue blood democrats are loving it. They know your strategy has got failure written all over it. Your strategy is not good for your party or America. Right now, I, along with all other demographics, except white males, would overwhelmingly have to choose the demoratic approach on the national direction. Do not follow Rush and the bunch. You will end up further in the ditch. My desire is to preserve the Union. Party politics are killing America. You haven't changed, but you are still welcomed back. I pray that we all learn from the debate.
Jim,
Don't be afraid. Not enough people want to do to white men what they have done to them. Most people just want stop white priviledge, not to punish, or get revenge. You will be more mentally healthy if you accept the fact that white males are not superior to anyone. This false logic is stopping with the appointment of members ofher ethnic groups to Attorney General, United States Ambassador, United States Supreme Court, etc. Too many white males have shown that the world cannot rely on white males to give up their white priviledge voluntarily. You will be alright just being one of the fellas. Relax. You will get used to it.
Wes & Mary,
Thank you, thank you, thank you and may God continue to bless you. God bless.
The Ice Age Cometh
By Mike Murphy
Despairing Republican friends have been asking me what I think we should do to rebuild the GOP and begin our certain and inevitable comeback. My answer disappoints them: "Build an ark."
I say this because I've made a career out of counting votes, and the numbers tell a clear story; the demographics of America are changing in a way that is deadly for the Republican Party as it exists today. A GOP ice age is on the way.
Demographic change is irritating to politicos, since it works on elections much as rigged dice do on a Las Vegas craps table: it is a game changer. For years, Republicans won elections because the country was chock-full of white middle-class voters who mostly pulled the GOP lever on Election Day. Today, however, that formula is no longer enough.
It was a huge shock to the GOP when Barack Obama won Republican Indiana last year. The bigger news was how he did it. Latino voters delivered the state. Exit polls showed that they provided Obam a with a margin of more than 58,000 votes in a state he carried by a slim 26,000 votes. That's right, GOP, you've entered a brave new world ruled by Latino Hoosiers, and you're losing.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1904136,00.html
Rev Ajabu
I have never enjoyed this blog as much as I am enjoying the discussions on Judge Sotomayor and the Republicans. You continue to sing the song that party politics is killing America but you are solidly in agreement with the Democrats. Why not admit that the Democratic Party is the real American party. Remember the conventions and the stark contrast. Democratic Convention with every ethnic group in great numbers while the homogeneous and monochromatic Republican Convention said a lot. Rev Ajabu, you are a Democrat and you should be proud. The destruction of the Republican Party is a blessing for the masses. They are now blocking Judge Sotomayor, the health care plan, the president's economic recovery plan, and every thing Barack puts forward. Why do we need those haters, let them wither and die out.
I am not surprised to hear Dawn lift up the name Booker T Washington. He is the Clarence Thomas of his day. He did more to set us back than Clarence is currently doing on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Poor Jayson is back and still lost in the Republican fog. We Blacks know who has helped us and it has not been the party of George Bush, Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney, Condollezza Rice, Bill Hannity, Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scali,Bill Kristol, Donald Rumsfeld, Michelle Malkin, Ann Colter and so many more anti Black and anti Hispanic Republicans. We don't have much of a choice but to stay with the Democrats.
I want to thank Tony and Mike for their summaries of the future of the Republican party. I could not have said it better. The trail of history that follows the White men in their inhumane treatment of other human beings is there for the world to see; and to attack Judge Sotomayor is typical of their sick minded racial superiority myth. And Mike brought it home with the numbers. It will be hard to win over the Latino vote after Republicans trash Judge Sotomayor. They know they will not get the Black vote ever. And the Democrats also enjoy the Asians and some ofthe Jewish vote.
I just hope President Obama will do what he promised and get the health care plan through with the public option. He has to support his base and stop wasting time and political capital trying to win over those ignorant and self destructive Republicans.
