President Obama went to the United Nations this week and declared war against the UN’s most fundamental founding principles, all the while claiming the U.S. is the world’s one indispensable, unique and exceptional nation.
The speech was a reminder of the reason rich people in America financed and sponsored Obama’s rise to the presidency in the first place, as the new, non-white face of U.S. imperial power. Obama’s foreign policy mission was to subvert United Nations prohibitions against the use of force except in self-defense, and to substitute a so-called “humanitarian” rationale justifying aggression by Washington and its allies. This constitutes a fundamental break with the UN Charter, signifying that the U.S. realizes it can no longer dominate the world by economic and other “soft power” and must, therefore, sweep away the accumulated structures of international law that inhibit America’s ability to smash its adversaries with raw military force.
Obama’s speech was one long threat against world order and the rule of law. He baldly stated that the U.S. is prepared to “use all elements of [its] power, including military force, to secure [its] core interests in the region” – a statement that is, on its face, a violation of the UN’s prohibition against the threat of the use of force against other nations. International law forbids the powerful from rattling their sabers over perceived challenges to their "interests" in other people’s countries. Obama, like the honey badger, doesn’t give a damn about international law.
Barack is a War Hawk. Plain and simple.
Bill Van Auken also gets that.
"Obama at the UN: A defense of unilateral aggression" (Bill Van Auken, WSWS):
The speech made clear that the “turn to diplomacy” in relation to both Syria and Iran represents not some fundamental turn away from the predatory policy pursued by US imperialism in the region through the wars of the last decade, but rather a tactical shift imposed upon the Obama administration by the emergence of overwhelming and unanticipated popular hostility to yet another war of aggression in the Middle East.
This political reversal accounts for the decidedly defensive, at times self-pitying tone of Obama’s address, which was replete with complaints about Washington being maligned and misunderstood.
Before concentrating on the targets for imminent US aggression—Syria and Iran—Obama claimed credit for creating a “more stable” world during his five years in the White House. He pointed to the withdrawal of all US troops from Iraq—forced upon Washington by Iraq’s refusal to sign an agreement granting US forces immunity for war crimes—and the impending end of the war in Afghanistan, where the Pentagon is planning to leave up to 20,000 troops and maintain permanent bases.
Amazingly, some idiots are praising the speech. At the so-called Progressive, for example, Amitabh Pal has a piece about the speech being a "mixed bag" and why "portions of it make your teeth grind." You know what, if you can overlook those portions and find the speech a "mixed bag" you are pretty f**ked up beyond repair.
"Iraq snapshot" (The Common Ills):
Wednesday, September 25, 2013. Chaos and violence continue, Sadr City
citizens protest, another young Iraqi activist is assassinated, 90
young people are rounded up in Rawa by Nouri's forces, Gorran can't stop
whining (despite coming in second in the KRG elections), peace activist
Cindy Sheehan calls out California Governor Jerry Brown, Barack refuses
to grant Lynne Stewart a compassionate release, and more.
We'll start with US political prisoner Lynne Stewart. For the 'crime' of issuing a press release, she was eventually tossed in prison. The 'crime' happened on Attorney General Janet Reno's watch. Reno has her detractors who think she was far too tough as Attorney General. She also has her supporters who see her as a moderate. No one saw her as 'soft.' Reno had her Justice Department review what happened. There was no talk of a trial because there was no crime. No law was broken. The Justice Department imposes guidelines -- not written by Congress, so not laws -- on attorneys. Lynne was made to review the guidelines and told not to break it again. That was her 'punishment' under Janet Reno. Bully Boy Bush comes into office and the already decided incident becomes a way for Attorney General John Ashcroft to try to build a name for himself. He goes on David Letterman's show to announce, after 9-11, that they're prosecuting Lynne for terrorism.
Eventually tossed in prison? Even Bully Boy Bush allowed Lynne to remain out on appeal. It's only when Barack Obama becomes president that Lynne gets tossed in prison. It's only under Barack that the US Justice Depart disputes the judge's sentence and demands a harsher one (under the original sentence Lynne would be out now). Lynne's cancer has returned.
She needs to be home with her family. Her time is limited and it needs to be spent with her loved ones. Lynne's a threat to no one -- not today, not ten years ago. She's a 73-year-old grandmother who has dedicated her life to being there for people who would otherwise have no defenders. Even now in prison, she shows compassion towards those who have had none for her. Barack Obama needs to order her immediate release. If he fails to do so, then it should be a permanent stain on his record.
This week on Black Agenda Radio (airs each Monday at 4:00 pm EST on the Progressive Radio Network), hosted by Nellie Bailey and Glen Ford, Glen spoke with attorney David Gespass about efforts to help Lynne.
Glen Ford: People's lawyer Lynne Stewart continues to fight for a compassionate release from prison where she's serving a ten year sentence for zealously defending her client. Stewart is suffering Stage IV breast cancer but the Obama administration has turned down all of her pleas to be released to her family and doctors. In Birmingham, Alabama, we spoke with David Gespass, a former president of the National Lawyers Guild.
David Gespass: My initial position was she never should have been convicted in the first place and certainly should not have gotten the kind of draconian sentence she did. But beyond that, I think even under the old guidelines, she was entitled to compassionate release given the severe nature of her health and the cost to the government to provide care that would otherwise be provided with her family at home. Given the new guidelines -- and I think the only possible reason not to release her would be just pure vindictiveness.
Glen Ford: Lynne Stewart suffering Stage IV breast cancer is certainly no danger to anybody's community.
David Gespass: And she was never much of a danger to begin with other than the fact that she was a really vigorous advocate for the clients that she represented. At this point, she can't practice law because of the conviction. There is nothing that could cause any harm by her release and an enormous amount of harm could be caused by her staying in prison.
Glen Ford: Lynne Stewart is in prison because she was a zealous defender of her client.
David Gespass: That's exactly right.
Glen Ford: Isn't that the lawyer's job?
David Gespass: Absolutely. And I think her prosecution was a warning to defense lawyers that they should not do their jobs as vigorously as they are required Constitutionally to do -- particularly in cases involving allegations of so-called 'terrorism.'
Glen Ford: So zealotry in defense of, oh, a Wall Street firm is quite alright?
David Gespass: That's exactly right. And defense of police officers. It seems that the only pro criminal defense rulings that we get from judges these days are for members of Congress and police officers.
Glen Ford: Have you seen a chill among the ranks of progressive leaning attorneys?