I have a question for the bloggers. Do you think the Republicans and the Southern Democrats want to see America go down. Do you think there is the same Civil War mentality in the minds of those two groups. Is there still the divide that existed back during the Civil War? I asked all of that to try and understand how can over 50 million Americans vote for George Bush twice and wonder why the country's economy is in the toilet. How can almost 50 million Americans vote to elect McCain/Palin this time around? What is wrong with them? I maintain that they don't love America. They would rather see this great nation go down rather than be fair and equitable with those who are Nothern Liberals, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and some Jews. The Republican "Ice Age" cometh and I thank Almighty God.
Thanks Rev, Tony, and Mike
john
Dear Reverend Ajabu,
The African continent has had more than its share of dictators.
http://maitemenay.com/me/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51&Itemid=9
The only difference has been that Africa has not been as wealthy as Europe or N. America. With more wealth, you can do more harm.
Until you start to see that the souls of ALL men are sinful, you will not be redeemed. You will just be a prideful racist.
No, I do not think that the white male race is any more evil than the black male race. You were the one who ran around our city threatening people for decades. I know many white men who are more peaceloving than you. Your soul is as dark as any other. And you do not have the humility to see it. The fact that you see white men as somehow worse than you is proof.
You need to fall on your knees and repent. Just like everyone else. Your pride and ego will be your destruction.
Again, I will recommend the Humble Pastor series to you by Mark Driscoll. You really do need to hear it.
Poor John Marshall.
I suspect it was deeply troubling yesterday when the Gallop poll revealed that there is a surge in people who identify themselves as conservatives.
John Marshall,
Man you make me laugh. You should have went into comedy. I keep telling you that I am Christian.
Dawn,
My sister. There have been dictators everywhere, that includes Africa. However, I have not seen anyone spread there destruction as far as white males. White males have been know for global oppression. You attribute white male oppression to their wealth. Right now China and India are probably the wealthiest nations on the face of the earth, in terms of liquidity. They have not gone around the world trying to oppress anyone. The wealthiest continent on known to humans is the African continent. Africans don't control the wealth, but they do sit on the wealth. I am willing to bet if Africans controlled the wealth that Africans would not carry themselves in the world like white men have. No body has carried themselves in such a detrimental relationship to other people as has white males. You are right. I did threaten a great number of people in this city. That was then. This is now. I have repented. I will do it again right here. God please forgive me for those transgressions of the past and those that I commit and will commit. I know I fall short. However, those white males just won't repent. They won't apoligize for enslaving Africans. George W. Bush and his crew won't apologize for invading Iraq under false pretenses. White males, and one Black one, Michael Steele won't apologize to Judge Sotomayor for calling her a racist. White males won't apologize for wiping the native Americans that were in this country before Columbus came. And list goes on and on. There just don't seem to be any repentence in white males. God help em!!! Yet, these white males will still call themselves good Christians. I see that going back to the writings of Paul through Martin Luther. Too many of these white males who need repentence, in my opinion, call themselves republicans. I told you that Marshall is gleeful that they are self destructing. He couldn't be happier. I'm telling you I am for saving the Union. I am willing to help the Republican party out of its darkness to help save the Union. I pray that they ask me to help them see the light. If not, John Marshall will continue to laugh and be happy with their party's self designed demise. You got connections. If you love America then let's decrease the hate, and increase the love. God bless.
Reverend,
They are not self-destructing. It is like the Carter 70's all over again. And the liberals are overreaching. And they'll be replaced. The numbers of people self-describing as conservative is on the rise. It will swing back and forth back and forth. It is the way of the world. PEOPLE over reach.
Let's see....the killing fields...Pol Pot, Mao tse Tung. No violence there. Sectarian violence in Eastern Europe and Northern Africa.
Reverend, you are ridiculous. You are wrong. And you choose this path. Your fight is against evil, not against white men. Women who claim men to be more evil than women are equally wrong. Sin is universal. And until you understand that, you are part of the problem and not part of the solution.
You got the party politics part right. Now you need to get with it. Sin is sin. And it isn't racially exclusive. It is racially inclusive.
Many white racist men have admitted the sin of racism and have repented. Some of those men include George Wallace, Elwin Wilson, Robert Byrd, Strom Thurmond. I don't recall the same from any black men. I have only heard that those men have justified their evil by blaming it on white men or claiming that you can't be racist without power. That position is wrong. Racism is wrong. Rid it from your heart, Reverend.
Dawn (Conservative Christian),
Seems like you are receiving from me that I think all white men are evil. That is not true. In fact, I don't think any of them are evil, but white men have done some evil things. When you talk about Pol Pot, Mao tse Tung sectarian violence in Eastern Europe and Northern Africa, yes all of these have violence in their history. But none of them have perpetrated violence on a worldwide level as have white men. I want to state again, I am not against white men. I don't hate white men. However, the facts are the facts.White men have gone around the world and oppressed everywhere they have went. No other ethnic group can point to that kind of history. I state again, I do not hate white men, but the facts are just the facts.
At no time have I said that "sin" is racially exclusive. Everyone has fallen short. However, no other ethnic group has perpetrated worldwide violence like white males. It's just a fact.
The white men you have named did repent. I accept that. But has America, run by white men, apologized for enslaving African people? Has America, ran by white men, given reparations to try to repair the wrong that was done by treating people less than human just because they were Black? What Black man do you know that has the history of a Strom Thurmond, Edwin Wilson, or a Robert Byrd. I have apologized for the harm that I might have caused for the insensitivity of my words to the Allemenos and the James family. I have done this in writing and pray for the opportunity to do it in person. Even my son is willing to apologize for his part in the tragedy in which he was involved. Yet neither of us need to apologize for physically harming anyone like Edwin Wilson needed to apologize for beating John Lewis in the head just because John wanted to cross the Edmond Petus bridge.
Dawn, republicans, or conservatives, who many consider themselves republicans, will not attract anyone to their ranks with the present strategy. The only demographic that they will attract is old white men. It is interesting that an old white man, 88 years old, went into the holacaust museum in Washington D.C. and killed a Black security guard because he hated Blacks and Jews. Unfortunately, he represents that old vanguard. His children are not taking up that mantel. His son said his dad was crazy for buying into that traditional racist thought that at one time in this country was very typical of white males. There were some white females swearing in to, but the overwhelming demographic that carried the racist banner was white males. If conservatives, basically republicans want to attract others beside old white men, then they need help. They must change from their current ways. They know it. The question is will they find the will to do. It is time to decrease the hate and increase the love. God bless you.
Poor Dawn
She is still trying to justify the slaughter of people of color all over the planet. The Aborigines in Australia were overtaken by the White human beings that the people of color welcomed because they were human beings. They went to China and killed and slaughtered there. They went to Africa, taking up the White man's burden, and raped that beautiful land. They went to India and poor Mohatma Ghandi had to use non violent protest to get them off of their backs. They came to America and killed the native Americans who thought the pale face human beings were indeed human beings.
Why do scientist think that Whites have to kill and dominate wherever they go. It is very simple, it is called "genetic anihilation." If you mix a White person with a Black, brown, or yellow person the offspring will be of color. When the mixing of White with Black is repeated many times, that would result in the elimination of the White race as we know it. Getting the jump on people of color and then segregating themselves from their captives is protective. Their daughters are kept from men of color as it will begin the anihilation process.
That is why the declaration that they are superior is another delusion. In fact, genetically Whites are inferior because of the reasons given above [genetic anihilation]. They are inferior anthropologically, as the first human was a Black woman in Africa; they are inferior numerically; as the majority of the humans on this planet are of color [red, yelloe, brown, black].
Now we know why they have to kill, plunder, and dominate because it is protective of their genetically inferior makeup. Time is running out and God has begun the judgment and is bringing the bottom rail to the top.