David Gespass: On the contrary. I think that for most people who have seen this -- it's sort of redoubled their efforts not to be intimidated. And I think that as much as that was what the government's aim was, I just don't think they succeeded. And I think that the outpouring of support for Lynne during her trial and since then really indicates that people who are advocates for the poor and the disenfranchised are not going to be intimidated and are going to continue the struggle. And I think that's particularly evident in the Guantanamo cases and the work that defense lawyers have done there.
Glen Ford: Lynne Stewart's case is as political as you get and I guess the decision not to allow her compassionate release was determined at the highest political levels.
David Gespass: Undoubtedly. You know, if this were a routine case, I think that, under the circumstances, compassionate release would have been almost automatic. Of course, this administration has been particularly unwilling to show any compassion to anyone convicted of a crime. So it's on some level not shocking that they're not going to stick their necks out for Lynne because they won't do it for people getting fifty years for selling an ounce of marijuana or something.
Glen Ford: Yes, in terms of administrations, how does this one rank on the compassionate scale?
David Gespass: I'd say at the bottom. This administration has yet to pardon a single convict. And I think that's probably a first. Given particularly now when people are talking about how draconian and counter-productive these mandatory minimum sentences are for drug offenses especially, the fact that this administration refuses to even consider releasing people who have been low level involvement in drug transactions that have gotten these absurdly long sentences, it's just indicative of either just meanness or political cowardice.
Glen Ford: So in terms of law and order administrations, this Obama administration could be categorized as the most law and order in our memory?
David Gespass: Yes if one wants to consider law and order as locking more people up for longer periods of time, I suppose. And they've also deported more undocumented immigrants than anyone in history. And the attacks on the administration for not doing enough are just so frivolous under the circumstances. They've been terrible about it.
After we last noted Lynne in an "Iraq snapshot," an Iraqi community member e-mailed to point out the Lynne belongs in these snapshots because she spoke out against the Iraq War. She is correct about Lynne. Even as the US government was going after her, Lynne refused to live in silence and spoke out publicly and repeatedly against the Iraq War. Click here for more info about Lynne and to see a picture of her speaking at one rally against the Iraq War. And you can stream this video of her speaking out at the March 2009 March on the Pentagon and calling out Barack's nonsense that the US troops in Iraq after 2010 would not be "combat" soldiers.. Lynne was the people's lawyer, all the people in need. Not just Americans in need.
On the subject of attorneys, the National Lawyers Guild is leading a call on Attorney General Eric Holder:
The National Lawyers Guild, and several legal and social justice organizations, today called on Attorney General Eric Holder to direct the Bureau of Prisons to grant compassionate release to Lynne Stewart, whose medical condition continues to deteriorate. Citing reforms to the Bureau of Prison’s (BOP) compassionate release program, which Holder announced to the American Bar Association in San Francisco in August 2013, the letter urges that the process of consideration be expedited, given that compassionate release was previously approved by the warden at the Federal Medical Center at Carswell, where Ms. Stewart is serving her ten-year sentence, and given that her condition clearly falls within the newly-announced standards for compassionate release.
During an August 8 hearing, Judge John Koeltl agreed that Ms. Stewart’s medical condition had seriously deteriorated. The U.S. Attorney did not refute this assessment. Judge Koeltl noted additionally: “The petitioner has appropriately submitted a renewed petition for compassionate release to the BOP, and the court is prepared to give prompt and sympathetic consideration to any motion by the BOP that seeks compassionate release.”
Groups joining the Guild are the ANSWER Coalition, Brandworkers, New York, NY, Center for Constitutional Rights, Chicago Committee to Defend the Bill of Rights, Communities United Against Police Brutality, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, Defending Dissent Foundation, Freedom Socialist Party, Human Rights Defense Center, Lake Worth, FL, Human Rights Research Fund, Law Office of Lee Phillips, Flagstaff, AZ, Law Office of Toby Hollander, Portland, ME, Marin Interfaith Task Force on the Americas, Larkspur, CA, National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms, NJ State Industrial Union Council, Oklahoma Center for Conscience, Oklahoma City, OK, Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, Anti-Racist Action L.A., Jericho Amnesty Movement, Los Angeles Chapter, Radical Women and Urban Justice Center.
To read the full letter to Attorney General Holder, click here.
This week, Ralph Poynter, Lynne's husband, has created a new petition calling for Lynne to be granted a passionate release -- you can view it (and sign it) here.
Moving over to Iraq, Ammar al-Ani (Alsumaria) reports that Gorran is accusing the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) and the KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) of attempting to rig the election results. Saturday the KRG held provincial elections. Exit polling places the Kurdistan Democratic Party (led by KRG President Massoud Barzani) in the lead. The surprise from the polling is that the other dominant political party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, is no longer dominant. Second place, according to the exit polling, has gone to Gorran (Change). World Bulletin notes, "The official results are yet to be announced, but there are already talks of various government scenarios. KDP has stated that they would like to form the new government with their strategic ally, PUK. However, there are rumors of a possible split-up within PUK who lost most of its power in the absence of Jalal Talabani. If Barham Salih, deputy secretary general of PUK, happens to leave and form a new party, KDP may have to turn to Goran to form a coalition." How hard would that be if Gorran can't stop its war of words? Now's a good time to remember a Tweet from earlier this week:
All Iraq News quotes the Independent High Electoral Commission spokesperson Safaa al-Mousawi declaring today, "The elections were successfully held. The UN team and the international observers praised the procedures of the IHEC and the accuracy in dealing with the elections." The elections are seen as fair. That means winners need to act with confidence and stop whining. Gorran is now one of the two dominant political parties in the Kurdistan Regional Government but it's acting like it's still an emerging party. You want to be a leader? Start acting like one and stop sniping on Twitter. Al Mada notes the KDP and the PUK are calling for people to remain calm. Let's note some Twitter remarks on the election today:
If the results are released today, maybe the world press can finally pay attention to the fact that elections took place in the KRG on Saturday. With the exception of AFP, the world press seems as ignorant of the elections as does the US government.
Though the US State Dept has failed to note the KRG elections or the violence, they did remember Iraq today and issue the following:
Media Note
PRN: 2013/2183
Susan Webb (People's World) reports of a meet-up of the people taking place tomorrow:
The first Iraqi Social Forum, which opens Thursday in Baghdad, could be an eye-opener for Americans, who will be able to participate online. Running from Sept. 26-28, the grassroots event is expected to involve more than 150 organizations and more than 1,000 participants. "Iraq is not only violence," the organizers say. "Iraq does not surrender to violence." Their vision is to "bring back, through this event, the image of civic peace and activism in a city that once upon a time was known as Dar Al-Salam (City of Peace)." The forum, they say, will be "an expression of the desire of the Iraqi people for a civil, democratic society and State, based on respect for different cultures."
In a public statement, the organizers, from a range of Iraqi organizations including labor, women's and youth groups, point to the tragic results of the U.S. war and occupation:
Use the link to continue reading. The meet-up will take place in spite of the increased violence. On that topic, Mustafa al-Kadhimi (Al-Monitor) paints a portrait:
Amid daily suicide bombings that have become part of the identity of their cities, Iraqis describe their lives. Ali Wajih, a young Iraqi poet, told Al-Monitor, “I’m no longer intimidated by death. Do not worry, I'm hallucinating. I talk about death, and laugh with my friends. Haven’t I told you that death has become trivial?”
Some Iraqi intellectuals blame media outlets for disregarding the human aspects of the victims of bombings and acts of violence, simply counting them on a daily basis and following up on the government’s reactions and stated measures. They usually represent repeated official discourse on the additional security measures, closure of roads and new arrests.
This picture has become a daily routine in Iraq. It does not only apply to the media outlets, which are no longer capable of following up on all the victims or reporting their repeated stories that are filled with sorrow and tears. It also applies to the people themselves. The way they deal with security incidents has gradually become part of the daily routine itself.
Today, violence slammed Iraq again. National Iraqi News Agency reports that there was an attempt to storm the Hawija Council building -- guns went off, suicide bombers, mortars. EFE offers, "Militants targeted the city hall, police station and courthouse in the town of Hawijah." The attack left at least 14 people dead and twenty-two more injured. Al Mada quotes Iraqi army Major General Mohammed Khalaf Saeed al-Dulaimi stating the breakdown on the dead is 3 Iraqi soldiers, 7 civilians and 4 rebels. Yaseen al-Sabaw tells Reuters, "I was at the Hawija local council building when suddenly two blasts shook the ground. I ran out of the building and was shocked to see human flesh and body parts spread around the entrance." Bi Mingxin (Xinhua) notes, "The attacks occurred at noon in Hawijah, some 60 km west of the capital city of Kirkuk, when insurgents blew up a car bomb near a police station while two suicide car bombers struck the entrance of the city council building and another police station, local police source said told Xinhua on condition of anonymity." On Iraq's increasing violence, Mohammed Tawfeeq (CNN) offers, "The tensions began escalating after an April incident in Hawija. That's when Iraqi security forces raided a site used by Sunni protesters to demonstrate against the Shiite-led government."
Tawfeeq is referring to the April 23rd massacre of a sit-in in Hawija resulted from Nouri's federal forces storming in. Alsumaria noted Kirkuk's Department of Health (Hawija is in Kirkuk) announced 50 activists have died and 110 were injured in the assault. AFP reported the death toll eventually (as some wounded died) rose to 53 dead. UNICEF noted that the dead included 8 children (twelve more were injured).
The attack in Hawija wasn't the only violence today. Alsumaria reports a Tikrit bombing claimed the lives of 2 women and left three more injured. All Iraq News notes a Mosul market bombing has left 5 people dead and forty-two more injured. Xinhua reports, "A group of unidentified gunmen stormed a house in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad and shot dead six people from one family, including three children, an Interior Ministry source said Wednesday." NINA adds a Tikrit roadside bombing claimed the life of 1 Iraqi soldier and left four more injured, 2 farmers were shot dead in Muqdadiya, a Mousl roadside bombing claimed the lives of 3 police officers (two more were left injured), 2 Shabaks were shot dead in Mosul, a Rutba roadside bombing left 2 people dead and a third injured, and a Ramadi sticky bombing claimed the life of "Ammar Theyabi, one of the organizers of the Anbar protests." Alsumaria reveals that Ammar was crossing a bridge when the bomb went off. Iraqi Spring MC states the attack bears the characteristics of one carried out by government intelligence agents.
That is Ammar Jassam Theyabi who was assassinated today. Iraqi Spring MC published the photo as they noted yet another attack on the peaceful protesters. The current wave of protests passed the nine month mark last Friday. The world press has had very little interest in the attacks Nouri's forces have carried out. (But didn't they all freak out and offer coverage when Saleh al-Mutlaq got the bum's rush when he attempted to take over a protest to self-promote?)
If you're not getting just how bad the world media's coverage of the attacks on the Iraqi protesters have been, note that EFE, AP and countless others mention the Hawija attack all the time but 'forget' to note that UNICEF found 8 children were killed in that massacre. They can't even get the numbers right for the dead. Most English language outlets will go with 40. EFE today goes with 26. What kind of nonsense is that? And since when did UNICEF stop being a respected source for news on the world's children?
BRussels Tribunal does a great job getting the word out on Iraq. But today might be the day for them to create a list. They already have the following lists:
Maybe it's time for a list of activists who have been assassinated in 'free' (post-invasion) Iraq?
In police news, NINA notes that suspects are said to have been apprehended in Saturday's bombing of the funeral in Sadr City and that some residents took to government buildings with stones and bullets today demanding the suspects be handed over to them. All Iraq News quotes a security source who states, ""Some protesters attacked some governmental institutions including the Local Council of Mudhafar square on the background of the bombing that took place in Sadr city and targeted a solace. The protesters called to close the governmental institutions in Sadr city." Ahmed Hussein and Sam Mahmoud (Alsumaria) report there are three suspects being held in the Saturday bombing.
From Saturday's entry:
Reuters notes, "At least 65 people were killed in a triple bombing that targeted a tent filled with mourners in Baghdad's Shi'ite Muslim stronghold of Sadr City on Saturday, police and medical sources said." Press TV adds, "In the deadliest of the attacks on Saturday, 57 people died after two bombings were carried out near a funeral tent in Shia-dominated Sadr City north of the capital Baghdad." The death toll continued to rise. AP notes, "Police said at least 72 people were killed and more than 120 were wounded in that attack. One bomber drove up near the tents before detonating his deadly payload, and another on foot blew himself up nearby, police said."
The bombings were condemned by the United Nations, the UK Foreign Ministry, the EU, and the US Embassy in Baghdad among other foreign bodies. Saturday's bombing was followed Sunday by the targeting of a Sunni funeral in Baghdad and Monday, in Baghdad, another Sunni funeral was targeted. Some of those who lost loved ones in the Sadr City bombing are calling for executions. All Iraq News reports:
The number of the demonstrators demanding to execute the perpetrators of the solace explosion in Sadr city increased in Sadr city.