We who are of color are not interested in getting even with our oppressors. We would just like to live in peace and decency. We want to give all human beings a chance to be successful in the land wherever they live. There should not be any emphasis on superiority and inferiority. Lets just get along [Rodney King].
The real problem is that the Whites who have been ruthless and inhumane are so terrified that the people of color over the planet will get even. Thank God for the Whites [liberal Democrats] who have tried to be fair and just with other people of color. All White people are not racist and terrrorists, many of them have helped others all over the planet in many humanitarian gestures. It is that other White crowd that God is removing from the planet.
He said, "Go down Moses and tell old Pharoah to let my people go."
john
This is totally on point!!
New UN Report Denounces America`s Human Rights Record
Posted: 06/17
From: Mathaba
UN Human Rights Council report was damning in its criticism regarding areas in which significant improvement is necessary if the US Government is to match its actions to its stated commitment to human rights and the rule of law
by Stephen Lendman
On May 26, the UN Human Rights Council issued a report titled "Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Including the Right to Development - Report of the Special Rapporteur (Philip Alston) on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions."
Alston was damning in his criticism regarding "three areas in which significant improvement is necessary if the US Government is to match its actions to its stated commitment to human rights and the rule of law:"
(1) Its imposition of the death penalty under which innocent people are executed. Alston was shocked about "glaring criminal justice system flaws," citing Texas and Alabama as examples, but many other states are as derelict. He criticized politicized judges and recommended that Congress "should enact legislation permitting federal court habeas review of state and federal death penalty cases on their merits."
He condemned the 2006 Military Commissions Act and its provisions that violate international human rights and humanitarian law with regard to due process and fairness.
(2) America needs "greater transparency into law enforcement, military, and intelligence operations that result in unlawful deaths." Domestically, it provides inadequate information about deaths of immigrants and other detainees, but the worst failures are in international military and intelligence operations.
(3) The government fails to "provide greater accountability for potentially unlawful deaths in its international operations." It ignores civilian casualties, both their number and conditions under which they occur, and fails to provide ordinary people, including US citizens, with basic information regarding investigations and prosecutions when laws were violated. It fails to assure safeguards are in place to prevent so-called collateral damage - that is, civilians wrongfully (and at times willfully) targeted and killed.
Overall, "there have been chronic and deplorable accountability failures with respect to policies, practices and conduct that (cause) alleged unlawful killings - including possible war crimes - in the United States' international operations." Effective investigations have been lacking and guilty parties, throughout the chain of command, haven't been punished. Even worse, private contractors and civilian intelligence personnel have been granted "a zone of impunity" because of failures to hold them accountable. Alston recommends a national "commission of inquiry" and a special prosecutor to conduct thorough investigations "independent of the pressure on the political branches of Government."
Racial Disparities
Persons of color in America are most vulnerable to receive death sentences in capital cases - especially if victims are white. Yet federal and state officials are indifferent to the problem or deny one exists. When confronted with evidence from various studies, they claim they were conducted by anti-death penalty advocates and dismiss the results. It's never been a good time to be poor, black, or Latino in America, especially when confronted by a hostile criminal justice system claiming to be impartial.
In summary, Alston called America's human rights record "deplorable," and in need of major changes. In response, the Obama administration charged him with violating his mandate by accusing the US of failing to properly investigate allegations of unlawful US military killings in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Acting deputy at the US mission in Geneva, Larry Richter, said: "We do not believe that military and intelligence operations during armed conflict fall within the special rapporteur's mandate." Much more important is his lack of power to act on the crimes he discovered. Still he deserves credit for revealing what US authorities try hard to suppress and ignore.
Interesting, Stephen.
Unfortunately, if you look into Philip Alston's record, he has NEVER issued a favorable report on any nation he has investigated. Every nation has its problems.
It is clear that as the world's watchdog, we are engaged in more military action than any other nation. Military action creates collateral damage. Our weapons are more sophisticated and targeted than other nations...but they are also more lethal.