The correspondent of AIN reported that ''The demonstrations still continue and the number of protestors increased demanding to execute the terrorist who carried out the explosion that targeted a solace in Sadr city.''
Amnesty International released a statement on executions in Iraq today:
All executions in Iraq must be halted immediately, Amnesty International urged today after 13 men were executed in Baghdad.
Today, the organization has been able to confirm the names of nine of the men, who were executed on 22 September following death sentences imposed after unfair trials and based on “confessions” allegedly extracted under torture. Four others were also executed that day, bringing the total number of executions in Iraq so far this year to at least 73.
“The Iraqi authorities have chosen to defy repeated calls not to execute prisoners and to rely on tainted ‘confessions’ obtained under torture. That a death sentence could be imposed after obviously grossly unfair trials beggars belief,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.
Amnesty International had urged the Iraqi authorities not to carry out the executions of these nine men, and to investigate their allegations that they were tortured to coerce them into making “confessions”. The court trying them appears to have disregarded compelling medical evidence supporting these complaints, and used “confessions” inadmissible as evidence under international law - their trial fell far short of international fair trial standards.
“We again urge the Iraqi authorities to declare a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolishing the death penalty and to commute all death sentences. They must address the flaws in the Iraqi justice system, investigate claims of torture and other ill-treatment in custody, and, where applicable, grant re-trials in full compliance with fair trial standards,” said Hassiba Hadi Sahraoui.
In other police news, NINA notes that police raided the University of Tikrit's College of Education "and detained the professor of the science of Quran [. . .] Dr. Salah Yasser al-Obeidi." Iraqi Spring MC adds that over 90 young people (all under the age of 20) have been rounded up and taken away by Nouri's forces today in Rawa (Anbar Province). It would appear that the Iraqi protesters are being targeted not just with bombs but also with arrests.
In other political news (targeting protesters counts as political news because the goal is to silence their protests), All Iraq News notes Speaker of Parliament Osama al-Nujaifi met with British Ambassador to Iraq Simon Collis today to discuss the security situation in the country. al-Nujaifi also met with US Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Beecroft today and the two discussed the security situation and the ongoing political crisis.
The political crisis has been going on for nearly three years now. Nouri didn't get the votes to be prime minister. The White House wanted al-Maliki to have a second term. They brokered The Erbil Agreement -- a contract where the heads of the various political blocs in Iraq agreed to give Nouri a second term in exchange for Nouri agreeing to their terms. Nouri used the contract to get a second term and then trashed it, refusing to honor the legal promises he had made in writing. That's what's behind the ongoing political crisis.
The White House approach has been to dummy up about that contract and to urge political blocs to focus on the next round of parliamentary elections. Those are supposed to be held early next year.
All Iraq News reports today:
Turning to the United States, tomorrow at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, college professor (at Columbia College Chicago) and former Washington Post reporter Jackie Spinner will be discussing her experiences as a reporter in Iraq and Afghanistan. Spinner is the author of Tell Them I Didn't Cry: A Young Journalist's Story of Joy, Loss and Survival in Iraq. She'll speak at the Ockinga Auditorium, the event kicks off at seven p.m.
Moving over to California, pPeace activist Cindy Sheehan actually could, to use a sixties/seventies phrase, "change things from within" if she held elective office. In 2008, she ran against US House Rep Nancy Pelosi. Don't we all wish now she'd won -- even those who voted for cowardly Nancy? Cindy's running for public office again, she's in the race for Governor of California. Today, her campaign has issued the following on her Democratic challenger (and current California governor) Jerry Brown:
Candidate Sheehan continues: “Special interests wrote
the bill and the current governor of California receives tens of thousands of
dollars from the oil industry for his campaign coffers. A strong environmental
plank reducing and then eliminating California’s addiction to fossil fuel is
one of the cornerstones of a Sheehan campaign and future administration. The
people should be demanding access to clean, sustainable, and renewable forms of
energy and more comprehensive and cost efficient access to public
transportation.”
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We'll start with US political prisoner Lynne Stewart. For the 'crime' of issuing a press release, she was eventually tossed in prison. The 'crime' happened on Attorney General Janet Reno's watch. Reno has her detractors who think she was far too tough as Attorney General. She also has her supporters who see her as a moderate. No one saw her as 'soft.' Reno had her Justice Department review what happened. There was no talk of a trial because there was no crime. No law was broken. The Justice Department imposes guidelines -- not written by Congress, so not laws -- on attorneys. Lynne was made to review the guidelines and told not to break it again. That was her 'punishment' under Janet Reno. Bully Boy Bush comes into office and the already decided incident becomes a way for Attorney General John Ashcroft to try to build a name for himself. He goes on David Letterman's show to announce, after 9-11, that they're prosecuting Lynne for terrorism.
Eventually tossed in prison? Even Bully Boy Bush allowed Lynne to remain out on appeal. It's only when Barack Obama becomes president that Lynne gets tossed in prison. It's only under Barack that the US Justice Depart disputes the judge's sentence and demands a harsher one (under the original sentence Lynne would be out now). Lynne's cancer has returned.
She needs to be home with her family. Her time is limited and it needs to be spent with her loved ones. Lynne's a threat to no one -- not today, not ten years ago. She's a 73-year-old grandmother who has dedicated her life to being there for people who would otherwise have no defenders. Even now in prison, she shows compassion towards those who have had none for her. Barack Obama needs to order her immediate release. If he fails to do so, then it should be a permanent stain on his record.
This week on Black Agenda Radio (airs each Monday at 4:00 pm EST on the Progressive Radio Network), hosted by Nellie Bailey and Glen Ford, Glen spoke with attorney David Gespass about efforts to help Lynne.
Glen Ford: People's lawyer Lynne Stewart continues to fight for a compassionate release from prison where she's serving a ten year sentence for zealously defending her client. Stewart is suffering Stage IV breast cancer but the Obama administration has turned down all of her pleas to be released to her family and doctors. In Birmingham, Alabama, we spoke with David Gespass, a former president of the National Lawyers Guild.
David Gespass: My initial position was she never should have been convicted in the first place and certainly should not have gotten the kind of draconian sentence she did. But beyond that, I think even under the old guidelines, she was entitled to compassionate release given the severe nature of her health and the cost to the government to provide care that would otherwise be provided with her family at home. Given the new guidelines -- and I think the only possible reason not to release her would be just pure vindictiveness.