I think it is also worth revisiting the death penalty. It is very hard to justify the death penalty, as a Christian even if it could be administered more fairly....which it can't.
Brother Ajabu! Your Site's great! And your readers' comments are interesting (except for 'Jim's' verbosity and illogical words - he mus' be one a' dem scared whitemen!)
KOKO! "KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!"
Your Sister-in-THE-Struggle,
Carol T. First Black U.S.A. Flight Attendant
www.caroltaylorword.blogspot.com
Thank you for your kind words. Welcome to the blog. It is a pleasure to have a living legend take part in the dialogue.
Dawn (Conservative Christian):
Every nation does have its problems. Nations like us all fall short. Now can you tell me who appointed the U.S. as the world's watch dog? Who appointed us to nose in other people, or other nation's business? America is not the world's police. It's this mentality that is causing America to be disliked all around the world. Unfortunately I see where John McCain wants President Obama to interefere in Iran's politics. This would be a grave error. Let Iran work out Iran's problems. If the U.S. interferes then both sides of the issue will turn against the U.S. They haven't forgotton that the Shah was installed by the U.S.
Now it does not help that McCain is a republican. His timing could not be worse. Now you have a Republican State Senator sending out pictures of President Obama that shows him as eyes in a very dark face that one cannot even make out the face. Republicans are self destructing. How are they going to attract anyone besides old white men with these type of antics being done with their label?
Now your position on the death penalty is definitely one thing that it appears we agree. Keep the faith. May God continue to order our steps. God bless.
With all due respect to the author of this thread , my comment is being made , simply to make clear what many have mis - conscrued about Christopher Columbus ... It is well known now , by most , that in 1492 , Columbus was sent on a quest to procure gold ( in India ) , by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain . He actually " discovered " , the islands that are now known as the Indies ( West Indies ) , and most probably , the island now known as Haiti was one of the first places where he made contact with the indiginous Taino Indian population ... He , nor any of his cohorts , 'Ever' set foot on the shores of North America ... What he did do , over the course of the next 20+ years is introduce disease and perpetrate mass murder and butchery on said indiginous population , which resulted , essentially , in the practical elimination of the Taino from the face of the earth . For futher reading on this subject , please pick-up from the library , or purchase , "Quitting America" , by Randall Robinson .
Peace.
Reverend,
It is not true that the Republicans are falling apart, there are just so few Republicans currently in office who live by what they say they believe and it is sad. I think Washington is highly corrupting. I think it has been both for Republicans and for Democrats. I think that most current congressional Republicans are in fact, simply "status quo" people. I feel that way about Dan Burton, for sure. I suspect that you would agree. But what Republicans are supposed to be is the party of smaller government, lower taxes and personal responsibility and freedom. Republican voters still believe in those ideals. They are not, and have not been represented that way since the post Carter years. I would abandon them completely and not vote at all if there weren't a couple of good Republicans in our great state. Brian Bosma, Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence are all men, guided by Christian principles who believe in smaller, smarter government. I like them all a lot. They put education and children and healthcare right at the top of the list, but they understand, too, that they have to be good stewards of money or we won't HAVE the money to take care of the unemployed or anything else we need to take care of. They understand that to bring good jobs to the state, they have to keep taxes low. And as our neighboring states are suffering poor stewardship, we are benefitting.
So, no. I think the Republicans are badly bent, but not broken. I think that the kids will rebel against the debt that we are racking up and the lack of opportunity in private enterprise that they are being left with. I think that the Democrats in Congress will be held accountable for it. I think that Barack Obama will be reelected because I think that he does create a vision that people appreciate and identify with. But I think that Congress is going to be cleaned out. I think that it will look like Bill Clinton II....minus Monica Lewinsky... And that wasn't so bad. But like Bill Clinton, people like Barack Obama.