Glen Ford: Lynne Stewart suffering Stage IV breast cancer is certainly no danger to anybody's community.
David Gespass: And she was never much of a danger to begin with other than the fact that she was a really vigorous advocate for the clients that she represented. At this point, she can't practice law because of the conviction. There is nothing that could cause any harm by her release and an enormous amount of harm could be caused by her staying in prison.
Glen Ford: Lynne Stewart is in prison because she was a zealous defender of her client.
David Gespass: That's exactly right.
Glen Ford: Isn't that the lawyer's job?
David Gespass: Absolutely. And I think her prosecution was a warning to defense lawyers that they should not do their jobs as vigorously as they are required Constitutionally to do -- particularly in cases involving allegations of so-called 'terrorism.'
Glen Ford: So zealotry in defense of, oh, a Wall Street firm is quite alright?
David Gespass: That's exactly right. And defense of police officers. It seems that the only pro criminal defense rulings that we get from judges these days are for members of Congress and police officers.
Glen Ford: Have you seen a chill among the ranks of progressive leaning attorneys?
David Gespass: On the contrary. I think that for most people who have seen this -- it's sort of redoubled their efforts not to be intimidated. And I think that as much as that was what the government's aim was, I just don't think they succeeded. And I think that the outpouring of support for Lynne during her trial and since then really indicates that people who are advocates for the poor and the disenfranchised are not going to be intimidated and are going to continue the struggle. And I think that's particularly evident in the Guantanamo cases and the work that defense lawyers have done there.
Glen Ford: Lynne Stewart's case is as political as you get and I guess the decision not to allow her compassionate release was determined at the highest political levels.
David Gespass: Undoubtedly. You know, if this were a routine case, I think that, under the circumstances, compassionate release would have been almost automatic. Of course, this administration has been particularly unwilling to show any compassion to anyone convicted of a crime. So it's on some level not shocking that they're not going to stick their necks out for Lynne because they won't do it for people getting fifty years for selling an ounce of marijuana or something.
Glen Ford: Yes, in terms of administrations, how does this one rank on the compassionate scale?
David Gespass: I'd say at the bottom. This administration has yet to pardon a single convict. And I think that's probably a first. Given particularly now when people are talking about how draconian and counter-productive these mandatory minimum sentences are for drug offenses especially, the fact that this administration refuses to even consider releasing people who have been low level involvement in drug transactions that have gotten these absurdly long sentences, it's just indicative of either just meanness or political cowardice.
Glen Ford: So in terms of law and order administrations, this Obama administration could be categorized as the most law and order in our memory?
David Gespass: Yes if one wants to consider law and order as locking more people up for longer periods of time, I suppose. And they've also deported more undocumented immigrants than anyone in history. And the attacks on the administration for not doing enough are just so frivolous under the circumstances. They've been terrible about it.
After we last noted Lynne in an "Iraq snapshot," an Iraqi community member e-mailed to point out the Lynne belongs in these snapshots because she spoke out against the Iraq War. She is correct about Lynne. Even as the US government was going after her, Lynne refused to live in silence and spoke out publicly and repeatedly against the Iraq War. Click here for more info about Lynne and to see a picture of her speaking at one rally against the Iraq War. And you can stream this video of her speaking out at the March 2009 March on the Pentagon and calling out Barack's nonsense that the US troops in Iraq after 2010 would not be "combat" soldiers.. Lynne was the people's lawyer, all the people in need. Not just Americans in need.
On the subject of attorneys, the National Lawyers Guild is leading a call on Attorney General Eric Holder:
The National Lawyers Guild, and several legal and social justice organizations, today called on Attorney General Eric Holder to direct the Bureau of Prisons to grant compassionate release to Lynne Stewart, whose medical condition continues to deteriorate. Citing reforms to the Bureau of Prison’s (BOP) compassionate release program, which Holder announced to the American Bar Association in San Francisco in August 2013, the letter urges that the process of consideration be expedited, given that compassionate release was previously approved by the warden at the Federal Medical Center at Carswell, where Ms. Stewart is serving her ten-year sentence, and given that her condition clearly falls within the newly-announced standards for compassionate release.
During an August 8 hearing, Judge John Koeltl agreed that Ms. Stewart’s medical condition had seriously deteriorated. The U.S. Attorney did not refute this assessment. Judge Koeltl noted additionally: “The petitioner has appropriately submitted a renewed petition for compassionate release to the BOP, and the court is prepared to give prompt and sympathetic consideration to any motion by the BOP that seeks compassionate release.”
Groups joining the Guild are the ANSWER Coalition, Brandworkers, New York, NY, Center for Constitutional Rights, Chicago Committee to Defend the Bill of Rights, Communities United Against Police Brutality, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, Defending Dissent Foundation, Freedom Socialist Party, Human Rights Defense Center, Lake Worth, FL, Human Rights Research Fund, Law Office of Lee Phillips, Flagstaff, AZ, Law Office of Toby Hollander, Portland, ME, Marin Interfaith Task Force on the Americas, Larkspur, CA, National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms, NJ State Industrial Union Council, Oklahoma Center for Conscience, Oklahoma City, OK, Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, Anti-Racist Action L.A., Jericho Amnesty Movement, Los Angeles Chapter, Radical Women and Urban Justice Center.
To read the full letter to Attorney General Holder, click here.
This week, Ralph Poynter, Lynne's husband, has created a new petition calling for Lynne to be granted a passionate release -- you can view it (and sign it) here.
Moving over to Iraq, Ammar al-Ani (Alsumaria) reports that Gorran is accusing the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) and the KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) of attempting to rig the election results. Saturday the KRG held provincial elections. Exit polling places the Kurdistan Democratic Party (led by KRG President Massoud Barzani) in the lead. The surprise from the polling is that the other dominant political party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, is no longer dominant. Second place, according to the exit polling, has gone to Gorran (Change). World Bulletin notes, "The official results are yet to be announced, but there are already talks of various government scenarios. KDP has stated that they would like to form the new government with their strategic ally, PUK. However, there are rumors of a possible split-up within PUK who lost most of its power in the absence of Jalal Talabani. If Barham Salih, deputy secretary general of PUK, happens to leave and form a new party, KDP may have to turn to Goran to form a coalition." How hard would that be if Gorran can't stop its war of words? Now's a good time to remember a Tweet from earlier this week:
Remziya
PUK & Gorran need to release immediate statements and calm their supporters. This nonsense in #slemani needs to stop. #KRGElections
All Iraq News quotes the Independent High Electoral Commission spokesperson Safaa al-Mousawi declaring today, "The elections were successfully held. The UN team and the international observers praised the procedures of the IHEC and the accuracy in dealing with the elections." The elections are seen as fair. That means winners need to act with confidence and stop whining. Gorran is now one of the two dominant political parties in the Kurdistan Regional Government but it's acting like it's still an emerging party. You want to be a leader? Start acting like one and stop sniping on Twitter. Al Mada notes the KDP and the PUK are calling for people to remain calm. Let's note some Twitter remarks on the election today:
-
Hahaha! RT“
@MMBarzani: Confirmed. The#Kurdistan Regional Government new cabinet members.#KRGElections pic.twitter.com/N1wy1eHGvu” -
Why some PUK people insist on accusing Gorran of fraud is beyond me :-D
#Joke#KRGElections -
#KRGElections sees a major political party shift#twitterkurds http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/elections/results … -
I am dubious whether to trust
#Rudaw regarding the#KRGElections or not..?!! -
Dear Kosrat Russul, call your boss immediately to explain how you spent $8 million on your son's parliamentary campaign?
#KRGElections -
Results of parliamentary elections in Kurdistan Region will be announced tomorrow.
#KRGElections -
Where can we find out which candidates have been elected
@KamalChomani?#KRGElections -
Gorran in Government? To Be or Not To Be http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/250920131 … via
@rudaw#KRGelections#twitterkurds -
& if
#kdp fails to build a coalition? How would KDP react if other parties can form a coalition without it? KDP in opposition?#KRGElections -
Is it true that
@BarhamSalih is under house arrest? Anyone knows what is going on?#TwitterKurds#slemani#kurdistan#KRG#KRGElections -
#GoranList was able to mobilize#Kurdish street against#PUK#KDP in#KRGElections in#Kurdistan#Iraq & win in 2nd place.#TwitterKurds -
Rumors that
@BarhamSalih is under house arrest after dispute with#PUK officials over big lost in#KRGElections. Any news if this is right?
Burak Aydin
Hevidar
EPIC
Nour Said
Masoud M Barzani
Idrees Mohammed
Luke Coleman
Chase Winter
Shkow Sharif
Sarbast
Moe Garmyani
Results of parliamentary elections in Kurdistan Region will be announced tomorrow. #KRGElections
Where can we find out which candidates have been elected @KamalChomani? #KRGElections
Gorran in Government? To Be or Not To Be http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/250920131 … via @rudaw #KRGelections #twitterkurds
& if #kdp fails to build a coalition? How would KDP react if other parties can form a coalition without it? KDP in opposition? #KRGElections
If the results are released today, maybe the world press can finally pay attention to the fact that elections took place in the KRG on Saturday. With the exception of AFP, the world press seems as ignorant of the elections as does the US government.
Though the US State Dept has failed to note the KRG elections or the violence, they did remember Iraq today and issue the following:
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 25, 2013
Begin Text:
The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a meeting of the Services, Technology, Environment and Transportation (STET) Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) on September 25, 2013 in Washington, D.C.
Iraqi Deputy Minister of Transportation Bangen Rekani and U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Susan Kurland co-chaired the meeting. The Iraqi delegation to the meeting included eight representatives from the Ministry of Transportation. The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Departments of State, Transportation – including the Federal Aviation Administration – Commerce, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration. This is the first JCC for this sector of the SFA.
The delegations noted the progress made in the transportation sector in Iraq since 2003 and emphasized the importance of continued close cooperation on all modes of transportation. They reviewed U.S. assistance related to the development of Iraq’s aviation, rail and maritime sectors, and explored opportunities for U.S. companies to invest in Iraq’s transportation infrastructure. Participants identified ways to expand cooperation and advance the Government of Iraq’s efforts to strengthen safety, security and economic freedom at Iraq’s seaports and airports.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to continue to provide advice to the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority as it prepares for an audit to be conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2014. The U.S. pledged to support Iraq as it develops capabilities to conduct adequate communication and navigation surveillance; augment security at seaports and airports; further develop and modernize its aviation infrastructure; and improve its ability to conduct investigations of significant accidents in all modes of transportation-aviation, railroad, highway, and marine.
On the margins of the JCC, the Iraqi delegation conducted site visits of major transportation facilities, including the Port of Baltimore, and participated in a roundtable with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation. The Iraqi and U.S. delegations noted the successful delivery last month of the first of 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Iraqi Airways at Baghdad International Airport, which will help Iraqi Airways to reconstitute its fleet and allow it to expand its operations. They also discussed ways to facilitate the delivery of the remaining aircraft during the period of 2013-2019.
The Iraqi and U.S. delegations agreed to continue discussions of all issues through working groups and hold the next meeting of the STET JCC in Baghdad, at which time participants would plan to discuss ongoing transportation issues and other issues that are the purview of this JCC, to include science, environmental, and strategic water issues.
The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a meeting of the Services, Technology, Environment and Transportation (STET) Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) on September 25, 2013 in Washington, D.C.
Iraqi Deputy Minister of Transportation Bangen Rekani and U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Susan Kurland co-chaired the meeting. The Iraqi delegation to the meeting included eight representatives from the Ministry of Transportation. The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Departments of State, Transportation – including the Federal Aviation Administration – Commerce, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration. This is the first JCC for this sector of the SFA.
The delegations noted the progress made in the transportation sector in Iraq since 2003 and emphasized the importance of continued close cooperation on all modes of transportation. They reviewed U.S. assistance related to the development of Iraq’s aviation, rail and maritime sectors, and explored opportunities for U.S. companies to invest in Iraq’s transportation infrastructure. Participants identified ways to expand cooperation and advance the Government of Iraq’s efforts to strengthen safety, security and economic freedom at Iraq’s seaports and airports.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to continue to provide advice to the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority as it prepares for an audit to be conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2014. The U.S. pledged to support Iraq as it develops capabilities to conduct adequate communication and navigation surveillance; augment security at seaports and airports; further develop and modernize its aviation infrastructure; and improve its ability to conduct investigations of significant accidents in all modes of transportation-aviation, railroad, highway, and marine.
On the margins of the JCC, the Iraqi delegation conducted site visits of major transportation facilities, including the Port of Baltimore, and participated in a roundtable with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation. The Iraqi and U.S. delegations noted the successful delivery last month of the first of 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Iraqi Airways at Baghdad International Airport, which will help Iraqi Airways to reconstitute its fleet and allow it to expand its operations. They also discussed ways to facilitate the delivery of the remaining aircraft during the period of 2013-2019.