Lots of countries have historically looked to the United States to help correct injustice. Korea, Vietnam, Europe during WWII, Taiwan....People still expect us to be involved today....they expect us to be part of the middle east peace process. They want us to save Darfur. When there is a bully, the big guy needs to step in and stop the fight. Doubtless, we have made a lot of enemies along the way when greed or bad intelligence or lack of cultural sensitivity got in the way. Any time you get involved in the action, a good percentage of the people on the other side will get mad and stay mad....particularly when you kill their family and friends.
We should stay out of Iran. For sure. I told my son the other day that Iran, before the mullahs, was a special place in the middle east. Their education system....their civil liberties, were among the highest in the middle east. I know many Iranians who left when the change happened. Highly educated and sophisticated people. People who loved their country but hated what it had become. The religious zealots created a huge cultural shift. But just as in the United States, our young people voted for change, their young people will bring change there as well. They don't need us. This is their thing. It was their election. If they don't resolve their issues immediately, the damm has been broken. You can't hold people down forever.
Young people often lack economic experience or historical perspective, but they always have idealism which is an important balance. In our country, they voted for hope and youth and fresh perspective. In Iran, they will fight for freedom at the ballot box.
Everywhere, people of good will seek peace, opportunity, fairness, justice....but people who value those things are not just of one party. I happen to think that there are people who look to a higher standard on both sides of the aisle. And even old Republicans like John McCain can be included among them. Say what you want about old John. He's a sinner. He was an unfaithful husband. He was on the outskirts of the Keating scandal....but I think Old John found Jesus....and I think he loves his family and this country. I didn't want him to be President, but I think he's a decent man. When I watched him admit defeat on election night, I saw a man of decency and grace.
I also think Obama is a decent man. I think that he has a lot on his shoulders. I think that if he stays humble and open to God's guidance....and if he can keep Nancy Pelosi quiet and in her place....we might get through this OK. We need to start working that debt down. I hope that after the Obama run is over we put someone in place to focus on that debt. Mitch Daniels seems like just the right man for that job, I think.
But I believe that at the root of America is still our constitutional ideal....our Bill of Rights. We don't always GET it right and we have healthy disagreement along the way...but the desire to strive for better is always there among most of us.
Where I disagree with democrats will always be on economics. If you have never read the book Atlas Shrugged, read it. It paints a picture of what happens when you eliminate markets as the source of decisions about production. I was rereading the book a few weeks ago and had to put it down when I got to the part where science was becoming nationalized. Nationalized science is an oxymoron. Politicized science is bad science. And today, whether you are talking stem cell research or global warming, the political side...the loud side....seems to be drowning out all the healthy skepticism. It looks an awful lot like Ayn Rand's vision. And it will not result in the advancement of mankind. Markets tempered with idealism and moral values still work better than anything else anyone else has been able to come up with.
And as far as the people who hate our history and who we are, I think you choose only to see the worst. This nation has brought a lot of good to the world as well, and I, for one, am proud. Having poor national self-esteem will not make us better. Pride is not what we need either. Pride is sin. What we need is a higher ideal and more grace.
Dave,
Your point is well taken. Thanks for the historical accuratecy.
Dawn (Conservative Christian)
Republicans elected on the national level are almost making "conservative Christian an oxymoron. Now we have Senator John Ensign from Nevada having an tryst with a staffer who is married. He happens to be a republican who has elevated family values. Wanted Bill Clinton to resign because of his affair. And you say that republicans are not self destructing. Come on. Be for real.
My sister, we are not the world's police. It is being reported right now that the U.S. is behind the civil unrest in Iran. We can't make this accusation be true. We agree. Let the Iranians settle Irans problems.
I don't know any people that hate all of America's history. But you must admit that too much of America's history can be the source of many people's dislike. We don't need to build on that dislike. It is time to decrease the hate and increase the love. God bless.
Rev. Ajabu,
If any of your readers want more accurate info on America's history they can contact me at http://www.discussrace.com