The Iraqi and U.S. delegations agreed to continue discussions of all issues through working groups and hold the next meeting of the STET JCC in Baghdad, at which time participants would plan to discuss ongoing transportation issues and other issues that are the purview of this JCC, to include science, environmental, and strategic water issues.
PRN: 2013/2183
Susan Webb (People's World) reports of a meet-up of the people taking place tomorrow:
The first Iraqi Social Forum, which opens Thursday in Baghdad, could be an eye-opener for Americans, who will be able to participate online. Running from Sept. 26-28, the grassroots event is expected to involve more than 150 organizations and more than 1,000 participants. "Iraq is not only violence," the organizers say. "Iraq does not surrender to violence." Their vision is to "bring back, through this event, the image of civic peace and activism in a city that once upon a time was known as Dar Al-Salam (City of Peace)." The forum, they say, will be "an expression of the desire of the Iraqi people for a civil, democratic society and State, based on respect for different cultures."
In a public statement, the organizers, from a range of Iraqi organizations including labor, women's and youth groups, point to the tragic results of the U.S. war and occupation:
Use the link to continue reading. The meet-up will take place in spite of the increased violence. On that topic, Mustafa al-Kadhimi (Al-Monitor) paints a portrait:
Amid daily suicide bombings that have become part of the identity of their cities, Iraqis describe their lives. Ali Wajih, a young Iraqi poet, told Al-Monitor, “I’m no longer intimidated by death. Do not worry, I'm hallucinating. I talk about death, and laugh with my friends. Haven’t I told you that death has become trivial?”
Some Iraqi intellectuals blame media outlets for disregarding the human aspects of the victims of bombings and acts of violence, simply counting them on a daily basis and following up on the government’s reactions and stated measures. They usually represent repeated official discourse on the additional security measures, closure of roads and new arrests.
This picture has become a daily routine in Iraq. It does not only apply to the media outlets, which are no longer capable of following up on all the victims or reporting their repeated stories that are filled with sorrow and tears. It also applies to the people themselves. The way they deal with security incidents has gradually become part of the daily routine itself.
Today, violence slammed Iraq again. National Iraqi News Agency reports that there was an attempt to storm the Hawija Council building -- guns went off, suicide bombers, mortars. EFE offers, "Militants targeted the city hall, police station and courthouse in the town of Hawijah." The attack left at least 14 people dead and twenty-two more injured. Al Mada quotes Iraqi army Major General Mohammed Khalaf Saeed al-Dulaimi stating the breakdown on the dead is 3 Iraqi soldiers, 7 civilians and 4 rebels. Yaseen al-Sabaw tells Reuters, "I was at the Hawija local council building when suddenly two blasts shook the ground. I ran out of the building and was shocked to see human flesh and body parts spread around the entrance." Bi Mingxin (Xinhua) notes, "The attacks occurred at noon in Hawijah, some 60 km west of the capital city of Kirkuk, when insurgents blew up a car bomb near a police station while two suicide car bombers struck the entrance of the city council building and another police station, local police source said told Xinhua on condition of anonymity." On Iraq's increasing violence, Mohammed Tawfeeq (CNN) offers, "The tensions began escalating after an April incident in Hawija. That's when Iraqi security forces raided a site used by Sunni protesters to demonstrate against the Shiite-led government."
Tawfeeq is referring to the April 23rd massacre of a sit-in in Hawija resulted from Nouri's federal forces storming in. Alsumaria noted Kirkuk's Department of Health (Hawija is in Kirkuk) announced 50 activists have died and 110 were injured in the assault. AFP reported the death toll eventually (as some wounded died) rose to 53 dead. UNICEF noted that the dead included 8 children (twelve more were injured).
The attack in Hawija wasn't the only violence today. Alsumaria reports a Tikrit bombing claimed the lives of 2 women and left three more injured. All Iraq News notes a Mosul market bombing has left 5 people dead and forty-two more injured. Xinhua reports, "A group of unidentified gunmen stormed a house in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad and shot dead six people from one family, including three children, an Interior Ministry source said Wednesday." NINA adds a Tikrit roadside bombing claimed the life of 1 Iraqi soldier and left four more injured, 2 farmers were shot dead in Muqdadiya, a Mousl roadside bombing claimed the lives of 3 police officers (two more were left injured), 2 Shabaks were shot dead in Mosul, a Rutba roadside bombing left 2 people dead and a third injured, and a Ramadi sticky bombing claimed the life of "Ammar Theyabi, one of the organizers of the Anbar protests." Alsumaria reveals that Ammar was crossing a bridge when the bomb went off. Iraqi Spring MC states the attack bears the characteristics of one carried out by government intelligence agents.
That is Ammar Jassam Theyabi who was assassinated today. Iraqi Spring MC published the photo as they noted yet another attack on the peaceful protesters. The current wave of protests passed the nine month mark last Friday. The world press has had very little interest in the attacks Nouri's forces have carried out. (But didn't they all freak out and offer coverage when Saleh al-Mutlaq got the bum's rush when he attempted to take over a protest to self-promote?)
If you're not getting just how bad the world media's coverage of the attacks on the Iraqi protesters have been, note that EFE, AP and countless others mention the Hawija attack all the time but 'forget' to note that UNICEF found 8 children were killed in that massacre. They can't even get the numbers right for the dead. Most English language outlets will go with 40. EFE today goes with 26. What kind of nonsense is that? And since when did UNICEF stop being a respected source for news on the world's children?
BRussels Tribunal does a great job getting the word out on Iraq. But today might be the day for them to create a list. They already have the following lists:
Maybe it's time for a list of activists who have been assassinated in 'free' (post-invasion) Iraq?
In police news, NINA notes that suspects are said to have been apprehended in Saturday's bombing of the funeral in Sadr City and that some residents took to government buildings with stones and bullets today demanding the suspects be handed over to them. All Iraq News quotes a security source who states, ""Some protesters attacked some governmental institutions including the Local Council of Mudhafar square on the background of the bombing that took place in Sadr city and targeted a solace. The protesters called to close the governmental institutions in Sadr city." Ahmed Hussein and Sam Mahmoud (Alsumaria) report there are three suspects being held in the Saturday bombing.
From Saturday's entry:
Reuters notes, "At least 65 people were killed in a triple bombing that targeted a tent filled with mourners in Baghdad's Shi'ite Muslim stronghold of Sadr City on Saturday, police and medical sources said." Press TV adds, "In the deadliest of the attacks on Saturday, 57 people died after two bombings were carried out near a funeral tent in Shia-dominated Sadr City north of the capital Baghdad." The death toll continued to rise. AP notes, "Police said at least 72 people were killed and more than 120 were wounded in that attack. One bomber drove up near the tents before detonating his deadly payload, and another on foot blew himself up nearby, police said."
The bombings were condemned by the United Nations, the UK Foreign Ministry, the EU, and the US Embassy in Baghdad among other foreign bodies. Saturday's bombing was followed Sunday by the targeting of a Sunni funeral in Baghdad and Monday, in Baghdad, another Sunni funeral was targeted. Some of those who lost loved ones in the Sadr City bombing are calling for executions. All Iraq News reports:
The number of the demonstrators demanding to execute the perpetrators of the solace explosion in Sadr city increased in Sadr city.
The correspondent of AIN reported that ''The demonstrations still continue and the number of protestors increased demanding to execute the terrorist who carried out the explosion that targeted a solace in Sadr city.''
Amnesty International released a statement on executions in Iraq today:
All executions in Iraq must be halted immediately, Amnesty International urged today after 13 men were executed in Baghdad.
Today, the organization has been able to confirm the names of nine of the men, who were executed on 22 September following death sentences imposed after unfair trials and based on “confessions” allegedly extracted under torture. Four others were also executed that day, bringing the total number of executions in Iraq so far this year to at least 73.
“The Iraqi authorities have chosen to defy repeated calls not to execute prisoners and to rely on tainted ‘confessions’ obtained under torture. That a death sentence could be imposed after obviously grossly unfair trials beggars belief,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.
Amnesty International had urged the Iraqi authorities not to carry out the executions of these nine men, and to investigate their allegations that they were tortured to coerce them into making “confessions”. The court trying them appears to have disregarded compelling medical evidence supporting these complaints, and used “confessions” inadmissible as evidence under international law - their trial fell far short of international fair trial standards.
“We again urge the Iraqi authorities to declare a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolishing the death penalty and to commute all death sentences. They must address the flaws in the Iraqi justice system, investigate claims of torture and other ill-treatment in custody, and, where applicable, grant re-trials in full compliance with fair trial standards,” said Hassiba Hadi Sahraoui.
In other police news, NINA notes that police raided the University of Tikrit's College of Education "and detained the professor of the science of Quran [. . .] Dr. Salah Yasser al-Obeidi." Iraqi Spring MC adds that over 90 young people (all under the age of 20) have been rounded up and taken away by Nouri's forces today in Rawa (Anbar Province). It would appear that the Iraqi protesters are being targeted not just with bombs but also with arrests.
In other political news (targeting protesters counts as political news because the goal is to silence their protests), All Iraq News notes Speaker of Parliament Osama al-Nujaifi met with British Ambassador to Iraq Simon Collis today to discuss the security situation in the country. al-Nujaifi also met with US Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Beecroft today and the two discussed the security situation and the ongoing political crisis.
The political crisis has been going on for nearly three years now. Nouri didn't get the votes to be prime minister. The White House wanted al-Maliki to have a second term. They brokered The Erbil Agreement -- a contract where the heads of the various political blocs in Iraq agreed to give Nouri a second term in exchange for Nouri agreeing to their terms. Nouri used the contract to get a second term and then trashed it, refusing to honor the legal promises he had made in writing. That's what's behind the ongoing political crisis.
The White House approach has been to dummy up about that contract and to urge political blocs to focus on the next round of parliamentary elections. Those are supposed to be held early next year.
All Iraq News reports today:
MP,
Hussein al-Shirifi, of al-Ahrar bloc within the Sadr Trend called the
parliament chairmanship and the political blocs to expedite endorsing
the Elections law.
In
a press statement received by AIN on Wednesday, he said "Al-Ahrar bloc
supports holding the elections on time because postponing it is a defect
in the democratic operation." Turning to the United States, tomorrow at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, college professor (at Columbia College Chicago) and former Washington Post reporter Jackie Spinner will be discussing her experiences as a reporter in Iraq and Afghanistan. Spinner is the author of Tell Them I Didn't Cry: A Young Journalist's Story of Joy, Loss and Survival in Iraq. She'll speak at the Ockinga Auditorium, the event kicks off at seven p.m.
Moving over to California, pPeace activist Cindy Sheehan actually could, to use a sixties/seventies phrase, "change things from within" if she held elective office. In 2008, she ran against US House Rep Nancy Pelosi. Don't we all wish now she'd won -- even those who voted for cowardly Nancy? Cindy's running for public office again, she's in the race for Governor of California. Today, her campaign has issued the following on her Democratic challenger (and current California governor) Jerry Brown:
On Friday, September 20th,
Gov. Jerry Brown of California signed a bill (SB-4) to permit
hydro-fracturing, better known as “fracking” in California, specifically in the Monterey
Shale Formation. Fracking is a method of oil and gas production that involves
blasting millions of gallons of water, mixed with sand and toxic chemicals,
under high pressure deep into the earth. Fracking breaks up rock formations to
allow oil and gas extraction. But it can also pollute local air and water and
endanger wildlife and human health.
Gubernatorial candidate,
Cindy Sheehan of the Peace and Freedom Party had this to say about the recent
legislation: Jerry Brown just signed a
bill that makes more
"fracking"
possible in California in our already vulnerable and fragile communities
and
eco-systems. This is just another way that Brown demonstrates his
allegiance to
big oil and his total disregard for the people and environment of the
state of California.
Being dependent on fossil fuels is a disease that's killing our planet
and an official responsible to his constituents would be leading his
community away from all such usage.
From an article in
the Central Valley edition of IndyBay: Senator
Fran Pavley and Governor Jerry Brown claim the legislation
"regulates" hydraulic fracturing ("fracking"), acidizing,
and other oil extraction techniques, while opponents, including over 100
environmental, consumer and community groups in the coalition Californians Against Fracking, say the bill actually
creates a clear path to expanded fracking in California.
“We are not in this campaign for immediate profit, we
are in it for the future of our state and the people who reside here,” Sheehan finished.
Cindy Sheehan can be reached
at:
Cindy@Cindy2014.org
Cindy@Cindy2014.org
For more information on Cindy
Sheehan’s EPIC (End Poverty in California; End (the use of) Petroleum in
California) Campaign, go to the website:
Or,
Cindy Sheehan for Governor
2014
2124 Kittredge St, #104
Berkeley CA. 94704
Phone: (916) 905-5167
For more information on the
Peace and Freedom Party go to the website:
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